One of digital signage's great strengths is its ability to display content in multiple forms, including high-definition video (or standard def), Flash, dynamic Flash, and even static images (like jpgs, gifs & pngs). You can then use the content and the platform to reach employees, customers or whoever your target audience is with engaging messages.
But inevitably the question arises: Can it play PowerPoint?
And so here's the problem. PowerPoint was never designed to be used for digital signage content. And furthermore, most PowerPoint presentations aren't that good anyway. We've all been witnesses to them. If your content looks like a presentation, people will treat is as such (which is usually a cue for nap time).
Now, let's be clear. I am not a PowerPoint hater. I like it. I use it to support my own speaking engagements. But we have all been put to sleep by silly clip art, unattractive templates and bullet after bullet after bullet. I'll never understand why people are so in love with transitions between slides. You're just delaying the next piece of content.
The fact is that great presentations can be made and supported using PowerPoint though. Check out SlideShare and you can see phenomenal content created using PowerPoint.
But when people start thinking about digital signage content in a PowerPoint state of mind, the wheels start to fall off a bit. Our digital signage software (MediaCast) does support the use of PowerPoint files but we do not condone it. We would rather customers use our Composer tool that lets you create content right inside the software.
We understand why people want to use PowerPoint. They are familiar with it and therefore it's comfortable. Many of our customers use PowerPoint and then expert out into another file format. It works but it doesn't necessarily equate to great signage content.
What are your thoughts?
______________________________
Image credit, Mike Licht
Follow @chuckgose
Follow @mediatile
But inevitably the question arises: Can it play PowerPoint? And so here's the problem. PowerPoint was never designed to be used for digital signage content. And furthermore, most PowerPoint presentations aren't that good anyway. We've all been witnesses to them. If your content looks like a presentation, people will treat is as such (which is usually a cue for nap time).
Now, let's be clear. I am not a PowerPoint hater. I like it. I use it to support my own speaking engagements. But we have all been put to sleep by silly clip art, unattractive templates and bullet after bullet after bullet. I'll never understand why people are so in love with transitions between slides. You're just delaying the next piece of content.
The fact is that great presentations can be made and supported using PowerPoint though. Check out SlideShare and you can see phenomenal content created using PowerPoint.
But when people start thinking about digital signage content in a PowerPoint state of mind, the wheels start to fall off a bit. Our digital signage software (MediaCast) does support the use of PowerPoint files but we do not condone it. We would rather customers use our Composer tool that lets you create content right inside the software.
We understand why people want to use PowerPoint. They are familiar with it and therefore it's comfortable. Many of our customers use PowerPoint and then expert out into another file format. It works but it doesn't necessarily equate to great signage content.
What are your thoughts?
______________________________
Image credit, Mike Licht
Follow @chuckgose
Follow @mediatile
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