JustSomeDevGuy
627
13
4
Not just some printed acrylic with a backlight like the last 50 years, no it has to be a whole ass computer. And not just one computer powering each sign, apparently.
Aug 2, 2025 6:26 PM
JustSomeDevGuy
627
13
4
Not just some printed acrylic with a backlight like the last 50 years, no it has to be a whole ass computer. And not just one computer powering each sign, apparently.
InfiniteHippoCrates
Honestly, could be used for diagnostics as the system is likely a bit more automated than before, but at the same time I agree that it's stupid.
OriginalPiR8
One computer from a company trying to be cheap as possible. What could possibly go wrong. Oh yeh, unlimited information and several generations of internet addicted bored people. These will be playing Doom in three days, streaming porn in seven
PowerPedant
Might be cheaper even in the not-so-long run than to print and switch interchangeable signs. Also makes new signs as easy as "load another image", with zero wait for a printer.
Vter3
Signs that change depending on time off day, remote synchronized ad campaigns and discounts. Lots of up sides. Despite the up front costs, it's probably a net positive, financially. It might even be good from an environmental standpoint if they don't break down too often. No trees cut down for printed paper to be shipped to thousands of stores just to be thrown away and forgotten after a month.
PauliePlaysPoorly
My local Aldi has LED screens for pricetags, about 8X5cm. Watched a worker going round the shop with some device, changing prices on the run.
OneMoreLime
Wouldn't that create a situation where people could pick something off the self after looking at its price and similar products and end up paying a different price at the register?
MoopsyLD
it would cause great chaos, they would have to redo the prices, but all current customers would either leave or get all their food at those prices. store would be closed for a good hour though.
PauliePlaysPoorly
I suppose it could happen, but then they'd just point at the tag and say 'See'? Remember, the customer is always wrong.
Akaszkronos
Probably e-paper, not led. The prices get changed at a distance, not by that worker. All they do is tell the little screens what article position they belong to. Been used by aldi and other supers for years.
PauliePlaysPoorly
OK, thanks. I just saw her point a gadget at the tag, it glitched once or twice, then hey presto magico new price. Changed the wording too, where they had popcorn or something and the tag said peanut butter.
Akaszkronos
Yeah the idea is no more having to go around the store changing paper price tags when prices change. But when there's a product switch or the tags get moved about they need to reprogram them.
Davedavedavedavedave
Does it play doom?
Hatsodoom
If it can run, it can Doom.
YellowHoodieExpress
Proof it!
(I definitely want to see a drink dispenser to run that 😆😆)
Hatsodoom
Look up Doom on gut bacteria.