Month: May 2010

We have just announced our preconfigured Linux player devices for our digital signage system. This project took several months to develop because of the intricacies of Linux and the complexity of our system behind the scenes. I have dabbled with Linux for over 10 years with SAMBA file servers, and it seems that each time I built a new server, there were different issues that I had to deal with. For this system, I decided to put a step by step instruction manual together on how to build the Linux box. It is available on our web site at www.strandvision.com/create_linux_workstation.html. This simply sets up the system to work with our software properly. We then needed to adapt our multi-server code that keeps everything synchronized together to provide data to the Linux player. All in all, it is a very powerful setup. We also had to learn how to start and stop the signage player from within a cron job. Pretty crazy commands to make everything happen. Although Linux can be pretty cryptic for some of the tricky areas, there are answers everywhere on the web for just about every situation. So don’t be too scared to dive into Linux for your own project. And if you are looking for a powerful digital signage software system that is free, check out StrandVision and the new Linux player. By using promotion code SDS-SV and completing a test drive before Aug 31, 2010, you get a year subscription for free.

I doubt that there is an actual word of “excited scared” and I am not sure if there is a word for it (let me know if you can think of one). It is a little like the feeling you get when you see the most beautiful (or handsome) person across a room. It is more like it when you actually make your way towards that person. Even still when you find the courage to say a few words. It is mostly like the feeling you get when you have done all of that and are standing with this person just about to have your first kiss. Your heart is racing, sweat budding and are excited and scared at the same time. Each step in the process was scary, but that very feeling of the potential of being blown off and the challenge of going further is extremely exciting.

We have just embarked on an “excited scared” journey at StrandVision. Over the next 4 months, we have committed to give away 1 million subscriptions for a year based on our low end package. Our hope is that new customers will discover the benefits of digital signage (and they even they can use it), like our product and service as much as our paying customers and eventually want to pay us themselves. The tricky part is that this is just the “walking towards” step of the process as we begin the process to build a lasting relationship with each new subscriber. Hopefully the product and our service look presentable since we all know how first impressions impact the upcoming steps.

As I have personally gone through this process (and will continue to), I was reminded how important it is to take risks like this. I am inherently a risk taker, but I had backed off some (getting older has a way of doing that). So I would recommend that each of you take one little risk every now and then. If you want to try something big, that is even better – as long as you have though through a plan of attack. So, I wish you lots of “excited scared” over the coming months and may your risks turn into the kiss you are hoping for.

After much research on Free, and much work to offer a great product without the need for a lot of support, we are pleased to announce the Summer of Digital Signage Giveaway program under which we are offering a free digital signage subscription for one year to anyone..

The promotion runs through August 31, 2010. To get your own free subscription, simply complete a test drive from the StrandVision Digital Signage web site at http://www.strandvision.com/testdrive.html, fill in “SDS-SV” as the promotion code and begin your personalized digital signage displays. If you are seeing this message on a computer, then you have everything you need. You can be up and running in just a few minutes. We also send you tips over the first couple weeks to help you know where and how to install your screen, tips on good signage and even how to make money from your free subscription by sharing the news (and sharing the free subscriptions with others).

The Summer of Digital Signage program is designed to introduce companies, non-profit organizations, schools and government agencies to the benefits of digital signage. It offers you the opportunity to create your own custom digital signage content and have it delivered over the Internet directly through an existing personal computer to your existing display monitor or television.

For a quick overview of free digital signage and how it can add to your communications mix, visit http://www.strandvision.com/signage_overview.html.

The StrandVision Summer of Digital Signage package is a full-featured digital signage system that allows you to incorporate your own photos and graphics into your digital signage display. Several advanced features are also provided including scheduling, scrolling text, a graphics library, time and date notices, as well as local weather and Radar. The digital signage can also be displayed in a frame on your own Websites.

We decided to give the full boat for free – no hidden fees, no gimmicks. We don’t even ask for a credit card. We see the Summer of Digital Signage as an opportunity to introduce and educate everyone to the potential of digital signage. We also think that, as the economy begins to improve, we can help you increase your business by giving you another powerful promotional tool. We’re confident that once you see the potential of StrandVision digital signage, you’ll want to make it a permanent part of your communications mix.

StrandVision provides the digital signage service through participant-provided Internet connections, Windows PC computers and displays. The promotion runs until 5:00 PM Central on August 31, 2010. Summer of Digital Signage subscriptions are valid for one year from the signup date, providing participants meet minimum usage standards. See http://www.strandvision.com/summer_of_digital_signage.html for details.