Actalyst™ interactive digital signage


How does Actalyst interactive digital signage differ from the SMART Board for Flat-Panel Displays interactive whiteboard?

Actalyst interactive overlays and SMART Board for Flat-Panel Displays interactive whiteboards are the same in that they both use award-winning DViT technology, so they offer the same accuracy and dependability. The difference between them is that Actalyst interactive overlays offer only touch functionality. They do not have writing or saving capabilities, or other SMART Board software features.


Where are Actalyst interactive overlays used?

Actalyst interactive overlays can be used in the following situations:

  • Retail stores by shoppers to access detailed product or service information
  • Office buildings, shopping malls, hotel lobbies and at college campuses to serve as interactive wayfinders, i.e., showing interactive maps, events and news Museums to provide detailed, multi-lingual exhibit information
  • Real estate offices to allow builders to give virtual tours of developments and agents to profile their listings
  • Corporations with “deskless” employees to access intranet information without using a mouse and keyboard


Is the screen surface durable?
Yes. The surface is very durable making it ideal for use in public applications. It has an anti-smudge, anti-glare, chemical- and scratch-resistant front sheet that does not compromise image quality. It requires very little maintenance and can be cleaned with any normal glass cleaner.

Is training required to use the interactive overlay?
No, training is not required. People simply touch the screen with their finger. The Actalyst interactive overlay does not require special tools, which is beneficial because such tools can easily disappear in a public setting.

What plasma or LCD panels can I use?
Actalyst interactive overlays are available for panels from more than 17 different manufacturers in sizes ranging from 37" to 65” (94 to 165 cm) diagonal. For a complete list of Actalyst interactive overlays, go to specifications.

What makes the Actalyst interactive overlay touch sensitive?
DViT technology makes the screen touch sensitive. Digital cameras embedded in the bezel detect contact with the surface, and sophisticated software translates this information into mouse clicks.

Public touch screens are usually smaller in size.  What enables Actalyst interactive overlays to be larger?
Compared to other touch technologies, DViT technology is very robust for large screen applications. It is just as accurate at 65” (165 cm) as it is at 37” (94 cm).The larger touch screen allows multiple people to view information. It also attracts more eyes than a smaller screen and generates more interest. Interactive content shown on a large screen can be displayed in a more legible font size so everyone can read the information. 

What on-screen content can I use?
Any content that is accessed with a mouse click can be accessed through the touch of a finger.

When I buy an Actalyst overlay, are there extras I must purchase?
No. Actalyst overlays come with all required hardware and software.

How hard do I have to touch the surface to register a touch?
Actalyst overlays can record a touch event without a user physically touching the surface, as long as your finger is very close to the surface.

Some other touch systems I’ve used seem very slow to react to touch. How fast do Actalyst overlays respond?
Extremely fast. Our DViT system scans the touch surface at 100 frames per second, so your touch is recognized immediately.

What is the touch resolution of Actalyst overlays?
Actalyst overlays demonstrate close to pixel-level accuracy, which is much smaller than the touch surface of a finger. As a result, interactive content buttons and features can be as small as your application demands.

Do you create the eye-catching fixtures in which we’ve seen Actalyst overlays?
No, but we can provide you with a list of industry leaders that can design a custom fixture solution. For more information, please contact RGrawet@smarttech.com.

Can Actalyst overlays be attached to rear-projection or CRT televisions?
No, Actalyst interactive overlays are solely for large plasma and LCD screens.

Can my existing Actalyst overlay work on a new flat panel display if we decide to swap out an older damaged panel?
With our newly developed mounting system, Actalyst overlays will fit on most replacement panels. Please consult our specifications section for a list of panels supported.

Can Actalyst overlays work with large consumer plasmas and LCD televisions?
Actalyst overlays primarily support professional or commercial panels. However, some consumer panels are also supported. Please consult our specifications section for a list of panels supported, or call Customer Support at 1.866.518.6791 or +1.403.228.5940 for more information.

Can you use Actalyst overlays outdoors?
No. Our DViT touch system is designed for indoor use.

Do Actalyst overlays work on plasma panels and LCD monitors?
Yes, they work equally well on both.

Won’t touching an LCD panel over and over again damage its “soft” screen?
Actalyst interactive overlays have a very thin protective sheet of glass that sits over the LCD panel. As such, the panel behind is protected from the harsh demands of public use.

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