Newby - mostly that is

[rkmorgan]

We have a digital signage system in place, but we do not care much for it due to some limitations. These limitations include the inability to pull things from the net, all media must be done in powerpoint slideshows and converted to an AVI in order to play. We subcontracted this out, but now we are seeking to bring this in house.

So, I am here looking for help, advice, tips and everything else to do this in house.

One of the challenges we are experiencing is the ability to show multiple media formats at the same time on the same screen by breaking the real estate up on screen. For instance, the top left corner of the screen would show the current weather, the top middle portion would show the time with a clock or something. The top right corner could show a calendar of events, or even a video. The middle section could show a slideshow of things around campus or past events. The bottom portion could show a ticker. The most important thing here is to have the ability to break up the screen move things around as we see fit as long as it fits within the restraints of the screen. The real estate breakup could change depending on what we were displaying ranging from fullscreen to several sections on screen.

We also need the ability to schedule the display. Many of our signage needs change on the weekend for events. So the ability to set things up on Friday so that on Saturday morning it would become active, then on Monday morning it reverts back to what the current default would be.

Easy to use. While I will be the technical lead on this, my primary job is to just get it going and keep it going. I will not really be responsible for the content so I will need a solution so that a few end-users can be trained on how to publish the content to the screen as easily as possible. A gui for them would be nice but I am open to other options.

How should I start, and what should I start with? Anything I am missing, not considering?

TIA

[admin]

The best way to learn about the system is to first watch the quick intro here:

http://digitalsignage.com/html/signage_video.html?videoNumber=StartHere

Also, you can join us for a FREE Webinar this Thursday. It's a great way to learn how to use the system and you can also participate in a Q&A. You can register here:

http://script.digitalsignage.com/cgi-bin/webinar.cgi

As for the player that will be running your screens. Our system is hardware independent. This means you can use any compatible PC you want.
We recommend you use our mediaBOX which is available here:

http://www.digitalsignage.com/_html/mediabox_models.html

But of course you are free to use any Windows or Mac powered device.
As for hardware specifications, it all depends on what you will be running. But for good performance with Videos and SWF animation, we recommend an Intel powered 2.6GHz Dual Core2 or better with 2GB of memory and 40GB storage.

Once you start using digital signage software, you’ll recognize the myriad of applications for its use, including the medical, hospitality, transportation, education, government and entertainment industries. As you create and schedule presentations of your own, you’re in good company.

Check out some of the thousands of customers that already use MediaSignage. When you’re ready to start, you can sign-up for your free cloud-powered account. Then, choose from one of our robust media players. They’re affordable too, starting at under $200.


Unlike other enterprise digital signage software solutions, our software is absolutely free. No spyware, no freeware. Just plain free. Not only that, you get 90% of the functionality by using your free account which includes scheduled content playback, touchscreen control and multi-screen zoning.

If price was ever an issue in getting you to start using digital signage, the excuse is over. The software is free and the players start at <$200.

Open your account today and start making an impact.

[ANOOP]

Morgan you can mail me can give you few thoughts on how to go about

[rmorgan]

Morgan you can mail me can give you few thoughts on how to go about

I will do that, let me gather my thoughts. After really looking at the product this site supports, looks really good. I do have some concerns about the deployment of it but outside of that, I think this is what we have been looking for. I will contact you shortly.