Do You Have Your Own QR Code?

By Janet Dodrill

A QR Code is a Quick Response Code (similar to a bar code), that many businesses are now using in their marketing materials, which can be scanned on a smartphone using a free bar code scanning app, to take the user to a web page. This puts relevant company information at the users fingertips quickly so they don’t have to worry about typing in the web site URL. A free QR Code generator can be found at www.qrstuff.com, and there are many more available.

Similarly, there is a Microsoft Tag – a tag bar code that can be scanned on a smartphone using a free Tag app (this will also scan a QR Code) and can be created free using a Tag Manager tool.

Some creative visual QR Code solutions are displayed in a Mashable article, “HOW TO: Make Your QR Codes More Beautiful“.

The Cleveland Institute of Art QR Code Poster

I have seen many unimaginative ways of using these codes in marketing pieces, though still a new promotional device. I think they are catching on and their utilization is becoming improved. Here are some I’ve seen that I feel are effective.

This clever Cleveland Institute of Art hallway-hung poster takes college students or prospectives directly to a variety of key departments. (See image.)

Hoy Newspaper Box in Chicago

This Chicago Spanish newspaper, Hoy, uses an ‘in your face’ technique. You don’t have to bend down far on the street, perhaps on your way to work, to read this scan! (See image.)

The Cowan Pottery Museum Introduction

This code is the first of four near pottery exhibits throughout the American Art Pottery Association Show & Auction this month, which enabled attendees to access a tour of Cowan Pottery Museum in a series of YouTube videos. (See image.)

The Bonfoey Gallery

The Bonfoey Gallerydisplays this code on their door for after hours access to their exhibits and services organized on their web site. (See image.)

This is a QR Code I created to take you to my web site, www.artsysites.com. (See image.) Create yours and use it in a creative way.

Artsysites.com QR Code

 

 

 

 

 

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Cleveland Asian Festival invitation, good QR Code usage.

 

Also, see is my good and bad QR Code usage comparison as posted on my Facebook page in March, 2012.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Since writing the above post, see the May 5, 2012 reposts by QR Code ® Artist, www.qrcartist.com. Explore their site further for more on QR Codes.

Cowan Pottery Museum QR Code tour

CIA QR Code Poster

Chicago Spanish Newspaper ‘Hoy’ QR Code

Roku: Entertaining Tech Gadget

By Janet Dodrill

Recently, I obtained a Roku XDS internet TV box and my friends have been generating a lot of questions. I have been enjoying it from day one.

I cannot compare it to cable, as I am not a cable subscriber. I signed up for a one month free trial of Netflix streaming ($7.99 per month). The streaming selection is very limited, especially for new releases. However, in order to run it at the best quality you need to have an internet connection between 3-5 Mbps. Mine runs at 1.5 Mbps and the quality is acceptable but not good. On a large 720 or 1080p HD TV the quality may be unacceptable to some. The additional connection speed would cost me an extra $10-$15 per month. There is a quality meter bar with four circles which appears when retreaving a stream (four being the highest) and mine has not reached four yet. Some additional cables may be required to work with your set-up (I had to purchase HDMI and ethernet cables.). Despite these things, it is fun and easy to use.

Roku is available in three models starting at $59, which can accommodate customers with analog TVs and those with 1080p HD TVs.

The unit comes with a variety of view ready free and premium viewing channels. Add Roku channels in your online account at www.roku.com or once in the interface through the Channel Store. Find ways to add private channels (like at www.thenowhereman.com/roku or at the Roku channel database  www.roku-channels.com).

Recently, CNET reviewed Roku XDS vs. Apple TV. Play the video and click on the ‘Next Round’ button. Roku came out ahead overall as compared to Apple TV. Also, read the reader/user comments.

Fox news announced in a video that Roku has reached 1 million customers. Anthony Wood,  Founder and CEO of Roku says that 12% of their customers end their cable subscriptions and 12% reduce their cable plans, after purchasing Roku.

Some preparatory questions may be answered on the company’s support page, or type their name in Google to read some reviews. For those who already own a Roku, follow their Tweets and ‘Like’ them on Facebook to hear the latest news.