Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/1999/06/23/lcds_in_elevators_give_news/

LCDs in elevators give news junkies a lift

The days of looking at your shoes in a crowded lift are a thing of the past

By Lucy Sherriff

Posted in On-Prem, 23rd June 1999 07:02 GMT

Lifts in New England are being fitted with flat-panel displays showing news and other information from the Internet. The company responsible is the aptly named Captive Network, founded by Michael DiFranza. DiFranza came up with the idea when he was in a lift and noticed how uncomfortable people are not knowing where to look. He decided to make long lift rides more entertaining and valuable by providing information targeted at a business audience. Captive Network claims that installing these news screens will up the value of space in the office building. The company also points out that it provides advertisers access to a business audience at a time of day traditionally unavailable to them. Captive's partners in this endeavour include Reuters, Accuweather and Sidewalk.com along with city newspapers. The information is provided in 10 second bursts and is updated every 20 minutes. So it could get very annoying if you’re unfortunate enough to get stuck between floors. ®