Once you've ordered your ScreenCloud OS device, it's time to start preparing for its arrival! In this article, we'll provide tips on how to prepare a USB provisioning flash drive, how to purchase a screen license, list the best TV accessory options for your use cases, and much more.
Introduction
So, you got the green light that your ScreenCloud OS device is on the way. Congratulations! you're one step closer to setting up your digital signage strategy. But now you're wondering, what can I do to prepare for the arrival of my ScreenCloud OS device?
While waiting for your device to arrive, you can get everything else set up so that you can start streaming as soon as it arrives. This includes buying any additional accessories you'll need, arranging any necessary account licenses, and even creating content in advance.
Adequate preparation isn't always exciting; some might even call it tedious or boring. However, if you put in a little bit of effort now, you can speed up your deployment by removing a few obstacles.
Let’s take a look at some of the tips we recommend that could help you prepare for your ScreenCloud OS device.
1. Understanding Your ScreenCloud OS Device
As of right now, we have two available models, the Station P1 and the newer Station P1 Pro. The main difference between the two is that the Station P1 Pro comes with a more up-to-date Wi-Fi component that supports 5GHz Wi-Fi whereas the Station P1 only supports 2.5Ghz.
In order to get caught up on the inner workings of your ScreenCloud OS device and the features it offers, you can read our help articles such as:
2. Prepare a Provisioning USB Flash Drive
Planning out the number of USB flash drives you will need ahead of time, purchasing them, and configuring them based on your Wi-Fi networks, is a great way to prepare for the arrival of your ScreenCloud OS device. Doing this will save you a lot of painful hours of going back and forth from the computer to location; Second, by pre-configuring a USB flash drive, even non-technical personnel can deploy a large fleet quickly and securely.
How to configure your USB provisioning flash drive for your ScreenCloud OS device
To set up your ScreenCloud OS device, you will need to create a USB provisioning flash drive to connect your device to your network. Once your device is paired to your organization, you can begin showing content.
You can use this provisioning USB flash drive for one device or as many as you like, as long as the devices are using the same type of connection on the same network. If you plan to move your ScreenCloud OS device to another building with a different network, you will have to reconfigure your USB flash drive and insert it back into your ScreenCloud OS device.
We recommend you purchase a USB with 8GB storage capacity or higher you will be fine. You can find an 8GB USB flash drive at your local hardware or stationery store.
Once you have your USB flash drive, make sure it's correctly formatted in the FAT format to ensure your ScreenCloud OS device recognizes your USB drive. FAT formatting is commonly used as it works on various operating systems like Windows and macOS. If your flash drive is not properly formatted, your ScreenCloud OS device will let you know by displaying a "USB incorrectly formatted" error message on your screen.
Once you have your USB flash drive ready, connect it to your computer and visit this link to get started https://scos.screencloud.com/start.
For a more detailed guide on how to configure your USB provisioning flash drive, follow along with this article here.
To see our detailed guide on how to set up your FAT-formatted USB drive via Windows or macOS, follow along with this article here.
Please note, Only FAT, FAT16, or FAT32 is compatible for ScreenCloud OS provisioning.
3. Setting up Your TV for Digital Signage
When choosing a TV for digital signage, it's important to consider how long you plan to show your content as this will determine whether you need a commercial or consumer TV. If you plan to use your TV for less than 8 hours a day, 7 days a week, then a normal consumer TV that you can buy at your local hardware store will be enough. But if you plan to play content for longer than eight hours, seven days a week, then we recommend purchasing a commercial-grade TV.
Commercial or professional displays are far more robust than your average consumer TV and are designed to operate for long periods of time. Professional TVs are equipped with commercial-grade components like mental chassis to help dissipate heat and reduce dust. They are powerful little pieces of equipment and you can rest assured that your TVs won't fail as they are built to survive the toughest conditions.
Secondly, take into consideration where you would like to place your screen. First impressions defiantly do count. So before your ScreenCloud OS device arrives, take a moment to look around and decide where the best position or best viewing angle is for your digital signage. We have many articles about different ways to use screens for different purposes like restaurants, office spaces, education facilities, and health care centers that could give you some ideas if you're feeling uninspirational.
What you need to set up your screens for digital signage:
A compatible TV
Wireless or Ethernet internet connection
Wall mount (optional)
ScreenCloud OS device
USB flash drive
Not sure which TV to use for your digital signage display? This guide has everything you need to know about how to choose the best TV for your needs:
4. Buy The Necessary Accessories for Your Setup
Accessories are the unsung heroes of digital signage decor.
It's important to have a well-chosen TV and media player, but it's equally as important to ensure your new hardware is supported by some great accessories that are compatible with your TV and enhance your viewing experience.
Although we have included a 1.5 meter long HDMI cable in the Station P1 box, it may not be long enough for your setup. If this is the case, we recommend getting a standard or high-speed HDMI cable. Please do not use an HDMI cable with Ethernet as this can cause issues in the event there is a power outage.
Other accessories like mounts can be used to add an aesthetic, but also support the integrity of your digital signage hardware. A rocky table or chair may not present any significant risks or issues other than being a little annoying, but it's difficult to say the same for low-quality hardware accessories. Buying a high-quality mount for your TV is just like buying a phone case for your shiny new iPhone. It protects it and makes using the device much easier and safer.
How to choose a TV mount that's right for you:
First, of all things, make sure you're able to hang up your TV mount by checking the type of material your walls are made out of. Having a heavy anchor is important for your mount to be stable and stay attached to the wall. Cement and wood are great, but If you're drilling into drywall, use a stud finder to locate the nearest wood panel.
Secondly, check the exact size and weight of your TV to see which wall mount is compatible with your TV specifications. Most TV mounts will be VESA compatible (which are standard mounting holes located at the back of your TV) but just to be sure, check the instruction manual as some manufacturers don't always follow these standards.
There are a few options for mobility when it comes to TV mounts, so decide whether you want a swivel, tilt, or fixed mounts.
Consider buying tubing or some kind of means to hide your cables once your TV is mounted. A trail of wires can be distracting but also dangerous - and the last thing you want is someone tripping over some loosely sprawled-out cables.
Next, assess your budget and purchase a high quality mount that suits your needs.
For the last step - set up your displays. We recommend hiring a professional to get the job done or grab a buddy and digital laser leveler to make sure your mount is level.
5. Setting up Your ScreenCloud Account
Setting up your accounts and all the bells and whistles that go with it is a great preparation task while you wait for your ScreenCloud devices.
Firstly If you haven't already, visit our pricing page here to find the perfect plan for you or your business. The great thing about ScreenCloud is our "try it before you buy it" philosophy, meaning you can get a free week trial to test out our features and get a first-hand glimpse of what digital signage with ScreenCloud is like. Devote some time to familiarize yourself with our ScreenCloud home page to see all of the free apps we offer and once you're ready, head over to our Sign-up page and sign up for a free trial here.
Once you purchase your screen license, you can prepare your accounts by either adding in all your team members, configuring your schedules, or create app instances. These are just some of the activities you can do right now that would help put you in a position to foresee any issues that may arise and give you a head start on your digital signage journey.
At this point, you may also want to plan any training that may be necessary for new employees or non-tech-savvy users who will be using the ScreenCloud OS device or ScreenCloud screen management system.
We highly encourage you to check out some of our setup guides below that share the best practices and tips on how to manage your screens.
Articles on how to use and set up your Digital Signage accounts:
6. Setting up Your Content for Digital Signage
Getting your hands on the necessary hardware is only half the battle; the other half is arranging your content on the appropriate screens.
Having powerful content is that middle ground between the viewer and your companies message, so you want to make sure it's top-notch to give them the best experience with your brand.
But content doesn't always have to be used externally. There are many ways you can use content internally to better engage your employees and communicate important details. We have numerous apps that help connect your team whether they are deskless or in-office such as, our Meet the Team app or Microsoft Teams integration .
Content can be used in a variety of ways within an organization to increase employee engagement and spread news and information. Displaying things like company financials, real-time statistics, and values and goals can help keep employees motivated.
Check out some of the ways you can start making content with ScreenCloud below:
Get the content strategy assistance you need. Have a chat with Our expert Customer Service staff!
Here at ScreenCloud, we have a great professional service team consisting of project managers, hardware experts, enterprise account managers, and strategic consultants, all working together to maximize your digital signage ROI.
At the start of a project, you will be guided by a dedicated Enterprise Account Manager who will work with you to analyze your business and devise a plan that aligns your digital strategy to your business goals.
What does this look like? Maybe your company is on the lookout for fresh audience-targeting strategies, and digital signage fits the bill. Our team of digital signage experts is here to provide you with tailored recommendations based on your unique requirements so that you can better serve your customers.
Every enterprise client is given unrestricted access to our professional services team for any and all training, hardware recommendations based on their unique business needs, and strategic content planning services.
To learn more and to get in touch, check out our detailed page here.