The Best Content for E-Paper Displays Continued…

In our previous “Best Content for E-Paper Digital Displays” article, we showcased the versatility of e-paper in different environments. Now it’s time to dig into the technical side of the technology. What is e-paper and how does it perform so well in so many different use cases?

What Makes E-Paper Displays So Versatile?

E-paper technology delivers incredibly energy-efficient displays with e-ink screens that support high-resolution graphics, offering practical and innovative solutions for various applications.

Low Power Consumption and Green Technology

E-paper displays operate on very little power, lasting months on a single charge. Our 13” e-ink Place & Play display consumes the same amount of power in a year as it takes to brew a single cup of coffee. We achieved this ultra-low power consumption by not just refining the hardware to maximize power usage, but also our software. Customers can program their Place & Play displays to only pull data or change the display’s content as needed.

For instance, our content management system (CMS) allows displays to check for new content at the end of the day and update accordingly, making sure the content is fresh for the morning. On the other hand, e-paper displays continuously updating with fresh content may use more power than if they pulled data only once per day.

No matter the use case, the device’s low power consumption makes electronic paper displays extremely versatile, allowing it to be mounted on virtually any surface with no wiring or installation costs.

High-Resolution Displays for All Scenarios

Today’s e-paper technology supports 16 levels of grey, allowing for high-resolution images. This high-quality resolution is easy on the eyes, making the device look more like a decoration than a display. In fact, IONNYK digital frames use Visionect technology to showcase photographs, even offering a slide-show feature to keep wall art fresh.

These high-resolution images provide exceptional readability and accessibility, enabling high-contrast signage. Unlike traditional LED or LCD devices, these digital displays are not backlit, making the screens anti-glare and further enhancing readability.

Visit our “Electronic Paper Explained” article for a more technical dive into e-paper technology.

What’s the Best Content for E-Paper Displays?

Now that we’ve dissected the technology that makes e-paper devices the most versatile displays on the market, what’s the optimal content for these screens?

The Best Refresh Rate for E-Paper Displays

One way e-paper devices achieve incredibly low power usage is by having a low refresh rate. Therefore, the best content for these displays are graphics that doesn’t need to be refreshed every second.

For optimal performance, the content should be mostly static with only small sections on the screen updating regularly. Slideshows are a great option if you need your content to change regularly. Ideally, the slides would advance no sooner than every 60 seconds, which is perfect for displaying restaurant menus and product details. More frequent refreshes require higher power consumption and therefore affect the battery life of the display.

The Type and Quality of Graphics

To really showcase your e-paper displays, your graphics should be at least 144 ppi (pixels per inch). The e-ink’s high definition looks striking at high resolutions with crisp images and high contrast. All files should be in .png, .jpg, and .pdf format for compatibility

Content to Avoid

E-paper is the perfect technology for classy signage that doesn’t detract from the environment, products, or services. However, if you’re looking to showcase videos or animations, electronic ink might not be right for you.

The more frequent the refresh rate, the shorter the device’s battery life. Still, if your display lasts months instead of a full year, that’s still a huge win over LED and LCDs that need a constant power supply. Also, don’t worry about mixing Place & Play displays with LCD or LEDs — our Visionect CMS offers excellent support for all display types and thrives in hybrid environments.

Versatility with Visionect

Visionect Place & Play e-paper digital displays are the culmination of years of research by some of the best minds in the industry. Our e-ink technology is a true game changer, offering high-definition graphics in an ultra-low power display.

From dynamic content updates to high-definition visuals, e-paper technology is an efficient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional digital displays. Discover how Visionect technology can enhance your signage game while promoting sustainability and delivering unmatched versatility.