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September 22, 2005

MediaTile Modifies Network to Give Hurricane Evacuees Information and Support

Kevin Massy
AKA.tv

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, - Proving that the versatility of digital-signage networks can be harnessed for humanitarian as well as commercial ends, California-based MediaTile in partnership with the American Red Cross has produced a networked narrowcasting system to deliver information and digital wishes on large-screen TVs to individuals and families affected by Hurricane Katrina.

KatrinaWish

The system, which was put together within the space of one week, works through MediaTile's KatrinaWish.com Website, and enables well-wishers from around the world to send their digital messages directly to displays in evacuation centers.

According to MediaTile CEO Keith Kelsen, the American Red Cross is also using the network to run spots of informational content to the thousands of people still using the centers following the hurricane, which hit the city of New Orleans and surrounding areas on the southern coast of the U.S. three weeks ago.

Messages can be uploaded to the site as static digital images in JPEG format, such as a digital photograph of an individual holding a sign, or as video clips in MPEG-2 format.

After approval, content is then broadcast on 32-inch plasma displays, which have so far been deployed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Jackson, Mississippi, where evacuees are being assisted. MediaTile says that additional systems are being deployed as logistics permit.

Kelsen said that the KatrinaWish.com system makes it possible to provide the "ongoing emotional support that is so critical to overcoming this type of devastation".

"I encourage everyone to visit KatrinaWish.com and send a digital wish to those in need; we're prepared to take millions of well wishes and narrowcast them directly to evacuees," he said.

A link from the Website also enables well-wishers to donate to the Red Cross online.

Modified commercial application requires only power on-site

The KatrinaWish system runs on a modified version of MediaTile's MediaCast platform, which uses a Web interface to allow users to upload content remotely. The network's infrastructure was developed jointly with Verizon (cellular services), Proview (displays), Chief Manufacturing (mounts) and Rollouts (installation), all of the stakeholders providing products and services for free.

Kelsen said that MediaTile had written specific software for the application, and that the company's technology was "ideal for this situation" thanks to its ability to communicate over cellular networks. This means it requires only a single power source at each location.

As an example of how the KatrinaWish system is being used, Tammy McBride, leader of a California girl-scout troop, told aka.tv that her members have already started to put together messages of support, which will be photographed, uploaded and broadcast to the evacuees.

"We already have two troops signed on, and I am sure that everybody will get involved in this," she said.

www.katrinawish.com
www.chiefmfg.com
www.mediatile.com
www.proview.net
www.rollouts.com
www.verizon.com