Environment: Screen.Cloud digital signage
Purpose: How to use a Screen.Cloud digital signage setup
Introduction
This article is intended to get new users acquainted with the concepts of digital signage, and start to use Scree.Cloud, St FX's digital signage software.
Digital Signage Best Practices
- Keep it simple! People will only be looking at the screen for a few seconds, so don't use too much text.
- Use simple images and text so the core information is communicated.
- Use large text so users can easily see the information from a distance.
- Use the 3 x 5 Rule: THREE lines of text with FIVE words (max), or FIVE lines with THREE words (max).
- Dark backgrounds or images should utilize light or white text, light backgrounds should utilize dark text.
- Don’t use more than 2 fonts.
- Use simple fonts that are easy to read (no script fonts)
- Avoid italics: They're hard to read and hard on the eyes
- Preview designs: Stand back at least 6 feet from the monitor and try to read the information.
Introduction to Screen.Cloud
Screen.Cloud is a simple, easy to use, web-based application used by St FX to manage and display content for all digital signs supported by IT Services. Screen.Cloud offers a variety of resources to help users:
Screen.Cloud Concepts
Below are the key concepts required to understand and use Screen.Cloud effectively.
Screens: A screen that displays your digital signage content. A single Screen.Cloud account can manage many screens.
Layouts: Every screen has a layout, which has defined boxes called "zones" where playlists, content, and schedules can be displayed. For example, you may have your main message on the left in a large box and your social media feed on a smaller column located on the right.To learn more, see "How to Create a Layout".
Playlists: A playlist, just like the name suggests, is a timed sequence of content displayed over time, and is looped to begin from the start when it reaches the end. For example, you may display weather information for 30 seconds, followed by a Twitter feed for 30 seconds, followed by a bulletin for 30 seconds, creating a playlist of 1 minute and 30 seconds. To learn more, see "How to Create a Playlist".
Content & Apps: Screen.Cloud can display a variety of content. The best way to display content is to use the built in Apps, however it's also possible to upload Images, Videos, Documents, as well as display websites. To learn more, see "Adding Content" and "The Content Library"
Schedules: These allow you to time playlists to display at a particular time and date. For example, if you knew a particular event was happening a month in advance and you wanted to create a special playlist to display during that event, you can create a playlist and schedule it to display throughout the event, and then switch back to another playlist. This is particularly useful for setting content that will be displayed on weekends and holidays. To learn more, see "How to Schedule Content"