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.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
What is digital signage?
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Digital signage is a form of out-of-home advertising in which content and messages displayed on an electronic screen, or digital sign, can be changed without modification to the physical sign, typically with the goal of delivering targeted messages to specific locations at specific times. Digital signage offers superior return on investment compared to traditional printed signs[1]. Digital signs may be scrolling message boards, LCD or plasma display panels, electronic billboards, projection screens, or other emerging display types like living surfaces or Organic LED screens (OLEDs) that can be controlled electronically using a computer or other devices, allowing individuals or groups to remotely change and control their content (usually via the Internet).
The content displayed on digital signage screens can range from simple text and still images to full-motion video, with or without audio. Some operators of digital signage networks, particularly in the retail industry, regard their networks as comparable to television channels, displaying entertaining and informational content interspersed with advertisements (see also Retail Media).
Read more about digital signage from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_signage
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