Digital Signs

The University’s digital signage service is offered through the Twin Cities offices of:  University Relations (Service Owner) and University of Minnesota Bookstore (media player supply).

On the UMD campus, Facilities Management (FM) and ITSS provide limited auxiliary support for digital signs.

Primary support provided by University Relations and University of Minnesota (UofM) Bookstores:

• Access to Carousel Cloud service
• Adding, removing or modifying user access
• Configuring or modifying sign layout
• Support for hardware issues (media player)
• Troubleshooting Carousel Cloud issues (access, usage, etc.)
• Troubleshooting layout or image quality
• Purchase and configuration of media player

Auxiliary support provided by Facilities Management (FM):

• Approving sign location
• Installing electrical and hardware mounts
• Troubleshooting electrical issues

Auxiliary support provided by ITSS:

• Consulting on monitor choice
• Consulting, installing and troubleshooting network connectivity
• Providing ongoing network support
• Providing initial troubleshooting of monitors that are offline (Help Desk)

Choose your digital signage option

University Relations is the Service Owner for digital signs on all campuses. Refer to their University Relations’ Digital Signage web page for details. If you decide to proceed with the Carousel Digital Signage service, follow the steps below if you are on the UMD campus.

Get approval for your sign location

Submit a work request form to Facilities Management.

1. FM will approve the sign location, ensure that the sign meets building code requirements, coordinate the installation work, and address power and network needs. This may require involving ITSS to estimate network jack installation or identify access limitations. There will be an additional ITSS cost if a network consultation is needed.

Sign up for the service and order your equipment

After your requested sign location has been approved by FM:

1. Contact University Relations (Twin Cities campus) to get added to the Carousel system.
   1. University Relations provides accounts/access to the system, configures the layout of individual signs, determines the list of supported monitors.
   2. Visit UMN Digital Signage Equipment for pricing and details on how to request service. To request a consultation or order equipment, please email [email protected].
2. Contact UofM Bookstore to order the media player
   1. The University’s recommended media player is currently Apple TV for new or replacement players. They must be purchased through the University of Minnesota Bookstore to ensure they are configured properly for digital signage use.
   2. Visit U of M Bookstore to order the Apple TV for Digital Signage (SKU 3590529)
       
3. Order your monitor
   1. Order a TV/monitor for your space through your normal purchasing processes.

Request equipment installation

After your equipment arrives:

1. Submit a request to the ITSS Help Desk to schedule installation of the monitor and the Apple TV media player device. You will need to provide an approved Enterprise Financial Systems (EFS) account  for installation.

Requesting to add content to UMD digital signs

Each digital sign is managed independently by the department that pays to install and maintain it. Some departments may display content from other units. You may join the UMD Digital Signage group to share images you would like to share with the UMD campus digital sign owners. To request to join this group, send an email to: [email protected].

Some units may have their own policies and procedures for submitting content:

• Library Digital Sign Guidelines
• Kirby Student Center Posting Policy