Split-Flap TV from Presentation Point: Conversation with Kurt Dupont

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  Kurt Dupont is a solution provider who would go out of his way just to ensure he brings out the best when it comes to issues that have to deal with data-driven presentations, data visualization, and digital signage software.

He started by working at airports worldwide to set up airport databases and flight information screens. This evolved to become the basis for PresentationPoint.

In this conversation, Kurt discusses Split-Flap TV, a new venture that creates split and flap styled boards.

Geetesh: Can you tell us more about Split-Flap TV? What inspired you, and why you created this solution?

Kurt: Certainly! Split-Flap TV is a modern iteration of the split-flap display, which is an electromechanical display used for showing information through flipping numerical or alphabetical flaps. Split-flap displays have a rich history dating back to their invention in the early 20th century and were widely used in transportation hubs such as airports and train stations.

For more than 30 years I’ve been into presentations and communication with our PresentationPoint products. We show the right information, at the right time and location, mostly using PowerPoint as the presentation design tool. But those products were inspired by my original work at airports worldwide to show and process flight information. That same location (the airport) inspired me to build a new platform of split-flap communication, but now digital. I get goosebumps when I hear the clicking for the information board, probably looking up at the screen and making sure that your flight is not cancelled or delayed.

A few good reasons to create the Split-Flap TV platform:

• Mechanical boards are very expensive nowadays and require maintenance.
• This old good communication tool needs a modern jacket.
• It can be used for wayfinding, hospitality and pricelists at hotels, (small) airports, travel agencies, coffee shops, and shops or cafes at airports and train stations.

Geetesh: What does one need to get started with Split-Flap TV? How much does this cost? And is a free version available for trial?

Split-Flap TV runs on televisions and tablets, both for Android and iOS operating systems. There are e.g. televisions running on Android, or you use e.g. a Google Chromecast on any TV with the HDMI port. So, you can go to the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store and get our app for your device.
Then you can use your cell phone or computer to create a board with your rotating messages. It can be fixed texts like announcements or pricelists, or it can show real-time news and weather information.

Kurt: Sure, there is a free 7-day trial available, and a premium subscription starts at $19 per month. For that little price, you can automate your communication and put your frequently asked questions in retro style at your shop.

We have seen some nice recent installations like for example a 5-screen video wall with pricelists in a Chilean bakery, and Jay-Z’s Paper Planes’ flagship store in New York has given Split-flap TV a very prominent role at the shop.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog post or content are those of the authors or the interviewees and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or company.