Data Links

Data Links

• Digital Signage is All Grown Up

  When it comes to digital signage, industry maturity means technology that can handle any client scenario, without too much cost or extra effort.

   

• Digital Signage Software Lament

  The vast majority of digital signage software tools are designed with a power user in mind, or at the very least a user who will learn the application intimately and be responsible for its use. And although the tools range from simplistic to sophisticated, they all have something in common: They...

   

• With Success Comes Confusion

  For the past five years, I've attended Digital Signage Expo (originally called the Digital Retailing Expo but rebranded to focus on what it's really about). The first year, at Chicago's Navy Pier, it was a small event.

   

• What Does a Digital Signage Setup Really Cost?

  One of the most difficult things to do is determining how much something will cost when it's beyond one's knowledge base. I'm sure every integrator reading this has been asked by a client to produce a budget estimate for a project where, in many cases, the client probably had no idea what to...

   

• Digital Signage: It's Time to Start Doing

  There's been a lot of talk–and writing–lately about why pro AV dealers aren't embracing the digital signage revolution. Surveys show they're very interested, but so far that interest hasn't translated into widespread business.

   

• Unspoken Questions About HD

  High-definition video. It's the latest and greatest "V" in the AV industry. Everything is moving toward 720p/1080i/1080p resolutions and beyond. But in the commercial space, there are some real issues about hopping on this technology wave. One that few talk about-do we really need HD?

   

• Working with IT Managers

  Returning from the biggest InfoComm ever and with a couple sessions I presented being fresh on my mind, this month I'd like to discuss IT connectivity for your AV solutions.

   

• Vetting Products at InfoComm

  Once again our industry's biggest event, InfoComm, is here. Now that the exhibition is bigger than ever. Columnist Kris Vollrath shares a little guidance for separating the wheat from the chaff on the show floor. Even if you're not at InfoComm this month, these pointers will help you think...

   

• Digital Signage Expo: A Monumental Event

  I just returned from Digital Signage Expo in Vegas, the show to attend if you have anything to do with the exploding digital signage industry.

   

• Value Engineering: Don't Cut Corners

  Part of my responsibility to the company where I work, and I guess to the AV industry in general through PRO AV, is to pass along what I've learned in my IT career and help close the knowledge gap between the two camps.

   

• Technology Twist

  ONE OF THE MOST INTERESTING ASPECTS TO THE CONVERGENCE of AV and IT is the crossover of techniques and technologies between the two camps. The two cultures sometimes think differently in terms of new technologies, but techniques are another story.

   

• Proper IP Addressing

  I was in a meeting the other day, and not to support any AV/IT initiative, when the discussion turned to some issues engineering had with IP addresses given to us by a consultant for a video teleconferencing (VTC) installation.

   

• The Other Side of the Table

  As an AV guy, I probably have a different perspective than most. About four years ago, I joined Advanced AV, a design/build systems integration firm located in West Chester, Pa. My background is pure IT — I've been in computer sales, multimedia development, IT R&D, IT management, and enterprise IT...