Digital Signage - Start Here

If you are considering adding a digital signage display to your area please read through this document to establish expectations and begin the request with ITS

UNCA supports 2 types of digital signage: Basic and Advanced.

Basic Digital Signage:

Lowest cost option
Allows users to display a single slideshow based in Google Slides
Content can be edited by anyone who the owner designates with only a web browser from any location
New content appears on the sign within 15 minutes
Does not support touch interaction
Does not support scheduling of content
Support is for slideshow only, cannot display RSS feeds, weather, or any additional content

Basic Digital Signage Hardware:

A signage display and mount: Displays must be rated for 24/7 operation.
A Chrome OS signage player - The brains of the sign
HDMI Cable - 3 foot (Connects to the display)
Network Cable - Long enough to reach between the player and your network port

Hardware requirements:

Power - For best results, Facilities Management can mount an outlet behind the display.
- Power can be drawn from a nearby outlet but this may require the use of extension cords and wall raceway at an additional cost. Leaving the plug exposed may lead to inadvertent or malicious tampering.
Network - For best results work with ITS to have a network drop installed behind the display. This typically costs between $200 and $800 and is done by an outside contractor.
- Data can be drawn from a nearby outlet but this may require the use of wall raceway at an additional cost. Leaving the plug exposed may lead to inadvertent or malicious tampering.

Typical Workflow

The stakeholders review this document and fill in the signage request from: https://forms.gle/DEmNwKveTWh2NAdH7.
ITS communicates with the stakeholders and assists in purchasing equipment.
The stakeholders create a slideshow and share the slideshow unique identifier with ITS.
The signage content is reviewed by Communications and Marketing for consistency and branding.
The Stakeholders contact ITS to receive a quote for network installation
Facilities Management mounts the display and installs power near the mount, ITS contractor installs network drop.
ITS installs the hardware and configures it to display your slideshow.

Basic signage request form: https://forms.gle/DEmNwKveTWh2NAdH7

Advanced Digital Signage

Supports touch interaction, scheduling, multiple regions, live data.
More costly option.
Requires significant time investment to create and maintain content.
Requires training to learn content management system (Four Winds Interactive).

If you are interested in learning more about Advanced Digital Signage please contact helpdesk@unca.edu