Signs of the Times - February 2014 - (Page 74)

Dynamic Digital Signage Made Simple, Part 2 Views from two sign companies and an integrator B y D e a c o n Wa rd l o w I Photo by Vizicast t's an exciting time to implement dynamic digital signage (DS). Heavy competition from manufacturers of displays and control systems (hardware and software), and a constant flow of innovative startups, have created an open market where a solid DS solution can be assembled relatively easily. A few industry professionals share their DS experience here. Numerous lessons learned, pitfalls to avoid, and warnings galore will surface, but the overall message is promise and great hope for DS' future in the sign industry. Our first DS explorer requested anonymity (we'll call them "The Sign Shop"). In business more than 50 years, The Sign Shop has evolved from handpainted signs in a garage to a staff of 80 that covers three states. They just recently started testing the DS interior market. A year ago, a salesman (we'll call him Joe) was injured and had time to chat with EMTs on the ride to the emergency room. Joe learned the EMTs had four separate local locations. Radio dispatch handled Hopalong Animal Rescue Center 74 SIGNS OF THE TIMES February 2014 communication, and the EMTs wanted centralized information (which crews are on the road, who's on vacation, work schedules, etc.). Crews often rotate stations, and real-time information wasn't available. Joe knew area hotels were sharing event and other information in their lobbies' 42-in. LG LCD displays. Would it work for the EMTs? "I had to really put rubber to road then," Joe sighed. "I had to convince our own owners we could offer this to our clients. Regional and national customers constantly ask for systems like this, and we have to say no. But we need to be a resource people can trust for solid solutions to their needs. Dynamic digital is the future; we didn't want to fall behind the times." Joe convinced his owners to proceed. A small, seemingly simple project is a great place to start. "I spoke with numerous companies," Joe continued. "Some wanted us to fill out reseller applications so we could purchase the hardware; others offered complete hardware and software, but the prices were crazy. One guy said it was more complex than I thought, and would require $12,000. The client would never buy into something that expensive." Joe was disappointed, but kept pushing. A company designer stumbled on a solution. "Our designer saw an online ad for a simple, contentmanagement service. We called, and they made hardware recommendations. We ended up going through Stampede (an Amherst, NY distributor) for the equipment, and the content service provided the software," Joe said. The system comprised four AOPEN "DE" (Digital Engine) series controllers that ran the software. Each controller "lived" at the station and could receive independent content, or run the same content at all four sites. The separate controllers relied on a central server our IT person built from the ground up for content and the controls, which communicated with each location over the internet. The hardware (42-in., LCD, industrial-grade LG displays; chief mounts; gold-plated HDMI cables; Ethernet cables; networking gear from BlackBox, and other components) cost $1,500 for each location (software

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Signs of the Times - February 2014

Signs of the Times - February 2014
Contents
ST Update
Technology Update
Welcome to the 21st Century
Vinyl Apps
Strictly Electric
LED Update
Software Update
Technology Review: Cyrious online
Technology Review: Sign and Printmakers Guild
Sign Museum News
New Products
Walls of Fame
A Designer’s View of Health-care Signage
Health-care Signage: Care Required
Health-care Signage Trends
Estimating Software
Dynamic Digital Signage Made Simple, Part 2
Industry News
Advertising index
Editorially speaking

Signs of the Times - February 2014