rVue Blog

Is NFC the way to be?

 

Not too long ago, Sony admitted that their Playstation Network was, indeed, hacked. Their members were heavily urged to change their password to aleviate any chances of their account being infiltrated since they had to provide contact information and (more importantly) credit card information when enrolling. These hackers can not only steal vital information but render a handful of features on the Playstation (playing online games, using netflix, software udpates, etc) useless. 

Well, with phones evolving with media players, GPS's, and now the integration of NFC (Near Field Communication), the devils advocate in me can't help but make a cameo. Hearing how your credit card can be scanned through your wallet (video below) can be a bit of a chilling, paranoia-inducing thought, no? Think about how many times you've heard a friend or co-worker that had to get a new card because someone stole the numbers while paying the bill at a restaurant or shopping online. Since its origin in the early 1960s and many advancements later, people are still being able to steal credit card numbers. 

What defenses can we look forward to in this newer, easier, faster advancement of mobile commerce? With the avenues that we're connected to with our phone (WiFi, 4G Networks, Bluetooth, Facetime/Tango, etc) while letting the world know where we are at all times (Facebook, Twitter, FourSquare, etc); is this a recipe for hackers to use as a backdoor into our personal information? 

Maybe my cautious skepticism is no different from the many back in the 60's who thought credit cards were a dangerous step in exchange for easier shopping. Other than having a bank that will reimburse you for stolen cash, what tech advancements could help? Could there be:

• Cases that could shield/lower the range hackers need to connect?
• Detection software on the phone that would put up a firewall or lock the phone temporarily?
• Detection software at store entrances that would detect illegal scanners (the same security detectors that shoplifters set off)?

Not only do we have to worry about other people stealing our cash and identity, but we also have to acknowledge that we have to beware of our own spending activity. Would you be more inclined to shop knowing its that much easier? If we're making technology that makes it easier to spend, wouldn't we be placing ourselves even closer to debt?  Some find it beneficial to get rid of cards entirely.

Don't get me wrong, I'm very intrigued by all this and could very well be inclined to try it first hand. However with the introduction of any new platform, software or hardware - there are going to be bugs and kinks to work out - and when it deals with your hard-earned money, are you willing to take that chance?

You might have already heard that Japan has already utilized these mobile wallets and has grown in popularity with its introduction back in 2005. However did you know who's been providing the standard technology used for these wallets?

 

- Spoiler Alert - 

 

Sony.

 

 

Blogged by Nick Sears - Motion Designer - rVue
  

McDonald's gives away more freebies via DOOH ads

A few weeks ago we blogged about McDonald's super-sized out-of-home disappearing cup campaign in Paris, France. Now, the french fry kings are offering more freebie's to unsuspecting consumers... but with a catch. McDonald's Pick-n-Play campaign (created by DDB Stockholm) prompts Stockholm passerby's to play with their Pong-inspired video game; using your mobile phone as the remote and the digital billboard as the display. If you beat the progressively more difficult boards and last more than 30 seconds, an instant coupon is sent to the gamers phone for a free item at McDonald's.

Just more brilliant interactive and out-of-home advertising from McDonald's. Wonder what they'll come up with next... I vote for a DOOH billboard that dispenses french fries when you use your phone to unlock it. Creativity, interactivity, mobile... all of this IS digital out-of-home and McDonald's does a fantastic job at being innovative in the DOOH space and showing the potential for what can come next.

 

Ashley DiVeronica - Digital Marketing - rVue

ZeroTouch is the No Touchy Touchscreen

As we venture forward into advanced interactive technologies, where touchscreens are all the craze, we're now one step closer to touching nothing at all. A group of students over at Texas A&M have developed a "multi-touch no-touch, uh... touchscreen", where a grid comprised of a combination of LED lights and infrared sensors creates a digital web of sensors. This allows not only precise interaction, but it also reads varying degrees of pressure. So say if you're painting, you'll be able to get those variances of painterly strokes.

 

 

For germaphobes, this is a godsend, for everyone else, its another wall that's being broke down to make the interactive experience that much more immersing and entertaining. The opportunities for this kind of technology can be anywhere. Need to find your location at the airport, zoo or museum? How about checking in at the hospital? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blogged by Nick Sears - Motion Designer - rVue

  

 

BBC covers DOOH

The BBC covers digital out-of-home advertising and discusses it's benefits and advantages. Fantastic segment.

Ashley DiVeronica - Digital Marketing - rVue

 

Follow Up: Become the Content

As a follow-up to the previous blog I posted on the concept of the "every-day" consumer being able to upload/submit content through a motion capture device(in this case the XBOX360 Kinect), I found this video where a guy has hacked experimented with the Kinect and motion tracks his movements. Those movements are then transferred to a simple 2D version of himself. 

 

Though its very basic, the motion couldn't be more dead on. Why not harness this into an installation at a bus stop, mall or theme park? Would you agree this would be a magnet for curious minds and an outlet for direct consumer interaction? I think the potential is great here to really engage customers. Plus it reminded me of this...

 

 

Blogged by Nick Sears - Motion Designer - rVue

  

 

iPhone Geo-Tracking Debacle: Wherever you go, there you are.

Through this past month, Senator Al Franken has been face to face with Apple to come to the conclusion whether or not iPhone/iPad software is accurately pinpointing and storing your location.The reference to this piece of software is being known as the Locationgate. 

Personal privacy has always been a cornerstone of what makes our country great. Its kind of peculiar that when Bush indoctrinated the Patriot Act back in 2001, people were outraged, calling it a threat to our right as an American citizen - Privacy was threatened - Paranoia set in - Babies Cried. Three years later, Facebook was released and nearly 700 million(and this number probably has increased, I'm sure - but I'm not counting the users that will fall off the map) members around the world have willingly shared every single who-what-where-when detail about themselves. People have been more than fine with the fact that their entire lives now resides online. We did a 180 without even blinking.

 

“People have a right to know who is getting their information and a right to decide how that information is shared and used,” said Senator Franken.

“I still have serious doubts that those rights are being respected in law or in practice.”

What difference does this make that there's a technical bread crumb trail left on your phone? If you ever looked at the "Places" tab from your iPhone Photos app, you'll see every single picture you've taken geo-tagged on a Google map - so this is shouldn't be shocking news to learn that our digital Swiss-army knife IS as advanced and innovative as we've been boasting about.

That makes me wonder, well, IF PEOPLE CAN TRACK YOU, THEY'LL FIND YOU - THEN WHAT?! Well, scary loud font, if you're not breaking the law or running from it, you really don't have to worry, do you? When the Patriot Act came out, do you think they're tapping your phone so they can hear you talk for hours about how confused you were about the show Lost?

I mentioned to a fellow colleague, "Well if you're not doing anything illegal, you shouldn't have to worry, right?" He made a good point. "I know my intentions are good, but I don't know the intentions of those who can acquire this data."

I felt this was a legitimate point. This isn't just privacy for the sake of keeping a low profile, but for privacy that each one of us deserves. We certainly need to have a firm grip on technological advancements, considering they tend to evolve quicker than we can keep up. I'm glad people in higher chairs like Senator Franken are trying to steady the course ahead of time by addressing our privacy concerns towards larger communication and technology corporations. Yesterday Senator Al Franken requested from both Apple/Google that their apps distributed via their online marketplace to require "a clear, understandable privacy policy".

How do you feel about this? Do you think is a major breach in privacy or an opportunity to take this information and do some good? Could this help provide Census data for traveling trends? Will there ever be a balance? I would love to hear your feedback on this. Below is a an initial video(one of many) of Senator Al Franken grilling Apple/Google about the technology. 

 

 

 

Blogged by Nick Sears - Motion Designer - rVue

  

 

A picture is worth a thousand words....or just a right-click!

Image is everything. TinEye, the world’s first reverse image search engine, has taken this saying quite literally and created an online database of photos to help keep track of what happens to images online.

How does it work? This free service uses image identification technology rather than keywords, metadata or watermarks. The plugin adds a right-click menu item that allows you to search for an image to find out where it came from, how it is being used, if modified versions of the image exist, or to find higher resolution versions. When you submit an image to be searched, TinEye creates a unique digital signature or 'fingerprint,’ then compares this fingerprint to every other image in their index to retrieve exact matches. 

What does this mean to you? Well, there are two scenarios here…

Scenario 1: From an entrepreneurial and/or online seller’s perspective, TinEye can help discover if one of your images is being used on the Web, and in what context. It’s especially useful if you take photos or create art for a living and you want to make sure no one is using those images without your permission. But if that’s not the case, it's at least interesting to use TinEye to see where your logo is being used or advertised.

Scenario 2: You’re an avid online shopper and are just dying to know where to find that pictured product you just don’t know the name of. TinEye to the rescue! Just right-click and allow the site to find the origin of that image for you.

Adding tens of millions of new images to its database every week, TinEye can be a useful tool for both marketers and consumers alike.

Blogged by Emily Alvarez - rVue, Inc.

Save a tree with a Panda

As hard as we may try to recycle, lets face it, we just don't have that convenient blue bin at hand, at all times, to dump our trash in. We end up printing out copy after copy of paper without properly disposing them. Well, the ingenious people over at World Wildlife Foundation have taken the friendly "Please do not print" note a step further and developed a new green file format, dubbed WWF. Once you convert your PDF into this WWF format, it then restricts you from printing it out.  Word of this clever method is already spreading, gathering attention and popularity.

Do you think this will take off and make an impact or a fad that fizzles out? 

Click Here to get the WWF software now!

   

 

 

 

Blogged by Nick Sears - Motion Designer - rVue
  

Become the Content.

Over the past ten years, video games and digital advertising have become more like each other. Video games have real-world advertising and digital advertising has become more interactive and entertaining.

Being a part of a digital culture where the most popular websites include social networking/interaction; where 95% of its content is user generated, I wouldn't be surprised that this approach would continue to evolve even further. 

How further you wonder? 

The Xbox 360's newest best friend, The Kinect, is a motion-capture sensor that uses the players entire body as the controller for the game. You may have already heard about this new toy and its innovative technology, but what I want to focus/conceptualize on is this:

 

- If our actions are able to be mapped, captured and transferred into the games we play, then we should be able to export this data to an online server. These files then can then be used in ALL forms of media that associate with animated characters. For example, players can upload and win(through sweepstakes, contests, etc), then have their actions rigged into a character for a new video game.

 

(Above: How Kinect motion capture is achieved)

That sounds cool and you could probably expect a lot of Kinect owners to participate, but what if we went a step further and had this motion-capturing aesthetic installed in a window display in malls? Bus stops? Gyms? Times Square? Las Vegas? Tokyo?

Could the next big supplier of character content be directly from the consumer? Could digital signage locations around the world be the stage for complete consumer interaction? Would people get swept up in the new wave of socially-submitted interactive advertising? Is it already happening? Software will update, fads will come and go, but there is a solid argument that we are the integral piece to the most exciting and successful digital media out there.

  

(Above: This is an example of submitting user interactions by utilizing the Kinect)

 

Blogged by Nick Sears - Motion Designer - rVue
  

It's really happening...digital wallets.

Big news on the digital wallet front today from none other than credit card giant, Visa. Visa's head of global mobile product, Bill Gajda said, in reference to the announcement, "As the largest payments company in the world, we’re in a position to simplify a key part of those transactions without sacrificing security. Your payments go with you wherever you are."

We have heard a lot of buzz lately about NFC technology coming to our smartphones but this is the first announcement from the credit card and payment technology standpoint. And it's certainly one that will turn some heads and raise the curiosity about the mobile wallet possibilities. Visa says that they are creating a "secure cross-channel digital wallet" and a "range of customized mobile payments services", which for the DOOH industry is pure music to our ears.

Basically, Visa will be acting as our financial ID managers, just like Amazon in a sense. All of your billing information will be stored in a secure manner which will allow you to hit a "purchase now" button and be done with the transaction. It's as easy as it sounds. It will simplify the entire process down to one click from your phone.

The real kicker comes in for the retailers and marketers, though. Merchants will be able to deliver money-off coupons during the actual payment process itself, and have them stored by Visa--assuming consumers opt-in.

Take a look at the video Visa released this week about the exciting digital wallet announcement.

   

Blogged by Ashley DiVeronica - Marketing - rVue

Motion Poster Radar: Iron Sky

 

Though it may not contend with summer blockbusters as Thor or Transformers 3, this independent sci-fi comedy is taking itself very seriously with this motion poster which they have released.

Towards the end of World War II, Nazi's made a breakthrough in anti-gravity, and put a space station on the dark side of the moon. An invasion 70 years in the making, the new wave of Nazi's come flying back to Earth. How this will turn into a comedy I have no idea, but they sure have my attention!

Here are other motion posters that have come up recently...

Blogged by Nick Sears - Motion Designer - rVue
  

Angry Birds Goes Chrome!

Well, there goes productivity! At the Google I/O developer conference today in San Francisco, Rovio President, Peter Vesterbacka, announced they are offering their ever popular and addicting game Angry Birds to the Google Chrome store... FOR FREE! I know.. crazy. Google has been making more and more steps towards developing their online operating system. Not that this is a big one, but as a pop-culture phenomenon, it draws the masses in!

Are you addicted? Did you get all the golden eggs? Click below and start smashing some pig forts!

 

SQUUUUUUUUAAAAAAAAAAKKKKKK!

 

Blogged by Nick Sears - Motion Designer - rVue
  

Coca-Cola turns Traffic Jam into Drive-Thru Theater

 

As a result of the high traffic in Bogota, Coca-Cola set up an big screen like an electronic billboard and played short independent films; and what's incredibly clever is that they transmitted the audio through the radio. Colorfully branded, smiling vendors would then go to each vehicle offering Coca-Cola as well as hot dogs, nachos or popcorn. That certainly would bring a smile to even the most white-knuckled, road-raged commuter. So please silence your phones and horns. 

If you have a captive audience, you have an opportunity to connect! Get out there and get inspired!

 

Blogged by Nick Sears - Motion Designer - rVue
  

REALLY BIG DIGITAL SIGNAGE!

Coca-Cola celebrates it's 125th anniversary this month, and in honor of the huge milestone comes some huge signage. Digital signage, nonetheless. The 402 feet tall, Coca-Cola headquarters in Atlanta has been transformed into one large DOOH billboard... from head to toe. The entire building was covered in white sheeting and every Thursday, Friday and Saturday for the month of May, Atlanta residents are treated to Coke's advertisements of years past, a large glass being filled with soda and even pictures of their Facebook "Fans".

This is said to be the world's largest single building illumination. Take a look at Coca-Cola's marketing video for the massive project. You may also find some videos on YouTube that fans have taken themselves. I wonder if you can see this from a passing by airplane?

 

Forever 21 Leading the Runway in Holographic Fashion Shows

What does a tech-savvy guy like Steve Jobs have in common with runway model Heidi Klum? Easy. They are both icons in industries that experience constant change; industries where one must remain two steps ahead of the game just to attract the smallest amount of attention: technology and fashion.

Leading fashion retailer, Forever 21, has creatively merged the two industries together to present consumers with a fashion first - digital runway shows. The retailer made jaws drop in Vienna, Austria on Monday as they executed the first of eight holographic fashion shows around the world. With the production help of space150, the show gave invitees the chance to see the latest fashion trends in a runway show comprised entirely of holographic models.

That’s right. Holographic. It’s more than just images on a screen, though. It’s 3-D models walking an invisible staircase and disappearing into starbursts. Have a look at the fashion-forward 3-D show for yourself:

 Video clip of Fashion Show:  

This isn’t the first digital venture for this Los Angeles- based fashion emporium. Last year, Forever 21 introduced an interactive digital billboard in Times Square, where giant models interacted, in real time, with customers on the streets outside the store. Models snapped polaroids of the crowd, or picked people up, and dropped them into a store shopping bag.

 Video clip of digital billboard:  

So does this mean that Heidi Klum is out of a job and needs to turn to the Steve Jobs' of the world for financial support? Probably not. But it certainly introduces an interesting approach to the fashion industry and puts a new spin on digital branding.

Monthly Trends: April 2011

From demographics, to venues and markets, we track these popular industry trends within the rVue demand-side platform and will continue to bring this information to you every month. If you're curious to see these numbers evolve more often, the are available exclusively on the rVue dashboard - so be sure to log onto rVue.com now!

 

 

 

Blogged by Nick Sears - Motion Designer - rVue
  

Emergence and Convergence: QR Codes, Tech Talk and Media Buzz

We continue to be fascinated by emerging technology, new medias and the continued convergence amongst them all. Here's what we're buzzing about around the rVue cafe this week:

We're Still Going QRazy.

Yes, it seems like everyone has QR-Fever. Whether we're reading QR codes on content-rich resumes or watching the Tribeca Film Festival engage attendees with their own QR Initiative with the goal of connecting them with filmmakers, movie trailers, events - as fans of convergent media - we can't seem to get enough. Expect to see QR codes popping up more often on digital signage ads over the course of the year.

Coming soon to a smart-phone near you...

But the bigger mobile story the week is that of NFC, or near field communication, which is coming to a smart-phone near you. The next batch of smart-phones (including the iPhone 5) is rumored to have the NFC technology built straight into the phone. This means that instant gratification will become even more instant. In Lamens terms, this bit of technology basically will let your phone act as a credit or debit card. Simply hover your phone near an NFC tag and instantly purchase an item or service. With the announcement from RMG yesterday that it will combine NFC and DOOH together, I think we're just beginning to scratch the surface of possibilities for this new type of interactive digital out-of-home.

DOOHgood'ers.

Which leads us to our next lunch-worthy topic; digital signage prompting immediate action from its viewers. And what better immediate reaction is there than one for a good cause? The digital signage community is calling this new movement DOOHgood (previouslyDOOH4Relief). What started as a conversation via social media about how the DOOH community could help the victims of the Japan Earthquake earlier this year, lead to the creation of spots created for networks of all types, to use to encourage donations (via text message) to the RedCross. It has quickly evolved to a much bigger picture. Industry experts are collaborating once more to create a one-stop shop for digital signage networks to find and use videos if they decide to support a certain cause or relief effort. We'll keep you posted on further developments of DOOHgood.

Quench your interactive thirst.

Lastly, we're typically water and coffee drinkers here in the rVue cafe but the newest Pepsi machines sure make us want to have a nice, cold soda. Pepsi's latest machine has a digital screen interface which prompts soda drinkers buy their own drink, or gift a friend with a Pepsi drink too. The user selects a drink, enters the recipient's name, cell phone number and a personalized text message with a code redeemable at another vending machine. Consumers can even send a personal message with a short video recorded by the machine. 

The possibilities of digital signage (and digital vending) will only continue to "WOW" us in the future.

 

Motion Poster Radar: Billy Elliot

Well it may not be as raw and bloody as a the Conan the Barbarian motion poster(which is probably a good thing), but to promote the the broadway production of Billy Elliot, there's a new motion poster out for all to see. Its clean and simple, but fun and energetic at the same time. Since the movie identity is known for it's main character jumping in mid-air, the creators cleverly harnessed the bullet-cam effect(No Billy's were harmed) and produced quite an immersing moment that freezes in time and makes for an impressive poster that demands attention. 

 

 

Blogged by Nick Sears - Motion Designer - rVue
  

Digital Cola Wars? Pepsi, Coke and their Refreshing Approaches to Interactive DOOH

Last year, Coca-Cola launched a fun viral video that portrayed a ficticious vending machine that turned out free Cokes and pizzas. Now, with their own refreshing twist, Pepsi has introduced a a very real vending machine that is social media-enable and touted as the "Next Generation in Interactive Vend Technology."

Just announced at a Chicago trade show, PepsiCo's Social Vending Machine reinforces their commitment to developing "Smart" Equipment. This generation vending machine let's the users buy a soda, gift a soda to a friend or to a stranger. The purchaser selects a drink, enter's the recipient's name, cell phone number and a personalized text message with a code redeemable at another vending machine. Consumers can even send a personal message with a short video recorded by the machine.

 

According to Pepsi, this effort extends social interaction with their social networks and comsumers beyond the static, into something fun. What is next for Coke? Touchscreen Interactive vending machines that enhance the user experience.

 

 

Mother's Day a la DOOH

We stumbled across this a few weeks ago and just had to share it in time for Mother's Day. Last year, the entire staff of Adams Outdoor Advertising in Charleston, SC wrote short notes to their moms or their wives for Mother's Day. The ads ran on a digital billboard along a busy highway for all to see. So sweet!

Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful Mom's out there!

The biggest Mother's Day card. Ever. from Todd Turner on Vimeo.

 

 

Care Media Holdings Corp. wins big at 2011 DSA Industry Excellence Awards

 

You know what they say: "Go big or go home." Care Media Holdings Corp. certainly wasn't going to go home from the 2011 Digital Screenmedia Association's Industry Excellence Awards without seizing the attention of the industry's finest. The DSA hosted their inaugural Industry Excellence Awards in April, honoring the best digital signage, mobile and self-service kiosk technology deployments across all vertical market segments. CARE Media was awarded Best Healthcare Deployment in Digital Signage earlier this month. But they didn't stop there. During the opening keynote session at Customer Engagement Technology World on April 27th in San Francisco, the final three award winners were announced as part of the 2011 DSA Awards. Stuart Armstrong, DSA immediate past president, and Brian Ardinger, DSA president, presented the final awards which includedCARE Media's Network Operator of the Year.

CARE Media Holdings Corp. produces and delivers educational programming to consumers through pediatric, OB/GYN and veterinary offices throughout North America via a 100% digital broadband network. Did you know that patients wait an average of 17 minutes in reception areas before an exam? CARE Media maximizes time spent in a waiting room by using high-definition digital media to air content, which is all written and approved by doctors. Patients are exposed to short, informational video segments which are interspersed with relevant advertising assuring that viewers are receiving reliable and valuable information. 

Launched in 2007, Care Media’s fast track to success has been built on President/ CEO Phil Cohen's relentless focus on ensuring that the network provides exceptional content backed with reporting transparency, accountability, and measurable ROI. Current programming reaches nearly five million female consumers monthly and 60 million annually. 

Judges at the Industry Excellence Awards said about CARE Media’s successful deployment:

“The CARE network reaches a valuable audience with relevant content and messaging. Additionally, the results in terms of ad recall are impressive.”

“Overall, it's easy to see that CARE has cornered and succeeded at a particular niche in the digital OOH market”

“The content and presentation seem to work great for the environment. It educates and entertains – the main goal for the host venue.  Can’t argue with simplicity.”

 

rVue continues to take pride in our network partner's success and congratulates them on their recent accomplishments. 

So Many Types. Still QRazy.

While at the AMC movie theater in Aventura, FL, I encountered a cardboard installation promoting the upcoming film "Priest". Once spotting the the QR code in the corner, naturally I whipped my phone out to tag and see what it's about. It brought me to the films mobile site that had a link where one of the star actors Maggie Q introduces a short animation that acts as the prologue of the film. 

As I've pointed out in a previous blog, QR Codes are versatile, chock full o'data codes that act as portals to mobile web sites. However, there's not one universal QR reader appllication simply because there's not just one type of QR code. So I thought it was important to revist this topic to talk more about the types of 2D codes/tags you'll encounter. From most popular to less known, these codes are...(feel free to insert Family Feud Bell)

QR Codes

This is your standard issue code. Highly recognized, known for its 3 anchor points; making it very easy for phones to pick up.

 

 

 

Datamatrix Codes 

 

If there were a code race, these codes are biting the ankles of QR codes. Except having three anchor points, its has a perpendicular lines running up the left and bottom side of the code. 

 

Microsoft Tag Codes

   Developed from Microsoft, these tag codes may have a climbing popularity due its world-dominating developer. This was the kind of code I encountered with the 'Priest' installation above.

 

 

Everyone else... and beyond

You're going to see that QR/tag codes can be as customized as business cards. Developers can create these codes/scanners however they want. Shapes, colors, arrangements and even pictures can be integrated into the code. I created this tag using the BeeTagg Generator. Expect to see many more classes and hybrids of codes to surface. There are already enough out there making it hard to keep up!

 

 

 

Blogged by Nick Sears - Motion Designer - rVue
 

Square C-Card Reader Sold in Apple Store

Even though we inch closer to the next generation of smartphones that will act as electronic wallets (NFC - Near Field Communication), the popular Square Credit Card Reader is now for sale at the Apple Store for $10 (both in-store and online).

If you haven't known about this already, it allows anyone to accept credit card transactions, receipts and deposits. There's no contracts, just a 2.75% per transaction fee.

However, you can also go to the Square website, where, once registered, you can have one sent to your doorstep for free. It's certainly handy for anyone that's running a business on-the-go. Being that I'm always near a computer, I can't say I'd utilize this as much - but as another gadget on my digital utility belt, I figured, why not?

 

Blogged by Nick Sears - Motion Designer - rVue
 

Vimeo Shows Up to the iPhone Party

 

Video-posting hub Vimeo has released their new application for the iPhone. This may not sound like a wild newsline but for the media culture that resides on Vimeo, it is. Though not as familiar as its more popular cousin, YouTube, Vimeo's quality of content from its users is as clean and 'pro' looking as the site itself. I won't focus so much on which is better since both have pros and cons, which make each site's role significant and appreciated, but the principle of quality over quantity chimes louder than you can ignore when comparing the two. 

Now that I got that out of the way, lets get to the app.

As you'd expect, you can search, play, and upload clips to the site; but it also gives you the ability to import video/audio stored on your phone, edit them together on a timeline, and even stylize them with filters, transitions and titles. There is even an option to download audio tracks provided by Vimeo (Wifi/iTunes required). The title design feature certainly is not like having a copy of After Effects on your phone, but it works. (Plus if you're taking the editing/title process seriously, you shouldn't be doing it on your phone; am I right?)

Since I'm covering the features of this app and practically reviewing it, I figured I'd take a test run. After learning for myself (as well as a few instructional cues), I put a short clip together using videos I've taken on my own adventures. 

 

The final product is nothing amazing, but for experimenting purposes, it works! With all the tapping, swiping and pinching, I'd say the learning curve is about 20 minutes. As any newly released app that deals with a lot of complexity you may encounter a crash here and there, but regardless, this is a fun app to put clips together quickly and directly upload to Vimeo. 

Now since you've been such a great audience and read this whole blog post, you're probably wondering, "What the heck does this have to do with digital signage?"

Well, with how integrated mobile interaction has been with digital signage in places like malls, bars and concerts (to name a few), the popularity of posting comments and pictures is ultimately going to evolve to posting videos to these networks. From the teenager at the pop concert showing her point-of-view in front of the stage, to the biker showing off tricks on his new ride, people love to share their videos - and that's clearly evident with sites like Vimeo and YouTube. 

Blogged by Nick Sears - Motion Designer - rVue
 

Play for "Kiips"

Boy... I sure feel confident about that blog title. If I looked for recognition for creating a cool headline, I'd probably only get a few snickers and maybe a high five from a fellow associate. But what if you could REALLY get rewarded for your small achievements...say, while on your mobile phone? 

Stop for a moment and think about your favorite mobile game. Maybe its Sodoku. Or Words With Friends. Or the ever addicting Angry Birds. With the hours you put into it, you've probably earned an "achievement"; but instead of getting little achievements or medals, what if you actually won a reward?

Well, the developers and thinkers over at Kiip (pronounced Keep, like the clever title suggests:) have given advertisers another tool on their belt for reaching out to the consumer. I'll let their video animation explain the concept, as it communicates it very well. I reward Kiip with the "brilliant idea" reward. It's sure to peak ANY advertiser's interest. 

 

Could this erupt to become the next big money maker for advertisers ? 

Would this be loved or rejected by the world's mobile gaming culture?

Should pigs build stronger forts or just tell the birds to chill out?

 

Only time will tell.

 

Blogged by Nick Sears - Motion Designer - rVue
 

Characteristics of a Demand Side Platform

Ad Exchanges. Ad Networks. Aggregators. Demand Side Platforms. Which one of these is not like the other?

A day doesn't go by when we aren't asked "How are you different?" If you follow Digital Out-of-Home and Internet media, chances are you have heard these terms used almost interchangeably.

A real-time demand side platform offers unique features to both the buyers and the sellers of digital media. It is not an aggregation, agency or ad network model. DSPs provide features like Real-Time Bidding, Real-Time Analytics and empowerment to both sides of the equation. Hyper-local targeting. Broad reach across the US and Canada. Search by keyword...and more.

Buyers can search, target, plan, and buy....in minutes. RTB (Real-Time Bidding) not RFPs - saving media planners precious time so they can get even more done in less time.

According to Nat Turner, CEO, at Invite Media, in an AdExchanger article, Demand Side Platforms offer features such as:

• The DSP must provide a fully self-service interface.  Clients should be able to have complete control via the interface and build an expertise around its use.
• If the DSP provides managed services help to the agency, the DSP should be using the same interface that the agency would be using. 
• The technology should not require any manual work behind the scenes to activate or "set live" a change or a campaign.
• The DSP must remain neutral and have zero allegiances to any publishers, exchanges, data providers or other vendors. 
• A true DSP should embody the word "platform" and not just be conduit or pretty interface to a pre-existing business.
• The DSP should not mark-up media cost without the agency knowing.
• The DSP should not mark-up data cost without the agency knowing.
• If the DSP works with a publisher directly, it should be in an effort to make that publisher's inventory "biddable."  The DSP should not earn any additional margin from revenue sharing with the publisher or arbitraging the inventory.
• Data should be treated like media, it's another part of the "supply side" that is purchased by the agency and thus should be transparent in cost.
• The DSP should not, under any circumstances, own or operate an ad network.  This is in direct conflict with the neutrality aspect.
• The DSP's goal should be to expose any feature or tool that a supply source provides (either ad exchange or data provider) and not to try and obfuscate/hide or re-brand certain components (ex. "DSP Auto Segment #1", with no transparency into what that means).  If a supply source provides it, the DSP should expose it for the agency self-service and let the agency decide whether to use it or not.
• The DSP should not "bulk buy" media in order to re-sell to its clients.  This could either be a function of another way to make margin, a lacking of technology, or a combination of the two.
• Related to the above, the DSP should not take on media risk.  Every impression should be purchased on behalf of a platform user at that time based on an active campaign that that platform user has created targeting that impression.

Tomorrow's MediaPost Expo in NYC features a panel discussion (which includes rVue CEO Jason Kates) and explores the DOOH ad solutions in the marketplace. In coming weeks, you'll be hearing more from us on the language of DOOH and breaking through the differences between these terms and models.

But we want to hear from you. What features and benefits are important to you? What would you like to see? Which models do you prefer? Your voice matters to us, so share with us today at connect@rVue.com.

 

Industry Insights: The Power of rVue Analytics

Discover how third-party verification of network data can make ANY agency interested and confident to buy digital ad space. Utilize rVue analytics to give your network integrity and see the results.

 

Blogged by Nick Sears - Motion Designer - rVue

 

So QRazy.

If a bar code is a police officer, then a QR code is a SWAT team.

Confused? I'll make sense of that right now. 

 

QR codes, or Quick Response Codes, are a two dimensional, high-data barcode that's designed to be scanned at a high speed. Compared to a regular one dimensional bar code which are limited to only 20 digits, a total of 7,089 characters can be encoded in one symbol alone.

Once scanned, your smartphone will load up the mobile web address that was embedded in the code or even a prompt to download an app straight. That SWAT comparison is starting to make sense now, huh? 

You may be surprised that these actually created in 1994 by Japanese corporation Densowave (surprised it was in 1994, not Japan), but since all of our phones were so technologically basic at the time, QR codes didn't really get the attention it deserved. Now that everyone spends more time on their phone then they do sleeping, and that phone applications are as popular as fashion trends, QR code ultilization has skyrocketed... and will continue to do so.

So how does this process work so efficiently?

 

There are three anchor points or 'Finder Patterns' that allow your mobile device to quickly align andidentify the rest of the code layout. The design is then read and decoded horizontally and vertically. Those anchor points allow the code to be scanned at any angle, making the scanning/capturing process very easy to achieve.

You can imagine that these codes are being used on all fronts of printed advertisings, but that's certainly not where it ends. From clothing and jewelry, prescription bottles, to even wedding cakes, even embedded into video games, the limitations are only defined by where you can't point your camera phone. 

As I'm sure you've already thought about a dozen other methods using a QR code, but have you thought about how companies can profit from them? It's almost as abundant as the methods provided. Coupons, newsletters, videos, downloadable wallpaper/ringtones, marketplaces, census data, sweepstakes, tracking and much more can be offered to customers. For your sales department, these codes are turning everyones phones into direct response devices. I don't have to show clever statistics to prove that this is going to be one of the most profitable (and inexpensive) marketing strategies for companies, big and small, to use this year (and the next few years to come). 

We know the potential, we've seen a ton of examples out in the real world. Now we're all waiting for that captilizing moment where a company, viral video, or SNL skit will blow up this trend from being a blip on the radar to defining its place in our everyday lives.

 

Blogged by Nick Sears - Motion Designer - rVue
 

Emergence, Convergence and Media Buzz

Technology and media are emerging and converging at breakneck speeds. What's important to you and your business? Here's what we're buzzing about around the rVue lunchroom:

Media Buzz & Advertising Trends

Couponing - A day doesn't go by when I don't see an article on Groupon, LivingSocial or the emergence of new digital coupons whether it is via Facebook, Google or some other application (McClatchy just announced it will start selling its own daily deals as well). We've all used coupons for years, but what makes today's digital versions so attractive?  The timing of their emergence was perfect - rough economy, digital solution, hungry audiences and a daily deadline. We (mostly) all love our coupons, and since these companies have made it easier to save, we can't seem to get enough of them. We've gotten used to paying less than retail. Do these coupons drive repeat traffic to the venues? Do they help the retailer or outlet in the long run as well as the short run?  Time will tell.

New Uses for Social Media - We LOVE social media and engaging others in interesting conversations, forging relationships and gaining opinions. This media rose quickly and strongly. Consumers have the power to be heard and there is no going back. But be careful not to blink or you'll miss the landscape changing. Social media has changed the way businesses listen to their clients and audience. Whether you are on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin or other social outlets, features are being added daily - coupons, surveys and data collection are just the tip of the iceburg. Social media has quickly grown into a viable media that advertisers and brands are continually looking to harness. Linkedin is growing faster internationally than domestically and has added Facebook-like features. Facebook promotes targeted advertising, shopping features, local hyper-targeting and more. For those fans of DOOH, like us, be sure to check out what our friends of LocaModa are up to. Marketers are engaging in the conversation. Where will it land in the end? Most likely it will be a version of social we haven't quite seen yet.

QR Codes - Chances are you've seen that funky looking square that doesn't quite look like your standard bar code. QR Codes are 2-D bar codes that have been highly successful overseas and have finally gained traction domestically thanks to brands such as Target, Best Buy, Macy's, Home Depot and Post Cereals. In fact, Macy's is behind the most visible QR education effort with a 30-second spot (Macy's backstage pass) now running nationally which shows shoppers how to use the codes and explains what they will receive access to when they scan the code with their phone. The newest step in shopper marketing and - from our viewpoint - an extension of digital out of home and customer engagement.  

 

Debunking Fables & The Value of the Media Mix

While digital out of home, place based media and mobile are our first media loves, our passion for advertising, digital medias and smart technology doesn't end there. We greatly value and embrace all digital and traditional medias - whether it be social, mobile marketing, television, and internet marketing as part of the media planner's mix of tools.

Keep an eye out for our regular media buzz column which will continue to share what's on our minds and what we are buzzing about over lunch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GIS and rVue Align to Introduce Direct Response to DOOH Media

Global Infomercial Services (GIS) today announced a partnership with rVue, Inc., a subsidiary of rVue Holdings, Inc. (RVUE.OTCQB), an advertising technology company that specializes in Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) solutions, to bring alternative advertising channels to product marketers.

Digital Out-of-Home media has been best known for digital screens in New York City’s Times Square and local movie theaters. However, in recent years, DOOH has exploded to include screens and kiosks in office buildings, medical offices, malls, retail environments, health clubs, restaurants and airports. In addition, digital billboards are popping up in high traffic areas because of the media’s unique ability to target and engage audiences through rich media. There are approximately 1.7 million digital screens across the United States, and over 5 million global screens, which are available for advertising. The industry is projected to experience double-digit growth to become a $10.8 billion global market by 2014.

Eric Edington, Vice President of GIS, says, “Digital out-of-Home will continue to be one of the fastest-growing media around the world over the next five years.  We, at GIS, always strive to find innovative and effective ways to “Reach out to the World” and are very excited about this alliance.  This venture with rVue will allow us to offer Per Inquiry media to the Direct Response TV community that reaches and engages the desired target market more effectively and economically.”

rVue’s Demand Side Platform (DSP) and managed services team has streamlined the process for advertisers to easily create, negotiate, purchase and manage DOOH media for their clients across the landscape of digital screens, billboards and interactive kiosks.

 

Free Digital Out-Of-Home Media Analytics Available Via rVue DSP

  Web-Based DOOH Analytics Service Now Available to All Digital Networks and Advertisers

 

 

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.- rVue, Inc., a subsidiary of rVue Holdings Inc. (OTCQB:RVUE) announced today that it is providing hosted web-based analytics for digital out-of-home (DOOH) media at no cost. rVue Analytics helps businesses use performance data to improve their marketing campaigns and DOOH networks. With rVue Analytics, businesses can now access proof of performance metrics such as network uptime, Internet connectivity, validation of network locations, playlist measurements and geo-tracking.

“Our continued mission is make it easy to plan, purchase and analyze digital place based media by removing barriers to entry through technology and support. By providing DOOH marketers and networks access to powerful analytics, they are able to offer their customers what they want – at no cost. With this knowledge, businesses can create more accurate advertising plans and build stronger networks,” said Jason Kates, CEO of rVue. “By making this powerful service free, we aim to give all networks – large and small – the tools needed to serve their customers, make more money, and improve the DOOH experience for everyone.”

rVue Analytics can enhance every aspect of DOOH marketing – from selecting and bidding on effective DOOH networks to optimizing network design. By acting on this information, businesses of all sizes can attract more advertisers, convert more prospects to customers, and improve the overall return on their marketing investment. rVue Analytics is simple enough for businesses new to DOOH analytics to get started quickly, and sophisticated enough for the most advanced DOOH marketers.

Highlights of rVue Analytics include:

• No cost to join or utilize the rVue analytics program
• Cohesively works with current software and hardware
• Network dashboards: Integration with the rVue Demand Side Platform (DSP) works with any DOOH network: Users of the rVue DSP can access analytics from a new interface within their rVue account. rVue Analytics automatically tags DOOH destinations to save time and reduce the potential for errors.
• Buyer reporting dashboards: rVue Analytics tracks the results of marketing campaigns through proof of playlist on a location-by-location basis.
• rVue Analytics executive summary reports: Developed for the three most common decision makers – executive, marketer, operator– the executive summary will ease access to crucial information across departments.

rVue Analytics runs on the same computing infrastructure that powers the rVue.com Demand Side Platform (DSP) so it can support the traffic demands of any network, from those with a few screens to hundreds of thousands. rVue Analytics is currently in use by many of rVue’s top properties and will continually be adding new capabilities and benefits for both sides of the platform.

Much like it did with buying advertising for DOOH media, the rVue team developed rVue analytics to make tracking DOOH analytics simpler and more accessible for buyers and DOOH networks. rVue Analytics and online support are available immediately and to both existing accounts within the rVue DSP as well as new clients. Customization or advanced integration is also available from rVue representatives and select rVue service partners.

About rVue: rVue^TM, Inc., is an advertising technology company which includes the only demand-side platform for planning, buying and managing Digital Out-of-Home and Place-Based Media. The platform connects advertisers with DOOH networks to streamline campaign management, content distribution, analytics and billing. For more information, please visit www.rvue.com.

 

Three signs DOOH and mobile are catching up with traditional media

You've been hearing all the buzz of digital growth over the past two weeks. When it comes to industry predications, December is always when the prognosticators release their forward-thinking articles, taking a stab at the next big trend. Their opinions are either verified or debunked in February, the month when analyst groups release research-backed predictions and reviews of the previous year. 

This year’s analyst reports pointed to some particularly optimistic data for the digital out-of-home and mobile sectors, pointing to a convergence of the two technologies that will offer marketers effective advertising options for the future. As these markets continue to grow, their scale and ability to reach captive and transient consumers at the point of decision will set them up well to serve as viable competitors to traditional media outlets. 

Here are three growth areas that point to this trend:

1. Growth of digital place based networks

PQ Media’s annual Global Digital Out-of-Home Media Forecast is always very anticipated each spring. This year, the firm found that U.S. DOOH operator revenue for digital place-based networks grew at an accelerated 15.1% in 2010 to $2.07 billion. PQ also projects network operator revenue to expand another 16.7% in 2011. http://www.pqmedia.com/about-press-20110222-dooh2011.html

This is good news for the DOOH industry, as the network operator landscape has been traditionally fragmented, making it difficult for brands and agencies to manage. Even after some consolidation in 2010, PQ Media found that there were still 220 network operators running 468 networks in the U.S. PQ expects more consolidation in the future, making it easier for agencies to work with networks and gain a national reach.

2. Growth of outdoor digital advertising and signage

PQ Media also included outdoor digital signage (encompassing digital billboards) in its report, saying that the overall revenue for that sector in the U.S. increased 15.4% to $532 million in 2010. As for 2011, the outdoor sector is predicated to grow at 18.8%.

The growth is further reinforced by metrics by the Outdoor Advertising Association of America released in late February. Digital billboards and outdoor digital signage are a subset of out-of-home advertising, which saw a slowdown in recent years attributed to the recession. 2010 was more positive, however. The OAAA said OOH advertising had a revenue increase of 4.1% in 2010, accounting for more than $6.1 billion. http://www.oaaa.org/press/news/news.aspx?NewsId=1200

3. Growth of mobile internet and smartphone data use

On another front, the mobile industry saw a big increase in the use of smartphones and data use in 2010 as more users began connecting to the Internet with their phones to access media. According to comScore, in December 2010 nearly 47 percent of mobile subscribers in the U.S. were mobile media users. This is largely powered by the popularity of smartphones which enable that access - In the U.S in 2010, 4 of the top 5 acquired devices in 2010 were smartphones, according to comScore.

http://www.comscore.com/Press_Events/Presentations_Whitepapers/2011/2010_Mobile_Year_in_Review

To complement, a February 2011 report from mobile consultancy Chetan Sharma showed that mobile data traffic grew 132%, increasing 2-5 times on major U.S. networks, with revenues from that traffic growing 23% to $55 billion. That’s predicted to go even higher this year, up 22% in 2011 to $67 billion.

http://www.chetansharma.com/usmarketupdate2010.htm

Convergence of the two technologies is the key to growth

When combined, digital out-of-home and mobile integration have the potential to present advertisers with an interactive advertising solution that can combat the stagnancy of traditional media. PQ Media says that this multichannel approach is what helped U.S. cinema networks, the world's largest and most consistently growing DOOH venue category, begin its decade-long ascent in the 2000s.

By using digital screens to initiate an interaction between a consumer and brand via a smartphone, advertisers can now access elusive target audiences in areas they normally couldn’t. Shoppers can now be notified to receive coupons and loyalty discounts in-store at the point of decision. Waiting travelers can be told to access games, videos or articles in points of wait or points of transit.

Both DOOH and mobile technologies are on the rise, now it’s time to make them work together.

 

Xerox on Target with Interactive DOOH Media

 
   


When I was on my way to #DSE2011 last week, I changed planes in the Atlanta airport's Delta terminal and walked by this engaging example of interactive place-based media and had to stop (luckily I had a few minutes between flights - unlike the week before...but that is another story). The wall-sized touch screen game begs its audience of all ages to play the game by driving the motorcycle (with Target's adorable dog in tow) and drop mail into the mail boxes down the street. You receive points for each time you hit the mailbox. Underneath it all, you learn that Xerox supports Target's direct mail efforts, feel great about both brands and have a little fun in the process. The screen drew a good-sized crowd.

Kudos to our friends at Target and Xerox for creating such an engaging interactive experience that leaves its audience feeling great about both brands.

Digital Place-based Advertising Association (DPAA) Announces Three New Members

By Digital Place-based Advertising Association

Published: Monday, Feb. 28, 2011 - 11:50 am

NEW YORK, Feb. 28, 2011 -- /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Digital Place-based Advertising Association announced today that rVue, Inc., Akoo, and The Wellness Network [formerly Interactivation Health Networks] have recently joined the association.

rVue, Inc., is an advertising technology solutions company with a core focus on providing scalable solutions that advance the growth of digital media. Led by CEO and respected DOOH pioneer Jason M. Kates, rVue provides the comprehensive demand-side marketplace for digital place-based media that connects buyers and sellers (digital networks) together in one robust platform to accelerate the targeting, planning, purchasing and analytics of Digital Place-based Media..

The Wellness Network owns and operates The Newborn Channel and The Patient Channel. The Channels are available 24/7, in over 2,500 hospitals nationwide delivering original, award-winning, professionally endorsed content to health-conscious consumers when and where they need it most. Broadcast directly to the patient's room, these networks provide advertisers with unparalleled access to their target consumer in a highly-trusted environment that drives consumer action. The Newborn Channel broadcasts baby care and parenting content, reaching 60% of new moms annually. The Patient Channel reaches over 20 million patients and their caregivers annually with both preventative health and condition-specific programming. 

Akoo is the largest social television network in America, delivering entertainment programming to more than 90 million high-value consumers each month in 161 of the nation's premier shopping malls. Akoo is available in central food courts – the most highly trafficked seating environments in malls – where affluent, active shoppers are immersed in the Akoo experience for an average of 30 minutes and have the ability to immediately act on retail transaction opportunities discovered on the network. Akoo's patented interactive technology enables viewers to request on-demand content via mobile app, web app, or text messaging, resulting in unequalled consumer engagement and advertising effectiveness. Akoo's connection with the media-elusive 18-24 year-old demographic is further strengthened by its rapidly growing network across top U.S. colleges and universities. 

"We are exited to welcome Akoo, rVue and The Wellness Network to DPAA," said Susan Danaher, President of the Digital Place-based Advertising Association. "Their diverse experience and knowledge in this nascent industry will greatly contribute in helping to grow the Digital Place-based Media sector."

About DPAA

Founded in 2007, The Digital Place-based Advertising Association (DPAA) represents leading digital placed-based networks and the advertising community that is actively engaged in planning, buying and evaluating the effectiveness of the medium. The Digital Place-based Advertising Association [DPAA] exists to drive consistent growth for this industry through collaboration among advertisers, agencies, place-based digital and video advertising networks and their suppliers.

 

For more information contact:
Stan Weil
646.205.8520
stan.weil@dp-aa.org
www.dp-aa.org.

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/02/28/3437350/digital-place-based-advertising.html#ixzz1FHrhA01U

 

Batman Needs to Save the Music Industry

Warner Brothers is now releasing The Dark Knight and Inception as iPhone apps. After letting your eyes feast on a 5-minute preview, you would then pay an in-app purchase of $10-$12 to either download or stream it to your iPhone/iPad. It acts like a live dvd, equipped with more extras than you'd get from buying off iTunes. 

By using this easy platform to acquire movies at your fingertips, this should be a great way to increase sales not only across the U.S., but in 35 other countries. Granted, the idea of purchasing movies to your iPhone isn't all that innovative, but to offer them as standalone apps with a utility belt of extras, do you think that would keep consumers around the world from buying pirated dvds? 

After thinking about the kind of revenue brought upon the release of these film-apps, that made me think of how this business model could apply to the tragic condition of the music industry. The worldwide exposure for musicians brought upon through YouTube, NPR, Pandora, etc. has made it very easy for fans to discover new upcoming talent. However, this double-edged sword also makes it easy to get their tracks without having to pay a dime... or in some cases, a dime is all you'll shell out for a single song.  

So that got me thinking, what if albums were released as a digital 'schwag-bag' app of goodies?

From ring-tones, wallpapers, band history, live tour schedule(link to buy tickets), band store for t-shirts/previous albums to purchase, video links, to trivia games that let you play with your friends(therefore you get the social plug in - high scores, SMS challenges, newsletters, contests/sweepstakes, leaderboards on facebook/twitter, etc), consumers might be more enticed to purchase an entertaining experience that lasts - making them feel that they're getting a little more than what they paid for.

This packaged idea is very much a physical reality, as even now Radiohead's new album "The King of Limbs" features just that. Aside from offering the bare bones digital version, their special edition or "Newspaper" album includes:

 

Two clear 10" vinyl records in a purpose-built record sleeve.

A compact disc.

Many large sheets of artwork, 625 tiny pieces of artwork and a full-colour piece of oxo-degradeable plastic to hold it all together.

The Newspaper Album comes with a digital download that is compatible with all good digital media players.

The Newspaper Album will be shipped on Monday 9th May 2011 you can, however, enjoy the download now.

Shipping is included in the prices shown.

One lucky owner of the digital version of The King Of Limbs, purchased from this website, will receive a signed 2 track 12" vinyl.

 

Priced at nearly $50, wouldn't you agree this would sell well? Hardcore Radiohead fans can surely appreciate every piece of artwork and detail put into it, plus a chance to win a signed vinyl is icing on the cake. 

Now by taking this one step further by having this as a digital goodie bag that connects you on a social platform with band news and updates, do you think album sales would increase? How about ticket sales? Social media buzz? Greater mobile application opportunities for ad-space?

It's no question that music industry is on its knees and it needs to offer more to the general public in order to get those colossal sales. Offering an incentive that continues to update the consumer is something that pays for itself and parallels with the standards of our digital age that we continue to hurtle ourselves further into.

 

Blogged by Nick Sears - Motion Designer - rVue
 

Blogspot: Network Street View

 

In this BlogSpot, CTO Jay Wilson explains the latest advancement in rVue with the integration of the 'Network Street View'. Explaining the benefits and ease of the use of this tool, we see in this video that this new feature will not only let networks see the location of their network, but also the surrounding area which it's based out of of.

 

Blogged by Francisco Sanchez - Motion Designer - rVue

Who said a movie poster should stay still?

 
With the help of standup/vertical digital signage installations in movie theaters, viewers can really get introduced to the excitement and thrills that a still poster just can't compete with. Personally, being quite the movie enthusiast I can say that movie trailers today tend to reveal too much trying to build a large buzz to get people interested. Unfortunately sometimes that comes at the expense of revealing major plot points or even the best moments of the film. That's where ticket sales drop.

However, with these motion poster installations - which can be a large as an industrial fridge - always makes quite the impression with digital video that demands attention even from furthest set of eyes. Plus, if you're quite the movie buff like me, it reveals - excuse me, DELIVERS enough attitude and personality while keeping the plot details a bit ambiguous.

Click the link below to see the explosive motion poster for Drive Angry. You'll agree that its quite entertaining, and if you get the chance to see this in person, its hard NOT to be impressed. So go out and check out your local movie theater to see if they brought in any movie posters and watch with confidence that you won't find out that the bad guy isn't the good guys father until you see it in theaters!

www.driveangry3d.com/poster/

Blogged by Nick Sears - Motion Designer - rVue
 

'Yahoo! Trail of Tiles' stacks up the interaction, leaves trail of smiles

Yahoo! does it again with more interactive signage. This time... its a whole wall. However instead of having an interface to educate viewers, the entire experience toward learning is to discover it for yourself. The first step... is walking right by it.

Additional details from the press release:

The sequence opens with an attract mode – the “Yahoo! logo composed of stacked tiles. As you walk by the display begins to interact with you, the tiles slowly following to catch your attention. At this point most people stop and look. Then, even a simple movement, like shifting your shoulders or raising your arms, will cause the tiles to mimic your movements.

Yahoo!’s agency Goodby Silverstein Partners commissioned Tronic, telling them is was important that there be no instructions whatsoever. Rather, people should discover the display’s almost lifelike quality on their own, play with it, and become familiar with its response patterns. “You actually build a sort of relationship with the display,” said Tronic co-founder Vivian Rosenthal. “People told us repeatedly that it was great not to have instructions because it enabled them to explore the interface and discover its characteristics on their own terms.”

Having engaged the display, your gestures and hand movements will sculpt the tiles, moving them around, piling them up, even pushing them off the screen. “Whatever one’s movements, the tiles follow your gestures and move to your body shape,” said Tronic partner Jesse Seppi. “Or, for example, by extending your arms wide you can cause some tiles to actually fly off the edges of the screen.

Click Here for the video!

Blogged by Nick Sears - Motion Designer - rVue
 

'Yahoo! Bus Stop Derby' gives your commute a high score

Does your bus commute seem a little dull? 

Yahoo has installed 20 large touchscreen displays at bus stop shelters throughout San Francisco. These "Bus Stop Derby's" lets commuters play interactive games against their rival neighborhood bus stops, seeing all the top scores update in real-time. You can even challenge a rival bus stop. 

With direct acknowledgement of multiple neighborhoods in a large city competing against each other, what opportunities do you think can arise from use of this type of application? Fund-raising? Transportation Prizes? Census Data? 

They're only up for a few more days, so if you're in the San Fran area, take a crack at the derby! And don't forget your hand sanitizer ;D

Blogged by Nick Sears - Motion Designer - rVue

 

OOH Pitch Taps rVue Demand Side Platform

Leading Digital Media Agency Adopts Digital Out-of-Home’s DSP to Accelerate Media Planning, Buying and Accountability

New York, NY – August 31, 2010 – OOH Pitch, Inc. a leading out-of-home media planning and buying group announced today that they have selected the rVue^TM demand-side platform (DSP) as the agency’s planning, buying and analytics tool for digital out-of-home (DOOH) media.   rVue, Inc., a subsidiary of rVue Holdings, Inc. (RVUE.OB) recently announced the release of rVue 2.3, the next generation of the DSP, which includes the addition of multiple features including aggregated campaign analytics, proof of performance and streamlined billing. As part of the integration, OOH Pitch’s media planning team will become certified users of the rVue platform.

 “When rVue first crossed my radar, I had mistakenly thought they were just another aggregator for place-based media and wasn’t interested in learning more.  But when I saw the platform, I was blown away. Their approach is innovative, powerful and the first one I’ve seen that can actually remove the roadblocks to planning and buying without further fragmenting the industry,” notes David Matera, Co-Founder and CEO of OOH Pitch. “The latest rVue release, tied in with their connections to leading digital signage software providers, will provide us with the daily campaign analytics that enable us to optimize active plans. Their vision is in synch with what agencies and advertisers need yet still respects the networks and the value of the media. rVue is clearly light years ahead of anything else out there.”

rVue has completed connections with BroadSign, Park Media and Real Digital Media’s software with integrations underway with CoolSign, EnQii and Nanonation. These connections are fundamental to “network the networks” and organize campaign data. DOOH networks opting to connect simply need to contact their software provider and rVue to participate.

Jason Kates, CEO of rVue, said, “The OOH Pitch team is one of the most active and knowledgeable purchasers of digital out-of-home media today. Their team is comprised of very sophisticated media strategists that pride themselves in taking a highly intelligent and innovative approach to media planning. We are honored they have selected rVue as their planning solution of choice and look forward to working with them for many years.”

About OOH PITCH, Inc.

OOH PITCH, Inc. is an independent media agency specializing in strategic planning, buying, and consulting of digital out-of-home and traditional out-of-home media. With over 70 clients nationwide, our idea driven philosophy allows for a commanding presence across the out of home landscape with unique and noteworthy campaigns. Agency billings are estimated at $60 MM annually for the ten year old company which has offices in both New York and Dallas. For more information, please contact David Matera, CEO & Co-Founder of OOH PITCH Inc. at 212-820-3177 or dmatera@oohpitch.com <mailto:dmatera@oohpitch.com> . Website: www.oohpitch.com.

Webinar: rVue 2.3 - Leveraging True Accountability and Analytics in DOOH

Thursday, August 26, 2010, 2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT

You're invited to attend a special Webinar and tour of rVue 2.3, the next generation of the rVue Demand Side Platform (DSP), hosted by SVP, Chief Technology Officer Jay Wilson.

Discover the new features of this strategic upgrade which will change DOOH media planning, bidding, buying, and reporting. New features include an interactive dashboard for daily analytics, proof of performance, and streamlined billing.

Learn the benefits of these upgrades to accelerate your own business.

You won't want to miss this special session. Register Now!

rVue 2.3 Launched

Digital Out-of-Home’s Demand Side Platform Launches Analytics Dashboard, Accelerates Connections with Software Providers

rVue, Inc. a subsidiary of rVue Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: RVUE) announced today that it has released rVue 2.3, the next generation of the rVue Demand-Side Platform (DSP) for digital out-of-home (DOOH). rVue 2.3 is a strategic upgrade to the media planning, bidding and buying system which provides an on-line dashboard for daily analytics. The physical connection between the rVue API and the digital signage industry’s leading software providers now allows for aggregated campaign analytics, proof of performance and streamlined billing.

Like Internet media buying and management platforms such as Google Ad Words and Yahoo Right Media Exchange, rVue 2.3 now allows advertisers purchasing DOOH media from connected networks to receive daily analytics without having to wait weeks or months. The rVue technology team has been working closely with leading software providers to ‘network the networks’ and provide proof of performance of those physically connected networks. The advancements in the platform mark critical milestones designed to ease buying of DOOH media by offering accurate analytics and up-to-date data needed by advertisers without straining the resources of networks.  

“In the past, digital out-of-home media advertisers were unable to receive proof of play or other campaign analytics until a campaign was complete,” notes Jason M. Kates, CEO of rVue, Inc. “By connecting with leading digital signage software providers, we are now able to provide agencies and their brands with daily campaign analytics that enable them to optimize active plans.”

rVue has completed connections with BroadSign, Park Media and Real Digital Media’s software with integrations underway with CoolSign, Enqii and Nanonation. These connections are fundamental to ‘network the networks’ and organize campaign data. DOOH networks opting to connect simply contact their software provider and rVue and, once complete, are designated within their rVue profile page and media planner.

Ken Goldberg, CEO of Real Digital Media, states, “One of the real advantages rVue can offer agencies is standardized proof of play reporting across a number of networks and platforms. As DOOH continues to emerge as a legitimate vehicle for advertisers, the importance of establishing and supporting standard reports in a manner that meets the needs of agencies cannot be underestimated. This will help to close the loop on the plan-buy-analyze cycle that characterizes the media buyer's world.”

Advertisers, networks and software providers looking to learn more about rVue 2.3, connecting into the platform and the DSP’s growing ecosystem are invited to attend a webinar on Thursday, August 26th at 2pm EST. RSVP now.

rVue Holdings, Inc. Issues Letter to Shareholders

rVue Holdings, Inc. issued today the following Letter to Shareholders:

Dear Fellow Shareholders,

I am writing to you as my first direct communication with you since the Company became public, raised new capital, listed on the OTC bulletin board and reshaped our board of directors with the addition of Bob Chimbel from Omnicom.

I hope that after reading this letter that you will recognize the significant amount of work we have accomplished during the first half of this year and the exciting opportunities ahead. I also would like to share more about the rVueTM platform, as I believe the information will help investors understand why we are so excited by the opportunities in front of us.

The Market

The Digital Out of Home (DOOH) industry consists of over one million digital video screens used for targeted advertising purposes.  You may have seen these DOOH screens in many strategic locations such as movie theaters, Times Square, digital billboards, gas station pumps, doctor offices, and elevators. These one million plus screens are operated by over 500 different companies and are connected to the internet by way of third-party providers of computers and software that manage the content and integrity of each separate network and screen.  There are hundreds of software providers offering these services.  As you read this letter, you are probably realizing quickly how fragmented this industry is.  While fragmented, the industry is growing at an estimated  14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) and is believed to be the fastest growing media worldwide. If it were possible to sell all of the advertising space on these domestic screens, we have estimated that this would equate to approximately $15 billion of gross ad dollars.  DOOH is becoming mainstream.

Read Full Letter

OmniCom’s Robert “Bob” Chimbel Appointed to Board of Directors of rVue Holdings, Inc.

Advertising Leader Selected as a Director for rVue’s Demand-Side Platform for DOOH

rVue Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: RVUE) parent company of rVue, Inc., the first Demand-Side Platform (DSP) for Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH), announced the appointment of Robert “Bob” Chimbel to its Board of Directors.

Bob Chimbel was selected for rVue’s Board of Directors based on his track record of leading advertising agencies representing world-class brands to unprecedented success. For the past ten years, Chimbel has held several high-level executive positions for Omnicom Group, Inc. (NYSE:OMC). Since January 2006, he has served as CEO of The Component Group, a consortium of marketing communications companies that he created, consisting of three interrelated marketing companies, each with a specific area of expertise: UPROAR!, now the nation’s pre-eminent kids, “tweens”, and teens advertising and marketing company; The Launch Point, a new product design, development group, and business innovation consultancy; and Encircle Marketing, an agency that targets emerging and re-emerging brands, primarily for private equity firms. The Component Group has offices in Dallas and New York. 

In February 2009, DDB Worldwide, a division of Omnicom, tapped Chimbel to head up a new division, DDB Entertainment Group, to develop branded entertainment and branded content properties.  He also oversees The Ant Farm, a Los Angeles entertainment company specializing in advertising and marketing for Film, Television and Digital Games, and Red Urban Digital, a diverse interactive agency with a specialization in developing and implementing social media initiatives. 

From March 1998 through January 2007, Chimbel served as Chief Creative Officer and then President of TracyLocke, a top 50 marketing solutions company, with expertise in advertising, promotion, media, merchandising, and sales/field marketing. Prior to his role at Omnicom, Mr. Chimbel spent his career at such companies as Digitas, Leo Burnett, and Hasbro.

Jason Kates, rVue Holdings, Inc.’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “Bob Chimbel is a key addition to the rVue Board of Directors as he brings keen insights into the needs of powerhouse ad agencies and advertisers that come from an undeniable track record of success at the highest agency level. I look forward to working even closer with him as we continue to pursue the exciting market opportunities that lie ahead.”

News of the appointment of Bob Chimbel to rVue’s Board of Directors comes on the heels of this week’s announcement that Omnicom’s TracyLocke and rVue have formed a strategic alliance.

TracyLocke and rVueTM Form Digital Out-of-Home Alliance

Omnicom Agency Leverages Demand-Side Platform Partner to Accelerate DOOH media buying

TracyLocke, an Omnicom Group, Inc. (NYSE:OMC) agency announced today an alliance with rVue, Inc., a subsidiary of rVue Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: RVUE) headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The partnership is the first of its kind and was created to capitalize on the agency’s expertise in the rapidly growing medium as well as the efficiency of rVue’s Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) demand-side solution. TracyLocke will use the platform to create customized DOOH campaigns and is requesting its preferred vendors to develop network profiles on rVue’s platform for consideration in future plans.

The agency provided valuable insight into the needs of media buyers representing major brands. Jennifer Bolt, Executive Director/Media Services & Innovation of TracyLocke and the agency’s media planning team consulted with rVue executives on the latest platform enhancements developed to further ease the DOOH buying and planning process.

Its alliance with the rVue Demand-Side Platform (DSP) will enable the Omnicom agency to now search, target, plan and negotiate its DOOH schedules across many digital networks through one online source - a process that previously took days to weeks and multiple RFPs to accomplish a final plan. Through the agency’s dashboard, TracyLocke’s media team will also be provided with campaign tracking, post analysis and buying history. In related news, the rVue platform has announced integrations with some of the top-tier DOOH software providers to further automate the flow of data and analytics.

“As a relatively new advertising medium, the DOOH industry has needed a hands-on resource that allows planners and buyers to create campaigns with maximum efficiency. rVue’s Demand-Side Platform delivers the ability to create the most effective mix of DOOH through demographic and hyper-geographic targeting” said Jennifer Bolt, Executive Director/Media Services & Innovation of TracyLocke. “DOOH’s advertising standards and practices are improving through the work of rVue and industry associations. These developments are critical to DOOH’s maturation as a medium and agency adoption.”

“Jennifer and the TracyLocke team are uniquely positioned as an agency that both understands the needs of world-class clients as well as the valuable opportunities that DOOH media offers those brands through the path to purchase,” said Jason Kates, CEO of rVue, Inc. “Their insights have been invaluable to building a better platform and we are proud to align with them in this endeavor.”

Park Media to Integrate rVue into Park Media Digital Signage Platform

Partnership Developed to Streamline and Integrate Buying and Managing of Digital Out-of-Home Media Across Multiple Channels

Park Media, a leading digital out-of-home enterprise software provider, and rVue, Inc., a subsidiary of rVue Holdings, Inc., (OTCBB: RVUE) and the provider of the first demand-side platform (DSP) for strategically planning and buying Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) media across multiple channels, today announced the integration of the rVue DSP into the Park Media digital signage platform through an open Application Programming Interface (API). This partnership was developed to simplify and streamline DOOH media planning through a fully automated ad buying process.

The rVue Demand-Side Platform consolidates DOOH media planning and allows micro- targeting by location, demographic or venue type, bringing together advertisers with their desired audiences in a complete 360 degree approach. With capabilities such as pinpoint location selection, rapid content delivery and proof of play, the platform provides a comprehensive and efficient media planning process for both buyers and sellers.

“The integration of rVue’s tool sets into the Park Media platform allows unprecedented ease of use in the DOOH media planning process, while adding a strategic results-based metric system that was not available before,” said Park Media’s CEO, Brad Trotter. “rVue is providing an invaluable interface to buyers and sellers alike, and by working together we can eliminate complicated and time-intensive barriers of entry to the DOOH media planning ecosystem.”

Park Media’s versatile software solution allows for the delivery and management of sophisticated, multi-purpose content for enterprise digital signage networks. The Park Media platform uniquely provides unlimited flexibility and scalability, and is designed to provide seamless integration with current standards and protocols of content providers and network operators. Park Media’s partners include some of North America’s largest DOOH network operators, including PlayNetwork and Indoor Direct.

“The rVue demand-side platform was developed to help further accelerate the adoption of DOOH media by providing tools that empower both the advertisers and the networks in the platform,” said Jason Kates, CEO of rVue, Inc. “The integration of rVue into Park Media’s platform is a another vital step towards streamlining the buying, planning, managing and analyzing of DOOH campaigns and we are proud to work with their team on this initiative.”

BroadSign Gives Its Client DOOH Networks Access to Ad Agencies and Advertisers via the rVue(TM) Demand-Side Platform

In addition to facilitating the planning and booking of cross-network digital signage campaigns, the integration also automates the multi-network campaign execution cycle

BroadSign International, the premier global provider of digital signage software, and rVue, Inc., provider of the first demand-side platform for planning and buying Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) media, announced today that the Open API integration between the two platforms has been completed.

BroadSign carried out the initial phase of integration with rVue last year, becoming the first digital signage software company to do so. This stage of integration has coincided with the launch of the new version of rVue's web interface earlier this year.

To date, 21 of the DOOH networks running on BroadSign have opted in to be part of rVue's inventory.

BroadSign-powered networks can now be visible to the advertisers and agencies who use rVue to find DOOH ad inventory that meets their demographic and geographic criteria. Once the required inventory is discovered, media buyers can proceed to booking their campaigns. They can negotiate the rates, create insertion orders and follow the campaign's progress through the same interface.

The rVue Media Planner simplifies the usually cumbersome process of creating DOOH media plans by allowing media buyers to quickly find the required screen locations within different networks and consolidate them into a single buy.

Brian Dusho, President and Chief Strategy Officer of BroadSign, states, "Our integration with rVue is a precursor of the future industry-wide automation of cross-network DOOH campaigns. The irony today is that while our medium employs cutting-edge technology, when it comes to aggregating cross-network buys - the coordination is for the most part manual. Together, rVue and BroadSign resolve that challenge and bring DOOH inventory to the media-buyer's table in an easy-to-buy, transparent and accountable way."

The rVue demand-side platform is free to enroll and requires no inventory aggregation or subscription fee. Networks can create a comprehensive profile featuring such critical information as audience demographics, reach, locations and estimated CPM values. Networks stay in control of their assets by being able to accept or reject an offer.

Ad agencies and advertisers can create an rVue account and build an agency/advertiser dashboard. This information helps marketers evaluate and target appropriate locations in their media plans via the intuitive, user-friendly web interface.

"This integration was developed to respond to the needs of both the advertisers and networks. By increasing the quantity, timeliness and accuracy of accountability data of BroadSign's networks within the platform, the connection provides advertisers with the analytics that builds additional confidence in the media while reducing the network's data management time," said Jason Kates, Chief Executive Officer of rVue, Inc. "We are proud to continue our valued relationship with BroadSign in this important endeavor."

rVue has enrolled networks in major DMAs across the United States and Canada with European expansion underway.

About BroadSign

BroadSign International Inc. is the worldwide provider of the premier software platform for digital signage networks. BroadSign's technology resolves the challenges facing modern digital signage networks: the need for acceptance by the mainstream advertising community, time to market and the need for full campaign execution functionality, accountability and true scalability. The software enables operators to target out-of-home audiences, sell network airtime, reliably play back scheduled content on each screen, and account for campaign performance. Various levels of managed services are included in the per-player monthly fee, depending on the subscription package.

BroadSign also provides cross-network campaign execution for DOOH media aggregators via its Open API platform.

BroadSign combines extensive expertise in digital signage software, media, advertising, and information technology, and is a member of the Digital Place-based Advertising Association (DPAA), OVAB Europe, OAAA, the Screen Media Association, Digital Signage Federation and CODA. Over 230 digital signage networks in 25 countries run on the BroadSign platform. The company's corporate office, Operations, Support and Development facilities are in Montreal, Canada.

To acquire a BroadSign software subscription, email: welcome@broadsign.com

Real Digital Media Selects the rVue™ Demand-Side Platform for Digital Out-of-Home Media Planning and Buying for Integration into its NEOCAST® Platform

Integration between the platforms provides media buyers using rVue with access to the most current location and playout data from networks powered by NEOCAST®

rVue Holdings, Inc.'s (OTC Bulletin Board: RVUE) subsidiary rVue, Inc., the leading demand side platform (DSP) for the Digital Out of Home (DOOH) industry with over one hundred eighty thousand digital screens across the country operated by over fifty network owners, announced today that Real Digital Media (RDM), a provider of the innovative NEOCAST® Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform for managing digital signage networks, has selected the rVue DSP for DOOH media planning and buying as its first external integration partner. Under the agreement, rVue will provide current and future network operators using NEOCAST® with the ability to deliver location-specific details about their networks required by ad agencies and advertisers seeking to make informed media buys through rVue's DSP. rVue will also provide campaign playout and compliance data to agencies through its direct feed from NEOCAST®.

"This integration is important to Real Digital Media and our customers because it removes a barrier between buyers and sellers, which is an essential element to not only our mutual growth but for the digital signage industry as a whole," said Ken Goldberg, CEO of Real Digital Media.  "In order for the DOOH industry to establish credibility within advertising circles, we need to adopt practices that make it easy to buy, encourage standards that establish a uniform experience, and create an ecosystem that benefits all participants. rVue's selection of NEOCAST® represents an initial effort to bring these principles to our clients and the ad agencies making DOOH part of their advertising mix."

The open and intuitive rVue Media Planner streamlines the creation of DOOH media plans by promoting awareness of the various participating networks, providing relevant information about available networks, establishing communication between the networks and agencies, and reducing media planning time through a real-time search and selection of available touchpoints/screens, impressions and cost. The rVue demand-side platform consolidates all of this information into a single buy that is comprehensive yet easy to execute.

"We are pleased that RDM has selected rVue to provide the demand-side platform for DOOH," said Jason Kates, rVue's Chief Executive Officer. "We believe our ability to streamline the process for advertisers and advertising agencies to purchase DOOH advertising differentiates us from other participants in this rapidly growing sector. Our ability to provide resources that remove barriers to entry, and streamline the management, planning and purchasing of DOOH media creates value for all of our constituencies. Our relationship with RDM was developed to provide the accountability, data and transparency ad-based networks need to further attract advertisers, while shortening or eliminating their data management time. On the other side, this connection enables advertisers to receive the data and analytics they need for greater adoption of the media."

How it Works

Enrollment into rVue is free and available to any agency, advertiser or network provider by simply logging in, creating an rVue account and building their agency/advertiser or network profile.  Each network profile features such relevant information as audience demographics, location geographics, target venues and overall impressions to help advertisers evaluate and target their locations for media plans. With the announced integration, rVue network profiles powered by NEOCAST® can now be provided with the majority of this location-specific and compliance data automatically. This allows network operators to leverage the data already acquired throughout the course of their NEOCAST® rollout and operations in a seamless manner. This saves time, effort and ensures consistency of their data across platforms, which is essential for ad agencies requiring confidence in the accuracy of the media plans designed and executed for their clients. Once a media buy is complete, a single digit transaction fee is extracted.

Currently, rVue has enrolled networks in major DMAs across the United States and Canada with European expansion underway.

First Steps Toward a DOOH Ecosystem, by Ken Goldberg

Posted 7.13.2010 on digital signage blog

"Since I seldom use this space to openly discuss RDM’s product or specific strategies, I think it is appropriate to provide a disclaimer up front when I do. Today we sent out a product-related press release, and this post is meant to provide a bit more detail on why we thought it was important to do so.  So be forewarned and read on or choose to click away. Here we go."

"In the aforementioned press release, we were pleased to note that we had worked cooperatively and quickly with the team at rVue to provide integration between the NEOCAST Media Server application and the rVue Media Planner, an emerging Demand Side Platform (a/k/a DSP… a great discussion of DSPs, which first popped up on the web, is here) for DOOH networks."

View complete post.