Kiosks Deliver Highly Targeted News and Lifestyle Information to Seattle-area LocationsCivia Media Group has launched a network of interactive media terminals, called Civia Media Terminal(s) (CMT), in five downtown-Seattle locations including Rainier Square.
In implementing the network, Civia is the first company to deliver media content in what analysts are referring to as “the new prime time”: giving working people news and information targeted by their location and the time of day. “By combining the best of broadcasting, the broadband Internet and traditional display, Civia Media Terminals reach people in the middle of their daily routines, addressing a need for useful, reliable, relevant information,” said William W. Krippaehne Jr., president and chief executive officer of parent company, Fisher Communications.
People can interact with the 42-inch touch-screen displays to get updated news, local traffic and weather, plus building and neighborhood information for tenants and visitors. By year end, Civia intends to deliver advertisers more than 66 million impressions per month via more than 300 CMTs located in commercial buildings, airports, convention centers, hotels and shopping malls in Seattle, Portland, and several other markets.
KOMO TV 4 provides the CMT broadcast component in the Seattle region. Other content providers will supply information and listings, plus features covering entertainment, health and other subjects. Consumers can use CMT touch screen controls to learn about individual building tenants, local events and theaters, area attractions and coming events.
Civia is installing CMTs in the following Seattle area locations:
· Rainier Square, 1301 5th Ave. S., Seattle
· Puget Sound Plaza, 1325 4th Ave S., Seattle
· The Logan Building, 500 Union St., Seattle
· Fisher Plaza, 140 4th Ave., Seattle
· Plaza Center Building, 10900 N.E. 8th St., Bellevue
The Civia Media Terminal
The CMTs stand 8 feet tall, with a 42-inch viewing screen divided into four sections. Building visitors can scan the CMT to, scout local sports and entertainment opportunities, learn if weather might affect their weekend plans, choose the fastest route home or check on investments.
Seattle’s Logan Building was among the first to test a CMT. “The CMT improves our lobby environment and allows us to communicate quickly and easily with tenants,” said Gordon Logan of Harbor Properties.
The size of the terminals allow distant passers-by to view headlines while those nearby drill down to more detailed information using touch screen buttons. “The separate viewing zones and placement in high-traffic facilities are ideal applications for NEC’s PlasmaSyncÒ public display monitors,” said Mike Piehl, product line manager, plasma displays for Visual Systems at NEC Technologies Inc. “The plasma monitors are designed to address the needs of interactive public display applications such as the CMTs by delivering cutting-edge image quality, continual, reliable use and bigger-than-life digital displays to crowds of people.” The viewing screens are housed inside a solid metal and Plexiglas unit designed by NBBJ and manufactured by Plexus of Bothell, WA.
Civia’s new terminals represent a new standard for electronic media. “We believe that the overwhelming focus on personalization can isolate people from their local community and environment,” Herrmann said. “We think the CMTs will create a greater sense of community by connecting people during breaking news events and providing opportunities for them to offer instant feedback.
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