Digital Signage
Digital Screen Management and Content Sharing
If you are considering a digital sign for your building or office, reach out to Student Affairs IT and Communications & Marketing BEFORE making a decision. We can help you determine the best sign placement for maximum return, purchase compatible equipment, and create a realistic content management plan.
If you already have a sign in your area or are interested in sharing content with Student Affairs, please use the resources on this page.
- For Content Creators
-
How to create content slides
All content must be created/sized at 16:9 ratio for optimum display.
16:9 ratio (1920 pixels x 1080 pixels @ 72 dpi)
Best Practices
Use large, easily readable fonts
- Stay away from scripts or fancy fonts
- Body text should be about 30 point or above (depends on the font)
- Headline text should be about 80 point or above (depends on the font)
- Use basic colors for body text (black/dark blue)
Limit text
- Keep your text to about 10-20 words
- Try to read it OUT LOUD. If you can't read it in 10 seconds, it's too much text
Ensure the background is not distracting
- Choose solid colors for the background when possible
- If using a photo, fade the photo or put a block of solid color behind the text
- Ensure high contrast between the background and text colors (try changing the document to grayscale to test the contrast)
Templates
- For Digital Screen Managers
-
How to access the system
Student Affairs uses the FourWinds Interactive signage system. The signs are managed via the Content Manager Desktop, which is software installed on the user’s computer.
- To request installation of the Content Manager Desktop
- If you need a new digital sign installed or need a new sign configured on an existing screen
- To troubleshoot an existing screen
How to set up your digital screen
Within the Content Manager Desktop, use the following template for all Student Affairs digital signage (horizontal):
Templates / SA Standard 16:9
- Includes a single 16:9 content source region
- Includes an optional text scroll/feed source region at the bottom – Recommend only for signs that are used in a waiting area
Recommended news feed (for use only in waiting areas)
Content / Feeds / University Park NewswireRecommended weather media:
Content / Feeds / CampusWeatherServiceDopplarRadar
note: weather media is sized 16:9 for placement in main content source regionStep-by-step instructions for updating your signage to the new SA Standard 16:9 template (PDF)
- Sharing Content
-
Student Affairs has multiple digital screens throughout our buildings, which include the HUB, the IM Building, the Bank of America Career Services Building, the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center, and others. If you have content you would like shared on screens in these buildings, please follow these guidelines.
Student Affairs Offices
- If you have a marketing representative, please send slides directly to them. If you are unsure who your marketing representative is, contact us at sacommunications@psu.edu.
- If you do not have a dedicated marketing representative, please use the form on this page to submit your slides.
Keep in mind, your slides will be shared in all Student Affairs buildings as well as on digital screens in other units across the University and sometimes at campuses.
Other University Offices
If you would like to share content in Student Affairs buildings, please use the form below. If you are using the shared spreadsheet model for digital sigange, please do not submit slides to us through this form - we are already including content you add to your public spreadsheet.
Student Organizations
More information on how to share slides coming soon.
Digital Slide Submission Request Form
To request a digital slide on a screen in Student Affairs buildings please fill out the following web form. After you submit the form, you will be directed to a new page where you will upload your content.
Keep in mind, slides MUST be submitted in the correct format in order for us to display them. View specification and best practices in the For Content Creators section on this page.