The centerpiece of the new outdoor entryway to the Old Market area in downtown Omaha, NE, is a 15-foot-by-12-foot LED sign under the control of Keywest Technology’s MediaXtreme media player and MediaZone software.

LENEXA, Kan. (June 30, 2010) – Keywest Technology today has announced its digital signage hardware and software technology is being used to drive a large LED screen at the center of a new courtyard that serves as an entryway to the historic Old Market section of downtown Omaha, NE.

Keywest Technology’s MediaXtreme media player and MediaZone software are in use driving the display on the new 15-foot-by-12-foot Absen LED screen. Used together with a new interactive sculpture of “O! Guy” from an area artist, the outdoor digital signage display welcomes visitors and area residents to the pedestrian-friendly public green space.

Once an 81-space parking lot, the area now severs as a combination courtyard and parking plaza, which is enhanced by environmentally friendly native grasses, wildflowers and trees, tables and chairs, bicycle racks, free Wi-Fi, new lighting, a water fountain and a kiosk for use during special events.

Working from the outset with the Greater Omaha Chamber, architectural, engineering and consulting firm HDR and various other local official leaders and businesses, Keywest Technology developed a plan for the LED outdoor sign designed to welcome visitors and add a new element of excitement to the historic shopping and dining area.

“The Omaha Old Market project is noteworthy because it shows the ability of Keywest Technology to work with a range of stakeholders in a high-profile project, work with architects and others from the earliest stages of planning, and offer insight and solutions to meet their objective even as the scope and budget of project changes over time,” said Keywest Technology president Nick Nichols.

Initially, one of the main functions of the LED screen was to playback Nebraska Cornhusker football games. However, for a variety of reasons, displaying the games was set aside and the goal of welcoming visitors to the area was settled on. As the purpose and plans began to take shape, Keywest Technology consulted on the project, offering its digital signage expertise.

At the heart of the playback system driving the new LED display is the Keywest Technology MediaXtreme media player and MediaZone digital signage software. Playback schedules for the sign are created from the Greater Omaha Chamber offices.  In addition to consulting and technology, Keywest Technology provided installation, testing and training to make the project a success.

The Greater Omaha Chamber is hopeful the new courtyard and entryway will serve as a model for other city parking lots. "We want to show that creating a welcoming, inviting environment for visitors and pedestrians can co-exist with the demand for downtown parking," said David G. Brown, president and CEO for the Greater Omaha Chamber.

About Keywest Technology
Lenexa, KS, -based Keywest Technology develops and markets a wide variety of digital signage products, including hardware, software and content development services designed to produce exceptional results. The company is also a pioneer in interactive digital signage, which couples the appeal of dynamic signage with the interactivity associated with interactive kiosks. www.KeywestTechnology.com.

The Overland Park, KS, community college is using more than 30 MediaZone digital signage systems from Keywest Technology to blanket its 234-acre campus with over 100 digital signs.

LENEXA, Kan. (Jan. 11)-Keywest Technology, a digital signage innovator offering digital signage media servers, players, software and services, today announced Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, KS, has deployed an extensive digital signage network based on the company's MediaZone digital signage systems and InfoZone enterprise-level software.

Keywest Systems Group installed over 100 digital screens to create the communication network, which is fed by more than 30 channels of digital signage programming to buildings located throughout JCCC's 234-acre campus and to remote locations off campus where the community college offers various academic and career-oriented courses of study. To effectively control such a vast number of signs, Systems Group installed the MediaZone digital signage system, which included InfoZone server. Various support staff were tapped to create and maintain special-interest channels as well as a main channel serving the general interest requirements of the community college.

"The Johnson County Community College project is a great example of the breadth of our digital signage capabilities and expertise," said Keywest Technology president Nick Nichols. "Not only did we design and install JCCC's extensive digital signage network, but we also offered the technical expertise to customize the system to meet the college's unique needs," he added.

One such requirement was designing support for RS232 serial communications into the network so all monitors located throughout the campus can be turned on and off remotely from a central location. When paired with the Dashboard software functionality that is a part of the company's InfoZone enterprise-level software, this approach gives the community college complete confidence monitoring and control of every display in the network.

Another was the integration of an emergency alert component into the digital signage network that allows authorized personnel to interrupt regularly scheduled playlists on each channel with emergency messaging as required. The system also allows password-protected access to the emergency alert system so it can be accessed and used to control the network from any Internet connection worldwide.

Keywest Technology provided Johnson County Community College with a complete turnkey system, including hardware, software, design services, installation, training and after-the-sale support.

Compatibility with Crestron's RoomView property management system means MediaZone users can populate signs, such as conference room door cards, with pertinent information in the RoomView database, such as room occupant and meeting time.  

LENEXA, Kan. (Dec. 9)-Keywest Technology has announced its industry-leading MediaZone digital signage system now offers total compliance and compatibility with Crestron's RoomView property management system.

As a result, facilities that rely on the Crestron RoomView property management system can, for instance, update the content displayed on digital door card monitors outside conference rooms automatically from their RoomView database.

The compatibility eliminates the need to assign personnel to input data into the Keywest Technology digital signage system, thus leveraging existing data to provide valuable digital signage content without adding staff and expense.

"Our ability to retrieve information from a Crestron RoomView database and drive digital signage content mirrors a MediaZone feature that's been particularly popular among hotels," said Keywest Technology president Nick Nichols. "Just like MediaZone's compatibility with Newmarket International's Delphi EMS, MICROS Opera PMS, Ungerboeck EMS and Dean Evan's EMS, our compatibility with Crestron RoomView means businesses can offer greater customer service without adding personnel."

In addition, MediaZone is Crestron code compliant so users can run MediaZone playlists and playback content from their Crestron touchscreen controllers. All that's needed is a serial communications connection between the MediaZone and Crestron controller.

Keywest Technology introduces MediaPOD Encore, the next-generation in digital signage systems.

MediaPOD Encore sports new and improved hardware with the power, yet easy-to-use digital signage software that made its predecessor legendary.

Keywest Technology announces the immediate availability of its new MediaPOD Encore digital signage system. MediaPOD Encore builds on the legacy of high-performance, affordability and ease of use that made its predecessor MediaPOD digital signage player a favorite worldwide.

As with the original MediaPOD, MediaPOD Encore is bundled with two powerful, yet easy-to-use software applications to build digital signage pages, schedule playback and make changes as needed.

MediaPOD-Live Web Editor is a powerful, yet simple Web client, while the PC Editor applicaiton gives users four time lines onto which users drag and drop media to build and schedule playback.

MediaPOD Encore comes with HDMI output to support today's high definition digital signage environment as well as support for DVI and VGA output. It also offers WiFi and Ethernet connectivity.

Costing several hundred dollars less that its predecessor, MediaPOD Encore is an incredible digital signage value your customers will appreciate. Best of all, MediaPOD Encore is fully networkable and is supported by Keywest Technology's InfoZone software to meet the needs of those clients looking to deploy extensive digital signage networks.

The next time you have a client who's interested in digital signage, direct them to Keywest Technology's MediaPOD Encore. When it comes to performance, ease of use and reliability, there's no better choice.

As always, if we can be of any assistance in meeting your digital signage needs, do not hesitate to contact us.

Keywest Technology Enterprise Partner IOHI in Tulsa, OK, is using digital signage technology from Keywest as a central component of an overall marketing initiative it launched for Compadres restaurant in Owasso, OK.

LENEXA, KS (Oct. 12)-Keywest Technology announces the completion of a substantial digital signage installation by Keywest Enterprise Partner IOHI of Tulsa, OK, for Compadres Mexican restaurant in Owasso, OK.

The installation includes two Keywest Technology MediaZone players, a total of eight flat panel displays and turnkey digital signage content creation by IOHI. It also will serve as the template for at least two other digital signage installations Compadres plans for other locations over the next few months.

"IOHI has done a superb job using our MediaZone players and software as part of a larger integrated marketing effort to help Compadres restaurant build business and encourage customers to return," said Keywest Technology president Nick Nichols. "This installation typifies what can be done when individual media zones are employed to attract attention and up sell related products and offers."

The installation for Compadres includes eight large-screen LCD monitors and two Keywest Technology MediaZones. One MediaZone is used to control playback on a monitor in the restaurant's entryway welcoming patrons; the other is used to control playback of content, including text, graphics and video, on seven additional monitors located around the restaurant to present appealing messaging regarding daily menu items, drink specials and other items. A satellite sports channel is used as central element of the display.

IOHI is relying on Keywest Technology's powerful, yet easy-to-use MediaZone software to create playlists, manage playback and monitor the digital signage to ensure the quality of the presentation.

About IOHI

In response to inquiries from companies tired of utilizing multiple vendors for their marketing needs and paying for media strategies that did not complement each other, IOHI found a niche by offering relationship-based service and the highest quality programming filled with creative, personalized copy and precision audio and video engineering. IOHI, one of the nation's leading one-stop audio/video marketing companies, produces and manages its client's on-hold messages, overhead music for public spaces and digital signage their customers see. IOHI combines technology, experience and savvy to construct marketing and service tools that make an impact. IOHI continues to reinvest in their products by upgrading their in-house production studio to utilize the most innovative hardware and software technologies available in the audio & video industries. These custom-designed audio and video editing suites equipped with the latest tools give IOHI the ability to provide the highest quality audio, graphics and video production work no matter the size or scope of the project.

For more information, please visit www.iohi.com.

Help your clients stay up to date on changing weather conditions and focus their attention on your digital signs by adding Weather Central's MyWeather.

Available for the Keywest Technology MediaZone-based digital signage and broadcast systems, MyWeather weather graphics are unsurpassed in appearance and accuracy.

Keywest Technology has partnered with world-renowned provider of weather data, forecasting and weather graphics Weather Central to make the weather leader's MyWeather location-based weather services available as an option to all users of the Keywest Technology MediaZone digital signage systems (MXS), MediaZone software, MediaXtreme Broadcast (MXB) systems.

The move makes it simple for users of these systems to add Weather Central's MyWeather hyperlocal weather forecasts, weather conditions, severe weather warnings and weather radar for digital signage, PEG market, cable, IPTV and broadcast applications.

"We are extremely pleased to be offering Weather Central's MyWeather solution to our digital signage and broadcast customers," said Nick Nichols, president of Keywest Technology. "We believe Weather Central's highly regarded weather forecasts, radar and severe weather warnings as well as its broadcast-quality weather graphics are powerful additions to our digital signage and broadcast products and will help our customers grab the attention of their viewers with timely, relevant weather information."

A recent survey from the National Center for Atmospheric Research reveals that 90 percent of adults in America obtain weather forecasts daily -frequently more than three times per day. Adding MyWeather's hyperlocal weather information and graphics will help Keywest Technology's customers tap into the benefit of having "sticky" content that's proven to be highly valued by the public, Nichols added.

"MyWeather and Weather Central use the latest groundbreaking meteorological techniques to create reliable, detailed weather forecasts," said Dave Schneider, a Weather Central meteorologist and account manager.

MyWeather delivers hyperlocal forecasts via the Internet based on user-supplied Zip Code or longitude and latitude coordinates. Forecasts are refreshed frequently, and weather radar is updated every six minutes. Those adding MyWeather can work with Weather Central's team of former broadcast artists and graphic designers to customize the appearance of the weather service to complement their individual corporate look. All that's required for MediaZone and MediaXtreme Broadcast users to add the MyWeather option is an Internet connection.

"Keywest Technology is a world-class partner of Weather Central," said Schneider. "Together we are delivering the best, most-reliable content. We provide the content, and Keywest Technology has the digital signage technology. It's a natural winning combination."

For more information, do not hesitate to call or chat with us online.

The new white paper focuses on how digital signage is reducing promotional costs and helping to maximize profits in the multi-billion-dollar gaming industry.

Even for those not in the gaming industry, "Digital Signage - A Winning Strategy for the Gaming Industry" offers real-world lessons that can help any commercial endeavor.

Keywest Technology is proud to announce the release of its latest white paper: "Digital Signage - A Winning Strategy for the Gaming Industry."

Based on years of experience serving the digital signage needs of the casino and racetrack markets, the new white paper presents in a logical fashion how digital signs are being used to increase profits, reduce costs and better compete for patrons' entertainment dollars.

The white paper also examines how digital signage at casinos and racetracks can be used to reshuffle the cost-benefit equation of communicating with customers, tipping the odds of patrons responding positvely to special offers in favor of the house.

Keywest Technology's new white paper also presents two mini case studies examining real-world digital signage applications by casinos and racetracks.

Written in a clear, easy-to-understand style, "Digital Signage - A Winning Strategy for the Gaming Industry" offers fresh insights into the opportunities digital signage unlocks. Even if you are not in the gaming industry, the white paper offers lessons on digital signage that are easily transported to other industries.

Download your FREE copy of "Digital Signage - A Winning Strategy for the Gaming Industry."

Keywest Technology MediaZone delivers key digital signage component as part of newly announced IOHI marketing campaign for Jiffy Lube franchisees

The New York, NY -based audio/video marketing company is using MediaZone as the centerpiece of a new digital signage system installed at multiple Jiffy Lube franchisee shops nationwide.

LENEXA, KS (March 3, 2009) - IOHI, a leading solutions-based audio/video marketing company, has developed an integrated marketing campaign for multiple Jiffy Lube franchisees nationwide driven in-store by Keywest Technology's leading MediaZone digital signage software.

New York, NY, -based IOHI, a Keywest Technology Enterprise Partner, built a custom marketing program for Jiffy Lube that integrates consistent, coherent messaging across multiple platforms, including Jiffy Lube franchisee call handling, on-hold messaging and in-store digital signage display.

The custom MediaZone-based digital signage solution improves the experience of Jiffy Lube customers as they sit in service areas waiting for work to be completed. At regular intervals, custom Jiffy Lube product and branding videos interrupt regular television programming displayed on new LCD panels and existing monitors to expose customers to the franchisee's latest offers, product information and promotions. Jiffy Lube-branded ads also rotate in the schedule of on screen presentations, and custom ticker messaging and time and temperature info have been added to grab and hold viewer attention.

Keywest Technology's MediaZone is a full-featured, turnkey digital signage hardware and software solution. Designed to deliver professional results without unnecessary complication, MediaZone makes it easy to create and position custom digital signage content, integrate existing media, including video, audio, graphics, animation and text files, and schedule and manage content playback.

"We are excited about IOHI's recent win with Jiffy Lube franchisees," said Keywest Technology president Nick Nichols. "By taking advantage of our powerful MediaZone digital signage software, IOHI has created a powerful turnkey solution that grabs and holds viewer attention while giving Jiffy Lube franchisees an effective means to self promote.

"Working closely with Jiffy Lube franchisees and the Jiffy Lube Association of Franchisees, IOHI's creative team has integrated marketing messages at three critical customer touch points -call handling greetings, on-hold telephone messages and digital signage messages- to deliver consistent communications and drive additional business.

"Getting my digital signage solutions in place has been easy, and IOHI is a great company to work with," said Chris Burns, Jiffy Lube franchisee and President, STC Management LLC.  "The content is targeted and branded for Jiffy Lube and I am even able to include a real-time feed with the time and temperature displayed in a zone on the screens, plus I can change the content remotely any time I want.  IOHI's solution has been a great addition to my stores."

"When we tackle an integrated marketing project, such as the Jiffy Lube franchisee work, we must offer a digital signage component that's 100 percent reliable, easy-to-use and simple to update," said Dana Justus, IOHI Director of Operations. "Keywest Technology's MediaZone offers all those qualities, plus Keywest delivers unequalled support so we can be sure our solutions offer the performance our customers demand."

About IOHI
IOHI, one of the nation's leading one-stop audio/video marketing companies, brings solution-based programs to their clients across a full range of audio and video mediums.

IOHI core products and services include: IOHI On-Hold messages, automated attendant, IVR and call tree greetings; IOHI Atmospheres®, licensed public space music; IOHI StoreCast, mini advertising campaigns interspersed within IOHI Atmospheres® custom-designed music channels; IOHI VideoCast, digital signage networks; and IOHI StreamCast, demographically-targeted rich media email campaigns with click-thru reporting and list management.  For more information, please visit www.iohi.com.  

About Keywest Technology
Keywest Technology is a leading digital signage technology developer. The company specializes in software tools that make it easy and profitable for businesses to deploy and manage digital signs and digital signage networks. Its digital signage software is deployed at thousands of locations worldwide, including retailers, hoteliers, tracks, arenas, casinos and many others. Visit www.keywesttechnology to learn more.

LENEXA, Kan. (Jan. 21)--Keywest Technology, a leading developer of software and hardware solutions for digital signage content storage, management and playback, announced today that the High Museum of Art in Atlanta is using its MediaZone content server and software as an integral part of a new exhibit on ancient China.

The Keywest Technology MediaZone is providing the museum with playback of a high-definition video presentation as part of its new exhibit "The First Emperor, China's Terracotta Army," which runs Nov. 16 through April 19.

Club Keywest partner Baker Audio in Norcross, GA, specified, designed and installed the museum's high definition playback and display solution, which includes the Keywest Technology MediaZone player and software, a pair of Christie Digital LW300 WXGA projectors and two 14-foot-by-eight-foot screens.

"We are pleased our MediaZone HD content player is delivering the reliable performance needed for this high-profile application," said Keywest Technology president Nick Nichols. "We designed MediaZone to be robust, providing high-quality playback that users can count on."

To meet the museum's needs for HD playback and projection, Baker Audio ingested a 720p 24fps high definition video into the MediaZone from an HD VTR. Using Keywest Technology's ultra-reliable MediaZone software, Baker Audio scheduled the 2:14 video for continuous looping playback, nine hours per day, six days per week. "Keywest Technology's MediaZone plays back the HD video we fed it with a good, clean signal, every time as scheduled," said Baker Audio VP Jon Whitwell.

The HD signal from the MediaZone is projected with a pair of Christie Digital LW300 projectors. Visitors are welcomed by the video as they enter, setting the mood for the exhibit with a video about Qin Dynasty Emperor Qin Shihuangdi and his famed terracotta warrior figures.

The Keywest Technology MediaZone is a turnkey hardware and software solution that provides everything needed for digital signage system content storage, management, scheduling and playout.

About Keywest Technology
Lenexa, KS, -based Keywest Technology develops and markets a wide variety of digital signage products, including hardware, software and content development services designed to produce exceptional results. The company is also a pioneer in interactive digital signage, which couples the appeal of dynamic signage with the interactivity associated with interactive kiosks.

The $31.5 million multi-purpose complex, which is owned by the Garland Independent School District, is home to a 7,500-seat arena used for concerts and sporting events, as well as a multi-tiered lecture hall, conference center and ballroom.

Keywest Technology provided an extensive array of digital signage equipment and services, including MediaXtreme Signage media servers, Media POD players, LCD flat panel displays and custom digital signage content from the company’s DSX Media division.

“The Garland Special Events Center is an outstanding example of the scope of Keywest Technology’s digital signage core competencies,” said company president Nick Nichols. “In Garland, we delivered a truly turnkey digital signage system that required our systems engineers, software team, talented installers and digital signage content designers to collaborate to deliver the exact system that meets the needs of the Garland Independent School District.”

Completing the project required Keywest Technology to provide a full range of services, including initial and final design, full installation, training, digital signage

content development and continuing post-install service and support. The project also called for Keywest Technology to integrate the system with several third-party products, including a 96-square-foot LED arena display and Ungerboeck event business management software, to deliver a unified solution for the school district.

The lineup of Keywest Technology hardware, software and services included seven MediaXtreme MXS-MZ event players; a dozen Media POD players; 16 17-inch LG Electronics LCD flat panel displays; six four-inch LG Electronics LCD displays; 16 32-inch displays; three large static backlit signs, designed and printed by the Keywest DSX Media division; 26,000 feet of Cat-5 cable; and a Keywest Technology custom-built color skew adjustment box.

“The Garland project is a classic example of Keywest Technology’s ability to deliver a turnkey digital signage network that meets the unique needs of an individual customer and to do so on time and on budget,” said Nichols.  

About Keywest Technology
Lenexa, KS, -based Keywest Technology develops and markets a wide variety of digital signage products, including hardware, software and content development services, designed to produce results that professionals can count on. The company is also a pioneer in interactive digital signage, which couples the appeal of digital signs with the interactivity associated with interactive kiosks.