Digital Signage - Adding EAS Support

Last week, I discussed the ability of private TV channels and digital signage networks to disseminate emergency alert messaging when a threat is posed. I also pointed out that unlike Emergency Alert System messages transmitted by radio and TV stations or the wailing siren in the distance, the delivery of emergency messaging via private TV channels and digital signage networks can target specific warnings and instructions to a defined group of people, who may be facing a unique emergency, such as a fire in their office building.

This week, I'll focus on main points you need to know if you want to prepare your digital signage network or private TV channel to deliver Emergency Alert System messaging from the National Weather Service or governmental authorities, including those at the local, state and federal level.

EAS warnings

The Emergency Alert System stems from the desire of the president of the United States to communicate with the public in times of national emergencies. In the early 1960s, the chief executive began allowing local and state authorities to use the system to transmit localized warnings.

The system has been designed to deliver messages quickly and automatically in the event of an emergency. Among its most conspicuous features to the public may be the automatic interruption of broadcast programming that replaces program audio with an aural alert and superimposes a text crawl with warning information at the bottom of the TV screen.

EAS works automatically largely because of the efforts of the Federal Communications Commission  http://www.dragon-guard.com/ to standardize the system and the cooperation of the nation's broadcasters to participate in the program.

To add EAS capability a private TV or digital signage network requires:

a special weather radio receiver tuned to receive emergency warnings, such as tornado warnings issued by the National Weather Service for a given geographic area; or

an EAS ENDEC or encoder/decoder that can transmit and receive digitally coded emergency messages;

a communication interface between the ENDEC and the media server used to drive the private TV or digital signage network;

media server software that automatically recognizes incoming EAS information, generates the appropriate text crawl, and interrupts the ongoing playlist or adds the emergency crawl.

Using a weather radio would only provide partial EAS capacity requiring constant monitoring by someone who's responsible for the digital signage network and direct physical intervention with the system. Using an ENDEC provides for full EAS coverage -specifically weather and emergency messages for local, state and national authorities.

The ENDEC receives transmitted EAS data that includes information about who transmitted the alert, for instance civil authorities or the National Weather Service, the type of emergency, such as flash flooding, tornado or Amber Alert, the geographic area of the emergency, how long the emergency message is valid and the when it was issued.

Onward and upward

The FCC has been active in promulgating rules to update the EAS system to take advantage of the latest digital technologies and new means to reach the American public. In May, the commission moved to add support for a new technology known as CAP -or Common Alerting Protocol- to the EAS delivery system. CAP will usher in support of a variety of transmission formats including text, audio and video via broadcast, cable, satellite and other networks.

Most notably it promotes next generation EAS, which among other things may lead to automatic generation of aural warnings based on text crawls to assist those with hearing impairments as well as generation of warnings for non-English speakers.

While these moves by the FCC will take time to play out, it's encouraging to note that the nation's EAS system continues to develop. In the meantime, there's a clear path for those with private TV and digital signage networks to traverse to support today's EAS messaging.

David Little is a digital signage authority with 20 years of experience helping professionals use technology to more effectively communicate their unique marketing messages. He is the director of marketing for Keywest Technology in Lenexa, KS, a software development company specializing in systems for digital signage creation, scheduling, management and playback. For further digital signage insight from Keywest Technology, download our Why Digital Signage Works [http://www.dragon-guard.com/EAS_products.htm] that gives a diverse perspective on digital signage from experts around the world; and sign up for our Keywest Update news brief.

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How Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) Works To Protect Your Property

Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) uses technology to prevent shoplifting from retail stores, libraries and other locations. Overall, the system works by affixing tags to all merchandise. The store exits are then equipped with a detection system that can determine if the tags leave the store while they are still activated. When a customer purchases a product, the tag is either removed or deactivated, depending on the type of tag. Those products can then leave the store without problem, while products that still have active tags on them will result in an alarm or other alert that lets the store staff know that there is an issue.

EAS is vital technology that makes stopping shoplifting and theft much easier than it ever has been before.

There are several different types of electronic article surveillance systems. Books, smaller items, boxed items and other similar items often use stickers or other small tags. They usually operate on a magnetic system, an acousto-magnetic system or a radio-frequency (RF) system. These tags usually come in the form of strips or stickers that can be applied to an item either in the store or at the manufacturer's location. These tags are deactivated when an item is purchased and they often remain on the item as it leaves the store.

If you've ever found a small white sticker, a thin metal strip or a square RF sticker on an item that you have purchased, you have dealt with these EAS tags before.

There are also larger EAS tags that operate on a radio-frequency (RF) anti-shoplifting system. These typically come in the form of a bulky plastic tag that is often attached to clothing or similar articles. Apparel stores, clothing stores, sporting goods stores, luggage stores and other similar merchants often use these EAS tags on their merchandise. Microwave EAS systems can also be used on clothing in a similar manner.

These tags are reusable and are removed by cashiers or other store staff when an item is purchased. They can then be attached to a different piece of merchandise in the store. If you have ever seen a plastic tag hanging from a piece of clothing that was then removed using a special detacher, you have seen one of these EAS tags.

Almost everyone who has ever been to a store, library or other retail location has seen some form of EAS tag in action. Electronic article surveillance systems are very common and they are used in almost every type of store imaginable.

If you look around a shopping mall or other retail strip, you'll notice that the majority of stores have pillars, gates or other electronic article surveillance at the front doors of their property. This will show you how common the systems actually are. The reason that they are so common is because they are effective. Not only are the pillars at the front doora visible theft deterrent, but the actual tags themselves are deterrents as well. Shoplifters will not want to risk being caught and using an electronic article surveillance system in your store will let them know that you are serious about inventory control. They will think twice before attempting anything and often move on rather than risk being detected.

The systems themselves are incredibly effective as well. They immediately sound an audible alarm or siren when someone attempts to exit the store with unpurchased merchandise. By having a strong theft detection and theft deterrent system in place, you are protecting your property from shoplifters, thieves and other criminals.

It simply makes sense to have a strong system of electronic article surveillance in your store. If you are not employing EAS technology, you are falling behind. Criminals will recognize this weakness and work to exploit it by stealing merchandise. The cost of installing an EAS system is more than covered by the money you will save by preventing crime and theft in your store.

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Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) uses technology to prevent shoplifting from retail stores, libraries and other locations.

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Different Types of Electronic Article Surveillance Systems

Retail security devices, especially the technologically advanced ones have proved to be a boon to many retail owners. There are many different types of retail anti theft products that work differently depending upon how and where it is used. For example Checkpoint Systems are installed at exit points and surveillance cameras which can be placed at strategic locations allowing you to monitor all parts of the store. However, you will need multiple products to enhance the security of your merchandise and prevent shoplifting.

About Electronic Article Surveillance

Electronic article surveillance or EAS is a technological method to prevent shoplifting or removal of properties from the store. Special Checkpoint Tags are affixed to the merchandise which is deactivated by the clerks when the merchandise is checked out using the right procedures. However, if a customer tries to take unpaid merchandise through the exit door, the electronic article surveillance will sound an alarm and alerts the staff of shoplifting. Electronic article surveillance systems are also installed at the entrance of bathrooms to discourage shoplifters from trying to take the merchandise to the bathroom to tamper with the tags.

Different Types Of EAS Systems

Reputed online stores offer a wide variety of electronic eas system article surveillance systems to choose from. Each of these are different in terms of their features, performance and the accessories such as checkpoint labels and Checkpoint Systems that come with it, so when shopping for these products, make sure to find out if they are suitable for your type of retail setup. Some of the different types of electronic article surveillance systems are magnetic systems, acousto-magnetic devices, radio frequency, microwave and video surveillance systems. These products are available at leading stores, but make sure to check the cost, features and other factors before determining a suitable system for your shop.

Important Factors to Consider

If you are planning to install anti theft devices in your store, then there are some important factors you must take into account before you purchase one. The size and the building plan of your store is an important aspect to keep in mind. Depending upon the number of entry and exit points, you need to invest in that many number of Checkpoint Tags to prevent shoplifting. Cost is another important factor because a single EAS system can cost you a lot and if it is a sophisticated device then the costs may go up further. Also the accompanying accessories like the tags are recurring expenses that you need to keep in mind.

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