Where To Get TV or Video Character Generator That's Inexpensive?

Question

I am looking to have some basic messages and images shown to my customers when they are in their rooms....

Any ideas? I have done searches...

Answer 1

Here is an easy and pretty cheap way to do it.  You will need two things - a "scan converter" and a "cable TV modulator".  Both of these can be purchased for less than $200.

http://pc.pcconnection.com/1/1/5311-aver...

http://www.ramelectronics.net/audio-vide...

The "scan converter" converts the image from a computer to video.  The "modulator" then converts the video to a cable TV channel of your choice (one that is not used on your cable system).  You will also need PowerPoint software on your computer.  Make up PowerPoint slides that have the words you want to show.  Maybe a repeating slide show with multiple messages.  This is very easy to set up with PowerPoint.

With this system you can also play music on that cable channel with the messages.

E-mail me if you have other questions.

This system does work.  I have it set up and running at a hospital showing on hundreds of TV's in patient rooms.

Answer 2

Daniel has given you a solution that will work but you have to consider who you are presenting too and what your needs are. I run a hotel chain and we power messages and images inside customer rooms on a certain TV channel as well as have different messages, videos and images at TVs in the bar, lobby etc.

I used to run the system along the lines of what Daniel had mentioned and it can work but I went with a company that specializes in this technology. The problem with this solution above is that it could not meet my needs and turned out to be more expensive. First, you need a dedicated PC, the scan converter, and Microsoft Office (which has a cost to it as well). Second, this required all my staff members to know PPT whereas I wanted something where I could control messages and schedule messages remotely and I have trained 2 staff members to do this in 30 minutes (so any turnover is not a problem time wise to retrain a staff member).

I ordered from http://www.VideoCharacterGenerator.com and they offer a solution is solid state reliable (it was only $999 to power one TV Channel). Also, what I liked, is it is easy to use - you can train someone to use it about 15-20 minutes. It is designed specifically to be a message board. If it loses power, it comes right back up when power is restored. Finally, I can control many different locations from the Internet.

Best of luck and you can email me as well if you have any questions.

Manny