AccelAdvisors.com viewed in FireFox

We originally built (but didn’t design) Accel Advisors’ website way back in 2006 and recently tweaked the layout and color scheme a bit and also updated the code to take advantage of some of the new css3 properties like rounded-corners and drop-shadows* (translation: the site downloads a bit faster and is easier to maintain).

Visit AccelAdvisors.com

*These elements don’t display in the current versions of Internet Explorer but do in all modern browsers and will in IE9, which Microsoft is releasing later this year.

We recently integrated a digital signage management system for the Kenton County Public Library system in northern Kentucky.  The project included a content management system to allow the library staff to create or upload media and schedule that content for individual screens across all of their branch locations.  The browser based tools allow for setting content via a scheduling tool to push out media to each screen at a chosen time.

The energy efficient commercial grade LCD screens can be set to automatically turn on and off when the library opens and closes and they have smart cooling systems to help preserve their lifespan.  Each screen has a networked player appliance that receives the content from the digital media server and outputs it to the screen as scheduled.

This is another example of how to digitally communicate with a broad audience and cut down on the time to deliver content versus the traditional printed methods.  Digital signage is often used for museums, retail and corporate communications.  Libraries are an excellent place to communicate to the local community and keep them informed of local and regional events as well as news, weather and library related topics such as the NY Times Best sellers list.

Photos from this installation:

For more information about how your organization can utilize digital signage to communicate to your audience, contact us via our web site.  If you are interested in some of the hardware available you can visit our new hardware catalog at www.TouchScreenHardware.com

Do you have a comment?  We’d love to hear from you by commenting in the blog below.

Our vendor, Ergotron, is promoting a give-away for a deserving school of your choice. We thought we’d share:
One lucky school will receive a complete classroom solution including a TeachWell® Mobile Digital Platform, a Samsung SAMCAM 860, Dell S300w Short Throw Wireless Projector, and a Dell Latitude 2100 Netbook—a prize totaling over US$3000!
Through June 30, 2010, you can nominate a school of your choice. It is easy. Simply visit http://promos.ergotron.com to fill out the online form.

We sell a good amount of Ergotron products which are high quality and really like this give back program. And it integrates another of our partner’s products: Samsung. Samsung is another great company.   Nominate your child’s school, your neice or nephew’s school or the school down the street.  And let the school and other parents know about the promotion so they can rack up more nominations!

Arbitron has released a new study that gives some interesting measurements on out of home video and the audience’s ability to retain the message.  I attended a webinar where Arbitron Senior Media Research Analyst Diane Williams discussed some of the key findings in this year’s report. Very interesting stuff!

You can download a copy of the report here.

Enjoy!  And don’t say I never give you anything.

For years we have offered hundreds of hardware options to our clients but have found it difficult to show everything we offer on our site. So we’ve been working in the background to build an online catalog that will enable us to fully showcase the different kiosk hardware and digital signage hardware components in our line card.
This includes everything from full kiosk enclosures, panel pc’s, LCD panels, mounts, stands and more. Everything from IBM & Samsung to Ergotron and Premier mounts.
So keep an eye out for our updates coming in the next few weeks. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, just ask… we probably sell it.

People that are not familiar with retail kiosks and digital signage networks are often surprised to see that 85% of the kiosks and DS systems in place are using Windows.  All they can think about is the horrible experiences they have with their laptop or home PC that their kids use for gaming and downloading of who knows what!   I would also lose faith if that was what was being suggested.  But what most do not know is that the version of Windows used is often a flavor of Windows Embedded.

What is this you ask?  It’s a scaled down installation of the basic Windows framework with only what you need for that specific hardware device  and nothing you don’t need.   The installation is often customized by the hardware provider to include appropriate device drivers and custom components of Windows needed for the application (JPOS, UPOS, etc) and is very stable.  We have some units running on kiosks out in the field that have been going for over three years with not a single problem or visit from our IT staff needed.  It runs on anything from a hand held scanner for warehouse operations to a touch screen kiosk, digital signage media player, or any number of other devices. It is essentially a skinny version of Windows XP.

XP Embedded

The old version was was often referred to as WEPOS (Windows Embedded for Point of Sale)  but they deemed that too narrow focused.  A newer version is called POSReady which I don’t think is a much better name, but it includes much of the newer technologies from more current versions of Windows.  Now, with the release of Windows 7 to rave reviews (it is mucho better in our staff’s opinion)  there is even a newer version coming out called Windows Embedded Standard 7 and is built on the Win7 platform with newer .NET support.  There is even a version for Windows CE.  It may be easier to view this grid comparison from Microsoft: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded/en-us/products/default.mspx

With all of these choices it can be confusing.  Ultimately, it depends on what is offered by the hardware vendor since they must first invest a lot of time and effort into creating a custom “image” that works on their hardware.  Some hardware may not have the newer versions available yet, but most due.   Since many of our kiosk and media players use this version of Embedded I have posted a document that explains the difference between the older WEPOS (still available) and the newer POSReady that also shows the end of life support dates.  Download it here for FREE.

If you have questions, or really want a Linux system instead (we still love you) give us a call or drop us an email and we will help provide the appropriate system and software for your needs.   And here is a link to my older Kiosk Blog post on various OS systems (Windows, Linux, Mac, etc) used for kiosks.

Have you had good or bad experiences with Windows Embedded or Linux for Kiosks, Digital signage or other similar devices?  Use the comment feature below to tell us about it.

Well, its that time again when we pack up touch screen kiosks and LCD screens and rush to get our software apps ready to display at the upcoming www.KioskCom.com trade show in Las Vegas on April 14 & 15th 2010 at the Mandalay Bay resort and casino.  We’ve exhibited at this show for many years and  are happy to be a part of it all again.  This time we have a larger 10 x 20 booth and have one of our many hardware partners who have offered to share the booth with us.  The good folks at www.Zivelo.com are providing their kiosk hardware for the booth including the C10, C2, C6 and the NEW C5 model being built just for the show!  We resell all of their models and are always impressed with the quality of the craftsmanship.  We often partner with Zivelo and provide the software applications for many of their clients.  Come meet Ziver and Ross from Zivelo at our booth.

Also, you’ll see our www.Lobstr.net product that has been rebuilt with new CSS3 based programming and a new pricing model for local operation (no subscriptions!).  And a new kiosk application that offers SMS coupon and lead generation services to drive traffic to your store, along with many of our past projects for various fortune 1000 clients.

Some news, next year the show will have a new name and location.  Goodbye Las Vegas, hello San Francisco! And the new name focuses more on the customer and less on us vendors:  Customer Engagement Technology World which will be at www.CETWorld.com . I like the new direction and the guys at JD Events who put on the show are some really nice folks that do a great job!  We are looking forward to the new format next year. See the press release here.

Are you planning to come to the show or perhaps still on the fence?  Well, let me offer you a free pass into the Expo show floor so you can come visit us  and our peers in the industry.  We will be in booth #205 right across from our business partners at Samsung.  Use the discount code at checkout of:   2LV49F and you’ll get the $50 expo fee on us.   Stop by and see us!  Register at http://www.kioskcom.com/register.asp

I hope to have some good photos and interesting products to discuss after the show, and you can follow my tweets on Twitter during the show at:  http://www.twitter.com/KioskGuy

Do you have a comment?  Add your comment below and I’ll give you a special shout out at the show!

New web site for PR Firm

We’re pleased to announce our launch of a new web site for our client: O’Keeffe PR a PR firm that really knows how to tell your story.  The new site includes a nice WordPress framework to provide an easy to use CMS tool and integrated blog.  This puts the customer in charge and enables them to change content just by using their web browser.

I also had the chance to sit in on a recent social media seminar that Mr. Dan O’Keeffe presented to a Cincinnati based Vistage CEO group.  It was very enlightening and there were some great examples of how social media can help a business with PR, Marketing and customer service.  You should have seen these CEO’s having their “Ah-Ha” moments right there in the meeting.  I bet Dan got 3 new clients out of that seminar.  Great job Dan!  What a wonderful company you have and your employees are very good at what they do.

Check out their new web site at: http://okeeffepr.com

As the snow blows and piles up in the company parking lot and the temps dip down to the single digits,  I reflect upon the past year and think that it was pure crap!   But, I also think of the fact that we are now officially 8 years old as an incorporated company, (and 11 years old total – sole proprietor for the first several years). We’ve seen a lot of winters come and go, and several recessions and dot com bubbles, and survived.  We’ve seen the technology change and consumer habits change with it. And I reflect upon the great customers we’ve worked with and cool applications and web sites we have created.  It sure has been fun and rewarding.

Our very first web site was for a pyro technics company that fired off fireworks for cities and events.  As a younger man I even helped them set off several fireworks shows that year including the big Cincinnati WEBN fireworks on the Ohio river. It was the very first year they used computers to fire the rockets.  And that relationship started with their web site and a match.

Relationships have been so important to us over the years and we have worked for some great companies such as RIM/BlackBerry, Verizon Wireless, Sanofi Aventis, GlaxoSmithKline, Charbroil Grills, Kroger, The Freedom Center, Check’nGo, Golden Corral Restaurants, IBM and many non profits and small businesses.  The people at these great companies have been what have made the experience fun and rewarding.  Building trust and delivering quality tools have been our life blood. I want to thank them for sharing in the journey.

Tim Burke CEO

Most of all, I’d like to thank our wonderful employees who have worked hard on tight deadlines and always come through with good solutions that make our clients happy.  Without a talented team of professionals, we would be nothing.  Our product is not kiosk applications or hardware, and it’s not beautiful and functional web sites or email campaigns.  And our product is not digital signage screens and stunning content… no, our product is our people and our people are our products.  I just want to say thank you to each of you, past and present.

While 2009 did not treat any of us very kindly, and it may seem that the whole year was one long cold winter for business… I feel like it has taught many people valuable lessons in business and life.  It reminds us to take time to prepare during the good times for the eventual downturns, and to store up resources to weather the cold.  It reminds us that we should live within our means and conserve resources.  And it teaches us to remember that relationships, both business and personal are the most important things we posses, and we should nurture them at all times.  Many people are without jobs right now, and many have to downsize and rely on family and friends to help them get through.  They use their personal networks to keep their ears to the track for any opportunities.  Let’s all remember those who have helped us along the journey when times were tough.  Let’s lavish them with love and kindness while we are young and alive.  And in business, let’s be honest, open and trustworthy to our network of customers, prospects, vendors and employees.

Well, I think that our company birthday and scented candles have made me a bit wordy and reflective.  Pardon my melancholy and enjoy what promises to be a good ski season this winter.   If you are in the Cincinnati area, join us for our open house cocktail party January 14th.  Directions on on our contact page.  And follow us on Twitter at http://www.Twitter.com/ElectronicArt or follow me personally at http://www.Twitter.com/KioskGuy,  and let us know what you are up to this winter.   I hope you have a prosperous 2010 and look forward to a warmer season ahead.

Bill Collins

Last week I organized a panel discussion on digital signage or “digital Out of Home” (DOOH) at the Cincinnati based Digital Hub Non-Conference.  This conference was a regional showcase of all things digital with some national keynote speakers.  At last year’s event, I was shocked that a digital conference could have no digital signage discussions so I got involved and got on the programming schedule for digital signage.  The problem is that I was too chicken to do the whole topic on my own. Its the whole fear of public speaking. So I thought… hmmmm  who else can I draft into this?  A panel discussion would be much easier for me to stomach.

I know many people in our industry from our many years of experience, and first turned to some of the partners we have in the business such as Samsung.  Samsung suggested we use Dayton based Stratacache since this event was a regional showcase, and I have been aware of Stratacache for years, even though we had not yet worked with their tools.  Turns out the director of marketing there, Louie Hollmeyer was a classmate of mine in elementary and high school.  I hadn’t seen him since.  (He looks the same as when he was eighteen years old!)  Done!  Then I turned to respected national speaker and research analyst for the kiosk and digital signage industry, Mr. Bill Collins.  He turned me on to Mike Collette of Healthy Advice Networks.  Their firm operates about 7000 screens in their network of patient education content that is placed in waiting rooms around the continent.  He would bring a great perspective on how to manage or operate a large network.   Done!   My connections connected me to new and relevant prospects for the panel.   This was working out quite well.

Now, the reason they call this a Non-Conference is that while the keynotes are held in the main ballroom of the local Hyatt Regency hotel, the breakout sessions are held in local pubs and artsy venues.  The attendees walk the 3-4 blocks to the venue that is hosting the session you are interested in attending.  Our session was held in the Lodge Bar on 7th street in Cincinnati.  The decor is very log cabin ‘ish with deer heads mounted to the wall along side of fishing paraphernalia and similar sporting trinkets.  Certainly interesting when your session attendees are drinking a Gin and Tonic during your talk!  The problem with the Non Conference idea is that the day of the event, there was a large rain storm that started right at the time our session started.   So our attendance was low at first, and the room filled up more as the wet and dripping new media types “poured in”.

Samsung had provided two LCD panels for our use at the event (Thanks Guys!) and our firm, Electronic Art provided the stands and media players.  Stratacache brought a sample reel of Digital signage content and so did Healthy Advice Networks.  Bill Collins brought a great PowerPoint deck with some good visual examples of signage installations and his take on definitions and metrics.   Some folks noted that the content from Stratacache had localized data in it that was set to Nebraska (and we are in Cincinnati),  but they need to understand the lack of internet connectivity and amount of setup needed for this short 45 minute session.   I think everyone understood the scenario being shown.  (The Twitterati can be so picky!)  There were discussions about the reasons to use commercial grade hardware and the reasons why, the slow adoption of signage by retailers in the past and how this has been changing.  We also discussed how traditional agencies have been slow to understand the medium and how interactive agencies (like Electronic Art) have been providing a lot of the content and consulting.  And we talked about the benefits such as localization, day parts, and how the content can be specific to the viewer.

In all, the event was a success.  We could have gone on for another hour but sadly these were short sessions.  We knew that going in which is why we titled the session “Digital Signage 101: – Networks, Components, Media and its impact on traditional media.”.    I heard a lot of people ask for more of this content next year.  We hope to be able to provide a longer session and incorporate more signage into the event overall for way finding and sponsor promotion.

The keynote speeches of the event are available online as PodCasts at http://cms.screamingbob.com/content/null-dhi09/podcasts. To see some of the Twitter posts on the overall conference, look up the tag #dhi09 on Twitter.  And here are some photos from our session at the Lodge Bar.