ExpoNation, organizers of the Digital Signage Expo, had promised that this year’s show would be BIG. It was very encouraging for us to see that their prediction became reality. This year was bigger than any previous year’s exhibition and had the usual benefit of a 100% focus on the digital signage industry.

Compared to previous years, there were significantly more end users attending the show. They all seemed to be involved in digital signage within their respective organizations in one form or another. The training sessions were well attended and the feedback we heard was that they were, for the most part, a worthwhile experience. Our hats go off to ExpoNation and BroadSign, the conference sponsors.

One of the major challenges we see facing a customer looking to deploy a digital signage network within their organization is wading through the plethora of content management software companies to find the one that best fits their needs. More than 25 companies were showing off their solutions, with several dozen more involved in content creation and/or liscensing.
The major advantage to having so many companies in this show environment is seeing what you can accomplish with software, being able to compare products side by side without having to try or buy a dozen or more packages. Products ranged from straight forward, easy to use applications, to significantly more complex and powerful offerings.

Some examples of content management software companies that were represented at the show include:

Sidewalk Digital: An easy to use, cost effective turnkey system to help businesses increase brand awareness, reduce perceived wait times, promote specific products and generate incremental advertising revenue. For more information: www.sidewalkdigital.com

Omnivex: A global provider of software solutions for the complete management backbone of digital signage systems. Omnivex’s specialty is building intelligence into your digital signage system to allow for content changes based on external conditions such as changes in weather. For more information: www.omnivex.com

EnQii (aka Digital View Media): A global provider of digital signage networks for retail and out-of-home advertising networks. Digital View provides the ability to monitor audience and usgae figures in real time to assess impressions, sales lift and project effectiveness. For more information: www.digitalviewmedia.com

Scala: With over 20 years experience in digital signage, Scala offers innovative, cutting edge technology that helps customers integrate software, hardware and technology into the best possible digital signage networks. For more information: www.scala.com

C-nario: C-nario provides end to end digital signage software solutions for the advertising, corporate, public, media and entertainment industries enabling unparralled palyback and management of HD video. For more information: www.c-nario.com

Dynasign Corporation: With its “think big, start small” philosophy, Dynasign offers an enterprise class digital signage online platform with many advanced features. For more information: www.dynasign.net

Reflect Systems: ReflectView provieds retailers and digital signage network operators with the platform to create, schedule and deliver dynamic media to thousands of displays, kiosks and point of service systems. For more information: www.reflectsystems.com

RiseVision: Showing their integrated software technology at the Minicom and Samsung booths, RiseVision owns, develops, and operates the Rise Display Network, a web-based content management system for digital signage that brings live data, custom messages, and riveting content to thousands of displays. For more information: www.risevision.com

In the several conference sessions we attended or moderated, the conversation and questions, regardless of the topic, came back to content – creating it, deploying it and keeping it fresh. One significant challenge facing end users is the idea of ROI – referred to in different venues as Return on Investment, Return on Imagination or ROO, a Return on Objectives. Many digital signage projects being considered these days have nothing to do with branding or the upsell of products but rather focus on information, education and/or enhancing a viewer's experience while in front of a digital sign. The value of deployment in these situations will require some very creative thinkers in order to measure the success of the installation.

In addition to software companies working to manage a network operation's content on generic players or video servers, there were other companies who build proprietary players with embedded software to manage your content. These companies ensure that your digital signage player has all of the capabilities needed to deliver the information you have created.

Some of the integrated hardware and software suppliers at the show include:

Symon Communications: Symon delivers quality digital signage hardware and software products that have elevated them to a world leadership position in real-time reporting and digital display technology. For more information: www.symon.com

Texas Digital: Texas Digital is a leading provider of integrated electronic display solutions that deliver exceptional value in both outdoor and indoor digital signage networks. For more information: www.txdigital.com

Exhibio: The Exhibio all-in-one hardware and software solution allows any skill leveled user to easily integrate their digital signage data into their easy to use web-based management system. For more information: www.exhibio.com

Real Digital Media: Neo-Cast® digital signage platform powers many of the industry’s fastest growing POP marketing, advertising and corporate communication networks. For more information: www.realdigitalmedia.com

In addition to the content management companies at the show, the other pieces of the digital signage puzzle were adequately represented as well. These technologies included companies who are focused on wireless delivery over networks including Wrieless Ronin and Internet Connectiveity Group. There were also graphic card manufacturers and sound device companies. Displays, the most visible part in a well depolyed digital signage networks were surperbly represented by the likes of Samsung, NEC, LG, Philips and a host of others.

Having several companies showing off their measurement tools was very helpful for those attendees looking for this service. Having several content creation companies and content provider companies in one venue was also a positive experience for attendees struggling with these issues.

All in all, the atmosphere and attendee experience at the show appeared to be very positive. Many of our partner companies, representing all aspects of the digital signage puzzle from content creation through screen manufacturers and mount companies, found the show to be a positive experience.

Minicom showcased 19 different partners in our booth showing many of the different venues that the partners play in including hospitality, education, fast food, educational and others. Information on Minicom partners can be found at our Partner Home Page.

Make sure you join us next year February 25th & 26th for DSE 2009, Booth 1111