MEDIAFUSION is an integrated platform for the management and scheduling of multimedia content (video, audio and images), events information across a number of plasma/LCD/TV screens in a hospitality venue. 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 Single Workstation or Multiple Workstations via Client-Server Applications.

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:

Administrator Client Applications:

· MediaFusion Scheduler

· MediaFusion Media Library

· MediaFusion Player Designer

· MediaFusion License Manager

Virtual Server:

· MediaFusion Sever

Player Client Application:

· MediaFusion Player

Notes:

· 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).

· You can also install various different Administrator Client Applications to different workstations

· MEDIAFUSION is an “install and run application”. When you purchase the software, an installation CD ROM will be given. The installation steps can be found in later chapters.

2.1.1 Software Pre-requisite

MEDIAFUSION requires some 3^rd Party components to function. These components are free and are not added to the cost of purchase of our software.

FOR VISTA 64 BIT

Pre-requisites:

S/no	PC Install with	Required Software Pre-Installs (Can be found in CD Rom)
01	MEDIAFUSION Server, License Manager	install_flash_player_10_active_x.exe NetFx64.exe SQLEXPR.EXE QuickTimeInstaller_V755.exe SSCERuntime-ENU-x86.msi
02	MEDIAFUSION Media Library	install_flash_player_10_active_x.exe NetFx64.exe QuickTimeInstaller_V755.exe SSCERuntime-ENU-x86.msi
03	MEDIAFUSION Scheduler, Player Designer	install_flash_player_10_active_x.exe NetFx64.exe QuickTimeInstaller_V755.exe SSCERuntime-ENU-x86.msi
04	MEDIAFUSION Player	install_flash_player_10_active_x.exe NetFx64.exe QuickTimeInstaller_V755.exe SSCERuntime-ENU-x86.msi

FOR WIN XP 64 BIT

Pre-requisites:

S/no	PC Install with	Required Software Pre-Installs (Can be found in CD Rom)
01	MEDIAFUSION Server, License Manager	install_flash_player_10_active_x.exe NetFx64.exe SQLEXPR.EXE quicktimeplayer730.exe ** SSCERuntime-ENU-x86.msi
02	MEDIAFUSION Media Library	install_flash_player_10_active_x.exe NetFx64.exe quicktimeplayer730.exe ** SSCERuntime-ENU-x86.msi
03	MEDIAFUSION Scheduler, Player Designer	install_flash_player_10_active_x.exe NetFx64.exe quicktimeplayer730.exe ** SSCERuntime-ENU-x86.msi
04	MEDIAFUSION Player	install_flash_player_10_active_x.exe NetFx64.exe quicktimeplayer730.exe ** SSCERuntime-ENU-x86.msi

FOR XP 32 BIT

Pre-requisites:

S/no	PC Install with	Required Software Pre-Installs (Can be found in CD Rom)
01	MEDIAFUSION Server, License Manager	install_flash_player_10_active_x.exe dotnetfx.exe sqlexpr32.exe * quicktimeplayer755.exe ** SSCERuntime-ENU-x86.msi
02	MEDIAFUSION Media Library	install_flash_player_10_active_x.exe dotnetfx.exe quicktimeplayer755.exe ** SSCERuntime-ENU-x86.msi
03	MEDIAFUSION Scheduler, Player Designer	install_flash_player_10_active_x.exe dotnetfx.exe quicktimeplayer755.exe ** SSCERuntime-ENU-x86.msi
04	MEDIAFUSION Player	install_flash_player_10_active_x.exe dotnetfx.exe quicktimeplayer755.exe ** SSCERuntime-ENU-x86.msi

FOR VISTA 32 BIT

Pre-requisites:

S/no	PC Install with	Required Software Pre-Installs (Can be found in CD Rom)
01	MEDIAFUSION Server, License Manager	install_flash_player_10_active_x.exe dotnetfx.exe sqlexpr32.exe * QuickTimeInstaller_V755.exe SSCERuntime-ENU-x86.msi
02	MEDIAFUSION Media Library	install_flash_player_10_active_x.exe dotnetfx.exe QuickTimeInstaller_V755.exe SSCERuntime-ENU-x86.msi
03	MEDIAFUSION Scheduler, Player Designer	install_flash_player_10_active_x.exe dotnetfx.exe QuickTimeInstaller_V755.exe SSCERuntime-ENU-x86.msi
04	MEDIAFUSION Player	install_flash_player_10_active_x.exe dotnetfx.exe QuickTimeInstaller_V755.exe SSCERuntime-ENU-x86.msi

MEDIAFUSION INSTALLERS:

Use the same installer for all XP and Vista 32 or 64Bit

GENERAL INSTALLATION STEPS:

Step 1: Install all pre-requisite Software

Step 2: Install License Manager, Media Library and Server (Activate License)

Step 3: Install Scheduler, Player Designer

Step 4: Install Players (Activate published player license)

Step 5: Restart All Installed PC before using the solution

2.1.2 Hardware Preference

For Player:

Minimum Specifications

· Pentium 4 and above

· 512MB Ram

· 32MB Video Ram

· 40GB HD

Optimal Specifications

· Intel Core 2 Dual and above

· 1GB Ram

· 256 MB Video Ram

· 80GB HD

For Scheduler/Server/Media Library/Player Designer:

Minimum Specifications

· Pentium 4 and above

· 1GB Ram

· 32MB Video Ram

· 80 GB HD

Optimal Specifications

· Intel Core 2 Dual and above

· 1GB Ram

· 256 MB Video Ram

· 160GB 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 and Windows Media Player 9.0 and above.

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

.wmv

.avi

.dat

.pict

.pic

.pct

.png

.qtif

.qti

.tif

.tiff

.bmp

.psd

.gif

.jpeg

.jpg

.jpe

.jp2

.swf

URL

Html

mht

mms

rstp

mp3

2.2 What is New in Ver.3.5

MEDIAFUSION HOSPITALITY Version 3.5 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

· RSS Feed

· Interactive Component

· TCP and Mouse Event Triggers

· Streaming Support

· Video Capture Card and TV Card Support

And more!!

3 MEDIAFUSION Pre-Installation Preparations

Please refer to Section 2.1.1 for the required pre-requisite software for various platforms.

Notes:

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

· License Manager must be installed with Server

· The Server must have a defined IP for WAN

As a general guideline, it is best to follow these installation sequences:

Step 1: Select the PC to be the Server, install MEDIAFUSION License Manager, MEDIAFUSION Media Library & MEDIAFUSION Server (These 3 are preferred to be installed on the same machine, however License Manager and Server MUST be installed on the same machine.)

Step 2: Importing of License into MEDIAFUSION License Manager

Step 3: Exporting of Player Licenses from MEDIAFUSION License Manager

Step 4: Installation up of Scheduler/Player Designer (Can be on different machines)

Step 5: Setting up of Player Application (at the player PC) and importing of Player licenses

Notes:

Please refer to the various application topics on “Step-by-Step” guide of the installations for each individual Application.

Possible MEDIAFUSION SERVER and SCHEDULER arrangement:

3.1 Preparation of Server PC

Please refer to Section 2.1.1 for the required pre-requisite software for various platforms.

The optimal Server Machine will include these applications

· MEDIAFUSION SERVER (Please refer to Section 4 for the “Step-by-Step” Guide)

· MEDIAFUSION LICENSE MANAGER (Please refer to Section 5 for the “Step-by-Step” Guide)

· MEDIAFUSION MEDIA LIBRARY (Please refer to Section 7 for the “Step-by-Step” Guide)

3.2 Preparation of Scheduler PC

Please refer to Section 2.1.1 for the required pre-requisite software for various platforms.

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

· MEDIAFUSION SCHEDULER (Please refer to Section 6 for the “Step-by-Step” Guide)

· Optional: MEDIAFUSION MEDIA LIBRARY, MEDIAFUSION PLAYER DESIGNER

Notes:

· MEDIAFUSION PLAYER DESIGNER can also be installed onto separate PCs.

3.3 Preparation of Player PC

Please refer to Section 2.1.1 for the required pre-requisite software for various platforms.

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

· MEDIAFUSION PLAYER (Please refer to Section 9 for the “Step-by-Step” Guide)

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

On the installation disk, find and select the License Manager installer:

Icon_1

The following screen shots will give you a Step-by-Step guide to this installation:

Screen 1: .Net Framework 2.0 installation (This is only installed IF the PC that you are installing License Manager does not have .Net Framework 2.0)

Click Accept and Continue

Screen 2: Windows Installer 3.1 (This is only installed IF the PC that you are installing License Manager does not have Windows Installer 3.1)

Click Accept and Continue

Screen 3: SQL EXPRESS 2005 (This is only installed IF the PC that you are installing License Manager does not have SQL EXPRESS 2005)

Click Accept and Continue

Screen 4: Installation of .Net Framework 2.0

Screen 5: Installation of Windows Installer 3.1

Screen 6: Reboot before proceeding

Screen 7: Installation of SQL Server 2005 Express

Screen 8: Installation of MF License Manager

Click Next to Continue

Screen 9: Selection of Media Library Path

Notes:

· If content folder is on local machine, the path and folder will be created automatically

· If content folder is on a network share folder, the folder needs to be created manually when you set up the content PC

· If it is a network share folder, the entry will be i.e. \\PC_name\sharefolder_name where PC_name is the name of the remote pc or IP address of the remote PC and sharefolder_name is the name of the shared folder

· Optimal if Content Folder be on Server PC

Click Next to Continue

Screen 10: EULA agreement

Check on “I Agree” and Click Next to Continue

Screen 11: MF License Manager Program Path

Click Next to Continue

Screen 12: Confirm Installation

Click Next to Continue

Screen 13: Installation Progress

Name of the computer where SQL is installed. In this case it is demoserver

General format is name_of_computer\sqlexpress

Where name_of_computer is the name of the PC

FOR Wide Area Network, just put the IP Address will do.

Click on Test Connection button before proceeding with OK button.

If test unsuccessful, please check previous 2 text fields

Default user name: mediafusionuser

Default password: mfusion

Screen 14: SQL Database Test Dialog

Screen 15: SQL Database Test Dialog Success

Click on OK button once Test Connection is successful

Screen 16: End of Installation

Click on the Close Button

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

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.

On the License Manager File Menu Select License

Select Add Additional License

A File Browser Dialog box will appear, find the license file. (.lex extension) and Click Open.

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. In the example screen shot, there is only 1 Player License.

Once you have keyed in your player name, you need to click on “Update To Database”

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.

Create a Server License for MF Server and Click "Save"

Choose a folder to save the Licenses and Click "Ok"

5 Setting up of MEDIAFUSION Application Server

Bar_For_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

5.1 MF Server Installation Manual

On the installation disk, find and select the Server installer:

ServerICON

The following screen shots will give you a Step-by-Step guide to this installation:

Screen 1: Welcome Screen

Click Next to Continue

Screen 2: EULA Dialog

Check on “I Agree” and Click Next to Continue

Screen 3: Installation Folder Path

Change the Path if necessary and click on “Next”

Screen 4: Confirm Installation Dialog

Click on “Next” and Continue

Screen 5: Installation Progress

Click on Test Connection button before proceeding with OK button.

If test unsuccessful, please check previous 2 text fields

Default user name: mediafusionuser

Default password: mfusion

Name of the computer where SQL is installed. In this case it is demoserver

General format is name_of_computer\sqlexpress

Where name_of_computer is the name of the PC

Screen 6: SQL Database Test Dialog

Screen 7: Connection Successful Dialog

Click OK on the dialog box and OK on main dialog box to continue

Screen 8: Installation Complete

5.2 MF Server User Manual

Once installed MF Server runs as a Task Bar Application. It is set to auto-run when the system boots up.

Server Status:

Taskbar Icon: Server Up status

Taskbar Icon: Server Down status

5.2.1 Server Options

Right Click on the Server Icon at the Task Bar to see the various options:

ServerOptions

Options:

About – Shows information on company and software version

Help – Opens a Help File for reference

Stop – Stops Server (available if server has started)

Start – Starts Server (available if server has stopped)

Schedule – Refers to Scheduled Re-Boot Timings (There are up to 2 timings)

Exit – Stops and exit Server Application

Schedule Option:

Schedule Option lets you decide up to 2 different timings for the server to re-boot. It is advisable to set at least 1 re-boot timing.

ScheduleReboot

Once you have clicked on Reboot Time 1 or 2, a Setting Dialog box will pop up.

Select your timing in 24-hr format.

Note:

· 00:00 means no reboot time

RebootSchedule

6 MEDIAFUSION Scheduler Overview

Bar_For_Sceduler

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

· Checking of Status

The user groups are defined as:

· Administrator

· Scheduler

· Media 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 “grayed” out or hidden from users.

6.1 Scheduler Installation Manual

On the installation disk, find and select the Scheduler installer:

SChedulerInstaller

The following screen shots will give you a Step-by-Step guide to this installation

Screen 1: Scheduler Installation Welcome Dialog Box

Click on “Next” and Continue

Notes:

· Please refer to Section 2.1.1 for the required pre-requisite software for various platforms.

Screen 2: EULA Agreement

Check “I Agree” and Click on “Next” and Continue

Name of the server computer OR preferably the IP address of the server PC

Screen 3: Server Information Dialog

Please Input the IP ADDRESS of the Server or the name of the Server PC

Take note of the port number and make sure the Firewall applications DO NOT BLOCK this port.

Click Next to Continue

Screen 4: Application Path Dialog

Change the path if necessary, click on “Next”

Screen 5: Confirm Installation Dialog

Click on “Next” and “Continue”

Screen 6: Installation Progress

Screen 7: SQL Database Test Dialog

Screen 8: Connection Successful Dialog

Click OK on the dialog box and OK on main dialog box to continue

Screen 9: Completion of Installation

Click Close

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

The default administrator id and password: mfusion and admin

You can change this at SQL Express 2005

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.

Sch_1

The default administrator User Name is: mfusion(lower case)

The default Password is: admin(lower case)

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

Top Tab:

Shows all the major processes of the scheduler.

Bottom Tab:

Shows all the various options of the Top Tab.

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.

Scheduling-Media1

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.

To delete a media from the playlist, simply right-click and choose delete option.

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.

To see options on the media, simply right-click on the media:

DeletePlaylist

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

Notes:

· For Windows Media Format ie, ASF, WMV, Streaming Media and Dat, Scheduler will not be able to detect the video duration

· For QuickTime supported file formats, Scheduler is able to detect the video duration

· However, although no durations are detected for some video types, the playlist will still follow according to the duration of the video (there is no need to set the duration for video file types)

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.

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.

Preview-Playlist

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:

saving playlist

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.

Week-by-Week Selector

Select your calendar week

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.

Unavailable Time Line (Grey)

This represents date that has passed.

Available Time Line (Light Blue)

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.

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

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

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 even 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.

Recurrences of the playlist(s) can be scheduled. Right Click on a selected Playlist Time Line.

Select “Edit” Option.

Check on the Recurrence Check Box for more options.

A “RECURRENCE” Dialog box will appear.

In this dialog box there are several options for repeated playlists.

Check on the Recurrence Check Box for more options.

Daily Recurrence:

Daily Recurrence Option

Select the type of Daily Recurrence

Weekly Recurrence:

Daily Recurrence Option

Weekly Recurrence Option allows you to select the days of the weeks which you want the playlist to air.

Check on Weekly Option and also the Days of the Week to set these recurrences.

Monthly Recurrence:

This sets the day of every Month for the recurrence

Monthly Recurrence Option

Monthly Recurrence Option lets you select a day of very month to have this recurrence.

Yearly Recurrence:

Setting the day and month of a year that will have this recurrence

Yearly Recurrence Option

Yearly Occurrence Option lets you select a day and month of every year to have this recurrence.

Date Range:

Using a Calendar Interface to select the end date of all your recurrences

Check this too enable Date Range

Using this option, you can set the end date of your recurrences.

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 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)

6.2.2.3 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.

Simply drag the schedule you have created to the individual player or cluster of players.

6.2.3 The Scheduling Events Top Tab

This function allows the user to administrate Events Information scheduling.

The interface for this operation:

There are a few sections in this interface page.

6.2.3.1 Venue Section

The Venue Section allows you to select the venues available on your display network.

Venue

The options available include:

· Venue – Shows all available Venues

· Group Venue – Refers to joining room venues, ie Ballroom 1 & 2

· Venue Only – This option allows you to only show the event information at the Ballroom/Function Room display BUT NOT at the main event board

6.2.3.2 Time & Date Section

The Time & Date Section allows you to choose the time and duration of the event.

Time

The options available include:

· Event Date – Selects the date of the event, you can pre-schedule the events

· Start Time – Refers to the start time of the event in 24-hr format

· End Time – Refers to the end time of the event in 24-Hr format

6.2.3.3 Event Details Section

Event Details Section, lets you input the title of the event as you want to display as.

There are altogether 4 event detail lines, each line gives you a maximum number of 50 Characters, hence you can use up to 200 words (max) to describe the event.

Details

The options available include:

· Line 1 to 4 – Lets you key in the event information in any supported language of the OS

6.2.3.4 Ballroom Details Section

Ballroom Details Section, lets you add more personalization to the Ballroom/Function Room Display in your network.

You can:

· Add the client’s logo

· Add a series of media files to be used as a slide show

· Add a personalized Ticker Text for the event

BallroomDetails

Note:

· All the information stored here will only be shown on the day and time of the event

· Please also refer to section 7 on how to create your own Ballroom/Function Room Templates

To add Company Logo, Click on the Browse Tab and Insert the Logo file

Include also Images or media files to the book event by clicking on the Browse button and selecting the media files.

You can also preview the media after the insertion.

6.2.3.5 View All, Update Buttons

View All Button: Lets you see all the previously inputted details, you can also use view all to edit/delete your previous entries

Upload Button: Lets you upload all that you have keyed in to the MEDIAFUSION Server.

Click here to select the event and high light the row.

Click the "Delete" button to delete the event

Events only be deleted from players and event board, but still remain in the database.

Permanently detele from the database and player

Due to the database relationship in SQL server, Venue and Duration cannot be changed in View All interface.

6.2.4 The Network - Top Tab

The functions available on this section include:

· Player Details – Lets you view the status of the players in the display network and also to edit the player details

· Player Grouping

6.2.4.1 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

6.2.4.2 Player Grouping – Bottom Tab

This function lets you arrange your Players into Clusters. This is to facilitate ease of scheduling.

STEP BY STEP GUIDE ON GROUPING PLAYERS

In this example we wish to create a Player Grouping called Demo Group

“Drag and Drop” L1 and L2 to this group.

This group can then be assigned with a schedule.

Click on the Save button to save your grouping configurations (see red box).

6.2.4.3 Function Rooms & Ballrooms Info – Bottom Tab

This function lets you arrange your players into clusters/groupings. This feature lets you define a Cluster Ballroom/Function Room that has a sub-set of smaller ballrooms and various room combinations are possible.

For Example:

Grand Ballroom comprises of Ballroom 1, Ballroom 2 and Ballroom 3

When all combined it is call the Grand Ballroom, it can also be formed to:

· Ballroom 1 and 2

· Ballroom 2 and 3

You can administrate the ballrooms/functions room by dragging and dropping like MS Explorer.

STEP BY STEP GUIDE ON CREATING FUNCTION ROOM COMBINATION

In this example there are 4 Function Rooms called Demo1,…,Demo4

To Create a Group or Combined Room, Right Click and Add Group

After adding the group, click on Rename to give this Group Venue a name

In this case, we call it Demo Group. Simply drag and drop the function rooms to this group. In this case, Demo1 and Demo2 belongs to this group.

6.2.4.4 Event Board Info – Bottom Tab

This function lets you arrange your Event Board Type Players into Lobby Type Display or Level Displays

For Example:

Lobby Display Event Board will show all available events for all ballroom/Function room

Level Display Event Board will show all available events for that particular Level only

6.2.5 The Other Settings - Top Tab

The functions available in this Tab allows you to:

· Adjust Volume Settings

· Synchronize Time and Set Shutdown time of players

· Ticker Text Scheduler

· Download Time

· Check the Upload Status of the Players

6.2.5.1 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.

Click on Refresh to get the latest status of the volume setting.

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).

To Change Volume of a player, click on the selected player Volume until it is editable and input the value of the volume, when it has been edited click on Apply (see red boxes).

Notes:

· You can also standardize the volume settings of all the players by setting the Master Volume field and Update to all players (see blue boxes)

6.2.5.2 Ticker Text Scheduler - Bottom Tab

You can create numerous Ticker Text Messages and Schedule them.

Notes:

· You can create the Ticker Text Messages by Clicking on the New Ticker Text Message Button (see red box)

· You can also edit or delete existing Ticker Text Messages (see blue box)

After you click “New Ticker Text Messages” button, a Edit Ticker Text Dialog will pop up.

Notes:

· Under the Name field, you can give your ticker text message a title (see red box)

· You may add the messages in the Ticker Text Field(see blue box)

Once you have created a new message, click on OK button and the new entry will be seen on the data grid. See Blue Box

Notes:

· You can edit or delete the text by clicking on the Edit or Delete Button

· To Export the Ticker Text to the Player, Click on Export to Player

“Ticker Text Scheduler” Dialog:

Notes:

· On the left panel of this Dialog Box, you will see all the available text messages by their title

· There is also a calendar interface

· To Start Scheduling Ticker Text Messages, click on the pull down menu, select the player you wish to schedule and Click on the “Select Player to Edit” Button (See Blue Box)

· Each of the ticker text messages are assigned (automatically and randomly) a color code so that it is easy to see when scheduling

Notes:

· Drag and Drop the Titles from the left panel on to the time line. (See Red Box)

· Dates which have past are “Grayed” out and will not allow any Titles to be dragged onto

· For non scheduled area, you must set a default ticker text using pull down menu. (See Blue Box)

Recurrence:

If you need a particular Message to be repeated, you can select and right click the intended message and select Edit

Recurrence Dialog:

Notes:

1. To set precise timing, you can make use of the Time Range portion of this form (See Red Box)

2. To Set Recurrence – Check on the Recurrence Option and the bottom form – Recurrence Scheduler will allow you to edit

3. There will be 5 choices of recurrence options for you to chose from

Weekly Recurrence Options:

Notes:

· You can set certain days of the week for the Recurrence (See red box)

· Select the days of the week by checking the days (See Green Box)

Notes:

· You can also set Monthly or Yearly (See red box – shows monthly option)

· Select the day of the Month by checking the days (See Green Box)

· Also you can also set the end date of the announcements (See Blue Box)

Save and Export a Schedule for Ticker Text:

Once you have created your sequences and recurrences, click on the “Save This Schedule” Button and a Save successfully! Dialog will appear (see Blue Box), Click on Ok Button to continue.

Once Saved, remember to Click on Export To Player to confirmed and export your schedule (See Red Box).

An “Export Successful” Dialog will appear (See Blue Box), Click on the OK button to continue.

To Exit of this Scheduler, click on Exit Button (See Green Box).

6.2.5.3 Time Setting - Bottom Tab

Under this setting you can synchronize the time of the scheduler to all the players and server connetted 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).

· Important - 00:00 implies no shut-down time

6.2.5.4 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.

6.2.5.5 Download Time - Bottom Tab

Under this function, you can set a specified period of time for Scheduling of media to occur. (This might be an option if you only want specific time for players to download the scheduled media).

Notes:

· Important - 00:00 implies no Download Time

· Please also ensure the specified time interval is enough to allow the downloading of media files from the server to the players.

6.2.6 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.

6.2.7 The Sign Out - Top Tab

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

7 MEDIAFUSION Media Library

Bar_For_MediaLibrary

MEDIAFUSION Media Library allows administrators to create shared digital assets of media files for scheduling. It securely manages 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, MMS, RTSP 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

Notes:

· Please refer to Section 2.1.1 for the required pre-requisite software for various platforms.

7.1 Media Library Installation Manual

On the installation disk, find and select the Media Library installer:

Library-Icon

The following screen shots will give you a Step-by-Step guide to this installation

Screen 1: Welcome Dialog for MF Media Library Installation

Click on “Next” and Continue

Notes:

· It is preferred that the Media Library be installed together with the Server and License Manager (Server Machine)

Screen 2: EULA Dialog

Check on “I Agree” and Click Next to Continue

Screen 3: Installation Path Dialog

Change the path if necessary, and Click on Next to Continue

Screen 4: Confirm Installation

Click on Next to Continue

Screen 5: Installation Progress

Screen 6: SQL Database Test Dialog

Screen 7: Connection Successful Dialog

Click OK on the dialog box and OK on main dialog box to continue

Screen 8: Completion of Installation

Click Close

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.

MediaLibray1

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 User Name is: mfusion(lower case)

Password is: admin(lower case)

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.

MediaLibray2

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

Notes:

· In general, by using the Media Library to import the media files, you can ensure the files are supported by MediaFusion

· For Windows Media Format ie, ASF, WMV, Streaming Media and Dat, Media Library will not be able to detect the video duration

· For QuickTime supported file formats, Media Library is able to detect the video duration

7.2.3 Adding URL or Streaming Server (MMS or RTSP)

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.

URL

Enter Name of the URL and the actual web address.

Streaming-Server

For streaming server, please ensure that it is supported by Windows Media Player. MediaFusion uses Windows Media Player engine to support MMS or RTSP.

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.

MediaLibray7

MediaLibray8

8 MEDIAFUSION Player Designer

Bar_For_PlayerDesigner

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

Notes:

· Please refer to Section 2.1.1 for the required pre-requisite software for various platforms.

8.1 Player Designer Installation Manual

On the installation disk, find and select the Player Designer installer:

PlayerDesigner

The following screen shots will give you a Step-by-Step guide to this installation:

Screen 1: Welcome Dialog for MEDIAFUSION Player Designer Installation

Click on “Next”

Notes:

· Installer will auto-detect and auto-install .Net Framework 2.0 and QuickTime 7.3

Screen 2: EULA Agreement Dialog

Check on “I Agree” and Click on “Next”

Name of the server computer OR preferably the IP address of the server PC

Screen 3: Server Information Dialog

Please Input the IP ADDRESS of the Server or the name of the Server PC

Take note of the port number and make sure the Firewall applications DO NOT BLOCK this port. Click Next to Continue

Screen 4: Installation Folder Dialog

Change the path if necessary, Click Next to Continue

Screen 5: Confirm Installation Dialog

Click Next to Continue

Screen 6: Installation Progress

Screen 7: SQL Database Test Dialog

Screen 8: Connection Successful Dialog

Click OK on the dialog box and OK on main dialog box to continue

Screen 9: Installation Complete

Click on Close to complete installation

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.

PDSize

The default administrator User Name is: mfusion(lower case)

Password is: admin(lower case)

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.

Notes:

· Check on the player CPU supported resolution to decide

· Check also on the support of the LCD or Plasma you are using to determine the size of the screen

Right Panel – Drawing Board

Left

Panel

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

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

· Screen Background Component

· Date and Time Component

· Scheduled Media Component

· Ticker Text Component

· Logo/Banner Component

· Company Logo Component

· TV Component

· Interactive Component

· Streaming Component

· RSS Feed

· Audio Component

· Event Board

· Ballroom Function Room

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 on the Screen Background, these options include:

Background Image
Background Color
Full Screen
TCP Listening Port
Mouse Triggered Application
TCP Triggered Application 1
TCP Triggered Application 2

These options are available when you right-click on the Background Component.

Bob_Background

8.2.2.1.1 Background Image

Background Image lets you place an image as the lowest layer. You can overlay other components over this layer.

Bob_Background

Bob_BackgroundImage

Notes:

· Supports only Image formats

8.2.2.1.2 Back Color

Back Color lets you determine the background color of the lowest layer. There is a color picker for you to choose the appropriate color for your background.

Bob_BackColor

8.2.2.1.3 Full Screen

Full Screen Option allows you to use multiple output VGA cards and arrange for a full screen video wall.

8.2.2.1.4 TCP Listening Port

This option is available for external TCP triggered events. You will need to specify the TCP port to which the player application will listen to. This will activate an application residing on the remote Player. (see TCP Triggered Application 1 & 2)

Protocol specifications for external application:

Command Name	Command Value	Remark
TRIGGER	10	It used to trigger a destination application which matches the appointed ID
EXTEND	11	It used to extend the display time of the application which is shown currently
OFFAPPLICATION	12	It used to off the application which is shown currently
CLOSECONNECTION	13	It used by Client to indicate it going to close.
OK	0	It used by Server to indicate the command is executed successfully without any exception
ERROR	1	It used by Server to indicate a exception is occurred during the execution process of command
ENDCOMMAND	255	Two of it will indicate the end of the command

· Server : Not the actual MF Server but the Player Application which will act like a server to listen to this TCP trigger

· Client : It means the third-party application which implements this protocol;

· Current application : It means current displayed application

· Each command will use one byte;

· Each command will end with two bytes of ENDCOMMAND to indicate the end;

· OK and ERROR is Server-side command, used to response other command.

Command formats

All of the indexes are start from 0;
Pre-defined information means the defined setting in Player Designer;
Application action includes Default, Restart, and Remain three types;
Current application means the application which is displayed currently

Trigger Commands

Byte sequence	Value Range	Remark
0	10 (TRIGGER)	Identify the command type.
1	0-255 (ID)	Appoint the id of which application will be triggered.
2	0 (Default)	Used the pre-defined action to trigger the application;
	1 (Restart)	Restart the application; If the application is on, and it will close it first then start.
	2 (Remain)	Start the application if the it is off; Show the application and bring it to the front if it is on.
3	0 (Default)	Used the pre-defined interval to show the application.
3	1-255	Show the application with current interval.

Extend Commands

Byte sequence	Value Range	Remark
0	11 (EXTEND)	Identify the command type
1	0 (Default)	Used the pre-defined interval to extend the application.
1	1-255	Extend the display time of the application with current interval.

OFFAPPLICATION command

Byte sequence	Value range	Remark
0	12 (OFFAPPLICATION)	Identify the command type
1	0 (Default)	Used the pre-defined action to off the application;
	1 (Shutdown)	Shutdown the application; If current application is
	2 (Remain)	Hide current application if it is on;

CLOSECONNECTION command

Byte sequence

Value range

Remark

Identify the command type;

It used to close current connection.

OK command

Server-side (Player Application) command

Byte sequence

Value range

Remark

Identify the command type;

It used to indicate the command is executed successfully without any errors.

ERROR command

Server-side (Player Application) command

Byte sequence

Value range

Remark

Identify the command type;

It used to indicate there is an exception occurred when executing the command.

1 - * (Until two bytes of ENDCOMMAND)

String

It includes the exception message and the encoding is UTF8

8.2.2.1.5 Mouse Triggered Application

This option is available for mouse triggered event. It stops the digital signage and runs an external application. Useful for switching digital signage to a kiosk mode application.

Bob_MouseTriggerd

This dialog box will pop up once the “Mouse Triggered Application” is selected

· Application ID is 0 (default and cannot be changed)

· Interval (sec) – Refers to the number of seconds of idle mode (no mouse clicks or events of the external application) before switching back to digital signage mode

· Application Path – Refers to the path on the player cpu which will be triggered in the event of a mouse event

· Check Box Option: Continue running application in background – Refers to the option of letting the external application to reside and running in background

8.2.2.1.6 TCP Triggered Application 1 & 2

There are up to 2 applications which can be triggered by TCP. These are defined by their default Application ID:

Application ID 0 for mouse triggered application

Application ID 1 for TCP triggered application 1

Application ID 2 for TCP triggered application 2

Refer to section 8.2.2.1.4 TCP Listening Port on the protocols and commands for your external application.

BobTCPApplication1

This dialog box will pop up once the “TCP Triggered Application” is selected

· Application ID is 1 or 2 (default and cannot be changed)

· Interval (sec) – Refers to the number of seconds of idle mode (no TCP trigger or events of the external application) before switching back to digital signage mode

· Application Path – Refers to the path on the player cpu which will be triggered in the event of TCP trigger

· Check Box Option: Continue running application in background – Refers to the option of letting the external application to reside and running in background

Application Flow Chart for TCP Trigger Application:

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:

Time

You can adjust these settings by selecting the options.

Features:

· The time of all the players are determined by the Server, all the players will synchronize their time on a daily basis.

· Different Time Format Support and also Customizable your own time format

8.2.2.3 Scheduled Media Component

This component is a media player component. It allows the scheduled media (see section 6.2 Scheduler User Manual) to be presented on the screen.

Right Click on this component to see the properties available:

Schedule-MediaOptions

Features:

· The media player can support a wide variety of files (please see section 2.1.3)

· Picture files will auto-stretch to fit the size which is designed

· Video files can keep their original size or auto-stretch to fit the size which is designed (only for wmv or avi - Windows Media Format, the video will stretch to the size of either the height or length of the movie keeping aspect ratio)

· This component, when exported to a player will be managed by the Scheduler Software

8.2.2.4 Ticker Text Component

This component is use for making textual contents, also known as scrolling text.

Right Click on this component to see the properties available:

Ticker

Features:

The information on the scrolling text can be controlled by the Scheduler when it is exported to the player

8.2.2.5 Logo/Banner Component

This component lets you add banners onto your screen. You can add various media files into a self-looping banner/logo.

Right Click on this component to see the properties available:

Lgog

Features:

· Adding of various media types as a Banner

· Setting an interval time for Images

· Can add multiple Logo/Banner components in a single screen

8.2.2.6 TV/Video In Component

This component requires a TV capture card to be installed on the player. You will need to use the software of the TV Capture Card to Tune the TV Programs. From then, you may use the TV Component to change Channels of your Digital Signage.

Video In and USB Cameras are also supported (unchecked the TV Card Option to support Video Card).

8.2.2.7 Interactive Component

You can add an Interactive Content from a website or web based Interactive from a specific Site. Additional Touch Panel Hardware has to be added to your display for interaction.

To add an interactive content, select Background Media and a Dialog Box will pop up.

Bob_addWebsite

Notes:

· You can add web page from a local file system

· MediaFusion uses the IE engine and inherits available plug-ins from the IE it runs on

· Ensure all Scheduler PC, Player Designer PC and Player PC’s IE has the required plug-ins

· Pop ups are restricted on the interactive component

8.2.2.8 Audio Component

This component will not display on the Player when exported. It adds background music loops to the player.

There are 2 modes of play, Sequence or Random.

To Add MP3 or Wav, select Background Audio

BackgroudAudio

AddMP3

8.2.2.9 RSS Feed

This component allows you to place popular on-line RSS feeds. Player CPU will need to have Internet connections for RSS feed.

The options are similar to Ticker Text Component.

To include a RSS feed, select RSS Address option.

RSSOptions

Type in the RSS address of the intended feed.

You can also set the Line Interval between 2 news by pixels

Note(s):

· RSS Check Interval(s) – This depict the number of seconds duration to check for new RSS feeds

8.2.2.10 Streaming Component

You can place a Streaming Component. It allows a streaming server to stream a feed directly to the player display.

To add a feed, select Streaming Server. (Please also ensure there is a streaming server set up on your network –LAN or Internet)

Stream-Serve

Insert the address of the MMS feed.

StreamserverMMS

8.2.2.11 Event Board Component

This component has built-in Event Board Functions. Event Board displays all available events on the date of the airing. It will also automatically remove the event information if the end time of the event is reached.

Right Click on this component to see the properties available:

Features:

· You can preset “No Event” messages or Media when there is no event

· Add images as background for the Event Board

· Adjust the font size and font types

· Capable of displaying Unicode fonts and multi-language support

· Event Information are inputted from the Scheduler end, information will only show all events in the current day

· Auto-Wipe the events which are already over on the current day

8.2.2.12 Ballroom Board Component

This component has built-in Function Room / Ballroom Board Functions. It will show the Event Information if it is currently held at that particular Ballroom or Function Room. There are 3 states for the Ballroom Board:

· Idle State: No Events currently held at that venue and no scheduled media available, Screen plays idle media content

· Ballroom Occupied State: Event is currently held at the ballroom. Event details are shown on the Board. Can also include Company Logo and Slide Shows on the Board.

· Scheduled Media: No Event but a scheduled media can be sent by the Scheduler to instruct it to narrowcast contents.

The order of the precedence is:

1^st Priority:

Event Information at that ballroom/function room

2^nd Priority:

Unoccupied and hence it reverts to the normal media schedules

3^rd Priority:

No Events, No Scheduled Media and will revert to a pre-defined list of media

Right Click on this component to see the properties available:

Ballroom

Features:

· No manual intervention is needed when the ballroom switches states

· Event Information inputted at Scheduler once and all the information and timing are handled and automated by the Server

· Adjust the font size and font types

· Capable of displaying Unicode fonts and multi-language support

8.2.2.13 Company Logo Component

This component is to be used together with Ballroom Component (See section 7.2.2.7 ). It allows the user to determine the size and positioning of the Company Logo on the Ballroom Board.

CompanyLogo

8.2.2.14 Advertise by Schedule

You can place multiple instances of ADVERTISE BY SCHEDULE Component to the Player Template. These allow you to have additional Media Schedules other than the main SCHEDULE MEDIA Component.

Drag and Drop an Advertise by Schedule Component.

You can set an ID of this component by selecting ID option after you right click on this component.

This helps to visually identify the Component, as you can have multiple instances of this Component.

You can give a friendly name to your Advertise by Schedule Component in this Dialog Box

The Component will be labeled with this ID

Scheduling the Advertise by Schedule Component:

On the Right Click Option Menu, select “Schedule by Playlist” option.

The Right Panel shows a calendar interface for creating a schedule

The Left Panel

Shows all the available Playlists created

An Advertisement Scheduling Dialog box will appear. This interface is very similar to the MF SCHEDULER’s scheduling Interface.

To Add a Playlist, click on the “Add Playlist” Button.

An Edit Playlist Dialog will appear.

Right Panel shows all available media in the MEDIA LIBRARY RESOURCES

Input the playlist name in the text area

Input the name of the Playlist in the “Name” field to start creating a playlist.

From the directory tree of the right panel, Drag and Drop the selected media to the left panel, in the sequence you want the media to appear.

You can edit also the duration of each exposure (for STATIC media only), for video and FLASH movies, the duration are auto-detected.

You can also delete any of the media from the playlist. Click on the row of the selected media, and Right Click for the Delete Option.

You can also preview a specific media by choosing the Preview Option here.

Once your Playlist is edited, Click on OK Button

Once you are done creating your playlist click on OK button.

To set a schedule for this component, simply Drag and Drop the available playlists on the left panel to the Calendar area (right).

Notes:

· The Steps here will be similar to MF SCHEDULER

· Playlists created here are also available in MF SCHEDULER

Setting of Recurrence:

You can also set the recurrences to each playlist. This step is the same as MF SCHEDULER found here 6.2.2.2.2 SCHEDULING MEDIA

8.2.2.15 Advertise by Exposure

ADVERTISE BY EXPOSURE gives you an alternative to schedule your media by number of times it appears in a specified “Day-Duration”. You can place multiple instances of ADVERTISE BY EXPOSURE Component to the Player Template. These allow you to have additional Media Schedule other than the main SCHEDULE MEDIA Component.

Advertise by Exposure lets you schedule by Exposures instead of a specified time. You can define a set of media on a playlist that will air a specified number of times. The media will be distributed evenly on the Air Duration Set.

Key Points:

· Schedule media by Exposures

· Media are distributed evenly, this distribution is automatically calculated by the Scheduler

· You can add different sets of playlists with different exposures

· Another option in Scheduling

· Visually, you can see if you have over load an exposure schedule

· Proof of Play Log available at the Player Log file and also at the server. (Read this section on 12.5.6 Where to find The Proof-of-Play Log)

Drag and Drop an Advertise by Exposure Component.

You can set an ID of this component by selecting ID option after you right click on this component.

This helps to visually identify the Component, as you can have multiple instances of this Component.

The Component will be labeled with this ID

Right Click and Select Schedule by Exposure:

An “Air Time Duration” Dialog will appear. This helps you define your daily air time duration or scheduling day.

Please note, once you set this, all Advertise By Exposure components in this template will follow this time setting. You can also change this setting anytime, however, please take note that it will affect your number of exposures.

In this example we will define an Air Time starting from 09:00hrs to 23:00hrs. This defines a air time day.

Once you have clicked on the OK button, you will see the Calendar Interface with a time line starting from 09:00hrs to 23:00 hrs (The Air Time Setting defined earlier).

A Simple Work Flow is formulated in this example.

Suppose you have 2 groups of customers who would like to advertise on your screens. One Group wants 50 exposures a day and another 20 exposures a day.

STEP 1: Group Your Media By Exposure Numbers (Creating Playlist)

Click on “Add Playlist Button” to create this Playlist of media that requires 50 Exposures a Day.

Click OK to set this Playlist 50-Exp_PL

In the below screen, we also created a Playlist for which requires 20 Exposures a day.

STEP 2: Creating a Schedule Base on Exposure

Drag and Drop the created playlist on the time line. In this case, we work on 50-Exp_PL.

Mouse over the Playlist and in the Tool Tip Dialog you will see the details of this media. Since the number of exposure for this Playlist is supposed to be 50 times, you will need to manually set the exposures by right-click and select “Edit”:

A Recurrence Dialog Box will appear:

Click on “OK” button and you will see the adjusted playlist on the timeline.

Notes:

· The space available on the calendar reflects that there are still enough slots for other playlists

Do likewise for the playlist with 20 Exposure. Once dragged to the calendar interface, it will give default duration on 2hrs. In this case, it will have 39 exposures. However, what we wanted is only 20 Exposures. This can be easily edited under EDIT option.

Under Edit, change the Number of Exposures to 20, the Duration will automatically be changed

Notes:

· In this example, the slots available for this Air Time Duration are not completely used up, you may still add more playlist of various times of exposures

There are still available slots on the timeline. More slots can be added until the timeline is filled up

· For Slots which are not completely filled, a Default media can be selected here.

STEP 3: Setting Recurrences

You can also set the recurrences to each playlist. This step is the same as MF SCHEDULER found here 6.2.2.2.2 SCHEDULING MEDIA

8.2.2.16 Data Component

DATA COMPONENT lets you place dynamic data from any MS SQL database. These gives you the flexibility of having more ways to place real data or dynamic data on the screen.

Drag a data component to the player designer right panel.

You will see a component with “System Under Maintenance”. This is because either you have not set up your data component properly or the database is not connected.

Right Click to see the available settings in Data Component.

To Set Up Database Linkage:

Right Click and Select Data Settings:

Click on “Setting” button

Set your SQL Server and select the Authentication methods, and user ID and Password.

Select the Database to be used by the server you selected. (This is just an example)
Click on Test Connection Button to ensure that it can connect with your configured connection strings. Click OK when Done.