Case Study : Hitachi America
Projecting New Market Opportunity –
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The convergence of audio/visual and IT technologies
is becoming more and more common as the needs of both these markets continue to evolve. By combining leading technologies from these two areas, a new breed of advanced products is
produced that meets the changing needs of customers, while opening up new opportunities for developers on both sides.
The Situation:
Hitachi Wanted To Provide Customers Remote Management Capabilities For Projectors
The Digital Media Division of Hitachi America, Ltd. supplies high-performance multimedia products to OEMs, value-added resellers, system integrators and distributors. The division’s products include LCD projectors.
Hitachi America, Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., markets and manufactures a broad range of electronics, computer systems and products, and consumer electronics, and provides industrial equipment and services throughout North America.
In order to enhance its line of LCD projectors, Hitachi wanted to offer its customers a means to manage their solutions remotely over a network or the Internet. Though network-enabled projection could definitely give Hitachi’s product line a competitive edge, the company required proven technology to provide customers with this connectivity.
The Solution:
A Pairing Of Lantronix Device Networking Products With Hitachi Software
In order to provide full network management, Hitachi utilized its own free downloadable PJ Man™ (Projector Management Application) software v3.0 along with device networking products from Lantronix. While PJ Man allows users to manage, control, diagnose and schedule events for an individual or group of projectors, the Lantronix device servers enable users to remotely monitor and manage the projectors over a network or the Internet.
Using a method called serial tunneling, Lantronix UDS device server encapsulates data from the projector into packets and transports it from the projector’s serial port over Ethernet. This provides Hitachi users a simple and cost-effective way to leverage the power and flexibility of the Internet to manage their equipment.
For situations where wireless connectivity is needed, the Lantronix WiBox® enables Hitachi’s projectors to be managed via 802.11b wireless networks. The WiBox simplifies connectivity to projectors where cabling is prohibited or more mobility is required.
Because cabling is not required to network the projector, the flexibility and power of WiBox offer Hitachi customers a huge cost saving potential. Serial RS-232/422/485 flexibility, WEP security, robust data handling capabilities and high serial speeds are all standard.
The Result:
Improved Efficiencies For Hitachi LCD Projector Users
Equipped with enhanced network capabilities, the LCD projector line from Hitachi offers users the ability to achieve more efficient control and management of their audio visual equipment from anywhere over the network. This is not only beneficial for Hitachi’s customers but also for the company as it can now provide network management as a feature when communicating about its product line to customers and prospects.
“The ability to offer network-enabled projectors has given us a definite market edge and provided our customers with new capabilities that enhance the way they do business,” said Pete Denes, director of sales for Hitachi America, Digital Media Division. “By incorporating Lantronix networking technology, we anticipate that new market opportunities will open up for Hitachi as customers realize the freedom and versatility this technology allows.”
Hitachi America, Ltd., Digital Media Division, supplies highperformance LCD projectors to OEMs, value-added resellers, system integrators and distributors. Hitachi Software develops advanced interactive communications tools for education, training and boardroom applications including interactive plasma displays, tablets, whiteboards and all powered by the company’s category-leading StarBoard software.
Contact Info:
949-450-7240
kristine.fowler@lantronix.com
