Service overview
McGill’s Public Display Screens allow users to display images, video, and other relevant content on large screens located in high-traffic public areas.
These screens are locally owned and operated by individual units on campus, who also control the content displayed. The service offered includes training and support for screen editors and content managers.
Who can use this service
All McGill administrative units, faculties, departments, and research groups are entitled to use this service.
How to request/access
Requesting a new display screen installation: A departmental manager or director can submit an Audiovisual service in a private room catalogue request.
Creating content and designing a display screen presentation: See Bright Author - How to configure and display content on your display screen for more details.
Cost
To install new display screens, a separate evaluation must be made for each location. The average cost is $ 8,000 per screen.
The client unit is responsible for costs associated with photography, illustrations, custom applications, etc.
Availability
Public display screens are available 7 days per week, up to 16 hours per day. When configuring your screen, IT Services will automatically schedule when your screen will enter power-saving mode, also known as "go to sleep." Generally, public display screens are active from 7:30 am to 7:00 pm. If you prefer your screen to operate on a different schedule, please contact the IT Service Desk. However, having the screen "ON" 24/7 will reduce its life span.
Frequently asked questions
Please see FAQs for Public Display Screens.
Best practices & policies
- Content on each screen should be simple and uncluttered, with text that is large enough to read from a distance of several feet.
- To avoid having black bars on each side of the screen, format your image to an HD (High Definition) resolution or 16:9 aspect ratio.
- Ensure that you review the content for accuracy and proofread it before posting.
- Use high-quality images and videos.
- You can ask other display screen managers to post your content on screens they manage. They have no obligation to do so, but many screen managers will post content from other departments in exchange for the reciprocal favor. See Sharing content on display screens across campus.
Training & documentation
Initial training is given by IT Services when a new screen is installed. To request training, open a self-serve ticket on the IT Support Portal.
Self-serve training materials:
Support
For hardware, software, and system support, contact the IT Service Desk.
ADDITIONAL REFERENCES:
- Tutorial videos - Note: select BrightAuthor (Legacy) (BrightSign support site)
- Supported image formats (BrightSign support site)
- Supported video formats and codecs (BrightSign support site)
- Sharing content on display screens across campus