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In the modern workplace, technology plays a central role in enhancing collaboration and communication. Cisco Webex Room Kit and Webex Board are prime examples of devices that streamline communication, offering high-quality video conferencing, intuitive touch controls, and seamless integration with various productivity tools. These devices have been designed to make meetings more efficient and engaging, allowing teams to collaborate effortlessly across different locations.

However, what happens when these powerful devices are not being actively used for meetings or video calls? Traditionally, they would remain idle, consuming energy but offering little value. This idle time presents a missed opportunity—what if these devices could be repurposed to serve a broader purpose when not in use for meetings?

This is where Digital Signage Mode for Cisco Webex Room Kit and Webex Board comes in. Digital Signage Mode is a feature that allows organizations to maximize the utility of their Webex endpoints by displaying valuable information when the device is not actively being used for video conferencing. The idea is simple: instead of letting the device go into standby or showing a blank screen, you can turn the screen into a dynamic display that provides employees, visitors, or clients with useful, relevant content.

Cisco Webex Room Kit and Webex Board are already powerful tools for collaboration, but Digital Signage Mode allows them to be even more versatile. By enabling this feature, organizations can transform these devices into digital signage displays, showcasing company news, marketing materials, office maps, or real-time data dashboards. The content displayed on these devices can be easily customized to fit the organization’s needs, whether that be displaying announcements, showing directions to meeting rooms, or highlighting performance metrics.

The primary benefit of this feature is its ability to keep Webex devices working even when they are not in use for video calls. This not only adds value to the device but also helps create a more connected and informed work environment. Employees and visitors can view important information at a glance, making these devices an integral part of the workplace ecosystem.

One of the key selling points of Digital Signage Mode is its ease of use. The feature can be enabled directly from Cisco Webex Control Hub, providing administrators with a centralized location to manage and configure the devices. The configuration process is straightforward, requiring only a few clicks to set up the device and display the desired content. Once set up, the content will be automatically displayed whenever the device enters an idle state, making it a hands-off solution that works in the background to keep employees informed and engaged.

Ultimately, Digital Signage Mode is not just a way to make use of idle devices but a tool for increasing productivity and communication in the workplace. By leveraging the power of Cisco Webex Room Kit and Webex Board, organizations can create an environment where information is constantly flowing and accessible, even when formal meetings are not taking place. The flexibility and ease of setup ensure that this feature can be deployed across a variety of use cases, from office spaces to large meeting rooms, enhancing the value of Webex devices in the modern workplace.

How Digital Signage Mode Works

Understanding how Digital Signage Mode works on Cisco Webex Room Kit and Webex Board is key to harnessing its full potential in a collaborative environment. This mode is designed to display relevant content on the devices whenever they are in an idle or “half-wake” state. Instead of allowing the devices to remain unused, Digital Signage Mode transforms them into valuable display units that continuously present important information or content to employees, visitors, or anyone interacting with the space.

At its core, Digital Signage Mode is simple yet highly flexible. It relies on a combination of web-based content and device settings to display dynamic, remotely managed content. The feature uses the devices’ idle time to showcase content such as company news, office maps, meeting schedules, or even dashboards that provide real-time updates on business metrics. The content to be displayed is hosted externally, typically as a webpage, which means you can choose what to show without needing to interact directly with the devices every time a change is required.

When Digital Signage Mode is enabled, the Webex Room Kit or Webex Board device will automatically display the URL you configure. The device enters this mode when it detects that it is not currently engaged in a meeting, video call, or active collaboration session. In essence, the device enters a “half-wake” state, where it’s powered on but not actively in use for its primary purpose of video conferencing. During this time, the configured content will be shown on the screen.

The process of enabling and configuring Digital Signage Mode is made simple through Cisco Webex Control Hub, which is the central interface for managing Webex-enabled devices across an organization. Control Hub allows administrators to configure various settings, including enabling the Digital Signage feature.

Once the feature is enabled, the next step is to specify the URL for the content you want displayed. This URL points to a webpage that hosts the content you wish to show on the device. This could be anything from an internal company dashboard displaying live data or performance metrics, to a public-facing page with marketing content, office maps, or even real-time company announcements. The flexibility to use any web-based content makes Digital Signage Mode a highly customizable tool for businesses of all sizes.

One important consideration is the interactivity of the display. Webex Board devices allow for interactive Digital Signage, meaning employees or visitors can engage with the content displayed on the screen. For example, if the content is a map or interactive dashboard, users can touch the screen to interact with the information, zooming in, clicking on elements, or changing the data displayed. However, the Webex Room Kit devices do not support touch interactions, and thus will display the content in a static, non-interactive manner.

Another feature to note is the timeout setting, which determines how long the content remains displayed before the device enters a standby mode to save power. By default, the content is shown for 120 minutes before the device automatically goes into standby. However, organizations can adjust this setting to meet their specific needs, depending on how long they want the digital signage content to be displayed.

Key Steps for Enabling Digital Signage Mode

To enable and set up Digital Signage Mode, administrators need to follow a few simple steps within the Webex Control Hub. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Log into the Control Hub: The first step is to access the Webex Control Hub. This is the platform used to manage all Webex-enabled devices within the organization.

2. Navigate to the Devices Page: Once in Control Hub, administrators should go to the Devices section, where all registered Webex devices will be listed.

3. Select the Device: From the list of devices, administrators should select the Webex Room Kit or Webex Board that they want to configure for Digital Signage mode. Each device can be configured individually, allowing for customized content on each device.

4. Enable Digital Signage Mode: Under Device Settings, administrators will find the option to enable Digital Signage Mode. By toggling this setting on, the device will be activated to display web content when it enters the idle state.

5. Enter the URL: The next step is to enter the URL of the content that will be displayed. This can be an internal webpage, a live dashboard, or any other type of hosted content.

6. Enable Interactivity: For Webex Board devices, administrators can choose to enable Interactivity. When enabled, the content displayed can be interacted with via touch, making the display more engaging for users. This setting is not applicable for Webex Room Kit devices, which do not support touch interaction.

7. Save the Settings: Once the URL and interactivity options have been configured, administrators must click Save to apply the changes. The device is now ready to display the designated content in Digital Signage mode when idle.
   

By following these straightforward steps, organizations can easily configure multiple devices to display content that is relevant and engaging. This setup not only enhances the functionality of Webex Room Kit and Webex Board devices but also improves the overall user experience within the workspace.

Benefits of Digital Signage Mode

Digital Signage Mode can provide several benefits to organizations, especially in terms of maximizing the use of existing technology. Instead of letting the Webex devices sit idle when not in use for meetings, they can be used as active displays that contribute to the workspace environment. Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Increased Engagement: By displaying company news, announcements, or interactive content like dashboards and maps, Digital Signage Mode can keep employees informed and engaged throughout the day.

2. Better Utilization of Devices: Organizations are investing significant resources in Webex Room Kit and Webex Board devices. By enabling Digital Signage mode, businesses ensure they are getting the most out of these devices, even when they are not being used for video conferencing.

3. Flexibility and Customization: The ability to display any content hosted at a URL means that businesses can easily customize the information displayed on each device. Whether it’s important metrics, office maps, or promotional content, this flexibility allows businesses to tailor their displays based on their needs.

4. Improved Communication: Digital Signage Mode ensures that important messages or company updates are continuously visible to employees or visitors, creating a more connected and informed workplace.

5. Cost-Effective Solution: With Digital Signage Mode, businesses can use existing Webex devices as signage displays, eliminating the need for additional hardware or separate signage solutions. This makes it a cost-effective way to add value to the devices already in place.
   

Through Digital Signage Mode, organizations can unlock the full potential of their Webex Room Kit and Webex Board devices, turning them into versatile tools for both collaboration and communication.

Configuring Digital Signage Mode on Cisco Webex Devices

Setting up Digital Signage Mode on Cisco Webex Room Kit and Webex Board devices is a simple yet highly effective way to enhance your workplace’s information-sharing capabilities. By enabling this feature, you can transform your Webex devices into dynamic signage displays, allowing them to show important content when not in use for meetings. Whether it’s displaying internal communications, office maps, company news, or real-time performance dashboards, configuring Digital Signage Mode ensures that your devices are working for you even when they are idle.

Cisco Webex Control Hub is the central platform for managing Webex devices across your organization, and it provides an intuitive interface to enable Digital Signage Mode. This process can be performed on a device-by-device basis, which gives administrators the flexibility to configure different devices based on the specific needs of the spaces they occupy. This section will explain how to configure Digital Signage Mode on your Webex Room Kit and Webex Board, including step-by-step instructions for enabling the feature, entering URLs, and choosing interactivity options.

Accessing Webex Control Hub

Before you can enable Digital Signage Mode on your Cisco Webex devices, you need to log into Cisco Webex Control Hub, which is the centralized management interface for all your Webex-enabled devices. Once logged in, you can access the settings of each device and make changes as needed. Control Hub provides a comprehensive view of your entire device fleet, making it easy to manage and configure Webex Room Kit and Webex Board devices, along with other Webex tools in your network.

1. Log into Control Hub: Begin by opening a web browser and going to the Control Hub login page. Enter your administrator credentials to access your organization’s Webex settings.

2. Navigate to the Devices Page: Once you’re logged into Control Hub, find the Devices section, which lists all Webex-enabled devices associated with your account. This page provides a comprehensive view of all the devices within your organization, including Webex Room Kits, Webex Boards, and other Webex endpoints.

3. Select the Device: From the device list, select the Webex Room Kit or Webex Board that you want to configure for Digital Signage. You can configure multiple devices one at a time, or apply the settings to several devices if needed.

Enabling Digital Signage Mode

After selecting the device you want to configure, the next step is to enable Digital Signage Mode within the device settings. This will ensure that the device automatically displays content when idle.

1. Go to Device Settings: Once you’ve selected the device, navigate to the Device Settings tab. Here, you’ll see various configuration options for the device, including display settings, network settings, and collaboration preferences.

2. Locate Digital Signage Option: Scroll down to the Digital Signage section within the Device Settings page. This section contains the options needed to enable Digital Signage Mode.

3. Toggle On Digital Signage Mode: Find the setting labeled Enable Digital Signage and toggle it to the “on” position. This activates Digital Signage Mode, allowing the device to display content when it enters an idle state.

Configuring the URL for Content Display

After enabling Digital Signage, the next step is to define the content that the Webex device will display when it is not being used for a meeting. To do this, you’ll need to enter the URL of the web page that contains the desired content. This could be anything from an internal company dashboard, product promotions, live performance data, or even an interactive map of your office space. The URL points to the content that will be shown on the device’s screen during its idle periods.

1. Enter the URL: In the Digital Signage settings, you’ll see a field labeled URL of the web page to display. Here, you need to input the full URL of the page you want the device to display. This URL should point to a valid webpage that is accessible via HTTP or HTTPS. Make sure that the content you want to display is hosted on a publicly accessible server or an internal network page that the Webex device can reach.

2. Ensure Accessibility: It is important that the URL you enter is accessible by the Webex Room Kit or Webex Board. If your organization is using a local or internal web page, ensure that the Webex device has network access to the internal server. For external web pages, verify that there are no firewall or proxy restrictions preventing the device from accessing the page.
   

Enabling Interactivity for Webex Board Devices

Webex Board devices are equipped with touchscreens, making them ideal for interactive signage. If your organization wants to take advantage of this feature, you can enable interactivity for content displayed on Webex Boards. This allows users to engage with the content directly by touching the screen, enabling a more dynamic experience.

1. Toggle Interactivity On or Off: In the Digital Signage settings, you’ll find an option labeled Enable Interactivity. This option is only available for Webex Board devices, as they support touch interaction. When enabled, the displayed content will be interactive, meaning users can interact with it by touching the screen, selecting links, scrolling, or navigating through the content.

2. Interactivity Use Cases: If you’re using interactive features, you might want to display content such as a real-time map where employees can zoom in and out or navigate through different floors or rooms. Another use case could be an interactive dashboard where users can explore data, filter metrics, or drill down into specific sections. By enabling interactivity, you provide employees and visitors with a more engaging experience, transforming the device from a passive display into an interactive tool for information exploration.

3. Non-Interactive Displays for Webex Room Kit: If you’re configuring a Webex Room Kit, which does not have touchscreen capabilities, the interactivity option will be disabled. In this case, the content will be static and non-interactive, providing a simple, effective way to display important information.
   

Finalizing the Settings and Saving

Once the URL has been entered and interactivity (if applicable) has been configured, it’s time to finalize the settings and apply them. At this point, you can double-check the content being displayed and ensure that everything is set according to your preferences.

1. Check All Settings: Review the settings you’ve configured, including the URL, interactivity settings, and any other parameters related to Digital Signage. Make sure everything is correct before proceeding to the next step.

2. Save the Configuration: Once you’re satisfied with the settings, click Save to apply the changes. The device will now be configured to display the selected content whenever it enters idle mode. Depending on the content type and the device’s configuration, the device will automatically display the webpage or digital signage content during periods of inactivity.

3. Test the Setup: After saving the settings, it’s a good idea to test the configuration. Allow the device to enter its idle state, and verify that the content is displayed as expected. If the device does not display the content, check for issues with the URL, interactivity settings, or network connectivity. Troubleshoot accordingly to ensure that the display is functioning correctly.
   

Bulk Configuration for Multiple Devices

For organizations with multiple Webex Room Kit or Webex Board devices, Cisco Webex Control Hub allows for bulk management. This means administrators can configure Digital Signage Mode on multiple devices at once, streamlining the process of setting up signage across various rooms or office areas. This is especially useful in large organizations or multi-floor offices where multiple devices are deployed.

With bulk configuration, administrators can select multiple devices in the Devices section and apply the same Digital Signage settings to all of them simultaneously. This ensures consistency across the entire fleet of Webex devices, making it easier to manage signage content from a central location. Bulk configuration also allows for faster updates to the content displayed on all devices, ensuring that all locations are showing the same up-to-date information.

In summary, enabling Digital Signage Mode on Webex Room Kit and Webex Board devices is a straightforward process that provides significant value for organizations. By allowing these devices to display useful information when idle, businesses can improve communication, enhance engagement, and make better use of their existing hardware. The ability to display web content from a central location ensures that the signage remains consistent and relevant, while interactive features on Webex Boards offer an engaging experience for users. With Control Hub’s simple configuration options and the ability to manage multiple devices at once, setting up Digital Signage Mode has never been easier.

Best Practices and Use Cases for Digital Signage Mode

Now that we’ve covered the basic functionality and setup of Digital Signage Mode for Cisco Webex Room Kit and Webex Board devices, it’s time to explore how organizations can make the most out of this powerful feature. By implementing best practices and utilizing use cases that align with business needs, organizations can significantly improve internal communication, enhance employee engagement, and optimize the use of their Webex devices beyond just meetings.

Best Practices for Implementing Digital Signage Mode

To ensure that Digital Signage Mode adds value to the workplace, it’s important to follow certain best practices when configuring and deploying the feature. These best practices will help maximize the effectiveness of digital signage content while maintaining a cohesive and professional environment.

1. Content Relevance and Timeliness
   One of the most important aspects of Digital Signage Mode is the content displayed. For digital signage to be truly effective, the content must be relevant to the employees or visitors in the space. Whether it’s displaying company news, office maps, or key metrics, ensuring that the information is timely and meaningful is key to keeping the audience engaged.
   
   For instance, updating digital signage content regularly—such as sharing new announcements, company performance, or event reminders—keeps the displayed information fresh and valuable. Avoid static content that becomes outdated or irrelevant. Additionally, make sure the content is designed to be easy to read and digest quickly. Avoid overwhelming viewers with too much information at once.

2. Consistency Across Devices
   In larger organizations, multiple Webex Room Kit or Webex Board devices may be deployed in various spaces across the building or campus. To ensure a cohesive user experience, it’s important to maintain consistency in the type of content displayed. For example, having the same company news or announcements shown across all Webex devices creates a unified communication approach.
   
   Using Cisco Webex Control Hub to manage settings for multiple devices at once allows administrators to configure digital signage across multiple devices in bulk, ensuring the same content appears consistently across all spaces. This makes it easy to deploy and update digital signage content from a central location, reducing the chances of content inconsistency or manual errors.

3. Optimize Content for Screen Size and Layout
   Webex Room Kit and Webex Board devices feature large, high-definition screens that are ideal for displaying content in a workplace setting. However, to make the most of these displays, the content must be optimized for large screens. This means ensuring that text is large enough to be read from a distance and images or videos are high quality to prevent pixelation on larger displays.
   
   When designing content for digital signage, consider the layout and visual hierarchy of the information. Use simple and clear visuals, large fonts, and concise messaging. Avoid cluttering the screen with too much information, as this can overwhelm viewers. Instead, focus on high-impact messages and make it easy for viewers to absorb information quickly.

4. Use High-Quality, Engaging Visuals
   Digital signage is a visual medium, so it’s important to use high-quality visuals that capture attention. This can include images, videos, animations, or even live data feeds. High-quality graphics or professional design elements will ensure that the content displayed is engaging and impactful, enhancing the overall experience for employees and visitors.
   
   When it comes to videos or animated content, make sure the file size is manageable so it can load quickly and run smoothly on the Webex device. Additionally, consider creating content that can change dynamically over time—such as displaying real-time data or showing rotating images or updates.

5. Regularly Review and Update the Content
   Digital signage should not be a “set it and forget it” feature. Content should be reviewed and updated regularly to keep it fresh and engaging. Whether it’s new company initiatives, performance dashboards, or seasonal marketing campaigns, rotating content on a regular basis will ensure that your digital signage remains relevant.
   
   This can be easily managed through the Cisco Webex Control Hub, where administrators can remotely update the URL or content being displayed. By reviewing content periodically and ensuring that it aligns with the organization’s goals and messaging, businesses can enhance employee awareness and engagement.
   

Use Cases for Digital Signage Mode

Now that we have covered the best practices for Digital Signage Mode, let’s explore some practical use cases for Webex Room Kit and Webex Board devices in an office or organizational setting. These use cases highlight how Digital Signage Mode can be applied to various workplace scenarios to improve communication, productivity, and engagement.

1. Employee and Visitor Engagement
   Digital Signage Mode is an excellent tool for engaging both employees and visitors in the workplace. Webex devices placed in common areas, meeting rooms, or lobbies can display important information such as company announcements, upcoming events, or news. This helps create an informed environment where employees are aware of key updates or changes within the organization.
   
   For visitors, placing Webex devices in the lobby or entrance area allows them to access useful information about the company, such as directions to meeting rooms, company history, or product information. Interactive maps or welcome screens on Webex Boards can be used to guide visitors through the office and ensure a smooth experience from the moment they arrive.

2. Office and Campus Navigation
   A common challenge in large office buildings or multi-floor campuses is helping employees and visitors navigate the space. Webex Room Kit and Webex Board devices can be transformed into interactive office maps, helping individuals locate meeting rooms, common areas, restrooms, or any other important facilities.
   
   By enabling interactive Digital Signage Mode on Webex Boards, employees can touch the screen to zoom in on specific areas or search for the meeting rooms they need to go to. This improves the overall visitor experience and makes the workplace more accessible, particularly in large corporate campuses or buildings.

3. Real-Time Data Dashboards
   One of the most powerful use cases for Digital Signage Mode is displaying real-time data. Webex devices are perfect for showing business metrics such as sales performance, website traffic, production statistics, or even key performance indicators (KPIs). With Digital Signage Mode, data from dashboards or analytics tools can be displayed on the screen in a way that is easy for everyone in the area to see and understand.
   
   This use case is particularly valuable for teams working in environments where real-time performance data is crucial, such as sales floors, customer service centers, or production lines. By displaying these metrics on Webex devices, the whole team can stay aligned and motivated, with data-driven insights always visible.

4. Company Announcements and Internal Communication
   Digital signage is a fantastic medium for broadcasting company-wide announcements and internal communications. Whether it’s recognizing employee achievements, announcing new hires, or updating teams about organizational changes, Webex Room Kit and Webex Board devices provide a large and visually engaging way to communicate important messages.
   
   In addition to corporate updates, these devices can also be used to highlight internal campaigns, promote wellness programs, or showcase information about employee events. Displaying this content across the organization ensures that everyone stays informed and connected, fostering a sense of community within the workplace.

5. Marketing and Brand Promotion
   Webex devices, especially when placed in public or customer-facing areas, can be used as powerful marketing tools. By enabling Digital Signage Mode, organizations can showcase product promotions, advertisements, or brand messaging on their Webex Room Kit or Webex Board devices.
   
   This can be especially effective in waiting areas, lobbies, or conference rooms where visitors or clients spend time before meetings. Use this time to reinforce the brand, introduce new products or services, and engage visitors with dynamic, visually appealing content. Whether it’s showcasing a new product release or displaying special offers, Digital Signage Mode can help deliver brand messaging directly to your audience.

6. Interactive Wayfinding and Information Kiosks
   Webex Boards, with their interactive touchscreens, can serve as digital information kiosks. These devices can be placed in high-traffic areas to provide interactive directories, wayfinding tools, and company information. Whether it’s for large corporate offices or public spaces, interactive signage can be used to guide visitors, share company highlights, or even provide services like event schedules or building directories.

In this context, the interactivity of the Webex Board plays a key role, as visitors or employees can touch the screen to select specific information or get directions, making it a versatile tool for enhancing the visitor experience.

As businesses continue to adapt to remote work, hybrid collaboration, and modern office designs, Digital Signage Mode for Webex Room Kit and Webex Board devices will continue to evolve as a crucial part of office communication infrastructure. The feature offers organizations a dynamic, cost-effective way to engage their teams, enhance communication, and make better use of their technology investments. Whether it’s displaying real-time metrics, promoting company culture, or improving office navigation, Digital Signage Mode will become an even more integral part of the modern workplace, enhancing both productivity and engagement.

Final Thoughts 

Digital Signage Mode for Cisco Webex Room Kit and Webex Board devices is a transformative feature that elevates the role of these devices from simple meeting tools to dynamic, multi-purpose displays. In a world where businesses are increasingly looking for ways to optimize their office space and technology, this feature provides an easy and effective way to maximize the investment in Webex devices by making them work for the organization even when they are not actively being used for video calls or collaboration sessions.

Through simple configuration in Cisco Webex Control Hub, organizations can enable Digital Signage Mode and transform their Webex devices into powerful communication hubs. By displaying relevant, real-time content such as company updates, performance dashboards, marketing materials, office maps, and even interactive wayfinding, Digital Signage Mode significantly enhances the information-sharing capabilities of Webex Room Kit and Webex Board devices. This flexibility to showcase a variety of content ensures that these devices serve as valuable assets throughout the entire workday—not just during meetings.

Beyond the obvious benefit of utilizing these devices to their fullest potential, Digital Signage Mode also contributes to a more connected, engaged, and informed workplace. Employees can stay updated on company news, upcoming events, or key performance metrics simply by walking past a Webex device, without having to open an email or check a Slack message. Visitors, too, can benefit from dynamic content such as office navigation maps or product promotions, making their experience more seamless and engaging.

Another notable advantage of Digital Signage Mode is its centralized management through Webex Control Hub. Administrators can easily configure and update content on individual devices or across multiple devices at once. This ensures that all Webex endpoints in the organization display consistent, up-to-date information, reducing the administrative burden and eliminating the need for manual updates on each device.

From enhancing communication and collaboration to promoting company culture and branding, Digital Signage Mode offers a versatile solution for improving the workplace environment. The ability to showcase tailored content across devices not only makes the most out of the existing Webex hardware but also reinforces the organizational message in an innovative and visually appealing way.

As organizations continue to embrace hybrid work environments and digital transformation, features like Digital Signage Mode will play an increasingly important role in enhancing the workplace experience. By providing a simple, effective, and customizable tool for showcasing important information, businesses can create a more dynamic and engaging atmosphere for their employees, visitors, and customers alike. Whether for internal communication, branding, or wayfinding, Digital Signage Mode allows Webex Room Kit and Webex Board devices to offer more value and become an integral part of the modern workspace.