FAQ

The Carleton Digital Signage Systems (DSS) is a group of TVs across Campus that can be used to show custom ads. Ads can be shown on a single screen, or shared across the entire campus, and the content can be managed from any computer with access to the internet.

• Each display screen is connected to a computer, which manages what content gets shown on the screen. The content is managed remotely, meaning we don’t have to visit each screen location every time we want to update the content.
• To post an ad, we simply launch of management software upload the new content, and schedule it. You can schedule the ad to start displaying straight away or at some point in the future, as well as set an end date, and specify which screens show the content.
• Once you post an ad, it gets put onto a playlist, which automatically rotates the content and manages playback.

The DSS can handle pretty much anything you can throw at it, but for the most part we use either images or video. We recommend PNG (or JPG) for images, and MP4 or AVI for video to ensure compatibility and ease of use. Content can be created in a variety of ways, including programs such as PowerPoint, Photoshop, Illustrator, CorelDraw and many other tools available online.

The initial cost to set up a digital signage system can range anywhere from $1600 to $6000 depending on location and the hardware required. Once installed, the maintenance cost is $500 per year. For a more detailed cost breakdown, click here.

Give us a call, or visit our ‘How do I get a screen?‘ page for more information. We can explain what’s needed to get started and where to get the materials.

Technically yes, but few locations are configured for its use. We don’t use sound as it’s often a distraction for staff that work near the screens.

There’s no official maximum run time, but we try to limit content to 30 seconds onscreen at a time. Frequency of play is dependent on the amount of content scheduled on that screen.

Here are some links to articles on how to help make sure you get the most out of your ads!

• UBC: Design Guidelines for Digital Signage
• Best practices for digital signage content