Service overview
McGill’s Public Display Screens allows users to display images, video, and other relevant content to large display 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.
NOTE: All content creation and management are done by the local owner of the screens.
Who can use this service
All McGill administrative units, faculties, departments and research groups are entitled to use this service.
How to request/access
Request a new display screen installation
A departmental manager or director can fill in the Request installation of a new display screen webform for inquiries or to request new installations.
Create content and design a display screen presentation in BrightAuthor
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. Average costs are $8000 per screen. Costs associated with photography, illustrations, custom applications, etc. are the responsibility of the client unit.
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, or "go to sleep". Generally, public display screens are active from 7:30 am to 7:00 pm. If you would prefer that your screen 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 several feet away.
- To avoid having black bars on each side of the screen, format your image to an HD (High Definition) or 16:9.
- Make sure to review the content for accuracy and proofread 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:
- BrightSign support site: Tutorial videos - Note: select BrightAuthor (Legacy)
- BrightSign support site: Supported video formats and codecs
- Sharing content on display screens across campus