Adobe Flash (.swf format) for digital signage graphics and advertising

As a graphic designer who has designed digital signage for numerous years, I wanted to comment on my experiences with using Flash, .swf files, to format content for digital signage.

I've found Flash to be an ideal application to develop digital signage content. Certainly, the ability to create motion graphics sets Flash far apart from serving up static images such as JPEG's or GIF's. Moreover, an animated .gif file generally doesn't have the fluidity of a Flash animation. Further, with the ability to produce low file size, low-bandwidth compatible, digital signage files, Flash makes an ideal content creation tool for any digital signage network.

There are other advantages of using Flash too. Flash's ability to import and format video makes it a cinch to import video clips and audio clips of numerous formats, and then export it all in the one .swf file. Digital signage advertising never looked so good! Obviously, companies can now import tv commercials, broadcasts, podcasts, and then publish it through a narrowcast network using Flash.

Brian Chard Design is a new-media business operating in Nelson, BC, which specializes in digital signage design services. Brian Chard produces stimulating, visually appealing professional digital signage design for digital signage. View some samples of Brian Chard's digital signage design at http://braindisplay.com.

Another advantage to using Flash is it's ability to customize ad playback options. For instance, a company may have one 30-second ad spot on a digital signage network. Using Flash, the company could prepare a series of ads in the one Flash file making publishing and management simple. Also, Flash allows for unlimited creativity for transitions and visual effects.

For advanced networks, Flash's ability to connect to online services and import content in real time over the internet can make for some amazingly useful digital signage communications such as news, traffic congestion reports, bus timetables, weather, and stock prices.

Also, for simple digital signage solutions using handy pieces of Actionscript (such as the hide the mouse cursor) can go a long way in tweaking the final display. This solution could allow you to set up a crude digital signage solution using only your browser (such as Internet Explorer) or the Flash Player, and one Flash file. Open or run the Flash file in Full screen mode, with the hide cursor actionscript, and your professional digital signage design from Brian Chard , and away you go!

However, for the serious digital signage user, I highly recommend finding Flash (.swf) compatible digital signage software and hardware for a digital signage network or POP display system. I also recommend finding a professional design company such as Brian Chard for your digital signage advertising. "Content is king!" so using a professional digital signage graphic design company will help optimize digital signage communication.
Learn more about Flash from the Abode Flash website.

Flash Creative Suite 3. Create and deliver rich, digital signage content.