Frequently Asked Questions
- Why use digital signage?
- How does The Signage Network work?
- Can I use multiple zones?
- Will the TSN device work on a wireless network?
- What kind of TV or monitor can be used?
- Can I use sound?
- Do I need a memory card?
- What is the remote control for?
- How often is the media updated?
- Can RSS feeds be used?
- Can signage be used with live broadcast video?
- What type of files can be used?
- What does the Signage Network provide?
- Will I be able to play high definition content?
Tutorials - Quick installation video
- Initial device setup online with iCAT
- Initial device setup online with CAT
- How to create your first playlist online with iCAT
- How to create your first playlist online with CAT
Why use digital signage?
Easily update your ads remotely from any internect connected PC so your ads stay fresh. Moving and changing images attract 10 times more attention than conventional signage. Digital signage allows you to incorporate still images, video and stereo sound. Receive immediate and measurable savings by eliminating printing costs, distribution costs and labor. Digital signage allows you to display many messages in one physical space. Staff members can forget to change physical signs resulting in a total campaign loss for that location.
Schedule your messages hours, weeks or months in advance. Your messages can change based on the time of day, and day of the week. Networked Digital Signage delivers your message at the Right Time and at the Right Place
How does The Signage Network work?
- Digital content is created in the form of still images, video or video with stereo sound.
- A TSN media device is connected to your LAN or internet connection using a standard CAT5 connection and to your video monitor. Distribution hardware can be added to display your ads on multiple monitors using a single TSN device. TSN devices can connect wirelessly using our wireless bridge-router.
- The signage administrator creates a playlist that defines:
a) the order the content will be displayed
b) when the content will be displayed and
c) on which specific devices/locations it will be displayed. - Once created, the images are stored on a host computer within your network or a server.
- Each TSN device connects automatically to the server and downloads the new playlist and any new content.
- At the date and time defined by the playlist, the TSN device plays your ads and messages.
Can I use multiple zones?
Yes. The TSN-4 has five zones:
• Top Header/Banner (static still image)
• Video Zone (video and/or still image playlist)
• Image Zone (still image playlist)
• Date/Time Zone (displays date & time or a static still image)
• RSS Feed Zone (Displays an RSS feed if desired)
Will the TSN device work on a wireless network?
Yes. Connection can be wired or wireless (with the use of our wireless bridge-router).
What kind of TV or monitor can be used?
Any TV, LCD, Plasma or video projector can be used with one of the following input capabilities:
SD TSN-2: Composite video, Component video, VGA, S-Video
(Standard Definition Television: This is the traditional television set that has appeared in homes for the past 50 years. A standard definition television set, also called NTSC, has a resolution of 480i and is in a 4:3 aspect ratio. When trying to fit a 16:9 film on a standard definition TV, black bars are added to the top and bottom of the film in order to preserve the director's composition and original theatrical experience. This process is called Letterbox.
HD TSN-3: Component video (720p or 1080i) or VGA(720p)
(High Definition Television: A high definition television has a max resolution of 1080i/p and is in a 16:9 aspect ratio).
HD TSN-4: Component video (720p) or VGA(720p)
(High Definition Television: A high definition television has a max resolution of 1080i/p and is in a 16:9 aspect ratio).
Can I use Sound?
Yes. TSN produces stereo audio output.
Do I need a memory Card?
Yes, all media is stored on the compact flash card for playback. No hard disk or dedicated local computer is necessary. Normally a 2GB card is large enough (A 2GB card will hold over 30 minutes of video or over 2000 still images).
What is the remote control for?
The remote control is used for initial device setup. It can also be used to manually turn the device on or off if desired.
How often is the media updated?
The administrator defines the time when the media is updated daily. This is typically scheduled after normal business hours or during slow traffic times.
Can RSS feeds be used?
Yes, any RSS feed can be displayed at the bottom of the screen similar to a stock ticker. Text can be either black or white and the background can be one of several colors and levels of transparency. Custom text messages can also be displayed along with the RSS feed or in place of the RSS feed.
Can signage be used with live broadcast video?
Yes. If your TV or monitor is equiped with PIP (Picture in Picture) capability, your signage can be displayed as either the primary or secondary image while watching another video input.
What type of files can be used?
Still images: JPG
Audio: MP3 and WAV
Video: MPEG1 MPEG2 or MPEG4
Flash, PowerPoint and other file formats can be easily converted to MPEG using readily available conversion utilities such as MOVAVI to Flash Converter or Moyea PPT to Video Converter. Call for details about your specific file format.
What does the Signage Network provide?
The Signage Network not only provides the digital signage device but also can supply:
- Video monitors
- Video distribution hardware
- Content managment services
- Content design including video production
- Coordinate installation
Will I be able to play high definition content?
Yes, the TSN-3 displays still images in true HD resolution (1920 x 1080) and upconverts standard video to HD 720p and 1080p
Display upcoming events, daily specials, new menu items and suggested and more.
Supermarkets
The Signage Network enables store owners to install displays that deliver specific departmental advertising focused at the point-of-purchase.
Hospitality
The Signage Network provides end-to-end functionality to serve as a video concierges in hotel lobbies providing dining options, activities, upcoming events, and entertainment options for hotel guests. Displays can also provide schedules and information on meeting rooms to attendees.
Transportation
The Signage Network can be employed in airports and other mass transit locations displaying branded advertising for on-site shops and other information.
Healthcare
The Signage Network solution is a natural fit for healthcare-related industries and organizations that are looking to improve communications within their communities and throughout their professional offices. Ideal for waiting room areas, lobbies and training facilities, the TSN network can be quickly and easily deployed.
Limited only by your imagination!