Considerations Prior to Using DSID

Prior to installing or even subscribing to DSID digital signage, the following questions should be asked and considered.

1. How many and which screens will DSID broadcast on?
2. How will the player(s) connect to the screen(s)?
3. Where will the player(s) be located and positioned?
4. How will the player(s) connect to the internet?
5. Who will install and connect the player(s) and other hardware?
6. Who will manage the setup, presentation, and content?

1. How many and which screens will DSID broadcast on?

Digital signage is a visual medium and requires the use of screens for the presentation content to be seen by viewers. Screens can include standard consumer-grade TV's, computer monitors, or commercial-grade displays. DSID does not provide screens nor is it responsible for the maintenance or operation of screens.

Unlike many of our competitors, DSID does not charge per screen. You can connect a DSID player to as many screens as your cabling infrastructure allows for.

Each DSID player has a single HDMI output port. Out of the box, it is ready to connect directly to a single screen. If that same player is connected to multiple screens (using additional hardware and cabling), it will be the same visual/signal across all screens. In other words, if one or more screens is not compatible with or suited to the video signal coming from that DSID player, those screens will require their own additional DSID player, or will need to be excluded from the setup. You can read more about multi-screen setups HERE.

The following additional questions should be asked and considered:

• Do you intend to broadcast the same presentation across all screens, or do you plan to have certain content displaying on certain screens?
• Will existing screens be used and do they meet the minimum requirements?
• If installing new screens for the purpose of digital signage, do you or the installer know what is needed for a future-proof setup?
• Do all the screens in the intended setup have the same orientation (landscape/portrait), aspect ratio, and maximum resolution, or do some differ?
• Are the screens located in areas of high visibility? Is anything obscuring visibility (glare, objects etc.)?
• Are the screens positioned and sized for a comfortable viewing experience (too close, too far, too angled etc.)?

2. How will the players(s) connect to the screen(s)?

Digital signage involves the use of a hardware device commonly referred to as a 'player' to broadcast the presentation content to the screens. In order for the video signal from the player to travel to each screen, there needs to be infrastructure in place to carry that signal. Most commonly, this involves the use of cabling. But the amount and type of cabling depends heavily on the number and locations of the screens.

Most people are familiar with connecting streaming devices to screens using an HDMI cable, and this is the case for connecting DSID's player. Each DSID player ships with a slim-line 6ft HDMI cable. However, while this is fine for a single screen setup where the player is mounted directly behind the screen, any setup involving distances of more than 10ft between the screen and player, or multiple screens, requires a more complex cabling infrastructure.

It is important to determine whether your practice is AV ready by asking the following additional questions:

• Does AV compatible cabling infrastructure already exist in the building?
• If cabling already exists, how old is it, and is it compatible for handling HD/4K video signals?
• Does cabling need to be replaced or run to any screens?
• Does the architecture of the building limit or prevent the distribution or installation of cabling in any way?
• Are any additional hardware devices involved or needed within the cabling infrastructure setup (Control4, matrix, splitters, extenders etc.)? If so, are these already onsite or do they need to be sourced and purchased?

Having a future-proof video distribution setup is recommended for any modern healthcare practice, regardless of which digital signage service provider being used. You can read more about multi-screen and other complex screen setups HERE.

3. Where will the players(s) be located and positioned?

Digital signage involves the use of a hardware device commonly referred to as a 'player' to broadcast the presentation content to the screens. The player requires a stable, high-speed internet connection and electricity to operate. It is a solid state device with no moving parts, but it does generate some heat. It is designed to run constantly (24/7/365) and it should not be powered off on a regular basis.

Regular interfacing with the device is not needed as all presentation and content updates are handled remotely via a web-based application. However, occasional troubleshooting of the player may be necessary, thus, ideally, the device should be easily accessible.

The device itself should also be kept away from damp, excessively hot, and unstable environments, and out of sight from public viewers, patients, and unauthorized users.

If the player is intended to connect to just one screen, the easiest place to locate it is behind that screen. It can be wall mounted or cable-tied to the screen mount. Keep in mind, a wired internet connection is strongly recommended, so ensure an available Ethernet drop is available nearby, as well as an available electric outlet.

If the player is intended to connect to two or more screens, positioning it in a central location, such as the server closet, is recommended.

For multi-location practices with satellite offices, at least one player is required onsite for each location broadcasting digital signage.

4. How will the player(s) connect to the internet?

Digital signage involves the use of a hardware device commonly referred to as a 'player' to broadcast the presentation content to the screens. In order for the player to receive updates and stream content, it needs to be online and connected to the internet at all times.

A wired Ethernet connection is strongly recommended to connect the player to the internet. This provides stability and adequate speed to ensure smooth playback of content and presentation changes reflecting without delay.

If there is a situation that makes a wired internet connection impossible, such as the architecture of the building, wireless is an option. This an additional upgrade and purchase as a wireless card needs to be installed inside of the player. Your WiFi credentials also need to be programmed by DSID on the device prior to deployment. Thus, to avoid unnecessary shipping and delays, it is important to determine the internet connectivity method prior to deployment of your DSID device(s).

PLEASE NOTE, if there is ever a change to the WiFi such as network name or password, the device will lose connectivity and DSID will need to assist you in updating the WiFi credentials on the device. It is not a simple process.

To reiterate, wireless connections are possible but not recommended as they are prone to disruption, signal drops, and slower speeds, which can all impact the reliability and playback of the digital signage presentation.

If your practice network has a firewall, please ensure your IT team is aware of the DSID device(s), that permission is granted, and the following domains are whitelisted:

• *.dsid.com
• *.dsid.media

If you have concerns about the speed of your internet supporting a streaming device, please let us know.

5. Who will install and connect the player(s) and other hardware?

The DSID device itself is very easy to connect and get up and running. It will arrive in a box with a power adapter and HDMI cable. For any setup, the player needs to be connected to an electric outlet via the power adapter; connected via HDMI to the screen or video distributor; and connected to the internet via wired Ethernet (if a wireless connection has been pre-arranged, the device should automatically connect to the prescribed WiFi when powered on).

Once fully connected, the device will display a pairing code on the screen(s). When this code is successfully entered to your LoopOS account, the device is considered activated, any programmed content will begin streaming, and the term of your billing agreement will commence.

As this process is fairly straightforward, most practice staff members or doctors are able to implement on their own or with the support of DSID over the phone. For more complicated setups involving multiple devices and locations, or complex third-party video distribution systems, someone with more technical experience might want to be considered for handling the install, such as an IT or AV professional. DSID is always willing to collaborate with and assist IT companies.

DSID's trusted partner, Snap Install, is able to provide turnkey installations in most areas across the US and Canada. If you would like to utilize their services, please let us know.

6. Who will manage the setup, presentation, and content?

While DSID digital signage is designed to broadcast effectively without regular user input, there may be times when troubleshooting is needed or content needs to be changed. Ultimately, you and your team are best suited to determine what content is relevant and what content is not.

For these reasons, having a dedicated person or team on your end that is familiar with the setup, operation, and objective of DSID digital signage is encouraged. Someone with technical proficiency is generally best suited to the onsite management of your player(s), while someone with a marketing background is generally best suited to the content management side of things.

It is also important to learn the difference between what DSID is committed to supporting and what it is not. Namely, the screens, cabling infrastructure, and internet connectivity are all considered your responsibility. For example, if a "No Signal" message appears on the screen(s), DSID will always help troubleshoot to try determine the root of the problem. But if the problem is the result of a faulty video distributor or cable, DSID is not responsible for providing resolution to that problem. Again, this highlights the importance of having a team member on your end who is familiar with the AV setup of your practice.

LoopOS is our presentation management application and can be accessed remotely from any online desktop or mobile device. Multiple users can be assigned as managers to a single LoopOS account and do not need to be onsite to manage or change presentation content. Also, multiple offices/locations can all be all managed from a single LoopOS account.

DSID's highly rated support team is available via phone, email, text, and chat M-F, 9AM-5PM EST should you need it, and can also provide online training for LoopOS at a scheduled time.