Info Source: (Digital Signage Weekly)
Timing is critical when it comes to broadcasting emergency messages to students, employees or customers and now with Digital Display Group’s new Live Safety Live Control interface, your digital signage system can be updated instantaneously by your existing security and other protection networks.
Everything from severe weather alert warnings to critical security announcements can be made immediately, thanks to a new component of the CastNET interface. The software can be configured to broadcast these messages system-wide or only to selected displays, and can be created right from the interface or triggered automatically from fire alarms or other monitoring systems.
Here’s the official statement from Digital Display Group’s product manager Joshua Hoffer: "The Live Safety Live Control option gives customers a whole new level of control and purpose to their digital signage system. CastNET powered digital signage can now be used for more than advertising and employee communication; it can be used to give warnings to guests, employees, or customers. Live Safety Live Control also gives users the ability to immediately display immediate special announcements with a simple click of the mouse or from an outside trigger."
IMS is your partner in consulting, designing and installing CastNet and many other digital signage elements. We are an award-winning team of engineers, designers and installation technicians dedicated to the successful integration of technology for your specific needs.
Contact Jack Cary at jcary@ims-av.com or call IMS at 610-361-1870
2008-08-14
Auto-Trigger Your Emergency Messaging Services via Digital Signage
2008-07-28
Best of InfoComm 2008
And as always, your IMS Audio Visual representatives have brought back stacks of samples, giveaways and brochures from ground-breaking developers and manufacturers
...with you in mind!
Here are a few of the freshest new products that we've specifically hand-picked to promote to our clientele. We're looking forward to discussing these opportunities and services with our valued customers!
2008-07-07
New Facility Showcases Possibilities
Earlier this year, our organization moved from 2 separate warehouse and office locations into a combined joined space of 26,000 square feet in Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania. Through months of planning and discussions with each internal department, we were able to design a fully-customized and personalized home intended not only to gain additional warehouse/office space, but to increase employee productivity and efficiency as well as provide an environment where our very own products and services could be showcased in a real-world setting to our potential clients.
As they enter our new building through the lobby, visitors are greeted by a reception desk (with an actual human being!), but enhanced with multiple digital signage displays utilizing the very same hardware and software applications that are in many of our Digital Signage and AV Integration projects. In addition to current time, weather and scrolling news headlines these displays also promote via video (created in-house) the various divisions and services of our organization.
Before their arrival on-site, a digital greeting has been created with our guest’s names and professional affiliation, which is incorporated into the running loop of digital video content. Not only does this promote our services and make our visitors feel welcomed, it allows for them to see in a real-world environment what can be achieved through the digital signage solutions we provide at IMS.
This experience continues as we meet with clients in our main boardroom, equipped with the same electronic projection screens, touch-panel control systems and hide-away, in-ceiling projectors that we’ve installed for many of our customers. As we go through our sales pitch, not only are the products described in PowerPoint slides, but can be seen, heard and experienced first hand, with a literal “hands-on” experience. Clients can see how AV elements can easily be integrated into existing room décor, controlled with a graphic-based interface and see a fully-functioning video conferencing solution between our other smaller conference rooms.
We’ve gone even further by allowing our visitors to view the guts and inner workings of the AV systems they plan on purchasing. Our servers, racks and monitors that operate our in-house system are regular stops on the tour through the building. Our clients want to know that whoever does their next install can do so in a clean and efficient manner, so we allow them to look behind the curtain at our own racks of gear, installed and wired by the very hands that will be putting together the system for our clients.
Upstairs, in the Event Staging Warehouse and Offices, our clients can see just what emphasis we put into proper processes, planning and organization. We’ve designed our warehouse from scratch with efficiency first and foremost. Our loading docks range from street-level, drive-in doors to van height docks to tractor-trailer height docks, to accommodate whatever situation may arise. All cable and gear are arranged to avoid unnecessary ladder usage; enhancing the safety of personnel and equipment. The space is laid out to promote the flow of gear from the shelves to the staging area and then to the trucks. Upon return, the gear is off-loaded into an area separate from the staging area, accessible to QC and repair stations (with dedicated areas for audio, video and lighting) before being returned to the shelves.
Safety for our drivers is also a big priority, and we provide each vehicle with visor-attached pouches containing registration & insurance cards, gas cards, accident information packets as well as disposable cameras for incident documentation.
Rental inventory control is maintained through a wireless barcode scanning procedure, which is integrating directly into our show planning, venue information and billing applications
These are some of the highlights of IMS’ new home! Through the entire planning stage we’ve focused on functionality, efficiency, employee safety and the ability to showcase our services in a working environment for our clients. We’re very proud of the accomplishments and growth that we’ve seen in this past year and plan to use our new facility to bring in many new clients for Event Staging, AV Integration, Digital Signage and Video Production opportunities!
2008-04-30
Scala Debuts InfoChannel 5 Release 3
IMS Audio Visual is excited to announce Scala's InfoChannel 5 Release 3. This new release shows Scala’s continued commitment to being the world leader in digital signage software. InfoChannel 5 Release 3 adds new features and modules, performance improvements and fixes.
InfoChannel Designer ScreenShot Content Manager Screen Shot
• A new high-performance video-playback engine that plays back videos much faster than before, including 60fps video, and HD video on suitable hardware.
• Supported playback of H.264 (MPEG-4) video files. H.264 offers high visual quality at a smaller file size than MPEG-2 or WMV files.
• The new Broadcast Server module allows you to distribute content and plans to players using a multicast or package delivery network.
• A PC's display can now be in spanning / stretched mode, which performs better and looks cleaner than using two independent displays.
• Support for text-entry field elements from the Buttons panel. This allows you to create interactive applications that take keyboard input.
• You can now specify a proxy server's URL, username, and password.
• Publishing individual files that are bigger than 4GB is now supported.
• Sub-playlists can be easily created by multi-selecting media items and clicking Create Sub-Playlist.
• Text elements using variables, and text crawls now support inline and adjacent style changes for font, color, italics, size, etc.
• You can now "synchronize players" instead of "generating plans"
These improvements are only some of the enhancements which continue to be released as InfoChannel 5 passes its 1 year anniversary.
If you are currently using Scala IC3, now is the time to consider upgrading to InfoChannel 5.
Scala is the world leader in software for digital signage. With two decades of experience in the industry, Scala is committed to digital signage. Scala offers innovative, cutting-edge technology and Scala partners help customers integrate digital signage software, hardware, and technology resulting in the best possible digital signage network.
More information is available at www.scala.com.
Please contact Jack Cary at jcary@ims-av.com or call 610-361-1870 to inquire how you can move up to the world standard in digital signage.
2008-04-04
2008-03-31
IMS Provides Pilot Retail Location with Digital Signage
IMS Audio Visual recently installed a Nexus Digital Signage system at US Supply’s newest retail location in Spring City, PA.
Read More +/-
After some careful decision making during the discovery phase or the project, management at US Supply decided to deploy to the retail location by first using their newest location as a pilot. US Supply settled on Nexus after evaluated several other options.
The key reason was Nexus’ ability to provide a “hosted solution” reducing the initial capital expenditure and leveraging the knowledge and content development experience of the Nexus team.
The system includes a 37” LCD display located behind the cashier stations. Audio is also provided through directional ceiling speakers that are hung above the areas where contractors congregate during checkout. A single networked player allows content to be updated quickly and easily through the Nexus web portal. Content provides customers with information about the newest products, local news and weather and promotional video clips.
US Supply operates 15 retail locations in the mid-atlantic area with expansion plans to add more in the new future. Each store will eventually be equipped with at least a single screen and all stores will be able to brand and identify their corporate identity as well as display local news, weather and items of local interest. All of the content can be accessed and controlled through a web interface and managed through one central location.
For more information about IMS Digital Signage Solutions contact Jack Cary, Manager of Digital Signage, at jcary@ims-av.com or call IMS Audio Visual at 610-361-1870
2008-03-10
Digital Signage Expo 2008 Review
Digital Signage Expo
February 26-28, 2008
Read More (Expand/Collapse)
It reminded me of attending NAB over the past four or five years when HD had started as “hype” but finally, in 2006 it became evident that HD was here and mainstream. The story is true now of Digital Signage, as it is here and looks like a very strong market for at least the next 7-10 years.
Scala +/-
As interactivity and customer engagement were being discussed in all of the conference sessions, one of Scala’s partner companies, Diva was in their booth with an interactive display. The presentation addressed all senses taking the visitor on a beach experience with light, heat, smell and visual effects. Scala showed its market leadership with the InfoChannel 5 offerings and developments in all vertical markets.
Digital Display Group(CastNET) +/-
DDG had a small presence at the expo but they offer a unique upgrade to a Scala system. Their company is the largest Scala VAR in the country and they have developed a “template-based”, web-browser and easy to use interface for Scala. The core of the system depends on the Scala engine but with CastNET organizations can leverage many resources within that organization to provide, improve and update content, easily and from the convenience of the internet browser. The systems are enterprise wide but DDG recently introduced a new “Solo” turnkey solution for smaller applications. CastNET also offers unique modules specific to the casino and hospitality markets that interface with slot controllers to provide casino-wide “celebrations when someone hits a big jackpot.
For passive or interactive signage system Nexus partnered with LG in their booth at DES and highlighted a recent interactive display they did for the PGA tour. Their systems are built mostly in a “Software as a Service”, hosted model and they have had great success with universities who are looking to create way finding and security tie-ins for campus signage system. They have also done projects with CBRE and for other, live sporting events.
AGNPro+/-
By far the busiest booth on Wednesday as AGNPro showcased their Media Player and Network products. Of special interest was their new MiniBox HD which includes a compact flash card slot and touts 1080p resolution all for a MSRP of $995.00. This digital signage media player is by far one of the hottest products at the event. They also were showing the networked 720p version of this media player.
AMX +/-
Unique applications integrating control and AMX’s Inspired Signage offering. They were showcasing a vertical video wall made up of 5, 42” LCDs driven by the Inspired Signage players and displaying high resolution, processed images across all five displays. The 1920 x 1080 resolution and almost unlimited expandability was impressive.
Another highlight was the development of integrating the features of AMX’s RMS (Room Management System) with their signage product allowing for a completely integrated solution with touch screen or passive applications.
Sharp +/-
Their 108” LCD is due for release this summer. They have the best looking screens in 46”, 52” and 65”. They also have low end ($600.00) digital signage software they hooked into with a third party. Their black matrix technology delivers very high contrast and these screens, although higher priced than some of the other top contenders are by far producing the best looking HD images.
i-Tech +/-
A company with outdoor LCD technology – had a display that was being completely drenched with water illustrating their outdoor, weatherproof designs.
DataCall +/-
RSS feed subscriptions for insertion into digital signage system. Offerings include news, weather, sports, stocks and other national and localized packages.
Other Observations +/-
Most of the breakout sessions were conducted by vendors who were sharing their most recent wins, especially the larger, retail projects. Content and its development, how it’s billed, who will be creating it and how it is deployed still reigned as king. HD content was debated but it is what most everyone now wants to see. There seems to be a debate in the higher end advertising model for retail about charging for content vs free content but most of all the content itself is very critical. Content is getting more sophisticated.Businesses need to engage their customers.
Digi Award CeremonyBy far the highlight of the show. About 200 people attended the DigiAwards Ceremony on Thursday evening at the close of the event. We received our award in the category of Healthcare/Creativity for the Health Advocate project. Recognition was bestowed on all winners with visual slides shows of the projects, descriptions and comments by the Master of Ceremonies and the actual acceptance of the award itself. IMS is very proud of this award, as we found ourselves in the company of the major players in the Digital Signage market; a sign that we are serious about our commitment to this technology and in finding the best solutions for our customers.
Contact us at (610) 361-1870
www.ims-av.com
2008-02-25
Digital Signage by IMS on YouTube
With our growing capabilities in the areas of video production and editing, we has launched our own Channel on YouTube, highlighting the various Divisions of our organization through short video reels showcasing our work and some of our people.
Currently, we are operating 5 business units: Show Services & Event Staging, System Integration, Service, Digital Signage and Video Content Production. Check out the piece on Digital Signage below and the rest at IMS Audio Visual's YouTube Channel.
Stay tuned for new updates and new video reels highlighting our projects and other successes throughout our company!
2008-02-15
IMS Receives 2008 DigiAward
IMS Audio Visual, Inc. announced today that it has been awarded the 2008 DIGI Award for Excellence in Creativity, Healthcare, from The Digital Signage Group. This recognition is for the Digital Signage Design and Integration of a custom system at Plymouth Meeting, PA. based Health Advocate, Inc.
“It’s a terrific honor to be recognized by our peers for our design and installation at Health Advocate”, said Bob Lobascio, VP of Sales and Marketing for IMS. “It was a fun and interesting project. We have to thank Health Advocate and specifically Marty Rosen, their Chief Marketing Officer, for his vision which allowed our team to take on the challenge of creating their digital environment. Our clients give us the opportunity to work diligently, to stay on top of rapidly changing technologies, and to suggest the very best solutions for their projects. The digital signage industry has grown exponentially in the recent years and to know that our team produced an award winning project, during this growth period for digital signage, is very satisfying.”
IMS completed the successful project that brought together a “Welcome Wall” featuring a 50” 1080P HD display and an ultra large display featuring a floating 130” diagonal HD Nippura Blue Ocean™ rear projection screen driven by a Sanyo PLV-WF10™ LCD projector, in the main Lobby Exhibit Area. Both displays in the Exhibit Area show automated content; each with a networked AGNPRO miniBox™ HMP HD media player. The Exhibit area then opens into the Boardroom which features a Digital Gallery comprised of ten 32” flat panel displays showing automated content through ten networked AGNPRO miniBox™ NMP network media players. In addition, a 106” diagonal HD rear projection system is driven by a Sanyo PVL-80 LCD projector and networked PCs. Health Advocate’s messaging is further communicated throughout the headquarters to their operations departments utilizing six strategically placed 50” 720P HD flat panel displays showing automated content with an AGNPRO oneBox HD™ Digital Signage Appliance. With the exception of the Digital Gallery, the entire display system is controlled via an AMX NI-3100 and Modero 8.5” wireless touch panel, programmed with customized matrix switching.
This Digital Signage system creates a striking multi-media experience that emphasizes the fundamental elements of Health Advocate’s services to visitors, affiliates and vendors; while communicating the company’s core communications and messaging to employees. As a result, interaction and communication has increased among the above mentioned groups due to the systems high impact and easy to use technology. The system is a tool to market more effectively and overall it provides an experience that enhances Health Advocate’s potential for growth.
The Digital Signage Group will be announcing the winners of the fourth annual DIGI Awards during the Digital Signage Expo in Las Vegas, Feb 27-28th. IMS will be participating in a special Digital Signage panel discussion held at the Expo.
About IMS Audio Visual, Inc.
IMS Audio Visual Inc. is a privately held company, based in Aston, Pa. As one of the fastest growing AV companies in the Philadelphia region, IMS operates five business units: Show Services/Event Staging, AV Design/Integration, Service, Pre & Post Video Production and Rental Services. IMS serves clients in the corporate, education and private sector markets, from small organizations to Fortune 100 companies and has been for 14 years strong.
About Health Advocate, Inc.
Health Advocate was founded to help employers and other organizations and their respective employees better navigate the clinical and administrative complexities of the nation’s healthcare and insurance systems. The company currently serves more than 10 million Americans nation-wide through its relationships with 3,000+ employers, unions, third-party administrators and insurers, including some of the nation’s largest companies as well as a wide range of local and regional organizations. Health Advocate offers its clients a broad spectrum of time and money saving solutions including its core advocacy service as well as other adjunct wellness and HR solutions.
About The Digital Signage Group
The Digital Signage Group is a specialty distributor 100% focused on Digital Signage. They co publish the Digital Signage Resource Directory and Digital Signage Magazine. More information is available at www.tdsg.net
For additional information on Digital Signage please contact Bob Lobascio at 610-361-1870 or visit www.ims-av.com
Read the Health Advocate Case Study on IMS-AV.com
IMS Audio Visual Signs Official Digital Signage Partnerships
IMS Audio Visual has reached an agreement with Scala and has gained status as a value-added reseller. IMS, utilizing Scala's™ high-powered and world recognized software, will offer complete, turnkey solutions, software and maintenance. Leveraging 14 years of experience and a 42+ employee team, IMS has the design, engineering, project management, integration and support services to help customers as they develop their short and long range plans for Digital Signage roll outs.
In addition to Scala's Info Channel 5™ software, IMS Audio Visual will enhance the power of Scala by also offering CastNET™. CastNET is a web-browser based compliment solution that works in harmony with Scala to create an even-easier to use digital signage solution. CastNET empowers many users to create and update content easily through any web-browser, from any PC, without the need for any additional installed software. CastNET provides over 700 template combinations that allow multiple users to update content fast, without having any graphics experience. IMS Audio Visual is positioning Scala and CastNET as high-end digital signage solutions for many applications but directed toward corporate, higher education and gaming customers.
IMS Audio Visual Announces New Digital Signage Division
Read More +/-
An east coast firm offering a diverse lineup of digital signage “appliance” products ideal for entry level systems and stand-alone signage projects. All AGN I PRO products offer compact size, plug-and-play ease of use, simple, inexpensive software and no requirement for “high-powered” PCs. Headquartered in Exton, Pa with operations in California, the UK, Norway, The Netherlands, China and Japan. Scala is used by some of the largest digital signage engagements and most respectable partners in the industry. InfoChannel 5™ introduces the brand-new InfoChannel Content Manager™ which together with other significant Authoring, Network Management and Playback enhancements ensures that this next generation of digital signage software offers unequaled new features including a new 3D-based rendering engine for improved visual quality and performance and multiple independent output channels per remote Player PC dramatically reducing hardware costs at remote playback locations. A web-enabled digital signage solution which was developed to enhance Scala. CastNET works with Scala adding a fully web-enabled feature that allows you to add, update and manage information displayed on any digital display via a simple web browser like Explorer™. An easy 4-step interface empowers many users to share in the content creation and updating process through hundreds of provided templates. Graphics, text and HD quality, full motion video can all be combined in a simple to use, scalable application.
IMS has conducted extensive market research to establish the best possible blend of products and services to help customers seeking communications solutions. Twelve of the most dominate digital signage developers were chosen for analysis and each was required to provide information based on a thirty category comparison grid. The final group was then interviewed and asked to provide demonstrations of the products and four companies emerged as IMS partners for the Digital Signage Solutions Division.
AGN Pro +/-
Scala, Inc. +/-
AGN Pro +/-
Nexus +/-
A Dallas based digital signage company with offices in Oklahoma, the UK and Malaysia provides two distinct levels of digital signage products. Nexus On-Demand is a “software- as-a-service” offering for clients who do not wish to purchase and manage an on site solution. Nexus CS is an online content and network management suite that is utilized to develop and control enterprise media applications and networks. The Nexus solutions are currently used by companies such as CB Richard Ellis, The University of Oklahoma, EDS, and Pioneer Electronics.
IMS Audio Visual has over 10 years experience in the dynamic AV business under the leadership of Jill and John Renninger and is considered one of the fastest expanding AV companies in the region. IMS operates two business units: Show Services/Event Staging and Audio Visual “Design/Build” integration.
For more information contact Jack R. Cary at 610-361-1870 or jcary@ims-av.com
See significant energy savings
by allowing Crestron's newest application
automatically adjust lights, drapes, thermostats and sprinklers/fountains based on daylight, time, motion, occupancy, temperature, humidity and other conditions. Monitor and control all these elements from any computer with RoomView remote management software.
The ultimate team collaboration tool!
Eliminate the laptop huddle. Capture input from multiple participants on one common display while they copy and paste text to and from each other. Disseminate meeting notes instantaneously and automatically. Perfect for classrooms or group work sessions.
Crestron 6X
Designed for speed and versatility. With back-lit pushbuttons and sleek glossy finish, it looks great on the desktop then transforms into a portable wireless RF device. View full-screen, full-motion video on the brilliant color screen.
Up to an incredible 5,000 hours on one high-efficiency electrostatic filter!
Teliris Teleprescence
Documents, video, audio, presentations and a wide range of other content can be instantaneously shared and manipulated across any number of locations, naturally and easily, as if participants are in the same room. This is the first-ever multi-touch surface designed specifically for immersive collaboration business use.
An affordable online presence available through VBoss's end to end solution for capturing, streaming, managing, monetizing, and delivering your video content.
To learn more about any of these promising new developments in integraton and information technology, contact IMS Audio Visual.
ph: 610-361-1870
fx: 610-361-1873