We haven’t tested the software, but it certainly looks like it does the job (and you can’t argue with the price). You configure the software to display tweets from one or more accounts.  Then, to update the sign, you simply update your twitter status.

We can see lots of great use cases for product including displaying tweets from a conference or presentation, in an office environment, or even a retail Pet shop (see above).  It’s certainly an easy and affordable way to keep the sign updated from just about any internet-enabled device.

What are the drawbacks?  Probably the biggest drawback is that the configuration of the software needs to be done on a sign-by-sign basis.  Not really practical for a large network of signs.  The software also offers some basic design customization, but it won’t really be enough for high impact visuals.

Check them out.

One additional point is that if you are running Keynote on a Mac, you should be able to natively burn a DVD of your presentation.  You can also create an iPhoto slide-show and burn that to DVD as well.

The only drawbacks of this PowerPoint sign approach are:

• Signs can only be updated through a multi-step process (imagine finding a typo and then having to edit the PowerPoint, convert to DVD, burn the DVD, and then swap the DVD into the player).
• There is no possibility for adding video to the signs.
• Digital photo frames are still on the small side… probably too small for anything but a countertop display.
• There are no analytics about the number of time each slide is displayed.

Bottomline: this is a terrific way to get started at the very low end of the market.  You can build a small business digital sign for less than $100 (for the photo frame) and use software that you already understand and probably own. 

But, if you’re wanting to take you cheap digital sign to the next level, you should look at some low end SAAS providers.

Why surveys? They are totally invaluable for gathering information when you are planning a digital signage project.   It’s a great idea to ask your constituencies about everything from the type of content they would find most valuable, to the network specifications on each local site.

Step 1: Signup for Google Docs

Head over to docs.google.com (If you don’t have a Google Account, you will need to create one.

Step 2: Create a New Google Form

Once you have landed on the homepage of Google Documents, you should see a blue toolbar across the top.  To create a new survey (AKA “form”), select New > Form.

Create New Google Form

Step 3: Create your Google survey

Now for the fun part!  You can add as many items as you would like to your survey.  To add a question, click Add item on the upper left corner of the screen.  You can then select from a variety of question types.  We generally use text because it is the most flexible for the respondents.  But of course, you can ask whatever type of questions you like!

Click on the image below to see a full size example of what the survey creation page will look like.

Google Survey Creation

Step 4: Share your survey

To share your survey with your respondents, you can either email it to them directly, paste a link on your website, OR embed the survey form itself.  These actions are available at the top of the edit screen.

Step 5: Review your data

The best part about using Google Docs for surveys is that the responses will automatically be included into an easy-to-use spreadsheet.  The Google Spreadsheet can be accessed by clicking See Responses > Spreadsheet at the top of the screen.  If you don’t like using the google spreadsheet for data analysis, you can download an Excel or Access-ready file by selecting file > export > csv.

This is a really easy process for gathering data.  Let us know if you have any questions! And, check out the excellent video below for more tips!!

But, as always, there are tradeoffs, and this recent article by Bill Gerba highlights a number of differences to consider when buying digital sign software.

Check out the full article here.

Awesome SaaS Video to help explain the concept:

Software as a Service Video

Not the type of signage for dealers that we like (photo: Peter Kaminski)

Just finished up the first draft of a page on digital signage for any type of dealer network.

Classic Catholic Church in Lousianna

Just finished up the first of our facility-focused guides on issues you should consider when installing a digital sign at your church.  Let us know what you think!