Volume 13, Issue 2 — January 25, 2021

rAVe DS [Digital Signage] — Volume 13, Issue 2

January 25, 2021 | Volume: 13 | Issue: 2

Howdy! I hope you’re all having a great January. The world seems to still be in a fragile state — if you’re like me, you look forward to going to the grocery store as your single outing of the week — but as more people are being vaccinated, I hope for a bright 2021!

Speaking of the COVID-19 vaccine, our fearless leader Gary Kayye was part of the Pfizer vaccine trial. He details his experience and includes a video of the process. I appreciate that he did this because I know some people have been nervous about a brand-new vaccine — and Gary will tell you everything he knows. You can reach out to him if you have other questions about his experience.

OK, now for the reason you’re here: digital signage news. Please welcome our new BlogSquad member, Michael Katz! He wrote a new blog about everything he learned during the first year of being in the DS industry. Spoiler: He learned a lot!

Also, check out the new product updates from Extron, Atlona, LynTec, Pexip and more.

Finally, an action item: Register to join us for LAVNCH WEEK 3.0 Feb. 9-11. We have put together a KILLER list of presenters, and believe me when I say you want to be in the room where it happens.

Later!

— Steph Beckett

COLUMNS

+ What I Learned About the Digital Signage Industry (Year One) [Michael Katz]

Although I have experienced “digital signage” during my AV integration career working with several enterprise clients, the signage components were minimal, and the scope of the project was simple — show the same automated content on some displays around a large open area space. This strategy is no longer adequate. Clients now experience higher value proposition of various digital signage applications. The importance of the end user experience directly equates to the mission criticality of digital signage. If those in charge of the project do not consider the Return on Experience (ROX) for the end users, then the project is probably not that important and will either have very little budget assigned and/or few human resources involved.

+ I Got the Pfizer Vaccine in September; Here’s What You Should Know [Gary Kayye]

Yes, I received the actual vaccine rather than the placebo (21,720 people in the study received BNT162b2 and 21,728 received the placebo). My first shot was Sept. 4 and I received my second on Sept. 28; I am still in the trial for another 24 months. I thought I would put together my thoughts — as many of you will be eligible as soon as next week and might be either nervous or not sure what to do. Of course, this is an individual decision everyone must make on their own but I was hoping if I shared my story, it might make you feel better. If you have any questions, PLEASE reach out.

+ Connectivity During a Pandemic Is Essential Business [Jeff Hastings]

The pandemic has illuminated the importance of connectivity in our lives. We’ve had to adapt how our kids learn, how we socialize with friends and family, and how we work. Technology has and continues to play a key role in bringing people together while we’re physically distant.