LAS VEGAS — There has been much talk over the growth of the digital signage industry and the excitement surrounding it, but that buzz was finally materialized during Digital Signage Expo in Las Vegas. All one had to do was stand entrance of the Expo as the ribbon was cut last Wednesday to sense the anticipation from the attendees. A Kentucky Derby-like release from the gate ensued.

Once inside the Expo, attendees saw signs of a rapidly developing and maturing industry, one that has seemed to grow exponentially in the past year. The big players came even in an even bigger fashion this year, with companies like BroadSign, Nanonation and Wireless Ronin constructing massive booths at the entrance, fully equipped with conference rooms, screening areas and scores of digital screens.

LG hosted a demonstration of LongPen at its booth during the show, which featured authors Ron St. Angelo and Norm Hitzges signing their book, The Greatest Team Ever, from their homes using LongPen’s remote signing technology. During the demonstration, attendees watched the authors signed a tablet PC via a video conferencing setup. Using an IP network, the signatures were sent to a robotic arm holding a Sharpie at the booth which then signed their actual book in the authors’ handwriting.

Donna Kinoshita, vice president of operations for Unotchit, makers of LongPen, said that signatures delivered using LongPen are legal and when studied by a forensic scientist, could not be differentiated from the originals.