Digital signage features such as rebooting, auto starting display, dayparting, turning screen ON/OFF and advance scheduling is explained.
We live in the digital age and expect instant gratification with the least amount of effort; while reaping maximum benefits. Even using a smart phone has now become tedious, especially with all the built-in features and applications. At times, we tend to forget the purpose of the technology purchase, as it has taken over the users lives and caused a whole new set of redundant routines.
Similarly, digital signage has evolved from a simple slideshow of pictures using PowerPoint or some similar software to a far more advanced endeavor of displaying images, video, websites, RSS feeds, weather, news and other such information. Managing these digital signs requires some planning as to what content needs to be displayed, when it needs to be displayed, how often it needs to be displayed. In addition, the managers have to ensure that the screen are turned on / off based on the locations working hours and manage other hardware related functions.
Businesses install multiple screens located in a single location or at times over numerous locations spread out over a large geographical area. Managing these and making sure that they are doing what they have been set up for is a constant concern of the person managing the digital display screens. Further, digital sign screen managers are always concerned if the screens in question have received the required updates for display and are behaving in the manner that they have been setup.
Using the correct digital signage software is crucial in alleviating these concerns as these applications are designed based on user experiences and factor almost all variables that a digital screen manager might encounter.
Typically, the digital signage installation must have the ability to:
- Reboot itself
- Turn screen ON / OFF
- Auto start display
- Dayparting
- Setup advance scheduling
Reboot itself
Each digital signage media player must have the ability to reboot itself periodically (daily, biweekly, etc.), with the intent of making sure that it regains the internet connection it may have been disconnected from, clear cache memory (which ensures better display), receive content, playlist and other updates.
Turn screen ON / OFF
The digital sign player must have the ability to turn the televisions ON or OFF depending on the locations working hours. This should be able to do so without the requirement of any person being delegated to actual manage this daily routine function. This critical function perfectly automates this daily mundane but vital task and eliminates any possible situations when the screen is either not turned OFF or left ON when the place of business is closed. In addition, this feature extends the televisions screen life, while saving on electricity cost.
Auto start display
The software must have the capability of auto starting the display without any human intervention, as soon as the media player is ready to commence display or has rebooted itself.
Dayparting
Dayparting is the ability of dividing the day into multiple segments, during each of which a different type of content suitable for that time is displayed. Content is most often targeted toward a specific audience, and what the target clientele typically involves in at that time.
Setup advance scheduling
The software must have the ability to schedule content for display at future dates, so that the manager can have the freedom to plan ahead and bulk upload content.
Using the appropriate digital signage software will make sure that these repetitive tasks are easily taken care of and let the screen manager focus on increasing revenue; rather than worry about his investment in digital signage.