Digital Signs
Introduction
We 4 have digital signs here at the College of Natural Resources that communicate with passerbys about recent news, events and other items of interest. They are located in the following places:
- Robertson Lobby
- Biltmore Lobby
- Jordan 1 Lobby
- Jordan 2 Lobby
How the system works
News is posted to a system called "TownCrier" by anyone in the college (faculty, staff or students). Then that content is broadcast on to the various digital signs, email and various websites (such as the CNR Calendar) and is facilitated by a second system called "Billboard." Together, TownCrier and Billboard make an incredibly useful and powerful combination. See below for more information about each.
TownCrier
TownCrier is a syndication system created by the folks over at WolfTech. It is responsible for sending news and event information out to all of the digital signs, emails to subscribers and many CNR Web pages. You'll use TownCrier to enter your news and event information. Here's all the documentation you need for learning how to make a new post to the system:
- The basics of how to post new information to TownCrier (video)
- Print a PDF of instructions on how to post (pdf)
- A catalog of available slide backgrounds for the digital signs
- Create custom-made slides
Go here to actually post a new event to the system.
Billboard
Billboard is a delivery system for displaying URLs on a digital sign or screen saver. A join effort of WolfTech and OIT, Billboard is used as the central management system for displaying signage on computer kiosks and web-enabled digital signs across campus and especially here at CNR. Unless you are responsible for managing a digital sign, you will never use Billboard. If you are a manager, then these links will come in handy: