Not as such, since SMS only supports text. For devices which support MMS messages (images), this would be possible, though consideration needs to be given to the possible different formats they could arrive in from different devices, from a compatibility point of view. Connecting to a Flikr site or similar could be more effective for this purpose.

Our SMS system has the ability to process hundreds of messages in realtime, and can operate much more rapidly than a conventional mobile.

Moderated texts are displayed as soon as they are approved. If dealing with a large volume of messages, it may be worth considering multiple moderators. The time constraints are from an operational point of view rather than a system limitation.

Absolutely!

Yes, although there is a cost associated in doing this. For that reason we would recommend this for larger events only.

Messages are charged at users’ standard network rates, so typically inclusive or failing that a few pence only

It’s comparable to about 100 voting keypads, though the exact cost will depend on the functionality required and the duration of the event

They don’t use the Blitz system, yet(!), though the process is probably similar.

Yes this needs to be considered. We wouldn’t recommend using the system where there is poor reception. It’s important to make sure at least the major networks are covered adequately.

It could work, although care would need to be taken to ensure the sessions don’t overlap, or maybe use a ‘keyword’ at the start of the message to identify the location. Alternatively multiple numbers can be used at a discounted cost per implementation.

Potentially, although from our experiences it’s something that tends to concern event organisers and production companies more so than the end-users, for whom the cost of the messages are negligible. An international event could indeed incur slightly increased user costs.

All messages can be previewed on an admin computer, if required, before being displayed live. It’s also possible to exclude certain ‘blacklisted’ words if required.

We have complete control of the display format. A couple of examples were shown at the event, including a scrolling ticker, and a ‘bullet list’

It’s possible to absorb message costs in principle, though the cost of putting these kind of billing processes in place tends to make it prohibitive from our experience, particularly since this needs to be implemented for all mobile operators.

The system uses standard TCP/IP networking, so there are ways of linking multiple sites provided that Internet connectivity is available at each site.

There are three ways of putting in data: by direct input to the control panel on an item-by-item basis, a ‘block import’ into LiveVIEW from an excel datasheet, for example, or an XML feed from another system.

Videos can be integrated, it would also be possible to show ‘streamed’ content within the screens from a Flash Media Server.

The mobile app version of LiveVIEW can be installed on any iOS device, including iPhones and iPads.

The digital signage system can use any standard TCP/IP networking between the client and server applications. Wireless networks can and have been used, however we would advise ensuring their robustness for delivering what is an event-critical application.

The digital signage platform is intended more as a ‘push’ technology for real-time display of information on display screens. Looking at Apple devices such as the iPad and iPhone, we suggest use of the native app which is programmed to run on the device’s own operating system. These make use of the full suite of display APIs available on the devices rather than HTML5, which is typically used in browser applications. This also gives more control to the user in terms of finding the specific data they require.

There are a number of variables, including the number of required features, and the number of operating systems which need to be supported. Please contact us with more details of your specific requirements. Yes it can be branded to a certain extent, in terms of the colour scheme and event logos etc. It’s also possible to include sponsor logos as a part of the user interface if required.

Absolutely, in fact it works the other way around i.e. the digital signage system can be sourced from the mobile app controller, which exists online.

Data is stored in the phone’s internal memory, therefore may be viewed by anyone with accessing the device. In terms of the ‘raw’ data behind the scenes, this would require specialist knowledge and skills to extract. The level of security also depends to an extend to the nuances of the platform the system is running on.

The app is available from any of the app store variants

There were no live events using the software at the time of the Masterclass. There would have been a significant cost to us for posting a specific ‘demo’ app for the event, however we have versions available on devices which we would welcome the opportunity to demonstrate.

Not currently, although we could consider this as an addition to the core functionality.

An option would be to ‘loan’ units to delegates e.g. iPods, iPads etc, or alternatively look to use an alternative approach such as an event website that will run in a browser on any compatible device.

Inter-delegate messaging is not currently supported, since the app doesn’t currently have the notion of a user ‘account’ as such. Account functionality, combined with inter-device messaging, is something we can consider as a future development.

Potentially, although we will need to look into the implication of some extended character sets such as Arabic or Chinese characters.

It's hard to say without knowing the complexity of your event. However remember that all content can be uploaded well in advance. The Blitz team would be onsite to offer support, however it would be possible for a client to edit content directly if required.

The frequency range used (UHF) is well outside that used by wi-fi or radio mics. However it could potentially be affected by ‘swamping’ from powerful signals nearby from another device. A site survey would identify any problem areas.

Yes, in much the same way as oyster cards and ski-lift passes work. These have physical barriers which are activated to allow access, however the solution could be more 'subtle' making use of humans supplied with information from the system in realtime.

Making an allowance for the extra space for the floorstand, the units available from Blitz have about the same footprint as a human.

Real time reporting is available for certain information, however more detailed reporting can only be completed at the end of each event day, by analysing the scan traffic data in conjunction with event data. All readers are connected to a server via standard networking, so data is always collected centrally in real-time. The system can be monitored from any location on the same network as the server and readers.

The system has been built to accommodate a reasonable number of scanners (upper limit of about 50 depending on the environment), although there are more cost-effective ways of covering a large number of locations such as the use of handheld computers with inbuilt readers. An unmanned scanner will always require power and network connectivity, which is possible through a single cable using Power over Ethernet (PoE), however a handheld model may be completely wireless.

Yes, the readers are capable of processing hundreds of tags per second.

You don’t – it’s more a case of the software we supply analysing the data to give meaning to the scans. This can be done by comparing the captured information with the event agenda.

A number of technologies were used onsite to drive the display screen, including Barco Encore, Dataton Watchout, Apple Keynote and live demos of projection mapping and LiveVIEW. To best relive the complete experience, videos of all presented content will be published to the Blitz Communications YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/blitzcommunications

Yes! See www.bbc.co.uk/dragonsden/entrepreneurs/timwilliams.shtml

Thanks – Rich has also been seen wearing it at weddings (assuming it's Rich's suit you are referring to)!