DS on Campus

Version imprimable

Harris is deploying a campus-wide digital signage network to help deliver information to students and faculty at Florida Institute of Technology (FIT).
 
FIT developed the network to simplify the way various departments communicate on campus, including dining hall menus and general information.  The university expects to deploy nearly 100 signs that deliver targeted content to elevators, lobbies, walkways and other communal areas.
 
The solution, powered by the InfoCaster suite, provides FIT with a comprehensive content creation, network management and content playout system offering a flexible toolset and automated capabilities for multiple users and departments.
 
“A variety of content owners and producers from across the campus were looking to simplify the way they delivered news, entertainment and information to the public,” said Jody Bagdonas, associate director of instructional technologies at FIT. “The Harris digital out-of-home solution pulls data sources from the university’s central content management system as entered by various departments, such as menu board information for dining services.  We wanted each department to use their existing data entry methods and then repurpose that data on the signage system.”
 
The suite enables users to integrate video into unusual screen regions, and add visual enhancements such as side borders.  Bagdonas also noted that the network management system enhances the ability to target content to specific signs or screen zones.
 
Bagdonas expects that, with the 14 dining hall menu boards now live, the next phase will concentrate on bringing campus news, entertainment and other information to walkways and communal spaces.  He noted that the ability to quickly introduce fresh content is useful for security alerts and other emergency information, while reducing the time, labour and resources spent on producing and posting paper flyers around campus for various events.
 
“Harris’ broadcast heritage delivers HD-quality graphics and flexibilities that allow us to add stunning visuals and unique video elements, making our signs and layouts look and feel a lot more dynamic,” Bagdonas said. “There is an ease of use to the overall system, and the training and support staff were instrumental in getting us up to speed quickly in these early stages.”
 
Future possibilities, according to Bagdonas, include automated student services via interactive kiosks; and the deployment of Harris Punctuate business software for advertising and network monetisation.