Mainstream digital signage vendors tapping into e-Paper displays for sustainability initiatives

Traditionally, e-paper displays (EPDs) were limited to black-and-white small format displays where paper replacement was the primary objective. E Ink is the leader in this space, dominating the e-paper display sector with a plethora of products ranging from their electronic shelf labels, flexible displays, eReaders, and their latest innovation of E Ink Spectra 6 display modules.

As sustainability continues to be at the forefront of new digital signage and professional display installations across nearly all vertical markets, many mainstream signage vendors with traditional flat panel LCD displays, as well as direct-view LED display technology, are focusing on a new product line utilizing E Ink’s new Spectra 6 technology. Unlike their LCD counterparts, e-paper displays do not contain any backlight, but rather reflect the surrounding ambient light, making it truly a sustainable display technology.

Benefits of EPDs include direct sunlight readability, making them ideal for high ambient light conditions in outdoor environments for paper and poster replacement in shopping malls, transportation hubs, or other retail, hospitality, and public space applications. With advancements in color e-paper technology, EPDs are being introduced by mainstream display vendors as the sustainable, environmentally friendly display option, where appropriate.

Currently, both Philips and Sharp have partnered with E Ink to develop color e-paper displays specifically for digital signage use utilizing the Spectra 6 platform. Philips offers their 13-inch and 25-inch 16:9 full-color e-paper displays capable of displaying 60,000 colors, an Android SoC processor, and remote content management all with low power consumption, only requiring a power source when updating the content shown. In February 2024, Sharp also announced the launch of their new e-paper displays in 13-inch and 25-inch sizes as well, with availability starting in March 2024. Larger color EPD sizes, such as 32-inch, have also been announced earlier this year at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE), with further details on these products anticipated in June during the upcoming InfoComm 2024 in Las Vegas.

Since EPDs are a digital alternative to printed paper posters and signage, they are ideal for updating static content with very low power consumption, while using zero power when viewing a static image. However, video playback and content are not currently supported due to slower refresh rates, so these displays are not an apples-to-apples comparison to LCDs, by any means. Pricing is also another downside, as current 25-inch or 32-inch sizes are still nearly 3x more expensive than a comparable-sized LCD display.

Based on Omdia’s latest iteration of the Public Displays Market Tracker - History - 1Q24 database, EPD display shipments are reported for the first time alongside the ProAV display industry’s established LCD and OLED display technology coverage. Initial global shipments surpass 400 units in 1Q24, with the majority of EPD shipments sold in Western Europe, followed by Japan. In Western Europe, key countries in this region are imposing stricter guidelines for energy efficiency for digital signage and professional displays based on updated EU regulations in recent years. Current adoption in North America remains low, as the price point remains the biggest barrier to quicker uptake since many customers are still comparing this newer display technology to LCDs, albeit with interest rising as further understanding of the latest color e-paper technology become apparent.

To read more insights and analysis covering ProAV market trends and industry forecasts prepared by Omdia’s ProAV practice, click here.