[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”#000000 0%|rgba(0,0,0,0) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/moodmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ise-hero.webp” background_last_edited=”on|phone” use_background_color_gradient_tablet=”on” background_color_gradient_stops_tablet=”#000000 0%|rgba(0,0,0,0.5) 100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_layout=”dark” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Keeping track of developments in audio and video technology is always a priority for our team. It\u2019s essential that we not only have access to the latest launches, but that we understand how to unlock their potential for our partners. Gimmicks and gadgets might grab headlines, but it\u2019s the tech that could lead to long-lasting changes that attracts our attention.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s why our solutions experts headed to Barcelona to attend Integrated Systems Europe 2025: one of the world\u2019s leading tech shows for the systems integrations and audio-visual industry.<\/p>\n
But did this year\u2019s event live up to the hype? And what can it tell us about the future of retail technology?<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”#contact” button_text=”Contact Us” module_class=”mbutton” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Attendees hoping to discover the next big thing at ISE 2025 might have come away disappointed. The consensus was that the tech on display represented an evolution of existing products rather than introducing launches that could revolutionise the way retail works.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe wow factor wasn\u2019t really there this year,\u201d explained Marijn Bosman<\/a>, Senior Director & Supervisor of EU Solutions Design. \u201cBut that\u2019s not to say there weren\u2019t worthwhile improvements.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a show of evolution, especially in terms of LED displays<\/a> and interactivity,\u201d agrees George Bedford<\/a>, Director of Technical Design.<\/p>\n Aide Toon<\/a>, Solutions Architect, may not have been blown away by the technology on display but the benefits it could offer to our partners did impress.<\/p>\n \u201cThe technology presented will definitely appeal to our clients, enabling them to find smart solutions to persistent problems while reducing their energy consumption and costs,\u201d he clarified.<\/p>\n This more grounded presentation reflects a retail industry<\/a> that\u2019s navigating economic uncertainty, high rates of inflation, and increased energy costs. Advancements that may not have a tangible impact for several years \u2013 or even decades \u2013 hold less appeal than those that offer solutions to the immediate problems brands are facing.<\/p>\n It is also perhaps why the number of exhibits focused on new AI innovations was surprisingly limited.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#eeeeee” custom_padding=”30px|30px|30px|30px|false|false” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}”][dsm_animated_gradient_text animated_gradient_text=”\u201cI honestly expected AI to dominate this year\u2019s event, but I struggled to find many exhibits where it was the headline act,\u201d commented Morgan Van Baren, Global VP of Product Management & Delivery. \u201cThe focus was really on technology that\u2019s ready to go to market right now.\u201d” heading_html_tag=”p” gradient_one_color=”#5bc4ba” gradient_two_color=”#799ae6″ gradient_three_color=”#960032″ gradient_four_color=”#000000″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_font_size=”28px” header_line_height=”1.5em” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/morganvanbaren\/” link_option_url_new_window=”on” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/dsm_animated_gradient_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][dsm_image_carousel gallery_ids=”2413943,2413962,2413981,2414000,2414019,2414038,2414057″ slide_to_show=”3″ dots=”off” admin_label=”Supreme Image Carousel” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/dsm_image_carousel][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f8f8f8″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”40px” header_3_font_size=”40px” header_3_line_height=”1.1em” hover_enabled=”0″ header_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_font_size_phone=”30px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_3_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_3_font_size_phone=”30px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n While AI retail assistants and drone deliveries might not have been on the menu, there were still several exhibits that excited our team.<\/p>\n ePaper and eInk attracted attention across the board. The technology has significantly evolved in the past 12 months and offers a fantastic alternative for brands reliant on paper printing.<\/p>\n \u201cThe ePaper on display was seriously impressive,\u201d said Aide. \u201cIf you\u2019re familiar with the standard Kindle, the colours, resolution, and size of these new offerings will completely reset your expectations.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor clients specialising in static content, ePaper will be a game changer,\u201d added Marijn. \u201cNot only can they change the content with just one click, but the displays themselves consume minimal power, almost none at all.\u201d<\/p>\n Samsung, Phillips, and Sharp and other manufacturers had ePaper solutions to show off, with Phillips taking the sustainability benefits a step further by offering 100% recycled frames. DynaScan also impressed with its wireless solution powered via an inbuilt solar PV.<\/p>\n That\u2019s not to say there isn\u2019t room for improvement. Costs are still relatively high, and publishing new content is slower than printing a page, taking around 12 seconds to update and undergoing slight pixelation in the process.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/moodmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/epaper-display.webp” alt=”ISE 2025 – ePaper” title_text=”ISE 2025 – ePaper” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n \u201cePaper will take off if prices come down,\u201d said Morgan. \u201cIf it\u2019s presented as a cheaper, more robust, and resilient alternative to LEDs, I can see many businesses like real estate agencies and restaurants with daily specials menus<\/a> getting on board.\u201d<\/p>\n An evolution of ePaper, electronic shelf labelling also inspired our team\u2019s imagination. These small-format LED displays could transform the way food retailers operate, especially if they\u2019re linked to POS and store inventories.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you think about shelf life and dynamic pricing, electronic shelf labelling could drastically reduce food waste,\u201d explained Mat Wilde<\/a>, VP of EMEA Sales. \u201cImagine being able to run weather-based promotions without risk of over-ordering inventory when the temperatures suddenly change again.\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Efficiency” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_text_color=”#5bc4ba” header_4_font_size=”40px” header_4_line_height=”1.3em” background_layout=”dark” hover_enabled=”0″ header_4_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_4_font_size_phone=”30px” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Energy waste is one of many areas where retailers are looking to operate more efficiently. Reducing energy consumption<\/a> not only benefits the planet but can also help brands cut costs.<\/p>\n \u201cThe benefit of energy efficiencies may differ market-by-market,\u201d said Trey Courtney<\/a>, Chief Product and Partnerships Officer. \u201cEurope, in particular, may be more prepared to pay more to achieve their sustainability goals.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn the past 12 months, energy efficiency has been one of the topics our partners have asked me about most,\u201d agrees Mat.<\/p>\n LEDs have long been problematic when it comes to energy consumption, not only when in operation but also because it can be difficult to completely switch them off.<\/p>\n \u201cLED racks often remain on \u2013 in a standby state that consumes energy \u2013 even when they appear to be turned off,\u201d confirms Nick Phillips<\/a>, VP of Solution Engineering.<\/p>\n It\u2019s perhaps unsurprising, therefore, that some of the most intriguing exhibits at ISE 2025 were new screen management systems<\/a> that can switch off completely within 30 seconds of the content being turned off. Instead of remaining in standby mode when turned off, the demo displays recorded almost zero power consumption.<\/p>\n Additional software by the likes of VOD Visual\/LED Studio, Liantronics, and Canopy was also presented that can limit the amount of time screens are on so that brands can turn off their displays at night. With our insights, we would be able to supply data on the energy savings per day, night, or region.<\/p>\n With many companies engineering open APIs, brands could use the cloud to monitor their store environment<\/a> and push new programming into the firmware with no need to visit the physical site.<\/p>\n Even so, it\u2019s important that any energy efficiency claims are thoroughly fact-checked.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][dsm_animated_gradient_text animated_gradient_text=”\u201cLED manufacturers know that keeping energy use down is the number one client request right now, so it\u2019s key that we deep dive into the data and ensure it\u2019s not all smoke and mirrors,\u201d” heading_html_tag=”p” gradient_one_color=”#5bc4ba” gradient_two_color=”#799ae6″ gradient_three_color=”#960032″ gradient_four_color=”#ffffff” admin_label=”Supreme Animated Gradient Text” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_font_size=”28px” header_line_height=”1.5em” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/morganvanbaren\/” link_option_url_new_window=”on” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/dsm_animated_gradient_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_text_color=”#5bc4ba” background_layout=”dark” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] cautioned Greg Gershon<\/a>, VP of Global Solution Sales & Design.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/moodmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ise-efficiency.webp” alt=”ISE 2025 – Outdoor Signage” title_text=”ISE 2025 – Outdoor Signage” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/moodmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ise-efficiency-touch-screen.webp” alt=”ISE 2025 – Sharp Service Plus” title_text=”ISE 2025 – Sharp Service Plus” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”LEDs” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_5_font_size=”40px” header_5_line_height=”1.3em” hover_enabled=”0″ header_5_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_5_font_size_phone=”30px” header_5_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n When it comes to LEDs, there were three innovations that our team felt stood out from the crowd: transparent displays, LED mesh, and holographic screens. Micro-LEDs have also improved in recent years.<\/p>\n \u201cThe smaller the LEDs, the more surface area that can be used for black. These deeper blacks increase the contrast to produce much sharper images,\u201d explains George.<\/p>\n Transparent LED screens caught the attention of Rim Posthumus<\/a>, Global Account Director.<\/p>\n \u201cCompletely transparent when not in use, the Muxwave displays really surprised me. They can display really vibrant colors at a relatively affordable price,\u201d he clarified.<\/p>\nA grounded presentation <\/b><\/h5>\n
Realising the potential of ePaper<\/h3>\n
Further sustainability benefits <\/b><\/h5>\n
Electronic shelf labeling <\/b><\/h5>\n
Energy efficiency made easy<\/b><\/h4>\n
Screen management systems <\/b><\/h5>\n
Looking at LEDs<\/b><\/h5>\n
Transparent LED screens <\/b><\/h6>\n