The network is an integral part of a $14.2m infrastructure upgrade; importantly, Carousel Digital Signage Software also drives airport revenue generation through advertising initiatives.
The varied digital signage displays-including a large, welcoming video wall and two interactive touchscreen kiosks-give travellers just-in-time information about flights, arrivals, departures, gates, security, television, digital marketing and local ads, as well as news, weather and other real-time data feeds. The flexibility of Carousel network, in conjunction with BrightSign digital signage media players, allows a single operator to create and distribute targeted content to different screens, delivering high-resolution graphics and 1080/60p HD video alongside dynamic data feeds within custom-designed templates.
The interactive touchscreen kiosks replace an antiquated analogue phone switchboard and provide users with helpful information about local transportation and amenities, such as taxis, shuttles, rental cars, hotels and restaurants.
All video content, graphics and data feeds are delivered to compact, networked BrightSign high-definition media players installed discreetly behind each display. A single operator can control and manage the entire digital signage network from a centralized, user-friendly interface.
"While we considered many competing systems on the market, Tightrope's Carousel stood out because it best met our objectives, needs and budget," said Clinton Torp, airport director, La Crosse Regional Airport. "The BrightSign players reduced our costs by as much as 50 percent compared to other players. And since Carousel seamlessly integrates with our new IP network backbone and existing data feeds, we're saving money on additional maintenance contracts and other service charges that would weigh us down over time."
La Crosse Airport's Carousel system was customized by Tightrope's Professional Services team, which integrated a variety of data feeds to support flight and public information displays, as well as weather and other information. The team customized the look of the displays based on ideas and input from the airport's digital signage system administrators.
"We now have a state-of-the-art system that maximizes advertising revenue, while enabling us to inform and serve our visitors," said Torp. "Due to the on-going savings of Carousel's streamlined operation, we expect to see a return on investment in just three years. And we're not locked in since both systems are upgradeable with enhancements, such as 4K video resolution, which we might like to adopt in the future."
(Jim Evans)
