Last week’s issue featured an article that was incorrect. The TVs on display in the food court area are actually free, according to an e-mail from Charlie Partain, marketing manager for Chartwells Dining Services at APSU.
Both the screens and the programming featured on them are provided by AKOO International.
Partain said the screens will be paid for through advertisements that will pop up on the screens. The advertisements will likely begin next semester.
APSU will also be able to make use of eight 15-second spots every hour so that university groups and departments can advertise or make announcements. This will greatly benefit APSU and will help students become more informed.
Partain said AKOO covers all costs, including installation, shipping, marketing collateral and maintenance.
AKOO will hire one student on campus to help with the cleaning of the screens, maintaining table tents and other responsibilities.
The content played on the TVs is determined by students via text message to the APSU music server that came with the AKOO package. Students can also vote online for their choices at www.myakoo.com.
If no one votes for a music video, a random loop is played, according to Partain.
Partain said the audio level of the televisions is supposed to adjust according to the noise level of the room.
For example, the louder the noise, the louder the televisions should adjust, and vice versa. He said the perfect sound level has yet to be achieved, but that AKOO is currently working on the project.
The TV screens near the microwave have had electrical issues when the microwaves are turned on, so AKOO will cover the costs to install a new outlet for the screens that have trouble.
The students, faculty and staff and the university as a whole have not been negatively impacted by these screens as far as costs are concerned.
The students, faculty and staff of APSU did not have to contribute to the costs or maintenance of these TV screens.


