PPDS introduces advanced collaboration and presentation capabilities to North America with new Crestron and Google-powered Philips B-Line pro TVs

First teased at ISE 2020 in Amsterdam, the new Philips B-Line range is PPDS’ most advanced, flexible pro TV line to date, equipped out of the box with extensive, dedicated collaboration features and capabilities, making it the ideal all-in-one solution for a variety of settings and environments. Available in 50”, 58”, 65”, 70”, and 75” models, the new B-Line series opens a plethora of opportunities for businesses looking to improve and streamline their digital communications.

“At PPDS, one of our greatest strengths is taking the time to listen and truly understand the needs of the marketplace,” said Joe King, vice president, PPDS, North America. “Through B-Line and our ever-growing partnerships with leading organizations like Crestron, PPDS can introduce innovative solutions that matter, and meet the needs of our customers, not just for today but in the future, as well.”

Combining the latest UHD display technology, powered by Android and Google and Crestron-Connected, B-Line offers unrivaled seamless content sharing and presentation capabilities to any meeting space with zero technical distractions – whether a large boardroom, huddle space, the office at home (for remote working) or a classroom – while its effortless content creation and scheduling tools, plus TV Tuner, also make B-Line a perfect experience-enhancing addition to any food and beverage business, including bars, restaurants, and kiosks.

Harnessing the power of Android P, Crestron Connected Version 2 and Chromecast™ built-in, content (in up to 4K) can be created and wirelessly shared from any device – including laptops, tablets, smartphones, and/or a corporate server. Meanwhile, HDMI Hotplug detection caters to wired connections with auto-switching between connected devices.

Solving historic frustrations / Overcoming obstacles

Fueled on market feedback, and leveraging PPDS’ extensive R&D and manufacturing team, B-Line, as with all Philips Professional Display products, is designed with the future in mind, addressing the historic challenges faced today. The B-Line displays offer enhanced opportunities for greater connection and collaboration. With Chromecast™ built-in, users can securely and seamlessly cast content from any Apple, Windows, or Android device directly onto the display.

Corporate and office

Using the B-Line in business meetings is simple. Participants can use the Chromecast™ built-in function to wirelessly connect to the B-Line, allowing them to securely, seamlessly and instantly cast content, such as a presentation, from their device, directly onto the display. With more than 55-million-unit sales***, Google Chromecast™ is one of the world’s most popular streaming devices and the most universal solution for wireless presentation available on the market, and, with B-Line there’s no need for a separate integration.

In addition to being Crestron Connected Version 2, Extron, and Serial Xpress control compatible, and with Crestron/Extron SXP drivers available, the B-Line features HDMI Hotplug detection – automatically finding and responding to a user’s actions so that they can connect their device via one of the HDMI inputs.

Food and beverage

The B-Line series is also perfectly equipped and positioned to help food and beverage organizations offer an enhanced solution for displaying content, and communicating important messages to customers.

Running on the latest Android P software and with a TV tuner, B-Line displays provide instant access to a wide range of apps and services via Google Play, and can be upgraded as and when updates are released, stretching investments and extending lifetime.

Whether one TV or a thousand across multiple-location, B-Line displays come readily equipped with PPDS’s end-to-end solution, CMND, providing IT managers and staff full remote management and control of all TVs, including what’s being displayed, troubleshooting, and updates – all via a single, easy-to-use interface.

Scheduled or ad-hoc messaging can be created and displayed quickly, including ads for upcoming events, changes to menus, and important venue information. “As venues reopen, it’s important to ensure customers are comfortable, entertained, and now more than ever, well informed at all times,” commented King. The ability to schedule content, and respond immediately to the conditions – such as an impromptu reminder around social distancing or, half-price drinks if the local team on TV wins – are all possible with B-Line.”

King concluded: “At PPDS we’re committed to helping businesses solve and overcome their everyday

obstacles in order to be the best they can be. Technology should always be an enabler, serving to maximize the impact of what you are trying to achieve – not get in the way. With Philips B-Line, we’re helping businesses be better.”