Introduced at InfoComm 2016 and available this fall is the EF1 Series of professional LCD displays from Panasonic. These networkable displays were designed to provide a reliable, flexible and cost-effective visual communication solution for a variety of settings, such as retail establishments, public spaces, conference rooms, classrooms and show rooms.

There are three screen sizes available in the EF1 series, a 75-inch, an 84-inch and a 32-inch which is available now. The EF1 edge-lit, IPS panels have full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution and a 178 ° viewing angle. The displays offer high visibility with a brightness rating of 350 nits and have a power management function to reduce power consumption. The displays have a slim profile and narrow bezels measuring less than an inch. This new series of professional panels features a built-in USB player which enables the display of both video and still images without the need for a set-top box or connected PC. The USB player allows content to be synchronized across multiple displays via a USB or LAN connection. Settings can also be copied across multiple displays through the USB cloning function.

Multi Monitoring and Control software is included free with the displays to enable several other network capabilities such as content distribution to multiple displays via PC, the ability to automatically power on/off, switch to USB input, and play scheduled content. The EF1 series displays come standard with a full range of connectivity ports including two HDMI, DVI-D, USB, IR in/out, PC/component In, Video In as well as LAN and RS-232C interfaces for external control. Each display also has two 10 W built-in speakers.

According to PMA Research, an analyst firm that tracks sales trends in the professional display industry, extra-large flat panel displays with screen sizes of 70 inches and up have been gaining market share in 2016.