Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the computer?

There is no PC "behind the scenes". Instead there is a simple hardware based controller that relies on pre-formatted data to display pictures in an interactive fashion.

How do I get my images onto the screen?

The image information is stored on a single solid state memory card. Once programmed, all you need is to insert the card and plug in the power cord.

 Images can be designed in any desktop publishing program. Once designed you can either use a collection of dos-based programs, as provided by us, or our plug-in to Power Point 2002 (Power Point 2002 required). These tools are used to define your links and to program the card.  A standard SmartCard programmer is also required, which is available for less than $ 100.00

Do I need my IT department to get involved?

Obviously that is a call you have to make, but from a functional perspective this device is not a computer, (at least not in the traditional sense). It is simply an image display device. The device is not integrated with any other information system.

Do you have more kinds of screens to choose from?

We offer two screen sizes right now. As the device is hardware programmed, the controller is specific to these screens. The screen types selected for the first Interactive Poster™s were chosen largely because of cost consideration; we wanted to be able to offer something inexpensive.

Does the Interactive Poster™ work outdoors?

Though some adjustments can be made for the outdoors, we presently don't recommend such placement. Where exposed to direct sunlight, the screen usually becomes difficult to read. However, the best way to tell is simply to test  for your specific application, which is easy to do.

Future generations of the Interactive Poster™ are likely to include versions for outdoor placement, as the technology becomes more affordable. If you are working on a large project, please discuss this with us so we can fast-track the development.

Can I get a printout, for example a coupon?

Yes you can!

Can I add a keyboard and/or a mouse?

No. The screen can only receive and give input based on where the screen is touched.  For example It cannot capture personal or credit card information.

Can the screen play videos or make animations?

Present models of the Interactive Poster™ can not play videos or make animation.  However animation can to some extent be "simulated" by rapid picture shifts. All images shifts in about 0.1 seconds, which is faster than most computers.

With shifting images the poster draws a lot of attention. Shifting images can also be used for branding purposes as it allows a story to be told. Creating  a story in PowerPoint on your own computer costs far less than producing a  video!

Can the screens be updated remotely?

The Interactive Poster™ is easily updated by physically replacing a memory card. The card can easily be mailed and the old card returned in the mail, which is very inexpensive. This method requires no special skills or infrastructure. If personnel are already at hand, such as in a store, this method is often far less expensive than anything based on the Internet.

On the other hand updates through the Internet  require infrastructure at several levels, including a subscription to network services. This infrastructure requires updates and service fairly frequently. Thus from an implementation time, investment and maintenance perspective just replacing memory cards is usually superior, particularly if updates are relatively infrequent.

Do you have any competition?

As far as we know, nobody makes anything similar Interactive Poster™. Presently any interactive solution that you will find is based on a PC or at least, a DVD-chip somewhere. Nothing on the market is close in size or cost.

Can I collect data on usage?

Yes. The posters have a simple counter that will register how many times a particular screen has been pressed. In this way, feedback can be received. This makes the device suitable, for example, to do an in store survey.

What maintenance is required?

No scheduled maintenance should be required.

How many Images can the device hold?

The device can presently hold up to 500 images, which is more than the website of most major corporations. A memory card of 8MB can hold up 100 images, depending on content. Text requires far less memory than graphics.