NEC NEC010552 User guide

Applications at the forefront of technology
Sprawled over six campuses, Chicago-based DePaul University has a
reputation for being one of the most innovative urban schools in the country. The
nation’s largest Catholic university, DePaul offers students access to more than 150
undergraduate and graduate degree programs while incorporating the city,
surrounding metropolitan area and the world into its classrooms. DePaul is never
content with the status quo. Its educational tradition is marked by innovation, by
creativity and by a persistent pursuit of novel solutions to meet the educational
needs of the marketplace and society.
the challenge
DePaul University wanted to communicate breaking news, course offerings and
general information to its 23,000 students. They envisioned a visual format that also
would serve as a showcase and learning experience for DePaul’s computer school
students – incorporated into class work while tapping into the students’ expertise.
Importantly, DePaul wanted to work with the medium of the Internet, because of its
potential to open doors around the world while still being locally targeted.
DePaul University

NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation.
All other trademarks are the property of their
respective owners.
All specifications subject to change without notice.
NEC Solutions (America), Inc.
Visual Systems Division
1250 Arlington Heights Rd., Suite 400
Itasca, IL 60143-1248
“A bright image was
especially important
in the window units
due to possible glare
caused by daylight and
window reflection, and
NEC’s plasma
technology was able to
meet this special
criteria.”
the solution
The DePaul technology team decided the best vehicle was a series of seven self-
standing visual displays positioned throughout the university’s many campuses.
After researching LCD and plasma technology, they decided on plasma, due to its
higher contrast, brighter color in ambient light, better picture detail and lower cost.
Each display unit incorporates a computer system, live Internet feed and 11 NEC 42-
and 50 inch plasma displays, configured to broadcast pre-determined, looped
information at DePaul’s downtown and six Chicagoland campus locations. The
displays effectively communicate information in the street-facing windows and
campus locations for students as well as the walking public to view. Depending on
the location, the feed may include a variety of web sites with local and national
news, sports, traffic and weather. And every few minutes, promotional material
created by DePaul also runs, to inform students of new course offerings or university
events.
A bright image was especially important in the window units due to possible glare
caused by daylight and window reflection, and NEC’s plasma technology was able to
meet this special criteria, due to its patented capsulated color filter technology,
which improves color response and enhances contrast, producing readable images
even in harsh light. The DePaul technology team also was impressed with the clear,
contrasted images the plasma displayed – even at extreme viewing angles.
the benefits
Since the plasma displays were launched, the response from students, faculty and
staff has been outstanding. Not only are students better aware of world and local
news, but they also have timely information about what’s going on in their own
university, from campus and local job openings, to educational seminars and social
events.
The digital signage concept has certainly paid off in spades for DePaul University.
Their display is known throughout Chicago as an impressive and helpful outreach
to the public.
NEC 010552