The VWtv System
VWtv is a closed network of flat screens located in high traffic points around the campus. Each TV has been set
up to target the traffic most likely in it's area. So, the TVs on the Bridge show only campus wide information, whereas
the TVs in the Humanities building (for instance) show two sets of graphics; one for campus wide communication and
one specifically for the Liberal Arts & Social Sciences messages.
College divisions can request their messages be placed on these screens around campus. Employees can create their
own graphics (following the suggestions below) or can opt to provide basic information to the Media Geeks and let us
create your message for you.
To have the Media Geeks create your message for you:
- Determine a clear message that you believe can be conveyed with a simple image or limited number of words.
Remember: These are basically "billboards" that students read as they walk by. If it takes
more than five seconds to convey the message, the message is too long to be advertised on the VWtv system.
- Send your message to the email address: mediageeks@virginiawestern.edu.
- Be sure to include a start date and an end date. We can schedule many months in advance, and run the ad for as
little as one day or as long as 12 months.
If you want to create your own message:
- You can create the message as a PowerPoint file, or as an image (.jpg).
- If you want to create a PowerPoint file or graphic, please adjust your page settings to the following:
- For graphics to be displayed on all campus TVs: set the page size to 6.67 inches wide by 8.00 inches tall.
- For graphics to be displayed on the Bridge TVs: set the page size to 14.23 inches wide by 8.00 inches tall.
General Hints
- Keep it SIMPLE. People don't generally stop to read the VWtv. If you can't convey your message in one graphic or
slide, then chances are that the VWtv system is NOT the way for you to convey your message.
- Use the VWtv as a teaser. Give the audience one exciting graphic and/or a few words and then tell them where they
can get more information.
- Don't run multiple slides. Again, people don't stop to read, so using multiple slides generally means they only
get part of your message - usually just the middle.
- Keep it fresh. Don't let slides run for many months. Once someone has read a slide, they generally tune out the
system. If you're advertising in advance, make a few different slides of the same message and have them scheduled
for different months/weeks/days.
- Use BIG fonts. 32dpi is really the smallest you should use. If you can't fit the whole message on, then your message
is probably too long for the VWtv System to express effectively.
- Use CLEAR fonts. Avoid overly flowery fonts, scripts, special characters, etc.
- Use approved colors. Soon we'll be posting the logos and colors that are approved for use on all campus advertising.
Stick to these colors and logos for general advertising. Check with the Media Geeks if you think you need to move away
from these colors. Generally, we can do this. We'll work with you to make sure what your doing works, and has the needed
approval from marketing.
- Be UNIQUE. I know it looks like we've given you a lot of rules to follow, and it stifles your inner artist
(we're artists, we get it!). But really, these are pretty basic rules, and you can do a lot of cool, unique, eye catching
stuff and still follow the rules.
- Rules were made to be broken. As you may have discovered, the Media Geeks love to break the rules. Actually, we
don't really break them, we just find new and unique interpretations of them (we'll be hiring our own lawyer team soon!).
If you really, really have a great idea and it doesn't follow the rules, don't give up. Check with us and see if there is
a way to bend the rule to fit. It may be that only a small change here or there will accomplish what you need. We are here
to help you get your message out!
