We’ve taken Google maps to the next level! As long as you have Web access, you can check out where your displays locations anytime from anywhere with our newinteractive Google Map View feature. This powerful tool allows for network owners and location managersto view the locationsof all current digital ads ensuring real-time accuracy. Network and location updates shown on UCView’s innovative new feature enable you to dynamically display your display locations on interactive map and display them on your website with a few simple clicks in just seconds. Simply go to the “Location and Displays” section under your account and click on the new button “Map View” to get started.
Tap into the full power of ucview with content Apps
For the first time, resellers using UCView SaaS - the Software as a Service solution for small and emerging digital signage network - can access many apps that enhance their displays. Digital signage Re sellers like you choose UCView SaaS because you want the versatility and flexibility of the UCView platform without the need to host your own digital signage server or work maintain the environment. In other words, you want the flexibility, simplicity, and confidence provided by UCView in the cloud.
The New UCView SaaS delivers on these key benefits:
Flexibility: UCView Digital Signage Content Store enable you to customize and enhance every area of your display - , integrate with other digital signage content providers, setup organization department and users, schedule and distribute your content securely and more.
Simplicity: The New UCView software enables you to activate many of these digital signage content apps with just a few clicks.
Confidence: “Trusted digital signage content apps” let you know that UCView has reviewed the apps and found that it meets or exceeds specifications for security and performance, and that the content apps comes from a trusted developer who has agreed to provide regular updates and technical support for the extension.
What is Layered Navigation? Well, it’s what makes drilling down into campaign and ads easier, for example: checking your playlist and showing which content plays where. This will be incredibly quick with UCView. Ver 3. When you login to UCView ver. 3 you can filter campaigns by any name section or ad name. In addition, when confronted with 100s of campaigns and displays containing thousands of ads spread across multiple pages, most users will simply throw in the towel. Give them the option to filter by what they are looking for, whether its ad name, tag, display name, location or any other aspect of the system, and it will filter your results. Now, layered navigation isn’t anything new, but the implementation of it on UCView will be incredibly fast and easy. The filter navigation will be found in any aspect of the portal , from campaigns, display to global view. Enjoy
QR code abbreviated from Quick Response code, it is a bar code made of a two-dimensional code that is readable by barcode scanner or camera telephones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The QR code can contain information like text, URL, phone number, SMS, or Contact information Vcard.
Today QR codes are used in many digital signage applications as call for action advertising, proof of performance and ROI use. The QR code allows the advertiser to provide the audience with fast access to information, promotion and coupons, without the need to memorize any coupon codes, website or contact information.
Some of the reasons they are more useful than a standard barcode is that they can store much more data, including URL links, geo coordinates, VCard, SMS, etc. Another key feature of QR Codes is that many modern cell phones can scan them. Once it is in your cell phone, it may give you details about that business or promotion.
How can you use QR codes to benefit digital signage?
There are many ways to utilize QR Codes in digital signage; the concept of QR codes in digital signage is to display the QR code on the screen in combination of content or an ad. The audience can scan the QR code from the display to get additional information on content or promotion displayed on the screen. Using this technology you can measure and improve the digital signage ROI.
The success in using QR codes is dependent on some important factors. First and foremost is that you need to have a captive audience and they are close enough to the screen so they will be able to scan the bar code. Second, if you going to have QR codes in your marketing plan for digital signage make sure you keep the content relevant and attractive.
How do I generate QR CODES? There many free or-code generators that can help you generate images of the QR code. You can use these images as an ad and upload them to your digital signage CMS, With UCView as we always promise to make thing simple, you can use our free app QR-Coder from our content store to generate your QR-code directly to your display. Using QR-Coder app you can generate any type of QR code in just seconds. You can publish the QR code as independent ad or as a sync ad related to any ad or content in your playlist, this will allow you to play relevant qr code to the content currently plays on the screen.
If you or your company are interested in learning more about partnership opportunities with UCView Digital Signage and UCView content store, please sign up at http://www.ucview.com/partners/join/
We are looking for Audio Video integrators, contnent creation creative, and design companies, advertising agencies and IT firms worldwide to join us and help lead the quest to revitalize the digital signage industry.
We expect to make a formal announcement regarding the partnership opportunities within 60 days.
So you have done your homework and know that you have the right number of screens. Yet, still it doesn’t seem like you are getting the engagement level that you expected from your campaigns. The next question to ask yourself is, “Where are your screens?”
If only one screen is placed in your location, and it’s positioned in a low traffic area, you might want to reconsider its placement. Positioning a screen in common areas provides for more viewers and as this number increases, the opportunity for audience engagement goes up as well. Just like supermarkets place their weekly specials at endcaps of aisles, placing a screen by the cash registers, or near an elevator entrance will lead to much higher levels of engagement with your audience.
Retail businesses have mastered the art of product positioning to a point where they can predict sales levels of a product just by knowing where in the store it is placed. High traffic areas yield more exposure and therefore, more purchases. This same theory can be applied to digital signage and engagement levels it can generate with your audience.
Another way to get your screens to work for you is by placing products you want to sell close to the screens. Remember, the goal of your screens is to get audience engagement. If you are running content that the audience wants to see, it’s the perfect opportunity to move some product at the same time. Place your specials or brochures near the displays and it will simplify the decision making process for your customers. Studies have shown that three out of four purchase decisions are made while in the store, and what better way to make these decisions easier than by strategic positioning of your displays?
It’s crucial to place a screen in an area where people will notice it and be willing to engage. For example, by the cash registers or in areas where people tend to congregate for longer periods of time, the screen can add the highest value. People have time to spare and it gives your business a great opportunity to engage with your patrons; whether it’s providing them with headline news, weather conditions, a social media stream, live TV, or your weekly specials, placing your screens in high traffic areas will lead to more engagement.
You’ve decided on the right number of screens and strategically positioned them; now comes the last step. What content will be displayed on your screens? You can have the most screens and best placement, but if you are running content people don’t care about, your entire investment could go to waste. In the next edition of the blog, we will discuss how content can push your digital signage network to the next level.
The first issue this series will address is the question of screen quantity. Is one screen enough or should you install a network of screens? This question is an important element in the process of figuring out how to improve the number of viewers and their engagement with the messages on screen. Is one screen enough to meet the foot-traffic that your location generates or would installing multiple screens be more beneficial? You may be concerned with difficulty of implementing a second or third screen and having to deal with content management for those as well.
With UCView’s ViewEdge advantage, you can control all your screens from one portal at the click of a button even from your smart phone. You have the freedom to select what content is displayed at what time and on which screen within seconds. We take the hassle out of signage management and simplify the process across all displays in your network.
For some locations, such as small shops and offices one screen may be enough. However, for most locations, one screen can not keep up with the foot-traffic that is generated. If a big crowd gathers around a screen, chances are people in the back will not be able to see what’s going on and their interest in the subject will be heightened. Enter the second screen running the same content and now more eyeballs are viewing the content and viewership has increased significantly. This is a great example of how installation of multiple screens can lead to more awareness and engagement with patrons at your business.
Not only do multiple screens increase engagement levels, they also boost impression numbers from a given ad that runs on the screens. Impression levels can increase exponentially, providing for a way for your company to generate increased advertising revenue.
Multiple screens can also cut down on the time your employee spends with a certain customer. For example, displaying information about your products and services on screen can help cut down on employee time spent answering basic questions, and that time can be reserved for more in depth conversations about a product or service.
At this point you may be asking yourself, “All of this multiple signage talk makes a lot of sense; but what about the extra time and effort I’ll need to put in to manage the network?” This is where UCView’s ViewEdge advantage takes over. With our system you can create, implement, and manage your display network seamlessly from anywhere in the world. All you need is internet access, not even a computer is necessary as you can access our portal from your smart phone. With UCView, you can manage your displays, from 1 to as many as you need, all at the click of a button.
The next step in the process is positioning your displays properly. Our next blog will go into further detail about positioning and placement of your screens.
You may be wondering why that digital display you installed has not delivered expected results. Well, here are some questions to ponder as you analyze your strategy. This blog is the first of a 4 part series that will feature each of these questions individually.
1. How many screens are you running?
This question is an important element in the process of figuring out how to improve the number of viewers and their engagement with the messages on screen. Is one screen enough to meet the foot-traffic that your location generates or would installing multiple screens be more beneficial? You may be concerned with difficulty of implementing a second or third screen and having to deal with content management for those as well. With UCView’s ViewEdge advantage, you can control all your screens from one portal at the click of a button even from your smart phone. You have the freedom to select what content is displayed at what time and on which screen within seconds. We take the hassle out of signage management and simplify the process across all displays in your network.
2. Where are your screens?
If only one screen is placed in your location, and it’s positioned in a low traffic area, you might want to reconsider its placement. Positioning a screen in common areas provides for more viewers and as this number increases, the opportunity for audience engagement goes up as well. Just like supermarkets place their weekly specials at the endcaps of aisles, placing a screen by the cash registers, or near an elevator entrance will lead to much higher levels of engagement with viewers.
3. What are your screens displaying?
Last but certainly not least, the most important factor in audience engagement and retention is content. If people are not interested in what’s being shown on the screen the next time they won’t even take a glance at it. In an environment where we are bombarded with content 24/7, every one of us has developed internal mechanisms to block out excess noise. However, when we see something unique or different, we are bound to observe it and even recommend it to family and friends. Word of mouth has grown into a major player in the decision making process, and with high quality content your displays can generate that positive buzz.
This is where UCView’s EZBoard Editor comes in. With this state of the art content creation / management tool, you can create eye catching layouts that are guaranteed to get people talking. Whether it’s a dynamic menu board, an RSS feed, a live feed from Twitter, or even 3D content; with EZBoard you can bring together all these elements into one display and rest assured that your displays will not just be another screen, but the screen people want to visit every time they are at your business.
What makes our digital signage platform so special that network operators across the globe prefer it over others? Why is it so successful in managing networks in so many different markets? Just how exactly does it simplify operations?
If you are asking yourself questions like these, then here’s your chance to get all the answers. We have scheduled two webinars in May to provide live demonstrations of the UCView content management platform. This is your chance to get a full view of the back-end of our software and how a user interacts with it. We will cover a myriad of features, starting from the basics (general capabilities, portal navigation, essential tools) to the advanced options (EZBoard, designing touch screens, animating content). At the end of the demonstration, viewers will have a chance to ask further questions and receive answers.
Click here to register for the webinar scheduled for May 14th, 2010 at 11:00AM
Click here to register for the webinar scheduled for May 19th, 2010 at 7:30AM
As DVI and HDMI connections become more and more widely used in digital signage, we are often asked: which is better, DVI (or HDMI) or VGA? There is no clear answer to this question.
First, let’s get some basic knowledge of the elements. DVI and HDMI are exactly the same as one another regarding image quality and resolution. The main differences between HDMI and DVI are that HDMI carries audio and video signal; further more HDMI uses different types of connectors. Technology wise both HDMI and DVI uses the same encoding technology, and for that reason DVI source can be connected to an HDMI connector on display, or vice versa, with a DVI/HDMI cable, with no use of signal converter
What are the difference between DVI, HDMI and VGA?
DVI/HDMI and VGA Video are all video signals which support a variety of resolutions, each one of them deliver the signal from source to display in different ways. The main difference is that DVI/HDMI delivers the signal in a digital format. VGA is an analog format, which deliver the signal, not as a digital stream, but as a set of varying voltages representing the red, green and blue components of the signal.
DVI/HDMI and VGA deliver signals as red, green, and blue color components, together with sync information. The DVI/HDMI standard delivers these along three data channels in a format called T.M.D.S., which stands for “Transmission Minimized Differential Signaling”. This basically involves a blue, red and green sync that are added, and separate the channels
VGA is delivered, almost similarly, with the color information split up three ways. However, VGA uses a color difference type signal, which consists of Luminance, the green red or blue channel, representing the total brightness of the image. The sync pulses for both horizontal and vertical are delivered on the Y channel.
Both HDMI/DVI and VGA signal types are fundamentally quite similar; they break up the image in similar ways, and deliver the same type of information to the display. How they differ, as we’ll see, will depend to a great extent upon the particular characteristics of the source and display devices, and can depend upon cabling as well.
What is better Digital or Analog?
Digital signal transfer, it is assumed, is error-free, while analog VGA signals are always subject to some amount of degradation and information loss. There is an element of truth to this argument, but it tends to back fire in real-world testing.
First, there is no reason to get signal degradation of an analog VGA signal in digital signage installation where the distance between the player and the screen is short. Digital signage installation in a large retail or education facility for example can present a challenge for analog cabling. But, it is a flawed assumption to suppose that digital signal handling is always error-free. DVI and HDMI signals aren’t subject to signal error correction like downloading a file; once information is lost, it’s lost for good. That is not a consideration with well-made cable over short distances, but can easily become a factor at long distance.
So what should I use for best Image Quality?
DVI or HDMI signal formats is pure digital. There are some arguments that by taking a digital signage player and connecting it straight into digital connector as a DVI or HDMI signal, and then delivering that digital signal straight to the digital signage display, there is a sort of a perfect no loss of information signal. If the display itself is a digital display like LCD, the signal never has to go through digital to analog conversion and therefore is less altered on the way.
The Role of Cable in picture quality
Picture quality, in general, should not be a significant factor in the DVI/HDMI in short distance bellow 50 ft, as long as the cables are of high quality. There are, however, issues when you centralize your player and you send the signal to a display 200ft a way. In this kind of environment analog or digital signal will have problem without using DVI/HDMI/VGA over cat 5 extender. Without using these extenders signal quality issues can come into play.
DVI and HDMI connections, uses SDI technology (serial digital video) which was designed originally to run on coax where impedance can be controlled and compensate. DVI/HDMI signals are run balanced, using twisted-pair cable technology which control impedance to about +/- 10%, and for this reason, are subject to the digital cliff phenomenon. Up to some distance, a DVI or HDMI cable will perform just fine and will not compromise the ability of the display device to reconstruct the original bit stream without information lost.
As we run longer distances, the ability to reconstruct the bit stream decreases. As a result unrecoverable bit errors start to occur. As distance increases more information is lost to a point that the display becomes unable to reconstitute enough information to render an image. A DVI/HDMI cable that works perfectly at 40 feet may not work at 80 feet. It is very hard to determine the exact distance a DVI or HDMI cable will fail, most quality HDMI /DVI cable will work fine up to 50ft.
The Answer: It Depends
So, which is better, DVI/ HDMI or VGA? The answers unsatisfying, but the truth is that it depends. It depends upon your source player, type of cable, type of display and the distance, and there’s no good way, in principle, to say in advance whether the digital or the analog connection will draw a better picture. You may find that some digital signage player looks better through its DVI or HDMI output, while a different player using VGA output better image through its RGB cable, on the same display. Some installers reports ghosting/blurriness with text using analog and when switching to digital interface made things much crisper. On the other hand, other installers who used DVI/HDMI long cable found that the text was blurry, colors were off and the image didn’t scale to fit correctly and got no issues at all with VGA. In this case, if you are using cable longer than 50ft you should use VGA over Cat5/6 extenders that will control picture quality over distance over 50ft like Minicom.
1080p resolution which is 1920x1080 pixels is the latest HD state for the art resolution. Digital signage display supporting 1080p displays are capable of displaying every pixel of the highest resolution HD broadcasts. In reality, they offer more than twice the resolution of today’s 1280x720 or 720p. Companies refer to this kind of resolution as true or Ultra HD
1080p Vs 1080i
1080i, is the first generation of HDTV technology, this technology can actually display 1920x1080 resolution but the 1080i generate the images in an interlaced format, (now we know what is the “i” for “interlace”). In a the old technology Tube base or projection TV technology, mostly called CRT, using 1080i technology where the frame get drawn on the screen sequentially: the odd-numbered lines of resolution appear on your screen first, followed by the even-numbered lines all within 1/30 of a second. In 1080p (P refer for progressive such as 720p, and 1080p) all of the lines of resolution are drawn sequentially in a single pass, which makes a faster, cleaner image, especially with sports and other fast motion content, as opposed to CRT tubes display technology.
This rough animation compares progressive scan with interlace scan, also demonstrating the interline twitter effect associated with interlace. On the left are two progressive scan images. Center are two interlaced images. Right are two images with line doublers. Top are original resolution, bottom are with anti-aliasing
How much extra does a 1080p Display cost
Today the 1080p technology is getting cheaper fast. If you take a look at the product lines of Samsung and LG you can see that, on average, you can expect to pay about $500 extra for the progressive technology.
Why you should buy or not buy a 1080p display for Digital Signage
Obviously, the quality of the content you’re viewing is very important, but so are screen size and how far your audience from the display. Indeed, our digital signage guru, reports that the extra sharpness provided by the 1080p technology is noticeable only when watching 1080i content on a very large display. Comparing a 50-inch 1080p to a 50-inch 720i digital signage display, for example, you’ll be hard-pressed to notice more detail with 720i sources, especially from farther than 10 feet away. Even if you can see the difference, it will be much less obvious. In reality the performance of 1080p is not the extra sharpness you’ll be seeing, but rather, the smaller, more densely packed pixels.
If you are using 1080p for your digital signage player , you should be aware that you may not necessarily get to use all that extra resolution even if you have the right high-end graphics card. For instance, the Sharp set we tested allows you to max out at only 1,280x1024 resolutions.
If you’re thinking of deploying big digital signage signs like 60 inch or larger , the extra resolution may make it worth the difference as long as you have a high quality 1080p content to feed into the player
Here at UCView, we see the artist in you. What better way to discover your inner talent then to provide you with the tools necessary to develop your wonderful craft. So express yourself with Digital Signage.
Yes it’s true that UCView is known for making your Digital Signage experience easier than ever. Our solution software and hardware allows you to effectively reach an audience with a digital display, digital content, and internet technology. Your business can arrange and schedule ads so that you can deliver only related content that meets the needs of your clients. But did you know that you also have that same control when it comes to customizing your display? Now it’s time to have a little fun.
We introduce to you EZBoard, UCView’s most creative software yet. There’s nothing more impressive than delivering to an audience, pertinent information that’s packaged in an eye-popping, dazzling display. EZBoard allows you to configure your layout with incredible detail. For instance, you can create layers of fields, manipulating size and position to exhibit one or more ads. Use a variety of our font tools that allow you to select a particular font type, style, etc. You can also construct your own personal background or take advantage of our browser and upload images or even video. So whether you’re experimenting with colors that inspire, or using motion that captivates, EZBoard has what you need to create a successful display that reflects not only your message, but your imagination.
So get colorful; get imaginative; get creative with UCView.
Mister Pukka is a senior writer at UCView. Pukka can be emailed at pukka@ucview.com
We here at UCView wanted to post this inquiry simply because the letter represents thousands of others who have shared the same experience:
Dear UCView,
I remember going to the mall one day to pickup a pair of running shoes. It was obvious that I couldn’t wait to workout because I was moving pretty quickly throughout the shopping center. It was my first time at this particular mall, so I had no idea where I was going. Instead of walking up to the information booth, I let my pride get the best of me and headed for the escalator. My plan was to take a birds-eye view of the area while riding up to the second floor and with a little luck, pinpoint the store I was looking for.
As I approached the escalator, I noticed a large, vertical digital screen flashing a map of the mall and I quickly realized (according to the map directions) the store I was in search for was located right above me. I also was pleasantly surprised to see the weather forecast for the rest of the week, as well as an ad for a smoothie that looked awfully good. But most important of all, I saw updated football scores - wow! I never could imagine taking in so much information on one screen - in so little time, including finding out that my team won for the first time in three weeks. I purchased my shoes and was making my way back down the escalator and noticed even more information on that wonderful screen. It was as if I made a new friend. As I got into my car and drove out of the parking lot, I just couldn’t get that digital display out of my mind; the amazing images; the amount of information I received; how convenient the display made my shopping experience. I got the information I needed without any sales talk, I didn’t feel like my space was invaded; heck, I didn’t even need to ask.
That was my first Digital Signage experience, but it definitely wasn’t my last. Since that day, I’ve noticed more displays in areas that I frequently visit. The more information that I came across, the more I wanted to know what Digital Signage was all about.
- Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
Digital Signage is a marketing tool for companies to deliver information to an audience by use of captivating digital displays that can be controlled electronically using a cellular, Wi-Fi, or standard TCP-IP network. Much different from your normal paper print ad; with Digital Signage, stagnant information can be brought to life with bright and spectacular digital video and audio that can update and stream 24-7. A business can design any display on their network, manage and schedule ads - all by remote. Showcase video, animation, text, web pages, or even live television at venues such as coffee shops, banks, supermarkets, universities, and yes, even shopping malls. How does it all work?
Every successful campaign needs an effective Digital Signage solution. Companies that are serious about meeting their marketing goals need an experienced management approach to ensure that your network will function at its highest level. UCView media is the leading provider in digital signage because we supply a cost-effective, easy to use package that powers a company’s digital display with our application servers, content management, and professional, reliable players. UCView’s sole purpose is to provide a company with the power to connect with their target audience and provide information that is pertinent, which equals profits and growth for that business.
Your story represents tens of thousands that we service everyday. Whether you are a business person, advertiser, or consumer, we thank you for your story. Always know that you are our inspiration.
- UCView Inc.
Mister Pukka is a senior writer at UCView. Pukka can be emailed at pukka@ucview.com
When it’s comes time to go to bed, millions of us prefer to leave the light on - but why? There’s many reasons we choose not to be in the dark. For some, keeping one eye open allows you to be more aware, and as a result - feel more secure. Others want to find their way, even if it’s just making it to the refrigerator in the middle of the night without stubbing a toe. The truth is, a little information can take you a long way. And being in the “know” can certainly make life a lot more comforting. Count on UCView.
When it comes to getting the information that we want, many of us find ourselves very much in the dark. Rest assured, Digital Signage and UCView are there. No matter where you might be, no matter how far away; we’re that beacon of light, standing tall, brighter than ever, delivering what you need to keep you informed. Our software solution enables our clients to deliver specific and customized content, such as television, educational messages, advertisements, weather forecasts; the list goes on and on, reaching audiences when they need it most.
Our products are innovative, state-of-the-art, and easy to deploy. Our package is supported by hardware and software that gives you total control; design your display, organize and schedule your ads, apply only related content that meets the needs of your audience. That is why you’ll see us at the corner coffee shop, sports bar, or at your favorite department store. We’ll even be at your local auto shop, enabling you to provide specific information on servicesthat you render to your customers, putting any of their anxieties to rest.
Our exceptional customer care service and tech support, automatic updates, and affordable system fees all add up to a good nights sleep for our clients as well as their customers and advertisers.
So rest assured; no matter how dark, let Digital Signage shed some light. So fluff up that pillow and get comfortable, knowing that UCView is lighting your way.
Mister Pukka is a senior writer at UCView. Pukka can be emailed at pukka@ucview.com
Take a look at the very next paper-generated ad that you pass by. Notice how still, stiff, and unmoving the image is. Frozen in time or stuck in the mud is what comes to mind; unable to move into the 21st century are these billboards and signs, along with the mindset of some of their advertisers. That’s fine, maybe if you’re at an art gallery appreciating an old craft or custom that represents an era of the past, along with the rest of the historic and timely treasures. But times are moving along. And the information that we need to know should be just as mobile – not frozen but streaming, as well as constantly updating. The time has come to break out of the traditional way that your company delivers information. It’s time to get moving with UCView and Digital Signage.
Imagine checking the seven-day forecast, while at the same time watching tonight’s lineup of new shows on your favorite television network, but then also receiving an update on the latest Amber alert - all in one display! UCView and Digital Signage allow you to do just that. Instead of using a paper sign, bring your advertisement to life with a cost-effective package from us that includes our state-of-the-art content management software that provides you with the tools to create a whirlwind of information that is clear, constantly streaming, and most importantly - effective.
You ask how one digital display can do so much? The answer lies behind UCView’s highly technical, highly sophisticated, yet simple to use Digital Signage solution. Our software allows you to design and customize your display of information according to location, the time of day, and the overall needs of your clientele. You can reach any specific audience and adjust or update messages on the fly. And as amazing as it is to maintain such control of your content, your display proves just as riveting. Equipped with innovative designing software, UCView allows you to get a little creative. More than a print ad, you can customize images that are not only clear and spectacular, but that gets your content moving.
So don’t get stuck in the mud. Put your advertisement in motion. There’s nothing more captivating, nothing more innovating than Digital Signage. Get going, get moving with UCView.
Mister Pukka is a senior writer at UCView. Pukka can be emailed at pukka@ucview.com
You may be wondering why that digital display you installed has not delivered expected results. Well, here are some questions to ponder as you analyze your strategy. This blog is the first of a 4 part series that will feature each of these questions individually.
DVI or HDMI signal formats is pure digital. There are some arguments that by taking a 
