MEDIAFUSION is an integrated platform for the management and scheduling of multimedia content (video, web pages, flash files and images) across a number of plasma/LCD/TV screens. These plasma and/or LCD screens can be installed in both LAN and WAN network.

The MEDIAFUSION platform enables users to manage the delivery of content from a Scheduler.

The schematic diagram below depicts the MEDIAFUSION LAN configuration that comprises a Scheduler system and multiple Player systems (per display unit).

The schematic diagram below depicts the MEDIAFUSION WAN configuration that comprises a Scheduler system and Server on one end of the WAN and multiple Player systems (per display unit) at various remote locations.

2.1 MEDIAFUSION Software Suite

MEDIAFUSION software suite comprises of:

· Scheduler

· Media Library

· Player Designer

· Player

· Sever

On a simple network situation, you can install Scheduler, Media Library, Player Designer and Server in the same machine (Do ensure that the machine is of higher specifications).

2.1.1 Software Pre-requisite

· Win 2000/XP (For all Scheduler/Server/Player CPU)

· QuickTime (For Player and Scheduler PCs)

· DotNet Framework 2.0 (For all machines running MEDIAFUSION Suite of software)

· MS SQL Express 2005 (For Server)

2.1.2 Hardware Preference

For Player:

· Pentium 4 and above

· 512MB Ram

· 64 MB Video Ram

· 40GB HD

For Scheduler/Server/Media Library/Player Designer:

· Pentium 4 and above

· 512MB Ram

· 64 MB Video Ram

· 80 GB HD

2.1.3 Supported Media File Types

MEDIAFUSION can support a wide variety of media and other types of file formats. The Player is based on QuickTime Player Technology.

Supported file extension:

Video File Types

Image File Types

Others

.mov

.qt

.mqv

.avi

.vfw

.dv

.div

.mpeg

.mpg

.m1s

.m1v

.m1a

.m75

.m15

.mp2

.mpm

.mpv

.mp4

.m4v

.3gp

.3gpp

.3g2

.3gp2

.pict

.pic

.pct

.png

.qtif

.qti

.tif

.tiff

.bmp

.psd

.gif

.jpeg

.jpg

.jpe

.jp2

.swf

URL

Html

mht

2.2 What is New in Ver.3.0

MEDIAFUSION Version 3.0 has these new features:

· Flexibility of adding more licenses in the future

· Flexibility of re-purposing your displays with Player Designer

· Flexibility of re-using your licenses on other machines with License Manager

· Player Status monitoring

· More media files supported

· WAN Support

And more!!

3 MEDIAFUSION Pre-Installation Preparations

Before installing any of the MEDIAFUSION suites of software, you will need to install MS SQL Express 2005 (or MS SQL 2005 editions) on the Server machine.

Note:

· Scheduler/Server/Media Library/Player Designer can be installed on the same machine or each having different machines

· The Server must have a defined IP for WAN

Installation sequence:

Step 1: Setting up of DotNet Framework 2.0 and MS SQL Server 2005

Step 2: Setting up of MEDIAFUSION License Manager

Step 3: Setting up of MEDIAFUSION SERVER

Step 4: Setting up of Scheduler/Media Library/Player Designer

Step 5: Setting up of Player Application

Possible MEDIAFUSION SERVER and SCHEDULER arrangement:

3.1 Setting up of dotNet Framework 2.0 on Server Machine

You will need to install dotNet Framework 2.0 on the Server Machine. Simply follow the installation instructions of the dotNet installer.

Here are the screen sequence and the instructions.

Click Next

Accept and Click Next

Click Finish

Note: The installation CD will have a dotNet framework 2.0 installer (dotnetfx.exe). If this is not provided please visit Microsoft’s website to download.

3.2 Setting up of MS SQL Express 2005 on Server Machine

After you have successfully installed the dotNet Framework 2.0 on the server machine, you will need to install:

· MS SQL Express 2005

· MS SQL Management Studio Express

3.2.1 Installing MS SQL Express 2005

MS SQL Express is a free SQL server available from Microsoft. The installation disk should have a copy of the installer, if not, download versions are available on Microsoft’s website. The installation execute file is SQLEXPR32.exe.

Click Next

Fill in the details and Click Next

Click Next

Click Install

Click Finish

3.2.2 Installing MS SQL Server Management Studio Express

This application is available from Microsoft. The installation disk should have a copy of the installer, if not, download versions are available on Microsoft’s website. The installation execute file is SQLSERVER2005_SSMSEE.MSI.

Click Next

Accept and Click Next

Fill in the details and Click Next

Click Next

3.3 Pre-requisite Installations for Scheduler PC

You will need to install these applications on the Scheduler PC:

· DotNet Framework 2.0 (See 3.1)

· Quicktime Player (See 3.4.1)

3.3.1 QuickTime 7 Player Installation notes

MEDIAFUSION relies on QuickTime for media playing. After you have installed QuickTime, you will need to set some properties to the player for it to support ADOBE FLASH.

To change this setting, start QuickTime:

Select Edit > Preference > QuickTime Preferences…

Check on “Enable Playback of Adobe Flash tracks”

3.4 Pre-requisite Installations for Player PC

You will need to install these applications on the Scheduler PC:

· DotNet Framework 2.0 (See 3.1)

· Quicktime Player (See 3.4.1)

4 MEDIAFUSION License Manager Overview

MEDIAFUSION License Manager allows you to import in the Master License Key which will have information on how many player licenses are included.

These player licenses are required for every installed Player application. These player licenses must be included when you install the Player CPUs.

4.1 License Manager Installation Manual

Insert the License Manager Installation CD ROM and follow the instructions.

Click Next

Select the path of the intended content folder and click Next

Read and Check “I Agree” and Click Next

Select the preferred choice and Click Next

Click Next

Select the SQL Server

Check Use SQLServer Authentication

User name is mediafusionuser

Password is mfusion

Before proceeding to click ok, Click “Test connection”

Once the test is successful, Click Ok

Click Close to complete the installation.

4.2 License Manager User Manual

The Master License Key has to be inputted to the License Manager and it will generate the total number of player licenses available.

4.2.1 License Manager Interface

Under the Menu, Select License and choose the options:

4.2.2 Importing Master License Key

With every purchase of the software, a Master License Key will be given to you. The Master License Key will have details on how many Player Licenses is allowed for your display network and the Licensee.

On first run, you are required to import in the Master License Key to generate the sub-Licenses or Player Licenses required for each individual Player CPU.

4.2.3 Editing of Player License Details

Once you have generated the Player Licenses you can name your Players logical names. Each Player name must be unique.

4.2.4 Exporting of Player Licenses

Once the Player Licenses are created, you are to save them on portable media for backup. You are to use these keys when you install each Player Software on different CPUs.

5 Setting up of MEDIAFUSION Application Server

MEDIAFUSION Server is a backend application server to:

· Process the multiple events from all the applications on the MEDIAFUSION Suite of Software

· Communicate with the players on instructions and schedules

This Server must always be running for the display network to be connected to each other.

Note:

In the event of the Server Machine breakdown, the Player Application will continue to air or narrowcast the last known contents or instructions. You will also not be able to Schedule or send Player Templates during the downtime.

You can quickly check your server status by looking at the task bar icon:

Taskbar Icon: Server Up status

Taskbar Icon: Server Down status

6 MEDIAFUSION Scheduler Overview

MEDIAFUSION Scheduler is a multiple user application that allows various groups of users to administrate various functions.

There are three main functions in the Scheduler:

· Scheduling of Media

· Scheduling of Events

· Checking of Status

The user groups are defined as:

· Administrator

· Scheduler

· Media Manager

· Events Manager

S/no	User Group	User Rights
01	Administrator	Can use all the functions
02	Scheduler	Can use all the functions except: User Administration for all users
03	Media Manager	Can use all except: Player Info under Network Tab Time Settings under Other setting Tab User Administration for all users

The interface will be similar except that some of the restricted functions of the Scheduler will be “grey-ed” out or hidden from users.

6.1 Scheduler Installation Manual

Insert the Scheduler Installation CD ROM and follow the instructions.

On first run of the Scheduler, you will be prompted for a login.

The default administrator id : mfusion and password: admin

Please remember to change at the scheduler

6.2 Scheduler User Manual

This manual explains all the available functions and applications available to the administrator.

6.2.1 Scheduler Interface

Upon executing of the Scheduler, a login dialog box will pop up for the user to input. Depending on the user rights assigned, the Scheduler will present itself with different functions available upon successful login.

The default administrator id : mfusion and password: admin

Please remember to change at the scheduler

The “Tab based” interface also allow the users to quickly select the functions easily by clicking on the functional tabs.

Screenshot of the Scheduler Interface:

Bottom Tab:

Shows all the various options of the Top Tab.

Top Tab:

Shows all the major processes of the scheduler.

The Interface has 2 rows of tabs at the top:

· Top/Major Tabs - Shows major tasks in the scheduling process

· Bottom/Sub-Task Tabs – Shows sub-tasks of the Major Tabs

Each Top Tab has its own sub sets of Sub Tabs.

Depending on the User Rights assigned, you may find some of the functions not available.

6.2.2 Scheduling Media Top Tab

This function allows the user to administrate Media type scheduling. Once you have selected the Tab, it will indicate the selection with a yellow bar at the top of the tab. The Sub Tab or Bottom Tab will also be presented.

There are 3 main tasks under Scheduling Media Tab:

· Create Playlist

· Schedules

· Assign and Upload

By following the steps indicated as you move through the Bottom Tab, you can schedule media contents to your displays in your network.

6.2.2.1 Create Playlist - Bottom Tab

This section will explain the various options available under Create Playlist.

6.2.2.1.1 Opening/Modify/Delete a Playlist

On the Menu bar of the Create Playlist Tab, you can click on “File” to open a new playlist or open an existing one to modify the media files.

You can select various media files, which are stored in the Media Library to form a playlist. These media files can be sequenced in an order which you want or it can be random.

To add media to the playlist, simply drag and drop the media available on the right panel to the left panel.

This panel shows the media files available for you to administrate on

This panel shows all the media you have selected.

The left panel shows the selected media and the right panel shows all the available media which are in your Media Library.

Tip:

· It is advisable to give your playlist name a “logical” name, ie MarchPromo, to help you manage.

· You can also select your playlist mode to be “Random” this will let your playlist play in different order.

· Color Code your Playlist for user friendliness

6.2.2.1.2 Previewing Media Files and Playlist Media

You may also preview the media, which you have dragged to the left panel by right-clicking the individual file and preview.

Select and right click and choose the preview option to preview individual file

Preview window will pop up

You may also preview the entire selected media files by clicking on the Preview Button.

Click here to preview the entire list of media in the order you have specified.

6.2.2.1.3 Saving the Created Playlist

You can create multiple playlists and store them so that you can re-use them for your display network.

Click on File and select Save or Save As option. If it is a new playlist, click Save As and a save dialog will appear:

Save Dialog

Enter the name of the new playlist here

6.2.2.2 Schedules - Bottom Tab

From the saved playlists which you have created previously, you can arrange, using “drag and drop” interfacing, your own schedule of various playlists.

6.2.2.2.1 Opening a new Schedule

To start using Schedules Operations, you will need to create a new Schedule or Open existing Schedules. You can also create multiple Schedules and store them so that you can re-use them for your display network.

Click on File and select Save or Save As option. If it is a new Schedule, click Save As and a save dialog will appear:

6.2.2.2.2 Scheduling Media

There are 2 main panels on Schedules. The one on the left panel shows all the available playlists you have pre-created and a Calendar interface which allows you to select the date of the schedule and also to set color code for your schedule.

Available Playlist Panel

Calendar Panel

The Calendar Panel on the right hand side displays a weekly time-line based interface. Each playlist is color coded so that it is easy to arrange multiple playlists on the same day time-line.

Day Time Line

Using the week selector button, you can do your daily and weekly programming of schedules even days, weeks, months or even years ahead.

The left panel shows all the available playlists to add to your schedule. You may also preview them by double clicking on the play icon on each playlist.

You can also select the idle content. This content will be aired when there are time gaps between actual playlists

Different playlists are color coded differently. A time summary will show the duration of the playlist

Right Clicking on the bar gives you more options in administrating

To create your schedule, simply drag the required playlist to the required date. You can schedule only to dates, which are current and future. You can also adjust the time-line by sizing the bar.

Each playlist are color coded so that you can easily see what you have arranged on the time line.

You can set your schedule for many days, weeks, months or event years ahead.

The Schedules operation also allows you to set an “Idle Content” Playlist. It is a default playlist of media for the players when there are empty slots. This is to prevent the screens from showing an empty display.

6.2.2.2.3 Saving the Schedule

Once you are done with the schedule you can save it by clicking on the File Menu and Selecting Save.

A Save Dialog will open for you to give the schedule a new name.

Enter your Schedule name here

Tip:

· It is advisable to give your schedule a “logical” name, ie MediaForMarch, to help you manage.

· It is also good if you want to assign your own color code for the schedule (System will also automatically assign the color incase you forget)

6.2.2.2.4 Assign and Upload - Bottom Tab

This will be the last process of the Scheduling Process. It allows you to Assign the created schedules to the required players.

Schedules Panel:

Shows all available schedules created

Player List Panel:

Shows all available Player which the network currently have. Drag and Drop the schedule from the left panel to the required player row and click “Upload”

6.2.3 The Network - Top Tab

The functions available on this section includes:

· Player Details – Lets you view the status of the players in the display network

· Function Rooms and Ballrooms Info – Arrange and organize the Ballroom/Function Rooms Grouping and the various combinations

· Event Board Info – Allow the setting of the Event Boards and the Level Event Boards

6.2.3.1 Player Details – Bottom Tab

The Player Details lets you quickly check on the status of the Players. There are a few status icons on this page:

This icon implies that the Player Application and Connection is up

This icon implies that the Player is either disconnected or the Player Application is closed

This icon implies that the MEDIAFUSION Server is down

This icon implies that the Player is non-existence and has no valid license key. This “Player” represents a venue that DOES NOT has a Player CPU but is required to be reflected as a venue.

Note:

· If you include a Non-License Venue, you must remember to add that venue onto the Event Board Info in order to reflect on the Event Board

· If the player is down, you will not be able to relay your information to it

Administrator can also add non-License venue or edit Player name as shown on the system.

6.2.4 The Other Settings - Top Tab

The functions available in this Tab allows you to:

· Adjust Volume Settings

· Administrate individual Ticker Text

· Synchronize Time and Set Shutdown time of players

· Check the Upload Status of the Players

6.2.4.1 Volume Setting - Bottom Tab

You can input any value from 0 to 100 to set the volume of individual players or master volume for all players.

Note: Please check the status first before uploading. If the volume field shows “No Connection”, it implies that the Player is down. You can verify by checking under Network Tab for the confirmation (see section 5.2.4.1).

6.2.4.2 Ticker Text Settings - Bottom Tab

Under this setting you can set a master ticker text message for all the players. Or you can select individual ticker text for individual messages.

The order of precedence for Ticker Text is:

· Shows Event’s Ticker Text if there is one, at the time of airing

· Shows the Default Ticker Text inputted in this section

6.2.4.3 Time Setting - Bottom Tab

Under this setting you can synchronize the time of the scheduler to all the players and server connected to the display network.

You may also set shutdown timings for the players in the display network.

Note:

Please click on refresh button to get the latest timing from each player. If no time is given but it shows “No Connection”, it implies that the Player is down. You can verify by checking under Network Tab for the confirmation (see section 5.2.4.1).

6.2.4.5 Uploading Status - Bottom Tab

Under this function, you can track the uploading status of all the transactions done between the scheduler, server and players.

In general, the Scheduler and Server will try for 99 times. In order not to cause network congestions, it will stop after 99 times. Please ensure all the players are up and running before uploading any information or media.

You can also manually cancel a transaction by clicking on the cancel button.

6.2.5 The User Admin - Top Tab

User Admin comes in 2 interfaces. If you are an administrator you can create user accounts for the system.

If you are a non-administrator, you can only administrate for your own account.

6.2.6 The Sign Out - Top Tab

Allow you to log out properly and let another user sign in.

7 MEDIAFUSION Media Library

MEDIAFUSION Media Library allows administrators to create shared digital assets of media files for scheduling. It securely manage them, so that the integrity of the multiple playlists and schedules created by the users are kept intact.

These are the main functions of the Media Library:

· Importing of Media Files, URLs and Web Pages

· Storing them into database and sharing these digital assets for multiple users and players to use

· Preserving the integrity of the media folders by importing only supported files

7.1 Media Library Installation Manual

Insert the Media Library Installation CD ROM and follow the instructions.

After you have successfully installed Media Library, you will need to create a shared Folder called “content”. You can create this folder on any drive or directory.

Note:

This shared folder, “content”, will be accessed by the Scheduler, Media Library and Server applications.

Tip:

It is advisable to install Media Library on the same machine as the Scheduler application.

7.2 Media Library User Manual

This section will explain the various functions available in Media Library.

7.2.1 Media Library Interface

Upon executing of the Media Library, a login dialog box will pop up for the user to input.

Users need to key-in their ID and Password in order to add/modify/delete media files available in the Media Library.

The default administrator id and password are: mfusion

Please remember to change at the scheduler

Note:

Only these user groups can access Media Library:

· Administrator

· Schedule Manager

· Media Manager

Screenshot of the Media Library Interface:

The interface of the Media Library is similar to MS Explorer. It shows the entire various folders, sub-folders on the left panel and on the right panel all the available media files in a selected folder.

Content Tree

File Details including media duration and type

7.2.2 Adding/Deleting Media Files and Other Supported Files

To add media files to the Library, simply click on the File tab in the program menu and select the “Add Media Files” Option.

To delete file, simply use the explorer style Media Library Panels to select the directory of the media and then click on the particular file you wish to delete. Click on the File tab and select “Delete” Option to delete the selected record.

Screenshot of Adding Media Files:

Click on Add Media Files

7.2.3 Adding URL

To add URL to the Library, simply click on the File tab in the program menu, select “Add URL” Option.

Note: In order for the Player to display the URL, please ensure that it is able to access the Internet.

Fill up the URL details on the Input URL Dialog Box

7.2.4 Save Modification to Database

This step is essential so that the information can be shared on the MEDIAFUSION Display Network.

Click on the File Tab and select “Save to Database”.

Note: Saving and Refresh functions may take some time, depending on the network connections and also the number of files added.

8 MEDIAFUSION Player Designer

MEDIAFUSION Player Designer allows Media Managers to create various templates and store them in the database. These templates can be exported to the any of the players available on the network.

Player Designer helps you to create both landscape and portrait templates. Display components are dragged and dropped to a drawing board.

There are two main functions in the Player Designer are:

· Create and Design your Players for easy re-purposing

· Storing and Uploading these templates to any players on the display network

8.1 Player Designer Installation Manual

Insert the Player Designer Installation CD ROM and follow the instructions.

8.2 Player Designer User Manual

This section will explain the various functions available in Player Designer. This drawing board application lets you design your screen in a form like structure.

8.2.1 Player Designer Interface

Upon executing of the Player Designer, a login dialog box will pop up for the user to input.

The default administrator id and password are: mfusion

Please remember to change at the scheduler

Note: Only these user groups can access Media Library:

· Administrator

· Schedule Manager

· Media Manager

The Player Designer has different Display Components available. These components have specific functions (See Section 7.2.2 for these functions)

8.2.2 Opening a New Template

Before you start designing your template, you will need to ascertain the screen size of the player you intend to design for.

Depending on the orientation (landscape or portrait) of the player, you can select the various sizes available for you to design on.

To open a new template, click on the File Tab and select “New”.

A dialog box will pop up and you will need to select the various common and standard sizes available for most digital screens.

Once you have selected the size, you are ready to design your screen.

Right Panel – Drawing Board

Left

Panel

The Interface has 2 Panels:

· Left Panel - Shows the various Display Components available for the users to use

· Right Panel – The screen drawing board

The components available on the left panel can be dragged and dropped on the drawing board. You can plan your player template by first deciding what kind of players you need.

8.2.2 Types of Display Components

There are 4 types of Display Components available in this version of Player Designer. The components are:

· Date and Time Component

· Scheduled Media Component

· Ticker Text Component

· Logo/Banner Component

Using drag and drop interfacing you can add these functional components to the Drawing Board and customize them further by Right Clicking on the components you wish to administrate on.

In general, you can start by positioning the various components on the drawing board and customizing them later.

These components are layered by the sequence adding. The last component dragged on the Drawing Board will be the top most layer.

You can use the Order Option on the Player Designer Menu to define your layers arrangement, especially if there are overlapping of the Components.

Note: Background of the screen can also be customized, you can add image on the screen with other components layering over it. (Right Click on the Drawing Board to see the various options available.

8.2.2.1 Screen Background

There are options for the background of the screen you are designing. You can determine background color or background image for the screen.

8.2.2.2 Date/Time Component

This component has built-in calendar and time functions.

Right Click on this component to see the properties available: