Interactive Digital Overlay measures 32 in.

Press Release Summary:




Suited for retail establishments with limited space, Actalyst digital overlay fastens securely to flat-panel LCD or plasma displays to create touch-enabled interactive surfaces. DViT (Digital Vision Touch) technology detects contact on screen using embedded digital cameras, and lets users manipulate display's content by touching surface of overlay. Unit features driver software for touch control and universal mounting bracket that allows mounting in portrait or landscape mode.



Original Press Release:



SMART Launches Small 32-Inch Actalyst Interactive Digital Overlay in Middle East



New flat-panel display ideal for retail establishments with limited space

Dubai, UAE, December 20, 2006 - SMART Technologies Inc, the industry pioneer and global education market segment leader in easy-to-use interactive whiteboards and other group collaboration tools, has announced the launch of its expanded Actalyst interactive digital signage product line in the Middle East, which now includes an overlay for 32 inch (81 cm) flat-panel displays. The overlay fastens securely to LCD or plasma displays to create touch-enabled interactive surfaces.

The new 32 inch overlay, the smallest of the Actalyst interactive overlays, gives purchasers another option when space for digital signage is limited. Actalyst interactive overlays now range in size from 32 to 65 inches (81 to 165 cm) diagonally and can be oriented in portrait or landscape mode. SMART supports most 32 inch digital displays, including those from NEC, Samsung, LG, Panasonic and Toshiba, with others to follow.

Actalyst interactive digital signage combines with a flat-panel display to provide an increasingly popular way for people to find information in public places. With the Actalyst, users can simply walk up to the product and use a finger to navigate multimedia content to find what they need. The overlay is ideal for interactive information stations in retail stores, office buildings, real-estate developments, museums, hotels and shopping malls, where people often need information, but may not need human assistance.

"SMART added the 32 inch overlay in response to customer demand," says Nancy Knowlton, SMART's president and co-CEO. "The full line of Actalyst interactive overlays allows retailers, facility managers, exhibit designers and others to bring high-impact interactive digital signage to virtually any public place."

SMART's DViT (Digital Vision Touch) technology lets users manipulate the display's content simply by touching the surface of the overlay. DViT technology uses state-of-the-art digital cameras embedded in the overlay's frame to detect contact on the screen. Touch accuracy remains consistent across the entire screen area, and image quality is clear and crisp. DViT technology's durability, reliability and simplicity ensure maximum uptime for interactive stations.

Maher Husseini, Director, Intmark Distribution said: "We are confident that the new Actalyst interactive digital overlay will be well received in the Middle East, with its rapidly expanding and highly competitive retail sector. The small size of the new interactive overlay makes it a flexible, convenient and attractive way-finding station for establishments with limited space."

The durable, touch-friendly, anti-glare, scratch and chemical-resistant surface of the Actalyst interactive overlays protects displays without compromising image quality. The product also features a universal mounting bracket that fits in between the flat-panel display and the panel's specific mounting plate to allow mounting in a portrait or landscape mode. The overlay comes with a driver software that provides touch control and is available for most Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS X operating systems and is compatible with content-development software.

About SMART
SMART Technologies Inc is both the industry pioneer and global education market leader in easy-to-use interactive whiteboards and other group collaboration tools. SMART products include the family of award-winning SMART Board interactive whiteboards, as well as interactive pen displays, interactive digital signage, wireless slates and software. Using SMART products, groups can access and share the information they need to meet, teach, train and present. SMART has been issued and maintains a broad portfolio of patents with numerous other US, Canadian and foreign patents pending. SMART customers include NASA, Texas Instruments, BMW, Toyota Motors, DaimlerChrysler, Boeing, Lucent Technologies, NTT, the Los Angeles Lakers, Novartis, the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Accenture, Procter & Gamble, British Telecom, Disney Imagineering and Harvard University.

SMART is a private company founded in 1987. Employing more than 800 people, SMART is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with assembly facilities in Ottawa, and offices in Bonn, Tokyo, New York City and Washington DC. In 1992, SMART formed a strategic alliance with Intel Corporation that resulted in joint product development and marketing efforts, and Intel's equity ownership in the company. SMART products are sold through dealers across North America and distributors worldwide. For more information, visit www.smarttech.com.

Please note that SMART is written in all capital letters.

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