The New DS Installation at the Mail Media Centre, London

Version imprimable

By Neil O'Sullivan
 
When Royal Mail was looking for a digital signage solution to be installed at their Mail Media Centre in London, they chose the Optoma D5000 Advanced Media Player.
 
Royal Mail has described their Mail Media Centre (MMC) as “a new source of intelligence and innovation for the direct mail industry.” In order for the centre to live up to this brief, the company sought to modernise communications within it, through a new digital signage system in the reception and the client resource area.
 
Prior to the installation of the new technologies, the MMC’s reception area consisted of two 50” plasma screens which were driven by either a TV signal or DVD Player. Operators wanted a new system which was eye-catching and could provide visitors with useful information about the centre. They also wanted to include the same information and images across two screens within the centre itself, as well as in the main reception area.
 
Visual Systems Sales was commissioned to provide a user-friendly and up-to-date solution. Company director Ray Sappal explained: “the client wanted a cost effective solution and a single monitor system with no monthly charges”.
 
The MMC wanted a system that could be easily integrated with their existing equipment, and especially one that would allow the two large screens to be used to their full potential. “We looked for a solution that could be easily and instantly updated or managed without any real fuss,” continued Sappal.
 
The installation company reviewed a number of solutions before selecting Optoma, citing the low cost of ownership over a three to five year period as a decisive factor in their decision. The solution included all upgrades and the full suite of software. It also fulfilled the requirements of having no monthly subscription charges or maintenance costs. Installers also claimed that it was also the only solution that could be easily integrated into the MMC’s existing installation.
 
The MMC also wanted a system that they could change instantly, with the ability to have pictures or video with text. Ray Sappal: “They looked at a few systems but were very pleased with the D5000 system, as it had pre-done templates which made inputting data very easy and quick. MMC now can change templates instantly and update information rapidly.”
 
According to Sappal, installation and testing took only one day and was low on cabling costs: “We have learnt the system is very easy to install and set-up, and very user-friendly.”
 
Following the installation, Royal Mail said the MMC’s reception and client resource areas have been transformed, as they can now update their clients easily. Sappal summarised the improvements: “The system has been welcomed by visitors, who can see information about the site and service on the reception area screen while waiting in reception area. The client is over the moon with the system and installation, and even more impressed by how simple the system is to use.”

 
The new communication system has the capacity to incorporate more screens whenever necessary, so there is potential for growth in the future. Dan Brooksbank, Infobank Manager at MMC: “We were looking for a user-friendly digital signage platform that could be easily managed and updated with high quality media for maximum impact. The D5000 met our current needs perfectly but also offered us the flexibility to expand on our installation as necessary without further financial outlay.”