The Intel dual-core processor SUSE Linux digital signage player, which includes 1GB of memory and Nvidia GeForce HD Graphics, as well as networking and VGA and HDMI display ports, is pre-configured by StrandVision for optimal performance and stability for years of service.

“The Linux Digital Signage Player is the best option for StrandVision customers,” said Mike Strand StrandVision founder and CEO. “We take care of the software installation/configuration and closely integrate the unit allowing our cloud services to manage the appliances so customers don’t have to worry about the initial configuration, ongoing maintenance, operating system versions or security. The small size and optional mounting bracket allows the unit to be hidden behind the display for an uncluttered installation.”

The StrandVision Linux Player includes a subset of the full digital signage playback software application that runs on StrandVision’s servers in the cloud. The Player includes its own database and Apache Web server so everything is self contained. The included Adobe Flash player only has to connect to itself for digital signage content (no network traffic) with StrandVision’s production servers in the cloud acting as backup and sending changes to content as needed.

The Linux digital signage appliance uses patented technology to poll the server cloud every minute to receive updates to digital signage content and send status and usage activity information. If the cloud cannot be reached the Linux appliance continues to play the full content loop and handles random and scheduled content properly. As a result, periodic breaks in Internet service of even up to a few hours are seldom noticeable. If the StrandVision cloud servers detect that a Linux appliance has stopped communicating with the server cloud for an hour, the system automatically sends an email alert to the customer’s technical contacts that are assigned to that particular location.

An additional benefit is that StrandVision’s cloud servers also have a lot more capability to solve issues automatically with the Linux players since the hardware and entire operating system is consistent and customized to operate within StrandVision’s cloud. The configuration also offers enhanced security and stability.

The Linux Player is offered in addition to standard downloadable StrandVision Digital Signage applications for Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac personal computers. The StrandVision Digital Signage Linux Player is available directly from StrandVision or through authorized StrandVision resellers and system integrators. It is priced at $799.99. Additional information on StrandVision Digital Signage Linux Players is available at: http://www.strandvision.com/linux_digital_signage_player_pc.html.

About StrandVision

StrandVision LLC, based in Menomonie, Wisconsin, delivers low-cost, Web-based digital signage software through a patented Software as a Service (SaaS) approach that delivers content to subscribers’ LCD flat panel screens, as well as computer screens and websites. StrandVision’s service distributes text and graphics pages, video content and national and local weather and news. It is ideal for many large and small business marketing applications, including medical and dental offices (patient education); banks, retailers and industrial distributors (video merchandising); education (student communication, staff and visitor information); employee break rooms (employee communication of events and benefits); nonprofit and religious organizations (member and supporter communication).

StrandVision also offers PC-2-TV.net, a fully digital, high-definition (HD) video extender to connect a computer to a television over long distances for use with digital signage and many other applications. StrandVision Digital Signage services and PC-2-TV.net are available directly from StrandVision and through registered affiliates and system integrators. Additional information about StrandVision Digital Signage is available at StrandVision.com, 715-235-7446 or by email.

Source: StrandVision

Presents dynamic digital signage content on employees’ personal computers to enhance employee communication…

StrandVision Digital Signage today unveiled a new screen saver capability for StrandVision Digital Signage networks that extends companies’ signage networks to employees’ desktops to further reinforce employee communication messaging.

Designed to bring corporate announcements directly to employees, it is ideal for human resources communications of employee benefits, reinforcement of corporate goals/missions, general business marketing, news and events or special announcements, such as weather-related bulletins. Compatible with Microsoft Windows operating systems, the screen saver application plays the same content that streams over customers’ StrandVision Digital Signage network on screens throughout a facility and internal and external websites.

“This is a powerful and efficient way to consistently communicate with employees and visitors,” commented Mike Strand StrandVision founder and CEO. “The StrandVision Digital Signage Screen Saver enables companies to get the most out of their digital signage networks by utilizing existing equipment that is temporarily inactive. We’ve designed a system that fits with corporate networking and computer management protocols while substantially extending the reach of the digital signage network for employee communication and business marketing opportunities.”

The application can be distributed in the same manner that other standard corporate applications are deployed. Once installed on an employee’s personal computer, the application becomes a dropdown selection in the Screen Saver Settings dialog and works the same way as any other screen saver.

StrandVision Digital Signage Screen Saver content is distributed over companies’ standard computer networks. A StrandVision preconfigured, on-premise server or Linux signage player is required for installations of more than 10 computers, which reduces subscription costs and network traffic while increasing efficiency. Pricing starts at $499 per year and goes as low as $.17 per desktop per month for larger installations. The StrandVision Digital Signage Screen Saver is available immediately from StrandVision and through authorized resellers.

About StrandVision

StrandVision LLC, based in Menomonie, Wisconsin, delivers low-cost, Web-based digital signage software through a patented Software as a Service (SaaS) approach that delivers content to subscribers’ LCD flat panel screens, as well as computer screens and websites. StrandVision’s service distributes text and graphics pages, video content and national and local weather and news. It is ideal for many large and small business marketing applications, including medical and dental offices (patient education); banks, retailers and industrial distributors (video merchandising); education (student communication, staff and visitor information); employee break rooms (employee communication of events and benefits); non-profit and religious organizations (member and supporter communications).

StrandVision also offers PC-2-TV.net, a fully digital, high-definition (HD) video extender to connect a computer to a television over long distances for use with digital signage and many other applications. StrandVision Digital Signage services and PC-2-TV.net are available directly from StrandVision and through registered affiliates and system integrators. Additional information about StrandVision Digital Signage is available at StrandVision.com, 715-235-7446 or by email.

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For further information:

Mike Strand
StrandVision
715-235-7446 X100
mjstrand [at] strandvision.com

Sandy McLaughlin
Soucy Communications Group
781-898-7305
smclaughlin [at] scg-pr.com

Source: StrandVision

Allows StrandVision subscribers to automatically add smart phone-readable QR codes to any digital signage page…

StrandVision Digital Signage today announced that it has integrated smart phone-readable Quick Response (QR) codes into its digital signage offering. StrandVision has incorporated a QR code generation tool into its online digital signage software administration console.

To add the capability subscribers simply make their selection and the familiar QR code is automatically generated and added to the page that is viewed by the public on their digital signage player. By scanning the QR code with their mobile smart phone, viewers interact with the StrandVision subscriber’s digital signage network in any number of ways – visit Web sites, send messages, or receive coupons. The system allows StrandVision subscribers additional feedback (and sales opportunities) through their more traditional marketing venues.

Building on a Barcode Legacy

Adding QR codes is a natural extension for StrandVision since it is the second startup for founder and CEO Mike Strand. He previously founded StrandWare, and built it to become one of the leading barcode labeling software companies in the world. He sold the company prior to starting his StrandVision digital signage venture over eight years ago.

“As soon as I saw the more than 10-year-old QR codes evolve to be decoded by smart phones, I realized their potential as a digital signage application to give immediate and direct response to our customers’ digital signage promotions,” Strand commented. “We revised some old code to work with our Web-based console so our customers can add them as easily as adding text or a picture. Best of all, the new capability is included as a free digital signage software add-on to all subscribers.”

Several Ways to Interact

The QR code add-on enables StrandVision subscribers to add the code to virtually any page in order to direct viewers to Web pages, bookmark pages, dial telephone numbers and send text messages or emails. Once connected to the Web, viewers can download coupons or access location-specific promotions making the digital signage player an interactive communications medium.

Typical ways that StrandVision subscribers can add QR codes include creating links from their company information, mission, logo and/or hours digital signage pages. Under the StrandVision system, these pages automatically use account information to open a Web page, bookmark a Web page, or call the listed phone number. Subscribers simply enable the appropriate QR code function and the symbol is instantly added to the digital signage.

For photo and text pages, subscribers can select a dropdown menu in the Add/Modify pages section and enter the phone, email or URL address. Existing pages can be easily modified to add QR codes. RSS feeds and licensed content can code a link to the source article.

“QR codes open a whole new arena for digital signage,” said Strand. “We think that it is a melding of technologies that plays perfectly with the way people are using mobile communications. It is the next step in digital signage interactivity.”

About StrandVision

StrandVision LLC, based in Menomonie, Wisconsin, delivers low-cost, Web-based digital signage software through a patented Software as a Service (SaaS) approach that delivers content to subscribers’ LCD flat panel screens, as well as computer screens and websites. StrandVision’s service distributes text and graphics pages, video content and national and local weather and news. It is ideal for many large and small business marketing applications, including medical and dental offices (patient education); banks, retailers and industrial distributors (video merchandising); education (student communication, staff and visitor information); employee break rooms (employee communication of events and benefits); non-profit and religious organizations (member and supporter communications).

StrandVision also offers PC-2-TV.net, a fully digital, high-definition (HD) video extenderto connect a computer to a television over long distances for use with digital signage and many other applications.

StrandVision Digital Signage services and PC-2-TV.net are available directly from StrandVision and through registered affiliates and system integrators.  Additional information about StrandVision Digital Signage is available at StrandVision.com, 715-235-7446 or by email

Source: StrandVision

Automated electronic sign monitoring and reporting tools provide digital signage player status reports and alerts…

StrandVision Digital Signage today announced enhanced administrative tools that monitor system status every minute for its Digital Signage player networks. The system provides detailed reports that are available on demand to subscribers and allows for email or text message alerts to be automatically sent to multiple contacts when issues are identified and solved. Administrators of multiple digital signage networks can quickly see details on a color-coded console on StrandVision’s digital signage server cloud and receive automated email notices if a playback or network malfunction occurs.

In addition to listing the digital signage player group name, administrator, location and license renewal information, the console shows the digital signage player status, including the last time it was updated and the last communication with the digital signage server cloud. The system automatically highlights any out-of-norm occurrences with a red banner or an exclamation icon.

StrandVision also automatically sends emails or text messages to designated technical administrators if the digital signage player has not recently communicated with any of the StrandVision servers. When communication with the server is properly restored, a notification is also sent.

“As we deploy larger and larger digital signage networks for our customers, there is a need to automate administration and provide immediate notification to the extent possible,” said Mike Strand, StrandVision founder and CEO. “This new monitoring and reporting capability combines automated notification when necessary with a dashboard approach that gives administrators a system-wide view of any problems at a glance, with the ability to drill down into detailed information about individual installations. Whether controlling a single digital signage player or a digital signage solution with hundreds of channels and thousands of players, StrandVision provides centralized monitoring and control that is scalable and easy to use.”

About StrandVision

StrandVision LLC, based in Menomonie, Wisconsin, delivers low-cost, Web-based digital signage software through a patented Software as a Service (SaaS) approach that delivers content to subscribers’ LCD flat panel screens, as well as computer screens and websites. StrandVision’s service distributes text and graphics pages, video content, famous paintings, music and national and local weather and news. It is ideal for many large and small business marketing applications, including medical and dental offices (patient education); banks, retailers and industrial distributors (video merchandising); education (student communication, staff and visitor information); employee break rooms (employee communication of events and benefits); non-profit and religious organizations (member and supporter communications).

StrandVision also offers PC-2-TV.net, a fully digital, high-definition (HD) video extender to connect a computer to a television over long distances for use with digital signage and many other applications.

StrandVision Digital Signage services and PC-2-TV.net are available directly from StrandVision and through registered affiliates and system integrators. Additional information about StrandVision Digital Signage is available from http://www.StrandVision.com, by calling 715-235-7446 or emailing sales [at] strandvision.com.

For information contact:

Mike Strand
StrandVision
715-235-7446 X100
mjstrand [at] strandvision.com

Sandy McLaughlin
Soucy Communications Group
781-898-7305
smclaughlin [at] scg-pr.com

Source: StrandVision

Introduces artists through its international digital signage network…

StrandVision LLC, a provider of hosted digital signage services for business marketing and employee communications, today announced that a new background music feature available for its subscribers is also a showcase for emerging recording artists and groups.

The background music capability offers StrandVision Digital Signage subscribers more than 650 background music streams from 40+ categories. The copyright-cleared music is available 24/7 to accompany promotional messages or employee communications that are displayed by StrandVision subscribers.

Aspiring artists can arrange to have their music added to the mix at StrandVision’s servers. The selections are offered on the music menu and StrandVision subscribers can add the artist’s music to their custom music streams. As an added benefit, a promotional image and contact information for the artist is automatically added to the local digital signage display as the selection is being played.

“This is a great project for us,” commented Mike Strand, StrandVision founder and CEO. “It marries my interest in media with our ability to give emerging artists a new outlet to promote their music at no charge. We’re looking forward to featuring as many artists as we can to our worldwide customer base.”

Musicians Get Free Promotion

In addition to the standard music categories that do not interject advertising, individual artist compositions can also be added to music selections by the subscriber. In return for royalty-free usage of the music pieces that are securely transmitted to screens which are often seen by thousands of people each day, the artist is also featured on the screen. While a piece is playing, the digital signage will occasionally display the artist’s cover artwork and contact information to let the listener know how to learn more about them. For artists without their own distribution, StrandVision can fulfill customer orders directly for a 20% transaction fee.

StrandVision digital signage is displayed in many high-traffic venues including hotels, banks, retailers, healthcare clinics and other businesses. The music helps provide a relaxing environment for staff and visitors with entertaining music played in the background of their digital signage content.

The Fine Print

Artists must certify that the music and lyrics are copyright free or that the artist owns the copyright (no covers). Artists with original music compositions should contact Mike Strand at 715-235-7446 if they are interested in contributing background music for consideration by StrandVision for its digital signage customers. There is no charge to the artists for the music distribution service or for the advertising. StrandVision does not pay royalties for use of the music and assumes no responsibility.

Dodie Hogstad from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is the first musician to provide music with her “Through the Veils” album. Her beautiful meditative piano pieces provide a soothing backdrop to the hectic world of business.

About StrandVision

StrandVision LLC, based in Menomonie, Wisconsin, delivers low-cost, Web-based Software as a Service (SaaS) digital signage through a patented approach that delivers content to subscribers’ LCD and plasma displays, as well as computer screens and websites. StrandVision’s service distributes text and graphics pages, video content, famous paintings, music and national and local weather and news. It is ideal for medical and dental offices (patient education), banks, retailers and industrial distributors (video merchandising), education (student, staff and visitor information), employee break rooms (events and benefits), non-profit and religious organizations (member and supporter communications), and other applications.

StrandVision also offers PC-2-TV.net (www.pc-2-tv.net), a fully digital, high-definition (HD) personal computer-to-television adapter for use with digital signage and many other applications.

StrandVision Digital Signage services and PC-2-TV.net are available directly from StrandVision and through registered affiliates and system integrators (www.strandvision.com/installers.html). Additional information about StrandVision is available from www.strandvision.com, by calling 715-235-7446 or emailing sales [at] strandvision.com.

Contact:

Mike Strand
StrandVision
715-235-7446 X100
mjstrand [at] strandvision.com

Sandy McLaughlin
Soucy Communications Group
781-898-7305
smclaughlin [at] scg-pr.com

Source: StrandVision

The new prayer wall hosted at http://Prayer.StrandVision.Com is a powerful solution using StrandVision Digital Signage’s web server technology combined with the prayer efforts of Beth Israel JMI and their 12 global prayer towers, more than 72 prayer centers with thousands of prayer volunteers to moderate and pray for requests as they come in. This system makes it easy for every human being around the world with a web browser to have access to someone who will pray for them.

Each request is moderated and prayed for by EOE Tower volunteers.  Once published, anyone viewing the site can lift up the prayer to God.  Visitors adding a prayer request optionally get an email when someone prays for them and they can let the world know when they have an answered prayer. All prayer requests will eventually be directly or indirectly routed through the Jerusalem prayer tower.

“The Lord has blessed us all with this strategic partnership with StrandVision” said Rabbi Daniel Vargas, founder of the Ends of the Earth Global Prayer Towers.  “The power that this new social network provides makes it possible to expand an already powerful worldwide prayer network to involve every person that has an Internet connection.  We are proud to partner with StrandVision who today is in God’s cutting edge of technology.”

“I have always believed in helping people – even if it is one at a time and not always profitable,” commented StrandVision Founder and CEO Mike Strand.  “We are thrilled to be in on the ground floor of an initiative that could easily be the most powerful people-helping social network the world has ever seen.”

As part of the development process for the prayer submission, moderation, tracking and notification, StrandVision also created the ability for StrandVision Digital Signage customers to display prayers from around the world or their local area on their digital signage screens.  In addition to the prayer towers and prayer centers that will use this capability, it expands the prayer circle to public visitors of schools, malls, service centers and other businesses around the world.

If you are interested in becoming a prayer moderator volunteer for this new house of prayer, please visit http://Prayer.StrandVision.com/moderator_guidelines.html.

About Ends of the Earth Global Prayer Towers

The Ends of The Earth Global Prayer Tower is the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophetic writings about the last days before Yeshua (Jesus) returns. Daniel 11:32, “The people who know God shall be strong (“shall do great exploits” or “shall be on the technological cutting edge”). It has been the vision of Rabbi Daniel that through the Ends of The Earth Global Prayer Towers, every man woman and child can be prayed for anywhere in the world. Today that is now possible through the latest technology of StrandVision Digital Signage.

About StrandVision

StrandVision LLC, based in Menomonie, Wisconsin delivers low-cost, Web-based Software as a Service (SaaS) digital signage through a patented approach that delivers any marketing message to subscribers’ LCD and plasma displays, as well as computer screens and websites. StrandVision’s service distributes text and graphics pages, video content, and national and local weather and news. It is ideal for medical and dental offices (patient education), banks, retailers and industrial distributors (video merchandising), education (student, staff and visitor information), employee break rooms (events and benefits), non-profit and religious organizations (member and supporter communications), and other applications.

StrandVision also offers PC-2-TV.net, a fully digital, high-definition (HD) personal computer-to-television adapter for use with digital signage and many other applications.

StrandVision Digital Signage services and PC-2-TV.net are available directly from StrandVision and through registered affiliates and system integrators (http://www.strandvision.com/?installers). Additional information about StrandVision is available at http://www.strandvision.com, by calling 715-235-SIGN (7446) or emailing sales [at] StrandVision.com.

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All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

EDITORS: For further information:

Mike Strand
StrandVision Digital Signage
N5926 203rd Street
Menomonie, WI 54751
715-235-SIGN (7446)
mjstrand [at] StrandVision.com

Source: StrandVision