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August 16, 2006 - Duke Energy Center Welcomes Delegates and Meeting Attendees to Cincinnati
Exton, PA (PRWEB) August 16, 2006 -- Scala, Inc., the industry leader in end-to-end digital signage software, announced today the Duke Energy Center (DEC) was interested in developing a system that would allow for large video monitors to be used as dynamic communication tools. The digital signage network needed to have the capability of displaying pre-produced video, cable and broadcast signals, room schedule information, headline news, temperature, user defined messaging and more.
Primarily viewed as a public information source, DEC will also use the system for various communications needs including: allowing advertisers to market to event goers, providing the city with a vehicle to communicate to visitors.
The DEC is owned by the City of Cincinnati. As such, the digital signage project was a part of a multi-million dollar expansion and renovation project. City officials, the Cincinnati Architect Collaborative and members of the DEC needed approvals for the system.
The principles in the project consisted of the following:
- Hammond Communications Group (HCG) - A Scala Certified Partner, provided application solution and development, programming, content production, implementation and remote content and network management
- KLH Engineers - provided their expertise in system design and consultation
- Duke Energy Center / City of Cincinnati- represent the owners, content management
- Global Spectrum - responsible for facility management
The goal of the DEC digital signage system is to improve communications, create a competitive advantage versus other convention centers, and realize a modest revenue stream from event-based advertising.
Hardware/Software Infrastructure
Software
- InfoChannel® Network Manager (1)
- InfoChannel® Designer (1)
- InfoChannel® Players (16)
- Microsoft SQL Server 2000
- Custom programmed Visual Basic Application
- Custom programmed ScalaScript and VBScript
Hardware
- 61' NEC Plasma Monitors (16)
- Internal and external devices providing IP media delivery, and video input functionality
- Equus computers
External Feeds
Headline News and Weather provided by a third-party
Network Infrastructure
LAN based solution with a secure VPN for remote system management and content delivery.
Overview
The digital signage system consists of sixteen 61" High Definition NEC Plasma displays and external speakers installed at various public concourse/lobby locations throughout the convention center. The system supplements static facility directory maps located below or nearby each display.
"The system was designed from the ground-up with maximum flexibility in-mind, allowing the convention center staff to meet the various and changing needs of their clients," says Dean Reverman, New Business Development for Hammond Communications Group. To provide this functionality, Hammond created a custom software application, custom ScalaScript and VBScript programming. The application stores information in a SQL database that the players access on a real-time basis to get the latest data for the system. Since each player was developed to function as an "independent" on the network, each display in the facility can show identical or different content, providing a truly dynamic solution.
The custom high-definition graphical layout of the system consists of the date, time, temperature headline news, Room Schedule information and a media area that displays videos and stills. One of the main features of the system is Room Scheduling, which is displayed prominently on the graphical layout as a roll. Clients, dates and general information are entered into the system along with room schedule data. This data is then automatically shown on the proper displays throughout the facility based on pre-defined groups or "zones," which can be changed at any time through the application. Displays tagged in the application as "entry" displays automatically show general client information that directs visitors to the parts of the facility being used by the client. Once visitors reach that part of the facility, they see the detailed Room Schedule data pertinent to that client only.
The system also provides the convention center the capability of entering text-based messages, which like any other content, can be shown selectively on any or all displays. When enabled, these messages appear over pre-defined backgrounds in the media area with existing convention center videos, and stills, providing a seamless integration into the current script. These messages can also be triggered to display immediately to alert visitors of an emergency situation. Client content and paid advertising can also be implemented into the media area in either video or still format with playback logging of advertisements for verification and billing purposes.
Utilizing internal and external devices in conjunction with the custom application and ScalaScript, each display can switch from its typical player-based "media area" video content to video feeds being distributed through the centers internal Cable TV system. These feeds, ranging from satellite TV signals, to live video of Exhibition Hall events can be displayed in the existing graphical layout, or can be configured in real-time in the application to be displayed full screen.
With the expanded and renovated exterior completed, the Duke Energy Center takes its place in the skyline and welcomes meeting delegates and visitors to Cincinnati USA with its new "icon" - a series of glistening metal panels set at angles along the western facade that gleam alongside Interstate 75, proclaiming C-I-N-C-I-N-N-A-T-I in 50-foot-tall letters.
About Scala, Inc.
Scala, Inc. is the world's leading provider of software for digital signage software used in retail, education, entertainment, government and other industries. The company's cutting-edge multimedia software platform powers thousands of digital signs around the world including the digital signage networks of Tesco, Best Buy, T-Mobile, ShopRite, Virgin MegaStore, Bloomberg, Burger King, Kiwi, Azizia-Panda Supermarket, McKee Foods, Muvico, Santiago Airport, RaboBank and Warner Brothers Movie World. Since InfoChannel is proven, scalable, and easy to manage, it is the platform of choice for many digital display networks ranging in size from one screen to thousands of screens with uses including advertising displays, touch screens, retail TV, LED billboards, lobby signage, digital menu boards, interactive kiosks, and more. Scala, Inc. pioneered the industry of digital signage in 1987, and is today headquartered near Philadelphia, PA with operations in California, the UK, Norway, The Netherlands, China and Japan.
About Hammond Communications Group
Hammond Communications Group is a full-service multimedia communications company specializing in digital signage applications. For digital signage, Hammond provides turnkey solutions with core competencies that focus on content creation, content management and network operations. For multimedia, Hammond provides video/film production, video news releases, DVD presentations, 3D computer animation, virtual tours, Web site development, interactive sales and marketing presentations, computer-based training applications and CD-ROM development.
