Digital Signage Solutions

Observing Memorial Day

Friday, May 28, 2010 by Chuck Gose

http://www.flickr.com/photos/walkadog/3561477190/

On behalf of MediaTile, I hope everybody has a great weekend. It's a time of year when many families get together for the symbolic start of Summer. But please take some time on Memorial Day to remember those who have served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.

Here in Indianapolis, it's a big weekend with the Indianapolis 500 taking place. I won't be going to the race, but I've had to chance to spend a few days at the track this May. Fortunately for the hundreds of thousands of people who descend on our fair city this weekend, it looks like it's going to be visitor's association weather.

On to more business related information, MediaTile's office will be closed on Monday and will re-open on Tuesday, June 1. Over the extended holiday weekend, all phone calls will be routed through MediaTile’s standard after-hours call center.

In the event you should experience a critical or major support issue with your digital signage during this time, please indicate the severity of your situation to the call center and you will be routed to the appropriate MediaTile support representative who will be on-call over the extended weekend.
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Photo credit, Beverly & Peck

Variety is the spice of the National Restaurant Association Show #nrashow

Tuesday, May 25, 2010 by Chuck Gose

I've never had the chance to attend the National Restaurant Association Show so yesterday was my first time. Our digital signage technology is tucked away in the AT&T booth (#5666) in the Technology Pavilion.

32" Digital Sign in a Box on display at the National Restaurant Association Show

Yesterday I was pleased and surprised at not just the sheer volume of attendees looking at digital signage for to improve communication with customers (including menu boards) but more importantly the variety of companies. There was everything from smaller "mom and pop" restaurants looking to jazz up their customer communication all the way to some of the largest food retail chains in the country.

But some of the best conversations I had was with colleges and universities, who are looking to use digital signage for menu boards and share nutritional information but to also have the signage in place for crisis communication if needed.

All in all, those I talked to liked MediaTile's approach to digital signage. They liked the simplicity of our Digital Sign in a Box (32" on display), as well as the robustness and ease-of-use our software provides. Clearly, this was not their first exposure to signage and past hiccups seemed to be the complexity of installs. We simply don't have that.

I heard over and over, "We just want it to work." Ours works.

Find MediaTile in the AT&T booth at the National Restaurant Association Show

Friday, May 21, 2010 by Chuck Gose

This is our first time at the National Restaurant Association's annual show and we're excited about it. AT&T invited us to be in their booth (#5666) and we're thrilled to be a welcomed guest. Please stop by the booth to learn more about how our digital signage can help your business.

We've laid our claim to cellular digital signage and we're confident that NRA attendees will be impressed with what we have to show them.

I am far from a restaurant business expert (aside from liking to eat at them), but from what I've been told, there are many IT constraints inside the restaurants. But with signage connected on the cell networks, restaurant owners can update customers on the latest specials while also helping to educate employees on the latest promos.

If you'd like to learn more about the show, you can follow them on Twitter (@NRAShow2010) or following with the hash tag #nrashow. I'll provide as many updates as I can when I'm out on the show floor.

Congrats to Elite Racing for a big win in Virginia

Monday, May 17, 2010 by Chuck Gose

We're pretty proud of our relationship with Elite Racing and driver Jason Meyers. And we're even more proud when they pick up a big win, like they did this past weekend at the Virginia Motor Speedway.

With the victory, Jason is now in third place in the World of Outlaws driver standings, only 20 points behind the leader. I had the opportunity to meet Jason a few months back when we were both in Las Vegas (I was there for Digital Signage Expo and he was there to race). He's a phenomenal driver and, even more importantly, a great guy.

We are a huge supporter of Elite Racing and, ironically enough, they love our digital signage. As they they travel around to races, they have our signage set up to promote what they are doing as a racing team and improve communication with racing fans.

Check out Jason's post-race comments.

Can Facebook be a source for digital signage content?

Friday, May 14, 2010 by Chuck Gose

Absofreakinglutely.

I admit. I'm a pretty active user on Facebook. I keep my personal account updated, post photos and videos, manage a few Fan Pages (including MediaTile's), and so forth. But it struck me today at what a great resource it can be for digital signage content.

Hear me out. Whether you're in retail or corporate communication, you're always trying to share your customers' stories, whether it's with other customers, your employees or hopefully both. But gathering these stories can be tough.

Well guess what? Facebook is awesome at this. I'm a fan of all of our digital signage customers' Fan Pages and see their updates in my news feed from time to time. One of our customers simply asked people what they liked about their service. This simple question received great answers.

They can now share these stories, not just on their digital signage, but across all of their platforms. The content is absolutely invaluable. True user-generated content is raw but also equally powerful. And it's content that customers and employees provide readily and freely if asked.

So not only can digital signage promote your social media platforms, but these social media platforms can also be a source for content. I believe in the business world they call this a win-win.

Please, don't participate in social media

Wednesday, May 5, 2010 by Chuck Gose

I had a good time at yesterday's National Hardware Show social networking panel. I felt kind of like a goof up there with the three other professionals but I hope my points came across. One of my fellow panelists spoke that he's glad this competitors aren't taking advantage of social media. It gives him more room (so to speak) to maneuver in the space.

I couldn't agree more. I love the fact that MediaTile is really the only digital signage software and hardware provider regularly blogging, Tweeting and Facebooking. I started our social media program as a way to differentiate our company in the crowded digital signage marketplace and I think it's working.

I reply back to people on Twitter who mention MediaTile and search to who else is talking or asking questions about digital signage and I try to help them out. We have customers commenting and forwarding our Facebook posts. And then there's this - our blog, the crown jewel (in my opinion) of our social media program.

So I relish in the fact that many of our competitors, who are both larger and smaller than us, don't regularly blog, Tweet or Facebook. That's their loss and our gain.

Speaking today at the National Hardware Show

Tuesday, May 4, 2010 by Chuck Gose

When you start getting involved in this crazy social media world, you never know what's going to happen. Today I have the privilege of speaking this afternoon at the National Hardware Show (@hardwareshow) on a social media panel. (The hashtag for the event is #nhs2010.) The event doesn't have anything directly to do with digital signage but we are seeing more and more retailers starting to embrace digital technology.

Understandably, retailers have some concern over how social media will impact their business. There are examples of where it's helped and where it's done some damage. But in my mind, there's nothing wrong with concern. Concern means that risks are being evaluated. But concern can be dangerous when it interferes with real opportunities.

There are tremendous opportunities for retailers to take the user generated content that comes from social media sources like Twitter and Foursquare and turn it into relevant content for digital signage and improve communication with customers. Electronic signs also provide retailers a unique way to extend their internal branding efforts.

So we'll see how today goes. I was feeling very good about today's session until I went to their website and was confronted with this guy.

I hope people aren't walking around with sledgehammers. That could get messy.

"It will revolutionize our corporate communications."

Thursday, April 29, 2010 by Chuck Gose

One of my favorite under-the-radar movies is The Paper. It has a star-laiden cast of Michael Keaton, Glenn Close, Robert Duvall, Marisa Tomei, Randy Quaid and so on.

Anyways, the movie is 24 hours in the life of a New York newspaper. (Think 24 the TV show before there was a 24.) There's one scene toward the end where Michael Keaton's character is trying to get a quote out of cop about a murder case. The cop finally says, "He didn't do it." It's exactly what Keaton wanted but couldn't believe the cop said the quote.

This week, I had my "He didn't do it" moment. I visited with an Ohio hospital group this week about installing MediaTile digital signage to help with their employee communications. We were mapping out locaitons, content ideas, strategy plans and so forth when the director of communications said:

"It will revolutionize our corporate communications."

She said it. She actually said it. I thought I was the only one who thought this way, but apparently there are others. What a ride.

In case you haven't seen The Paper, I can't recommend it enough. Here's a clip I found on YouTube.

Looking forward to the IABC World Conference

Friday, April 23, 2010 by Chuck Gose

Sure, it's still a month and a half away, but I'm really looking forward to the 2010 IABC World Conference this June in Toronto. I've been a member of IABC for practically my entire career but my first world conference was last year in San Francisco.

Far and away, it was one of the best corporate communication shows I've ever attended. And according to the IABC website, they estimate more than 1,400 communications professionals will attend.

MediaTile exhibited last year and we'll be there again (booth #312). Many of the companies we are working with today on implementing digital signage at their companies I met at the 2009 conference. Given that Toronto is IABC's largest local chapter, I only expect more of the same.

Heads, shoulders, knees and toes (of digital signage)

Tuesday, April 20, 2010 by Chuck Gose

There's not a lot of readily available research being done in corporate communications so I take what I learn from the retail world and apply it.

At last week's Digital Signage Contest Strategies Summit in Las Vegas, I had the chance to hear Michael Twitty, Director of Shopper Insights for Unilever Americas, discuss the pros and cons of signage placement in retail stores. His focus, given that he works for Unilever, is primarily on consumer packaged goods (he called them CPGs - I had to look it up) but the advice he had is sound no matter what the installation is.

He said that in somewhat tight environments, you shouldn't put anything below somebody's waist or above their eyes if you want them to notice your message. This includes digital signage.

Now clearly there are times in the corporate communications world where you will want to put screens up high for "the world" to notice, but I do screens in break areas, elevator banks, lobbies, etc. that are put way up high and in the corner. I did it. It seems like a good place.

I fall victim to this at home. Whenever I hang a picture, I always put it up too high (I'm 6'4"). It's eye level for me. . . but not for many others.

So when you look at what the retail world is doing and they have revenue and profits tied to proper placement, don't you think corporate communicators should take heed? Placement may not be as important as content but it's still very important to get it right.

Michael Twitty knows what he's talking about.

HumanKiosk gets some love from Digital Signage Today

Wednesday, April 14, 2010 by Chuck Gose

Earlier this week, our award-winning HumanKiosk was given a pat on the back from Digital Signage Today. The article highlighted how new technology will change engagement through digital signage.

Keith Kelsen authored this article and is also the author "Unleashing the Power of Digital Signage – Content Strategies for the 5th Screen." Pulling a bit from the article, Keith writes:

I am always impressed by the impact of technology on media and then the impact that will have on us as viewers and media creators: Even how we define "viewer" is in flux right now.

Looking back at the technology advances of the last year and where these may lead us, we can see where "viewer" will become "participant" in the near- and long-term future.

In the near term, displays have delivered on the HD promise, but where do we go from here? What about the connected technology that creates a whole new form of engagement?

When I speak about connected technology I am talking about multilevel, multidynamic, multidimensional connections. These areas have and will create largely new, connected display systems that will transform our viewers into engaged participants.

In one type of connected displays, we have a digital signage network that allows us to change content, update ads, and receive feedback in what I call "Linear Connectedness."

With our HumanKiosk, there is true two-way interaction and communication with the viewing party. Not only are they able to interact with the content, but they have the ability to provide real-time feedback. Very powerful stuff.

For those attending NAB this week in Las Vegas, the Human Kiosk is on display in the Verizon Wireless booth (#SU8502). Check it out.

MediaTile technology on display at #Kioskcom in the Walsh Wireless booth (#314)

Wednesday, April 14, 2010 by Chuck Gose

The exhibit hall doors opened just a few minutes ago for Kioskcom & Digital Signage Show. If you happen to be here today, stop by the Walsh Wireless booth (#314).

They have on display a very cool and practical application of our cellular digital signage for the retail space. The unit is a free-standing display that would allow a retailer to embed digital signage inside a portable display. Walsh and MediaTile partnered with In-Store Experience to create this product.

We provided the digital signage technology. Walsh Wireless provided the cellular broadband capabilities. And In-Store Experience contributed the physical structure. Great example of a partnership coming together to create a viable product for retailers.

But stand doesn't need to be confined to just retail and consumers. Thinkn about how this could enhance employee communications if you're looking to showcase information. Or for visitors to a venue. The opportunities are endless but the technology is here.

MediaTile, Walsh Wireless and In-Store Experience

Digital Signage Content Strategies Summit: Day 2 in Review #DSContent

Wednesday, April 14, 2010 by Chuck Gose

Wow. You know when you go to conferences and you may not get much out of them but you're still overly complimentary? This is not the case at all. Day 2 of the Strategy Institute's Digital Signage Content Strategies Summit was awesome. And those aren't just my words, but the feedback from other attendees.

Aside from being a consumer myself, I don't have any experience in the retail world and truly am not aware of the challenges they face in the digital world. After yesterday, color me enlightened. Just follow the hash tag #DSContent and you can see all of the messages I shared from the @MediaTile Twitter account.

The day was a good balance of what the possibilities are with digital technology along with many of the obstacles that still exist. Here are a few of my observations...

Kevin Flatt and Mark Renshaw, Leo Burnett and Arc Worldwide, showcased the future of what digital can be in the retail world, using a great analogy of who's driving the bus. Apparently agencies are the drivers who know where they want to go but often get lost and NEVER ask for directions.
Paul Flanigan, The Preset Group, led a panel of Michael Twitty, Unilever Americas, and Jim Lucas, Draftfcb. The information spewing out of Michael was amazing. I practically couldn't type fast enough about how brands are viewing digital in the consumer packaged goods world. This will lead to future blog posts.
And we finally had our first Foursquare mention with Stephen Randall, LocaModa. Stephen did a great job showcasing how digital signage and social media content can play quite nicely in the same sandbox. His point that "you must view that your digital signage message has a range of 20 miles, not 20 feet," really hit home with the audience.
And then there is Bob Stowe, Wendy's. Bob added an important element to the conference, highlighting the challenges faced when working with large corporations. Many wonder why quick service restaurants have been somewhat slow to adapt to digital signage. Bob outlined all of the players that get involved and the challenges with each. Though I don't think he'll be getting the key to the city of Detroit anytime soon. He mentioned that one of their stores stays open 24 hours solely due to security concerns. Yikes.
Rudy Dearborn, MGM Mirage, outlined the history that his casino has had with the technology along with some of the unique content challenges. What was peculiar is that they use Mac Minis to drive displays and had to have custom mounts built, along with a custom digital signage software application. BUT they do a great job of utilizing existing resources and data to keep content fresh and relevant.
And last but not least, our very own Simon Wilson and David Ozer, iPOWOW!, presented on the importance of getting instantaneous viewer feedback of what they are seeing on the screens. The audience didn't appear to be a big hunting crowd, so the example of how Hunter Specialities is using touch-screen technology in endcaps to promote their products. All kidding aside, the digital signage has given them a 30% sales uplift. That's no laughing matter.

So, all in all, a great show. But during the networking lunch, one of the attendees asked me how much of our business was in non-retail. Quite a bit in fact. He was curious why there was no attention paid to corporate communication networks.

I told him that's my challenge. That's why I do what I do. That's my crusade.

"Content is easy. But good content is the challenge." Day 1 at the Digital Signage Content Strategies Summit

Tuesday, April 13, 2010 by Chuck Gose

Day 1 at the Strategy Institute's Digital Signage Content Strategies Summit was a good one. Even though I am very corporate communication focused, attending events like these are very helpful. It gives me a chance to learn what the retail industry and agencies are doing or have tried in the digital signage space. The first day was very agency-driven but that's not a bad thing. These are the people we need to have engaged in the market.

The comment that kept bouncing around in my head was mentioned by Pat Hellberg at The Preset Group. He led a panel of creative designers and while they were getting set up, he said, "Content is easy. But good content is the challenge." This sentiment applies to not just digital signage, but every medium.

I'd really like for corporate communicators to take note of this phrase. Digital signage software makes it easy to simply throw up content on to screens, but that's not what you need. What you need is really good content up on your network.

This is no different from an employee newsletter or intranet. You load them with crap and nobody is going to pay attention. Plain and simple.
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The chairperson for the event is Keith Kelsen, former CEO of MediaTile and author of Content Strategies for the 5th Screen. This is the first book dedicated to digital signage content and was launched at Digital Signage Expo. I'm proud of the work Keith put in writing the book and hope he has continued success with it.
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On a side note, I was surprised not to hear one mention of Foursquare, Gowalla or any other geolocation social media tool. I am far from an expert, but I think there is a huge integration possibility between these tools, digital signage and the retail industry. Maybe the digital signage shows how many check-ins there have been, who the mayor is, or what (if any) discounts you can get.

Busy week ahead in Vegas starts off with the Strategy Institute

Wednesday, April 7, 2010 by Chuck Gose

It seems like we're just coming off from Digital Signage Expo, but we're back out in Las Vegas next week for the next round of shows. It's going to be busy (maybe even a bit hectic) but we'll have all of the bases covered.

Kicking off the week at Mandalay Bay is the Strategy Institute's Digital Signage Content Strategies Summit Monday and Tuesday. MediaTile has been a longtime supporter of the Strategy Institute's shows and we're glad to be a sponsor of this event as well.

The focus of this how is bringing all of the pieces of a digital signage network together. MediaTile CEO Simon Wilson and iPOWOW's David Ozer are speaking on day two about measuring audience feedback and capturing sentiment.

I'll be out there for the conference. And I mentioned it was a busy week. Also going on is Kioskcom/Digital Signage Show and NAB. We're involved in those events as well. Stay tuned for future posts.

A perfect marriage: corporate communications & April Fool's

Thursday, April 1, 2010 by Chuck Gose

I love April Fool's Day. It caters to my two favorite audiences: the gullible and the paranoid.

When I did corporate communications full time, I always tried to have some fun with April Fool's Day. Never at any one particular person's expense but enough that it would make me giggle.

At one company, I passed around a memo from the Information Technology Business Service (ITBS) Department requesting that all mouse balls be turned in to be cleaned and calibrated. Most got the joke, but it was funnier to see people walking down the halls holding their mouse balls.

I'm also a big fan of publishing April Fool's newsletters and intranets. It's just good clean fun. (And important to note that I always got executive approval beforehand.) Corporate communicators tend to get beat on so this was the one day to really have some fun and be creative with employee communications.

I'd love to see or hear examples of April Fool's content that anybody created for their digital signage network.

I recently learned that the BBC actually has a sense of humore and puts out an April Fool's video news story. This one is from a few year's back about a special colony of penguins. Funny but also harmless. So have some fun today.

Our HumanKiosk wins 1st place at CTIA Wireless

Thursday, March 25, 2010 by Chuck Gose

Amazed. Thrilled. Ecstatic. Proud.

Just a few words to describe our response to the HumanKiosk winning the first place award for emerging technology in the enterprise mobile marketing and advertising category at the International CTIA Wireless show in Las Vegas.

The HumanKiosk is more than just digital signage. We truly believe it will revolutionize the relationship between brands and customers. 4G cellular technology can deliver a live two-way conversation, helping customers get questions answered immediately and resolving many pain points for brands. The HumanKiosk can directly and immediately improve communication between customers and brands. It takes content for digital signage and make it LIVE.

For those who aren't familiar (I wasn't), the CTIA Emerging Technology (E-Tech) Awards program celebrates and promotes the most innovative wireless products and services in the areas of consumer, enterprise and network technology.

Each year, nearly 300 applications are submitted and reviewed by a panel of recognized members of the media, industry analysts and executives. Products are judged on innovation, functionality, technological importance, implementation and overall “wow” factor.

So considering all of this, you can imagine our enthusiasm over the recognition.

Want to get better at digital signage content?

Wednesday, March 24, 2010 by Chuck Gose

Everybody who operates a digital signage network should want to improve the quality and relevancy of their content. Many have said, "Content is king." And it is very important, but it must also not just be great looking content but also relevant content to the audiences.

If you're looking to get better at content, there's still time to sign up for our free webinar on "Creating effective content for digital signage networks."

Neal Kealer from Met|Hodder will join us Thursday, March 25 (TOMORROW) at 2:00 pm EST. It won't take up much of your day, just 30 minutes, and pick up some great tips and techniques from an industry expert and learn what we mean when we talk about "contextual relevance."

We hope you can find time to join us.

Free webinar: Creating Effective Content for Digital Signage Networks

Monday, March 22, 2010 by Chuck Gose

As I wrote last month, the MediaTile sales team is committed to providing free educational opportunities and we're doing this through a series of free webinars. The next is this coming Thursday. Here's this month's topic.

Digital signage is an effective and increasingly common way to reach buyers. After making the investment in the right technology, brands need to take a closer look at the content on the screens to make sure that the investment isn't lost.

Successful digital signage has what we at MediaTile like to call "contextual relevance." Is the message reaching the right person at a time? Can we find a way to cause an action from the consumer? In that magical moment, brands have a huge opportunity to sway an audience.

The magical moment of contextual relevance is where brands can affect the ROI. Understanding the audience is a good first step. MediaTile has invited Neal Keilar from Met|Hodder to share content methodology. Join us for this free digital signage webinar on Thursday 3/25 at 2 PM EST.

The message will be very retail-, brand- and agency-focused, but sometimes those are the best way to even learn how to craft internal communications messages. See how the "big boys" are doing it and then mimic. In a weird way, they are competition for your employees' attention.

I hate digital signage

Monday, March 15, 2010 by Chuck Gose

If you would have asked me what I thought of digital signage, that's what I would have said just 4 or 5 years ago. Well, first off, I wouldn't have even known the term "digital signage."

But if you had asked, "What do you think of the network of TVs you use for internal communications?" I would have said I hated it.

Though it wasn't because the tool was effective. It was actually amazingly effective for employee communications. The problem was that the software used to manage the network was such a pain in the you-know-what. Way too restrictive and way to IT-reliant. Digital signage wasn't a communication network; it was an IT network.

And this wasn't just one system. This was two. And two separate vendors. Create content on one PC and upload it a file folder that existed somewhere. Then go over to another PC and put the software on that computer to the folder. Clap three times and then hit submit.

What a nightmare. Now though so many things have improved with digital signage and software is just one of them. With MediaCast, our SaaS-based solution, you can manage your digital signage network from any computer with an updated browser. Upload your own content or create messaging right inside the system.

But it's funny to me to think that just a few years ago I was not a fan of digital signage, but now I'm one of the industry's loudest cheerleaders. Sometimes it comes down to having the right tools in place.