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Digital Signage technology is the most favored means of advertising as it transfers real time information to a target group of consumers. This information can be in the form of data, images, animations, videos or multimedia content. Various types of display devices such as plasma TVs, LCD panels, video cubes, projectors and full matrix LED boards can be used for displaying content. The greatest advantage of this technology is the increased return on investment as it only involves a one-time cost as opposed to the static medium of advertising which has high costs associated with updating content. Due to this flexibility in updating content, this technology is also referred to as Dynamic Digital Signage Software Solution.

Among the numerous benefits associated with this technology, the most common ones are real time information transfer from anywhere in the world, revenue generation by targeting specific locales and customers, influencing customer behavior, creating brand awareness, enhancing customer experience, consistency of cost and lower cost of production. Using this technology, information can be distributed to the servers and relayed over a network via TCP/IP protocols.

Used by industries as well as retail chains, this state of the art technology utilizes a network of displays which can be customized and controlled electronically. It is a confluence of hardware devices and a digital signage software solution. However, one needs to be aware of the network and bandwidth in order to successfully deploy this solution which should have the ability to accommodate future growth. Compatible with all file formats such as HTML, Video files, Flash files, QuickTime, Microsoft office and JPG, these solutions are available in both stand alone as well as customized formats. Easy to set up, manage and update, these software solutions are designed with either a single user or multi user interfaces.

Used globally, this out of home advertising medium is being used in airports, bus terminals, hospitals, entertainment facilities, financial institutions, educational institutions, supermarkets, government sectors etc. Since it has the capability of transferring high resolution images instantly while maintain security across the digital signage networks, this technology is growing in popularity worldwide.

Since beginning this column last fall, I’ve attempted to point to trends, analysis and reports that gauge the development of digital signage and identify the strengths and opportunities for this emerging medium.

I’m not alone on this mission. An excellent white paper from Profitable Channels makes a strong case for digital signage networks as an effective advertising medium with the ability to compensate for deficiencies in television advertising manifested in increasingly fragmented audiences, digital video recording and its accompanying commercial “zapping,” and the lack of certainty in measuring audience metrics.

The white paper presents highlights of a larger in-depth report entitled “Adding Out-of-Home Digital Advertising Networks to the Marketing and Media Mix” by Profitable Channels partner Stephen Diorio.

The white paper makes a strong case that marketers should take digital advertising seriously. It’s in the best interest of their companies, the white paper contends, to “make sure their agency partners are considering” digital advertising networks “as part of the marketing/media mix.” Additionally, it recommends marketers should be setting aside a portion of their marketing budgets for this emerging new medium.

According to the white paper, emerging digital advertising networks offer five advantages over traditional media offerings, including:

measurable sales impact proximity to the sale better ways to target media greater relevance to the product being sold tighter integration with local selling efforts

Many marketers have begun to recognize those benefits. The white paper points out that as of August 2006, 37 of the 50 largest supermarket chains “are rolling out, piloting or planning” for in-store digital signage networks and that more than 4,000 “big-box retail stores” display in-store video advertising. Further evidence supporting that marketers see the value of digital ad networks comes in the form of budget allocation.

Referencing research from Veronis Suhler Stevenson, Carat Media and others, the document asserts that by 2011 “up to $40 billion of traditional media spending” will be shifted into new media. Obviously, a large portion of this will be devoted to Internet advertising and other new media, but digital advertising networks stand to benefit as well.

“This reallocation of media spending reflects a shift in consumer “attention” away from traditional newspaper and broadcast media to the Internet and new digital media, including cell phones, video games, podcasting, and out-of-home digital advertising networks,” the white paper says.

It is important to note that the report lumps “cinema” into the overall digital media networks category without distinguishing between commercials and still ads projected on-screen by digital projectors and digital signage in and around motion picture theaters to promote films. Equally important to understand is that the former is likely to be significantly larger than the latter at this point. Regardless, the white paper identifies the overall strength of digital advertising networks, of which digital signage is an important part, and the likelihood that they will only continue to grow.

Perhaps best of all, the white paper identifies five separate research organizations that have found consumers like digital advertising networks. All show these networks have “value to, acceptance by and positive response from consumers.”

If you only have time to read one report this summer, spend it reading “Adding Out-of-Home Digital Advertising Networks to the Marketing and Media Mix” by Stephen Diorio.

A while back, we were introduced to a site that lets you type in your web site’s domain name – or even a specific page URL on your site – to see if the content on your page is being used on any other sites. We thought this was an interesting concept, so we plugged in our URL and were shocked to find our content was – word for word – being used on a number of other web sites – without our permission, obviously!

To add insult to injury, several of the sites that had outright ripped off our copy were themselves designers. In one case, the person had not only stolen our copy, but images from our portfolio, advertising our work as their own. Imagine being a client of an unscrupulous designer who searches out someone else’s web site to steal content to sell themselves to said client on merits that are not their own.

Needless to say, we were not about to take theft of our copyrighted content and images lying down! We immediately had our legal advisor draft a cease-and-desist message which was sent to the owners of each of the offending sites. Most responded quickly – and apologetically – and complied with our request for removal of our content from their sites. In one case, the owner of a printing company web site told us that the person who developed the site for them provided the copy and he was dumbfounded when we presented him with our claim of plagiarism. That case proved to be the most difficult to resolve, with the developer initially refusing to co-operate. Within a few days, however, it was, thankfully, resolved.

So, the moral of this story is two-fold:

Be pro-active in protecting your copyrighted material. Your content represents countless hours of research, writing and testing and monetary investment. Don’t let some fly-by-night thief take advantage of what is rightfully yours.

And, equally important – be careful who you hire. If the combination of stellar portfolio and bargain-basement pricing seems too good to be true – it probably is. Competent, experienced design professionals know the value of what they provide to a client and their rates will reflect that value. Do a thorough background check on the person/firm to be sure they’re legit. Ask to speak to former clients and ask if the work they received measured up to the portfolio they were shown.

While it’s unfortunate that there are unsavory sorts who would stoop to outright theft of someone else’s content, it is, in fact, a reality. The best defense against these types of crooks is to not let them get away with it. You can bet the people we caught ripping off our content will think twice before doing it again. Once busted, twice shy.

Check out the Copyscape web site – www.copyscape.com – to find out if your content is being used without permission.

In the modern age of word processing and unlimited digital resources, the practice of correctly citing material has begun to deteriorate. Potential sources have moved into digital libraries, and students have access to a plethora of previously written papers in any field with almost any subject. The technological revolution has strained the core principles that professional educators strive to instill in their students. As a society we are at a turning point. We can cower from our moral goals in the face of adversity or press forward and create new solutions to the drawbacks of living in a digital age. When it comes down to it, stepping back from our efforts to cite sources for original thought and reward people for their creativity is not an option.

At one time, academic integrity was an unquestionable pillar of essay writing and content creation. When research required a library card and a lengthy time investment in hunting down relevant resources, academic integrity was in effect protected by the distinction of taking time out to specifically harvest source material for your paper. Library time, made it more difficult for a student to blur the lines between research and other day to day activities. At the same time, there was no available access to vast databases of papers. Cheating meant sourcing a paper from a closer associate. The anonymity of downloading a cookie-cutter essay from the web was unavailable. Plagiarizing from close associates also meant that the work was more likely to be previously read by the professor. Before computers, not only was academic integrity more paramount, the act of plagiarizing was in many ways more difficult.

The digital age had a revolutionary impact on content creation in the education field. With the advent of word processing, spell checking began to shift to automated programs and essays could be printed or copied at the push of a button. The internet opened up a vast network of fully digitized resources. Library cards began to gather dust as student scoured to web for more specific and readily available resources. As web surfing became a part of nearly everyone’s day to day activities, the distinction between researching and searching began to blur. This breakdown was further exacerbated by the growing social activities available online. Student began sharing information across social networks and the art of copy and pasting interesting information became second nature.

As technology began to offer up increasingly easy channels for plagiarism, the education community and the technical community searched for means to defend the long running standard of academic integrity. The issue was not merely that students no longer cared about citation. In many cases, students never intentionally engaged in plagiarism, overlooking their behavior as just another online activity. The education community pushed for renewed understandings of academic integrity and turned to technical solutions to uncover academic misdeeds. Software companies began to offer programs that were capable of tapping into large databases and online collections of resources to crosscheck papers for citation errors. These tools allowed educators to more effectively identify plagiarism issues and pinpoint the missing sources.

As plagiarism became more difficult to self identify, a growing need developed for students to scan their own work for citation issues prior to submitting papers. Despite their best intentions, many students overlooked certain sources as the sheer access to information produced more specific and independent sources for each essay. With the potential of expulsion, students looked for more effective way to ensure they were meeting standards of academic integrity. Recently, the same companies that initially offered professors solutions for identifying plagiarism have turned their efforts to students. New paper plagiarism checker software offers a simple answer to the requirement that student self enforce proper citation practices in their essay creation. With this new technology students can research and write their original papers and then double check their citation with a simple scan of the document. The new programs will help identify which, if any, sections are flagged for citation issues and help the student police themselves for proper citation techniques.

The internet age has opened a Pandora’s box of potentially double edged technologies that can both help and hurt the education field. Ultimately, most educators would agree that more readily available access to information can only help advance education and understanding. As technology opened the door to undermine academic integrity, it also appears to have answered the call for protections against such evils. With an emphasis on citation and open access to plagiarism scanning tools, a new crop of students is prepared to meet the challenge of striving for academic integrity in a modern age.

The digital technology is a completely new technology which is being used in the recent years. Especially in the world of advertising this particular technology has penetrated greatly. Digital signage information points are considered the best mode of advertising as they are able to transmit real time information to the target audience. When the information is transmitted with the help of this technology, the information can be in the form of images, text, data, animations or videos. But one thing one needs to keep in mind is that when you are transferring information with the help of digital signage information it is important that the content of the information is colorful and attractive. Unless the information passed is catchy it will not hold the attention of the target audience.

The different types of display which are used in case of these information points are LCD screens, projectors or the LED screens. But all of these are touch screen that is to browse through it you can use either the finger or the stylus which is provided along with it. Suppose you get impressed by a particular offer and you want to know more about the product, the only thing which you need to do is browse through the touch screen monitor. In the initial stage the cost that is involved in the setting up of digital signage information points for the purpose of advertising may seem very costly. It is true that the establishment cost is higher than the cost involved in the other modes of advertising. But the return you get is worth the investment. Moreover in case of this technology you need not be bothered with the headache of updating the content at regular intervals. The addition and alteration of the messages in these information points can be done with ease and the time taken is just thirty seconds. In the other modes of advertising you need to undergo a lot of hassle for changing the content. As there is a lot of flexibility as far as content change is concerned in Digital Signage sometimes it is referred as the Dynamic Digital Signage Software Solution.

The greatest advantage of the digital signage information points is that from any part of the world you are able to communicate a message to various target consumers. Thus sitting in a different place you can arrange for revenue generation for your organization. When this technology is used to transfer the message to various parts of the world the cost is nothing when compared to the benefits received. The technology that is involved in the distribution of this kind of information is a network via TCP/IP protocols.

The technology is used by many of the industries as well as the retail chains. The technology used in the digital information points can be customized according to the required and they are monitored electronically. The technology which is used in the digital information is a blend of hardware devices and a digital signage software solution. This global mode of advertising is largely used in the airports, hospitals and entertainment spaces etc.

Digital signage and advertising has been part and parcel of the retailers marketing tools for some time now. It has replaced the age old, flyers and huge billboards with a great new interactive medium of marketing. With digital signage in retail, the marketing world has taken a completely new turn. It has advanced in to world, where the buyers and sellers interact and communicate with each other constantly from various point. There are various state of the art monitors that are now available with the buyers. The touch screen for digital signage in retail is one of them. It allows retailers to put the consumers into a position, where they can shop through the medium.

Compared to the print industry, which was used in advertising, the digital medium is more interactive. The cost of advertising through this medium is low as well. There is low maintenance and the retailers benefit in the long run, because they do not have to put the information and updated information again and again. Digital signage in retail is used for both the outdoor and also for the indoor purposes. Through this medium, the prospective customer is able to evaluate the product and the price for a definite brand.

Benefits of touch screen:

Interactivity – Touch screens mostly have LCD screen and potential customer can browse through the products that has been introduced in the collection. This is possible even in outdoor location. Few retailers have even implemented the digital signage together with touch screens, so that the customers can place the orders and collect information about different products.

Technology has been taken to a whole new different platform in all of the signage that is now introduced into the market. Consumers are experimental and they expect to see and even expect signage screen to be touch sensitive.

Efficient in outdoor location – Touch screens can be used easily. It can be installed readily for the outdoor location. It is quite effective in the long run. Since, in the modern world, most people are quite aware of this technology, people can efficiently use it for their own benefit. Touch screens are apt for outdoor location because unlike the other displays, it can be waterproof. Over and above, the touch screens can be put in enclosures easily. Even within the enclosure and in waterproof conditions, the touch screens are as sensitive as it is when it is put without any protection. The displays have better longevity. There is low maintenance for this type of signage.

Retail businesses are now incorporating these devices in several locations, for the benefit of the client. Retail is not the only business which has been assisted through the digital signage technology. Different information for the benefit of the people is now necessary in the banking sector, on roads and for way finding. Consumers can now directly access the information kiosk, know about the products, pick the one of their choice and place the orders for the same. It is becoming very easy and reaching the consumers readily.

The use of a copyright notice is no longer required under U. S. law, but you should still give notice whenever possible. Because prior law did contain such a requirement, however, the use of notice is still relevant to the copyright status of older works.

Under the 1976 Copyright Act, creators of covered works were required to give notice of copyright on the work in question. This requirement was eliminated when the United States signed onto the Berne Convention in March 1989.

You should give notice of copyright whenever possible because it puts the public on notice that the work is protected by copyright, identifies the copyright owner, and shows the year of first publication. Furthermore, in the event that a work is infringed, if a proper notice of copyright appears on the published copy or copies to which a defendant in a copyright infringement suit had access, then the defendant can’t claim innocent infringement as a defense. Innocent infringement occurs when the infringer did not realize that the work was protected.

The use of the copyright notice is the responsibility of the copyright owner and does not require advance permission from, or registration with, the Copyright Office.

Form of Notice for Visually Perceptible Copies

The notice for visually perceptible copies should contain all the following three elements:

1. The symbol ? (the letter C in a circle), or the word “Copyright”;

2. The year of first publication of the work. The year date may be omitted where a pictorial, graphic, or sculptural work, with accompanying textual matter, if any, is reproduced in or on greeting cards, postcards, stationery, jewelry, dolls, toys, or any useful article; and

3. The name of the owner of copyright in the work, or an abbreviation by which the name can be recognized.

Here’s an example: ? 2002 Jane Doe

Position of Notice

The copyright notice should be affixed to copies in such a way as to “give reasonable notice of the claim of copyright.” The three elements of the notice should ordinarily appear together on the copies or container.

In Closing

You work hard to create books, articles, music and other items. Make sure you protect them by giving copyright notice.

Digital Signage Systems, in the form of LCD, LED, plasma or projected images, are used for information or advertising purposes. The advantage offered by digital signage over fixed or static signage is ease of content, targeted messaging, time-content synchronization and eventually superior ROI on ad spend. However, given that this medium is a technological one, there are certain blind spots that can make or break an advertising campaign.

Blind spot #1 Location

Before installing, one must make certain considerations, such as permission from local and civic authorities. Inadequate space for installation can be a problem if not factored in early. Finally, poor visibility can defeat the entire purpose of the display. For example, earlier in-store signage was usually suspended from the ceiling. These were easily missed by customers who would walk under the signage without ever looking up.

There needs to be a clear focus on the importance of the message, instead of being fascinated or too involved with the technology. Careful surveys of effectiveness during trial runs can iron out issues that might crop up during the actual campaign.

Blind spot #3 Content

Updating the content on your digital signage system is as vital as determining the content mix and the objective of the content (increase brand awareness, footfalls or sales, etc). It is said that attractive signage actually creates an appetite for fresh content in the consumer. Repetitive content is the easiest way to allow your customers to lose interest and turn a ‘blind’ eye to your message. The days of endlessly looping a television commercial on signage is a very narrow vision of the possibilities of digital signage. This is a natural expectation from a dynamic media and should be respected.

Blind spot #2 Equipment

Equipment expense is usually a bugbear for most people. However, selecting a digital signage system based solely on price can prove to be an Achilles heel in the long run. Inexpensive options might not last as long as more costly equipment does. Reliable software, displays and controllers can get the message across more consistently. On the other hand, investing vast amounts on technology will prove useless if your content is basic and repetitive.

Equipment restrictions have declined with advancements in technology. Current signage systems are of the ‘plug-and-play’ variety and can easily be connected and the content can be updated from remote locations as well.

Always keep in mind the objective of deploying signage – be it brand building, information dissemination or traffic increase.

Search engines love content. And it is the content through which one can get into the field of competition in online marketing. But it is very difficult to develop a well composed article. Relevancy, good with spelling, grammar and punctuation are the striking features of quality content. It should be so interesting that the publisher will long to publish and the readers will just love to read it. But the main area of concern in the field of content writing for internet is plagiarism or copying another’s content. Plagiarism is, basically, the act of taking the already written content by someone else and publish it claiming to be own. Where as content are the best means of driving traffic to a site, plagiarism is one of the intellectual crimes that an author can commit. The acquisition of plagiarism can lead someone to professional challenges.

Basically, all of us want to read different articles and write-ups to become knowledgeable and keep ourselves updated with information. Even people who are making research also go through the work of people who have done research on that and carry their research further. Same is the case with the creative writers. They go through the writing styles of people of literature and the end result is creating a rich style of their own.

There are few great writers who are blessed with original ideas and writing style combined with skill of using words to create a world of difference. Their works of art have a long lasting effect in the mind of the readers. But when it come to providing information through articles and making content as one of the medium of marketing, originality in all aspect is somewhat difficult. Of course, writers can refer to other articles and posting to get idea and give information, but they need to mention the source of information and put there own ideas into it.

As far as plagiarism is concerned, it is in rise these days in the online marketing. However, a professional SEO content writer is aware of the fact that plagiarism is a serious offence in content writing. They know what it costs when their content is detected as copied. If a freelance writer or SEO copy writer is providing SEO copywriting services he need to make thorough research on web to get information about the thing or topic or person he is writing. But in any case the idea and the style must reflect his creativity. Most of the internet marketers ignore the importance of substantial writing and opt for cheap SEO copywriting services. These service providers use ‘copy and paste’ function and the customers end up with a getting a duplicate content.

Basically, in content writing two types of plagiarism are taken into consideration. (i) Copying a piece of writing from other and publishing it with own name, (ii) taking the idea of others. In SEO content writing both are crimes for the writer and should be avoided in any case. The online marketers, hiring content writer for their promotion and marketing need to be careful about selecting their service provider.