Villanova Broadcasts Emergencies and Ads with Rise Vision Digital Signage

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 09/25/08

Villanova University in Pennsylvania has expanded its on campus use of the Rise Vision Display Network to create a networked, campus-wide information system. Villanova uses the digital signage content management system on 15 LCD screens, with plans to add another 30 screens, for displaying information about emergency notifications, campus events, and schedules, Villanova also sells advertising to local merchants that accept the school's Wildcard debit card.

"We wanted to introduce a better method for disseminating information throughout the University," said Michael Hoffberg, digital signage project manager in the University Information Technologies, Strategic Planning department. "The Rise Display Network offers us an elegant, eye-catching, and affordable way to convey up-to-date information."

Each member of the Villanova community  uses the Wildcard identification card to enter and check out books from the library and use campus resources such as vending machines, dorm laundry facilities, and the bookstore. The Wildcard can also be used as a debit card that is accepted at a growing number of off-campus vendors including stores and restaurants. The Wildcard Office is now selling advertising on its Rise Display Network-powered signage to local merchants that accept the Wildcard.

The Rise Display Network is a Web-based, software-as-a-service content management system operated by Rise Vision. Subscriptions include access to live content such as news headlines, local weather, sports scores, and stock ticker updates. Users incorporate this live content with their own information, including movies, graphics, and text, and publish it directly to their network of digital signs.