1080p Projectors

Cheap Digital Projector

Cheap Digital Projector

Digital Signage: the Top 10 Pitfalls

So, you’ve decided your business or institution will be well served by adding a new digital signage network. Now what?

Where to turn and what to do can be confusing, especially if you’re responsible for your organization’s communications or IT department, but don’t really know anything about a digital sign. While there are many good companies in business to help you achieve your goals, you can make the endeavor easier and far more successful if you avoid the problems many before you have encountered when rolling out and maintaining their digital signage networks.

Having worked with hundreds of customers on their digital signage needs, we’ve seen a lot of difficulties that could easily have been avoided -along with the associated delays and added expense- with a little knowledge up front. As the saying goes, forewarned is forearmed. So, keep these Top 10 Digital Signage Pitfalls in mind as you plan your new digital signage network to make the experience smooth and rewarding.

No. 1: Lack of a clear purpose

Someone in your organization, has read digital signage can make marketing messaging more effective. It can reach potential customers at the point of purchase, promote desired behavior, target different demographic groups associated with different times of the day, and do so many wonderful things.

But what exactly does your organization need to accomplish with digital signage? That’s the seminal question. Without clearly defining the purpose of a digital signage network, it is impossible to find success in any phase of its deployment or use.

Taking the time up front to define the expectations for the system and write them out on paper for the approval of key management will provide direction and focus effort on attainable goals. Struggling to fulfill a nebulous purpose for the digital signage network will rack up unnecessary expense and leave everyone connected with the project frustrated.

No. 2: Taking on digital signage as an IT project

“Digital signage network,” the very words sound IT oriented. While there’s a lot of IT technology involved with digital signage, taking on a digital signage network as an IT project is dangerous.

While highly skilled, the typical IT manager does not have the background nor the experience needed to roll out a successful digital signage network. There’s a powerful temptation on the part of IT managers to look at digital signage playback as if it were a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation. It isn’t.

PowerPoint does an excellent job at making business presentations, but how many TV stations rely on PowerPoint to create and playback the programs, commercials, news and promotions you see nightly? Exactly zero. With respect to playing back video, graphics, text and animation, layering multiple visual elements and building and maintaining a playout schedule, a digital signage network is much more like a TV station than a boardroom with a projector and a PowerPoint presentation. Keep that in mind if an IT manager volunteers to take on your organization’s digital signage project.

No. 3: Lack of content

Congratulations. You have a digital signage network. What are you going to display? Having a digital signage network without content is like having a newspaper without print. There’s just a whole lot of nothing and overwhelming sense of emptiness.

Communicating in some form must be part of the reason behind the decision to add a digital signage network. However, there is no communication without content. Fortunately, many organizations have existing resources to draw upon that can be repurposed as digital signage content. Logos, commercials, promotional video, print advertising, plans and drawings can all be reused in whole or part to communicate a message on a digital signage network.

Additionally, RSS Internet feeds are a tremendous resource for updating a digital signage network with fresh “newsy” content, weather and sports scores that can give an audience a reason to take a second or third look.

Regardless of where it comes from, content is critical to the success of a digital signage network. Knowing where it will come from is as important as actually having the digital signage network in place.

No. 4: No one assigned to manage the project

While it’s not like designing the International Space Station, putting a digital signage network in place can be a complex undertaking. For that reason, it’s essential that any business or organization taking on a digital signage network assign someone to manage the project. Having an individual identified to own the project will minimize the impact of the unforeseen problems that inevitably creep into any complex undertaking.

Just as bad as having no one assigned to manage the project is its closely related cousin: management by committee. Offering up conflicting directions from multiple individuals will leave your system integrator bewildered and your project incomplete.

No. 5: No one to update content

While RSS feeds and subscriptions to news wire services are two sources of fresh information for a digital signage network, where will updated content conveying your company’s specific messages and current offerings come from?

A digital signage network that attracts attention has an insatiable appetite for fresh content. Thus, it’s essential that an organization taking on a digital signage network assign a qualified, competent person to the task of creating that content. Without someone in charge of the network’s content, the text, graphics and video being displayed will soon grow tired. Stale content will have the opposite of the desired result for a digital sign. It actually will drive viewers away and impart a sense of “been there, done that” that will be difficult to reverse.

No. 6: Taking the cheap way out

There’s nothing wrong with being budget conscious about a digital signage installation; however, selecting products, including displays, controllers and software, and services like content creation solely on their price tag can result in a system that in the long wrong will cost an organization dearly.

Systems designed solely on the price of the component miss the point. Digital signage networks are about communicating information –perhaps a marketing message, maps and directions or instructions- to their intended audience. Spending money on an inexpensive system just because it’s cheap could cost a business or organization far more than the money saved in lost opportunities.

No. 7: Not knowing the locations of the signs

Knowing where your organization wants to locate the flat panel monitors in its digital signage network is important for a few reasons. First, locating the digital signage content players needed depends on where the sign or signs it’s controlling are located. The length of cable runs between player and sign must be taken into account. Clearly defining the location of the signs will allow you to minimize construction/renovation expense and avoid paying for “do overs.”

Second, understanding exactly where the signs will be positioned will make it easier to understand what will be needed to mount the flat panels in use. Are wall studs available where a sign will be located? Or, will a freestanding structure be required? What’s the condition of the wall studs? Is electrical power available? What’s the status of ambient light sources? Will a window or skylight need to be shaded to reduce glare?

Third, not knowing where the signs need to located may be a symptom of a bigger problem, namely not having a clear idea about the purpose of the digital signage installation.

No. 8: Installers without general contractor capability

Installing digital signage can be messy. Drywall and plaster may need to be cut. New electrical plugs with isolated grounds may need to be installed. Beyond those obvious construction challenges, less apparent structural modifications may be required. Those can vary from relocating HVAC ducts to re-enforcing walls.

For that reason, choosing a digital signage installer without the skill and experience to serve as a general contractor for the project can be a big mistake. Depending on the specific installation, it’s not unreasonable to assume carpenters, electricians, plumbers and even heating and cooling contractors might need to be involved to make necessary structural modifications. Having an installer who can serve as a general contractor to bring those diverse resources together and manage them properly can save lots of time and expense.

No. 9: Failing to allot adequate time to learn the system

Far too often, the people responsible for new digital signage installations at businesses or organizations are so excited about their systems that they can’t wait to show them off to upper management. After all, a significant sum of money went in to making the digital signage network a reality. So showing it off as soon as possible only seems natural.

However, creating content for a digital signage system, scheduling it and making changes to playback along the way require some skill. It takes time to be properly trained to use a digital signage network. Failing to allocate sufficient time to learn how to use the system not only could be embarrassing in front of management, but disastrous to your communications efforts with the general public, if they’re your first audience.

No. 10: Failing to keep future expansion in mind at the time of initial design

Designing yourself into a box when first contemplating a digital signage network can be costly. Without casting an eye towards future needs, it’s possible that portions of the network might need replacement before they’ve been amortized to accommodate expansion.

Without exception, experience shows that businesses and organizations that fund the addition of digital signage networks express interest in expanding their systems after they’re installed.

There you have it, the Top 10 Digital Signage Pitfalls. Take these lessons to heart as you proceed with your digital signage rollout, and you’re much more likely to have a successful experience. More importantly, your company or institution will avoid costly mistakes that will delay the installation and prevent your communications from having their desired effect.

Yamaha YSP-3000 Multichannel Digital Sound Projector

DefaultFeatured itemsBestsellingAverage customer review: high to lowPrice: low to highPrice: high to lowAlphabetical: A to Z

Nikon Coolpix S1000pj 12.1MP Digital Camera with Built-In Projector and 5x Wide-Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom List Price: $349.95 Sale Price: $173.15 You save: $176.80 (51%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Nikon Coolpix S1000pj 12.1MP Digital Camera with Built-in Projector and 5x Wide-Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom - 26186 Features 12.1-megapixel resolution for stunning prints as large as 16 x 20 inches World's first camera with an ultra-small, built-in projector provides new ways for enjoying your pictures anytime and anywhere 5x wide-angle Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens; 5-way VR image stabilization system Bright 2.7-inch high-resolution LCD; Scene Auto Selector and Smart Portrait System Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Nikon Coolpix S1100pj 14 MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 3-Inch LCD and Built-in Projector (Black) List Price: $349.00 Sale Price: Too low to display   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Sharing photos and videos doesnt get more immediate, or simple, than with the Nikon S1100PJs built-in projector. Show the shots you take with your 14.1-megapixel camera, or the movies you film in HD, at up to a 47 projection that can be used on any flat surface. Hybrid optical and electronic image stabilization keep blur from creeping in, and a 5x optical zoom lets you get things framed just right. Easy-Auto mode and a Smart Portrait system make sure that you can concentrate on taking pictures, rather than on adjusting settings, while a 3.0 touch LCD viewscreen makes previewing and editing images easy on the eyes. Features Incredible built-in projector; 14.1-megapixel CCD sensor 5x wide-angle optical Zoom-Nikkor glass lens 3-inch touch-screen display; 5-way VR Image Stabilization system HD (720p)movie recording with One-Touch control button Capture images and video to SD/SDHC memory card (not included)

FAVI RioHD-LED-2 Mini Projector List Price: $247.00 Sale Price: Too low to display   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description LED projector as featured by PC Magazine. The RioHD-LED-2 by FAVI Entertainment offers the perfect balance in performance and affordability for business professionals, educators, gamers and home theater enthusiasts alike.Its revolutionary LED2 technology provides 20,000 hours or 14 years of lamp life (average of 4 hours per day). while boasting 4 times the brightness of a standard pico projectors. The quick connect VGA and portable design make it ideal for laptop presentations. At less than 3 lbs it easily travels with you to work. Bring your projector home for a family movie night or host the entire neighborhood for a drive-in movie by connecting it to your vehicle's 19V power source. *Recommend a FAVI floor stand projection screen for outdoor use. Features Supports 1080p/1080i/720p resolutions Weighs less than 3 lbs; fits nicely in laptop case Over 5 times as bright as standard LED projectors; LED lamp lasts an incredible 20,000 hours or 14 years (@ 4 hours a day) Connections: 1 x HDMI, 1 x VGA, 1 x Composite A/V, 1 x Component, 1 x S-Video, 1 x headphone/stereo jack Accessories Included: 1 x VGA Cable, 1 x Remote Control, 1 x Composite A/V Cable, 1 x 19V Power Adapter & 1 x User Guide;

ViewSonic PJD5122 SVGA DLP Projector -120Hz/3D Ready, 2500 Lumens, 3000:1 DCR List Price: $649.00 Sale Price: $369.00 You save: $280.00 (43%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description The PJD5122 delivers 2500 lumens with an 800 x 600 SVGA native resolution. It offers a variety of features including manual zoom/focus and auto vertical keystone correction as well as multiple computer and video inputs, yet it is very easy to set up and use. There are 8 default picture modes including Daylight, Cinema, ViewMatch, Blackboard, Whiteboard and Greenboard. The ECO mode function reduces the fan noise output for less distraction during important presentations and even extends the lamp life up to 6,000 hours. The PJD5122 offers both security bar and Kensington lock port for increased theft deterrence. Features 5.1 lb projector weight, 800 x 600 SVGA resolution 2500 Lumens and 3000:1 CR, 0.55" Digital Micromirror Device Manual focus and zoom (1.1X), Multiple inputs (Inc. RGB Out) Digital keystone correction, 5 Watt Integrated Speaker Lamp life: 4000/6000 hrs (N/Eco)

3M Pocket Projector MPRO120--.33LBS List Price: $385.00 Sale Price: $147.88 You save: $237.12 (62%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description The 3M™ MPro120 Pocket Projector is a next-generation handheld, battery-operated projector. Whether you’re making an impromptu business presentation or sharing photos with friends, the MPro120 allows you to project images and videos on almost any wall, almost anywhere. Images can be displayed on-the-fly from computers, netbooks or MP3 players, iPods, iPhone and digital cameras. Project image sizes from 8” to 50”. Built-in speakers provide sound. The energy-saving LED light lasts 20,000 hours and provides up to 12 lumens of brightness without ever needing to change a lamp. Features a robust battery life of two to four hours (enough to watch a full length film). The MPro120 is ready to use out of the box and comes with Computer and Video Cables, a protective bag, re-chargeable battery, a table-top tripod , a universal power supply, and a 1 year warranty. The optional adapter cable for Apple products (iPod, iPhone, iTouch) helps you easily connect to share pictures and videos with friends and family. Best of all, it fits in your pocket. Features The 3M MPro120 projects images from 8 to 50 inches Two integrated, half-watt stereo speakers help transform the MPro120 into a self-contained presentation device Projects eight to 50-inch still or moving image stored on a video capable pass-through device Uses Liquid Crystal on Silicon(LCOS) technology for superb image quality and minimization of component size. LED light source with 20,000 hour life means the unit is environmentally friendly and there is no need for a replacement bulb

Sunpak 620-786 Mini-Spider Tripod List Price: $5.99 Sale Price: $0.75 You save: $5.24 (87%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description The Sunpak 620-786; Flex Leg Mini-Spider Tripod holds compact 35mm and digital cameras. It is only 5 inches long and weighs less than two ounces and Features individually adjustable, flexible legs. Features Tripod holds compact 35mm and digital cameras Small, lightweight design; only 5 inches long and weighs less than two ounces Holds your camera steady at any angle, indoors or out, on virtually any terrain Features individually adjustable, flexible legs Comes with a lifetime warranty

Epson EX31 Multimedia Projector List Price: $499.99 Sale Price: Too low to display   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Epson EX31 Multimedia Projector Features Rich, true-to-life color and reliable performance ? 3LCD, 3-chip technology Amazing image quality ? native SVGA resolution up to 1400 x 1050 USB Plug ?n Play instant setup ? instantly projects images from a PC via a USB connection Super bright and colorful ? 2500 lumens of color light output, 2500 lumens of white light output* Quick, convenient control ? Instant Off®/On, Sleep Mode (A/V Mute), Direct Power Off

Torpedo Entertainment Digital Movie Game Projector - AL100 / AL-100 List Price: $299.00 Sale Price: $104.99 You save: $194.01 (65%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description The Torpedo Digital Projector projects a huge image right on your wall or ceilingIt works with your DVD player gaming console digital camera MP3 player computer TV or cable/satellite boxDelivering a diagonal projection size of over 6 the Torpedo is perfect for getting the most out of your video games movies and other media Features This Torpedo Game and Entertainment Projector has more than a six-foot diagonal projection Can project movies and video games on the wall or the ceiling Works with DVD players, Wii, X-Box, Nintendo, Playstation, Digital Cameras, iPod, Computers, TV, Cable or Satellite Box and many more This high quality torpedo game and entertainment projector enables you to view photos, watch movies, see video games and more Requires a 35 watt bulb (included), which is easy and inexpensive to replace