Signage Player
Management Software
User’s Guide
Before operating the software, please read this manual thoroughly and retain it for future reference.
VSP-BZ10
Version 1.10 and Later
4-277-824-14 (1)
2
NOTICE TO USERS
© 2011 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved. This manual or the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated or reduced to any machine readable form without prior written approval from Sony Corporation.
SONY CORPORATION PROVIDES NO WARRANTY WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL, THE
SOFTWARE OR OTHER INFORMATION
CONTAINED HEREIN AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE OR SUCH OTHER INFORMATION. IN NO EVENT SHALL SONY CORPORATION BE LIABLE FOR ANY
INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON TORT,
CONTRACT, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE OR OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN OR THE USE THEREOF.
Sony Corporation reserves the right to make any
modification to this manual or the information contained herein at any time without notice.
The software described herein may also be governed by the terms of a separate user license agreement.
Note on Copyrighted Content
Content data used for playout, such as video, still images, and text, may be copyrighted. Unauthorized distribution and/or playout of such content may be contrary to the provisions of the copyright laws.
Also, the system allows you to use the fonts installed on the computer to create text content. Such fonts are copyrighted. Authorization or right of transmission is required to use them for playout.
Trademark Notice
• BRAVIA is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation. • Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista, Windows Media, DirectX, DirectShow, PowerPoint, and Internet Explorer are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
• Flash is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. • Other system names, product names and company
names appearing in this manual may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. In this manual such names are not indicated by ® or ™ symbols.
Table of Contents
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Overview
Playout Workflow...7
Simple Scheduling Playout ... 7
Schedule Playout ... 8
Features ... 9
Functions of the Management Software... 9
Content Formats that the Management Software Handles ... 9
System Configuration Example... 10
System Requirements ... 11
Personal Computer ... 11
Required Software ... 11
Notes on Other Software Applications... 12
Main Window... 13
Chapter 2 Preparations
Setup WorkFlow... 15
Setting Up the Network ... 16
Assigning and Specifying IP Addresses for Each Player... 16
Setting Up the Computer ... 16
Specifying an IP Address for the Computer... 16
Specifying the Internet Explorer Settings ... 17
Installing the Management Software ... 18
Starting and Exiting the Management Software ... 19
Starting the Management Software ... 19
Exiting the Management Software ... 19
Setting Up the System Using the Easy Setting Wizard ... 20
Chapter 3 Content Preparation
Add Content Window ... 23
Registering and Creating Content Files ... 25
Registering a Video, Still Image, or Audio File... 25
Creating/Editing Text ... 27
4
Table of ContentsChapter 4 Playlist Editing
Edit Playlist Window... 31
Creating and Editing a Playlist ... 34
Opening a Playlist ... 35
Adding Content Items ... 35
Editing a Playlist ... 36
Saving an Edited Playlist... 36
Attaching Schedule Information to a Playlist and
Distributing It... 37
Attaching Schedule Information to the Playlist ... 37
Distributing the Playlist via a Network ... 37
Distributing the Playlist Using a USB Flash Drive ... 38
Chapter 5 Scheduling
Edit Schedule Window ... 39
Items Shown on the Time Table... 43
Creating and Editing a Schedule... 44
Opening a Schedule... 44
Adding Playlists, Text Items, and Control Items ... 44
Editing a Schedule... 45
Specifying Schedule Information ... 45
Saving the Edited Schedule ... 46
Chapter 6 Distribution
Distribute Window ... 47
Distributing Schedules to Players ... 49
Selecting Schedules to Be Distributed ... 49
Distributing Schedules via a Network... 50
Distributing Schedules Using a USB Flash Drive... 50
Chapter 7 Interrupt Playout
Interrupt Playout Window ... 52
Interrupting Playout... 54
Distributing RSS Feeds ... 56
Registering RSS Feeds ... 56
Table of Contents
5
Verifying Players for which RSS Feeds are Distributed ... 57
Distributing RSS Feeds ... 57
Chapter 8 Maintenance
Maintenance Window ... 59
Checking and Deleting Content from Players... 61
Rebooting Players ... 62
Chapter 9 Settings
Settings Window ... 63
Adding/Deleting Players or Modifying Player Settings After
Starting Operation ... 66
Adding a Player ... 66
Deleting a Player ... 67
Changing a Player’s Settings... 68
Changing Other Player-Related Settings ... 69
Chapter 10 Other Operations
Deleting Content from the Storage Area of a Player ... 70
From a Player that Receives Content via a Network... 70
From a Player that Receives Content Using a USB Flash Drive ... 70
Data Backup ... 71
Backing Up Content, Playlists, Schedules and System/
Player Settings ... 71
Replacing the Computer ... 71
Uninstalling the Management Software... 72
Glossary ... 73
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6
Overview
This manual describes the operations of the Signage Player Management Software that is supplied with the VSP-BZ10 Digital Signage Player. The VSP-BZ10 player is called a “player” in this manual.
The Signage Player Management Software (herein referred to as the “management software”) manages up to ten players.
The management software is designed to manage systems that distribute audio, visual, and text (i.e., superimposed text and graphics) content to the players, and then play that content, such as sales promotional videos at stores or commercial videos in public places.
The management software supports either landscape or portrait orientation of display devices. Also, it distributes content not only via a network but also using USB flash drives, which enables digital signage even in places where there is no network infrastructure.
The main tasks of the management software, such as registering content, and creating playlists and schedules, can be performed by simple drag & drop operations.
Read the Operating Instructions of the VSP-BZ10 player and the display device, too, for details on operations of the system.
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Playout WorkflowChapt
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Playout Workflow
The VSP-BZ10 players enable various playout routines in combination with management software or alone.
When this management software is used with the VSP-BZ10 players, the following major playout routines are available.
Installation and setup operations are required before starting operations shown in the flowcharts.
See “Preparations” on page 15 for details.
Simple Scheduling Playout
When you want simply to repeat a single playlist, you can attach schedule information to the playlist, and distribute it. This playout routine is referred to as “simple scheduling playout.” It enables simple playout with fewer steps to perform than schedule playout, which is described in the next section.
The following flowchart shows the simple scheduling playout operation.
Note
Computer with the management software
VSP-BZ10 player Playlist
Use USB flash drives for distribution Use network
for distribution
Prepare content (see page 25)
Register video, still images, and audio files.
Create a playlist (see page 34) Add content to a playlist according to the playout order.
Save the playlist (see page 36)
Attach schedule information to the playlist (see page 37)
• Specify target player(s).
• Specify period and day(s) of the week when the playlist is to be used.
• Specify the time when the playlist is to be used.
Export to a USB flash drive
(see page 38)
Export the playlist to a USB flash drive.
You can export playlists for more than one players using one USB flash drive.
Distribute to the player(s)
(see page 37)
Distribute the playlist to the players.
Copy to a player
(Refer to the Operating Instructions of the player)
Plug the USB flash drive into the USB port of the player.
Content, playlists, and settings are copied automatically.
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Playout Workflow
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Schedule Playout
When you want to use text and control items, and/or to combine more than one playlist, arrange them on the time table of a day. This time table is referred to as a “schedule” in the management software, and playout using schedules is referred to as “schedule playout.”
The following flowchart shows the schedule playout operation.
Schedule consisting of playlists, text, and control items
Computer with the management software
VSP-BZ10 player
Create a schedule (see page 44) • Specify target player(s).
• Add playlists, text, and control items to the schedule.
• Specify period and day(s) of the week when the schedule is to be used.
Prepare content (see page 25) • Register video, still images, and audio
items.
• Create text items.
Create playlists (see page 34)
Add content to each playlist according to the playout order.
Save the playlists (see page 36)
Use network for distribution
Use USB flash drives for distribution
Export to a USB flash drive
(see page 49)
Export the schedule to a USB flash drive.
You can export schedules for more than one players using one USB flash drive.
Distribute to the player(s)
(see page 49)
Distribute the schedule to the players.
Copy to a player
(Refer to the Operating Instructions of the player) Plug the USB flash drive into a USB port of the player.
Content, playlists, schedules, and settings are copied automatically.
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Features
Functions of the Management
Software
The management software provides the following functions:
Making settings required for content distribution
• Registering the players • Player Settings
Registering content to be played on a player
• Registering content, such as video, still images, and audio files, that have been created using other application software
• Creating text content
Creating playlists and playout schedules for players
• Creating playlists
Specifying combinations of the content to be played and their playout order.
• Creating a schedule
Listing playlists and text content, and specifying when they should be played.
Commands for controlling the player that are provided by the management software, can be listed on a schedule, too.
Distribution to a player
• Distribution of schedules
When using a network for the distribution of schedules, the player automatically downloads the necessary data from the computer.
When using a USB flash drive for distribution, export the necessary data to the USB flash drive, and copy that data to the player after connecting the USB flash drive to the target player.
• Interrupt playout (only for players connected to a network)
Playout currently being performed on the players will be interrupted by newly distributed content shown over the ongoing playout.
• RSS distribution (only for players connected to a network)
Register RSS feeds for distribution. • Checking distribution status
• A player never downloads items that have already been stored on it, so that time and bandwidth will not be wasted.
• Players support an auto-resume function for
downloading. If a connection fails during distribution, each player resumes downloading from that point where it was interrupted.
System maintenance
• Configuring the system password of each player • Rebooting of each player
The following functions are enabled only on players connected to a network.
• Checking the status of each player
• Checking files stored in the storage of each player, and deleting ones that are no longer necessary
• Interrupt playout • RSS distribution
Content Formats that the
Management Software Handles
The management software handles the following content formats:
1)You can convert Microsoft PowerPoint files (.ppt, .pptx) and Flash files
(.swf, .flv) into MPEG2 files using Signage Animation Converter (see page 25).
Refer to the specification document for information on limitations and details on each content format.
2)When you use Signage RSS Navigator (see page 56), you can receive
news, weather, and other information in RSS (Rich Site Summary / RDF Site Summary) format, and convert the information into text format. This tool periodically checks whether the RSS feed has been updated, and automatically distributes the most recent information.
Hints
Type Format
Video1) • MPEG2 PS
Profile/Level: MP@ML
Audio: MPEG1 Audio Layer 2 (MP2) • MPEG2 TS
Profile/Level: MP@HL
Audio: MPEG1 Audio Layer 2 (MP2) • H.264/AVC
Profile/Level: BP@L3, MP@L4, HP@L4 Audio: AAC
Still image • JPEG • PNG • BMP
Text2) Captions that you create with the management software by specifying the characters, color, font, and other attributes. You can also specify PNG files as text content.
Audio • MPEG1/2 Audio Layer3 (MP3) • AAC
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System Configuration Example
The following illustration shows a basic example of a system. The management software supports two types of distribution: via a network and using USB flash drives.
Network (Internet/LAN)
Computer
(Running the Management Software)
VSP-BZ10
Digital Signage Player
Display device VSP-BZ10
Digital Signage Player
Display device USB flash drive
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System Requirements
Personal Computer
PC/AT or compatible computer that meets the following minimum requirements:
(Home-built computers, computers on which the pre-installed OS has been replaced, and Macintosh computers cannot be used.)
OS
• Windows XP Professional Service Pack3 (32-bit) English edition
• Windows XP Professional Service Pack3 (32-bit) Japanese edition
• Windows Vista Business Service Pack2 (32-bit/64-bit) English edition
• Windows Vista Business Service Pack2 (32-bit/64-bit) Japanese edition
• Windows 7 Professional Service Pack1 (32-bit/64-bit) English edition
• Windows 7 Professional Service Pack1 (32-bit/64-bit) Japanese edition
The software applications have not been tested on any other operating systems.
CPU
Processor 1 GHz (2 GHz recommended)
Memory
1 GB of installed RAM (2 GB recommended) At least 2 GB of RAM is required to use Signage Animation Converter.
HDD
100 MB of hard disk space on the system drive available upon installation. The system drive is the drive where Windows has been installed.
However, if Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 is not installed, it will be installed automatically, together with the management software, requiring 700 MB (max.) of free disk space.
Network (if connected to the players via a network)
Equipped with a network interface
If multiple network interfaces exist, select the interface to use with the “Adapter” setting in the “Player Settings” window (see page 21).
An Internet connection or local network connection is required for communication with the players.
• If you send data over the Internet, it is recommended that you take appropriate security measures, such as using a VPN.
• Do not access a single player from two or more management software applications.
Note on firewall settings of the computer
Set up the firewall to allow sending and receiving of data using the following combinations of the protocols and port numbers, or any data communication involving this software application.
* This port number is the default setting. You can change the setting in the System Settings pane of the Settings window.
If this software is installed in Windows 7, Windows Time Service will be configured to start automatically.
Sound card
A Microsoft-DirectX9.0c-compatible card
Display card and screen resolution
A Microsoft-DirectX9.0c-compatible card
1024 × 768 screen resolution, and 32-bit color mode
• Leave the default setting (“Normal size (96 DPI)”) unchanged in the DPI setting.
• Depending on the screen size of the computer, part of the window may be hidden by the taskbar. Select the “Auto-hide the taskbar” option in the Windows taskbar properties window, in such a case.
Required Software
• When using Signage Animation Converter, Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 or later is required to convert PowerPoint files, and Adobe Flash Player 8 is required to convert Flash files.
• Adobe Reader is required to view manuals.
Operation is not guaranteed for all computers, even if they comply with the recommended environment.
Notes
Port No. Protocol Used to:
123/udp NTP Synchronize the clock of a player to this computer’s.
4980*/tcp HTTP Communicate with a player.
Note
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Notes on Other Software
Applications
• Operation is not guaranteed if another software application is operated simultaneously with the management software.
• Avoid high CPU utilization rate operations, such as scanning the computer with antivirus software, while the management software is being operated.
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Main Window
The following illustration shows an example of the main window of the management software. The “Add Content” window is selected in this example.
a Menu bar
Provides menus for carrying out the tasks that are related to the entire range of operations of the management software. By selecting a menu item, commands contained in the selected menu are displayed.
File menu
Tools menu 2Operation guide
1Menu bar
3Operation window area
Command Description
Open Data Folder
Opens a window of the data folder in which all content, playlists,
schedules, and settings are stored.
Exit Ends operations of the management
software and closes the window.
Command Description
Signage Animation Converter
Starts Signage Animation Converter, allowing you to convert PowerPoint files or Flash files into MPEG2 files. Signage RSS
Navigator
Starts Signage RSS Navigator, allowing you configure settings for distributing RSS/Atom-format information received via the network to the player as text.
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Help menu
b Operation guide
Provides buttons corresponding to the main tasks of the management software. Selecting a button displays a window used for the operation of the corresponding task in the operation window area.
• The management software does not allow you to click the operation guide buttons during distribution. • Do not delete the data folders, as doing so may result in malfunctions during startup of the management software.
c Operation window area
Displays the window, according to the selected operation guide button. In the example above, the
button is selected, hence the “Add Content” window is displayed.
This area may be divided into several panes,
depending on the displayed window. You can drag a border line of a pane to expand/narrow the pane.
See chapter 3 and after for details on each window displayed in the operation window area.
Command Description
Error Code List, Specifications
Displays the corresponding document.
Update Connects to the Internet, and checks whether software updates are available.
About Displays the version number and other information of the management software.
Notes
Button Description
Displays the “Add Content” window. You can register or create content to be played on the players in this window.
Displays the “Edit Playlist” window. You can create and edit playlists by specifying the combination and playout order of the content items in this window.
Displays the “Edit Schedule” window. You can create and edit playout schedules by listing playlists, text, and control items in this window. Displays the “Distribute” window. You can distribute the selected playout schedule with the content and playlists required for playout to players in this window.
Displays the “Interrupt Playout” window. You can distribute a new content item and play it immediately over the playout currently performed on the players.
Displays the “Maintenance” window which lists all the players, showing the errors that have occurred and the remaining storage capacity of each player. From this window, you can check the content files stored on each player, and delete some of them to increase available storage capacity.
You can also reboot each player in this window.
Displays the “Settings” window. This window provides setup items related to the entire system.
You can also register new players in the management software, edit or delete player registration in this window.
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Preparations
Setup WorkFlow
The following flowchart shows an example of the operations required when the system is installed:
Use a network
For players receiving content via a network Connect players to display devices.
Set up the network
(see page 16)
Install the management software on the computer (see page 18)
Start the management software
(see page 19)
Specify the following system settings;
• Location of the data folder. • Schedule start time
The settings are sent to the players. For details, refer to the
VSP-BZ10 Installation Manual.
Repeat for as many players as you are using
Register players in the management software.
Do not use a network
Set up the computer
(see page 16)
When a playlist or schedule is exported to a USB flash drive, the settings, too, are copied to the USB flash drive
automatically. Click [Send and Complete] or [Complete].
For players receiving content using USB flash drives
Easy Setting Wizard
(see page 20) Make a note of serial numbers
of the players that will receive content using USB flash drives.
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Setting Up the Network
When you intend to use a network for distribution, players should be assigned with IP addresses, and connected to a network.
Assigning and Specifying IP
Addresses for Each Player
Each player requires two IP addresses: one for Signage Web Manager (IP Address 1), and the other for content playout (IP Address 2).
Assign two IP addresses for each player. All IP addresses must be unique.
Refer to the Operating Instruction of the player for details on IP address settings.
Make a note of IP addresses 1 and 2 specified for each device. You will need to enter these addresses to register the player in the management software.
Setting Up the Computer
When you intend to use a network for distribution, specify a static IP address to the computer on which the
management software will be installed, and make the required settings related to Internet Explorer.
Specifying an IP Address for the
Computer
In this system, the computer that will be running the management software should have a static IP address, rather than obtaining an IP address automatically, as each player will download content from this computer upon content distribution.
In a system configuration where data is sent and received between the players and the computer via the Internet, a global IP address must be used for the computer.
If the computer and players are connected by a LAN only, you may use a private IP address.
For details about the network addresses that you can use, ask your network administrator.
1
Click the Windows “Start” button, then click [Control Panel].The “Control Panel” window appears.
2
In the “Control Panel” window, click the “View network status and tasks” link in the “Network and Internet” block.The “Control Panel” window changes to the “Network and Sharing Center” window.
When the “Classic View” of the “Control Panel” window is chosen, double-click the “Network and Sharing Center” icon to open the “Network and Sharing Center” window.
Hint
Note
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Click the “View status” link displayed on the right. The “Local Area Connection Status” window appears.4
Click [Properties].The “Local Area Connection Properties” window appears.
5
Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4),” then click [Properties].The “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties” window appears.
6
Enter the IP address for the computer in the “IP address” text box, for example, “192.168.0.10.” When you click the “Subnet mask” text box, the subnet mask that corresponds to the entered IP address appears.7
Enter the IP address of the default gateway to be used, if necessary, in the “Default gateway” text box.8
Click [OK] in the “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/ IPv4) Properties” window, and then click [OK] in the “Local Area Connection Properties” window.Both windows close.
9
Close the “Local Area Connection Status” window by clicking [Close], and then close the “Network and Sharing Center” window by clicking the button.Specifying the Internet Explorer
Settings
During communication with the players, the management software uses the web browser (Internet Explorer) settings. Make the required settings as follows.
The illustrations used in the following steps are those of Internet Explorer Version 7.0. The procedure is the same even if you are using another version of Internet Explorer.
1
Start the web browser (Internet Explorer). The Internet Explorer window appears.2
Click [Tools] on the menu bar, then click [Internet Options] from the pull down menu.The “Internet Options” window appears.
3
Click the “Connections” tab. The following window appears.4
Click [LAN Settings].The “Local Area Network (LAN) Settings” window appears.
5
Make the following settings in the “Local Area Network (LAN) Settings” window.“View status” link
Note
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When a proxy server is not to be used on the network that is used during operation
When a proxy server is to be used on the network that is used during operation
The “Internet Options” window returns.
6
Click [OK] in the “Internet Options” window.Installing the
Management Software
Next, install the management software on the computer.
Installation must be done by a Windows computer administrator.
1
Insert the installation CD-ROM supplied with the player into the CD drive.2
Double-click the “Setup.exe” file stored on the installation CD.The installer starts.
If a confirmation message from Windows appears, click [Continue] or [Allow].
3
Install the software according to the instructions given by the wizard displayed on the screen.When a license agreement document is displayed, read it thoroughly, click “I accept the terms in the license agreement,” and continue installation.
4
At the end of the installation process, click [Finish] according to the instructions given by the wizard.1Remove all check marks.
2Click [OK].
1Remove check marks.
2Place a check mark.
3Make settings according to the instructions of your network administrator.
4Click [OK].
Note
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Starting and Exiting the
Management Software
A Windows “limited” user is not allowed to operate the management software.
Starting the Management Software
Double-click the “Signage Player Management Software” shortcut on the Windows desktop.
The main window of the management software opens, allowing you to use the software.
• When you start the software for the first time after installation, the “Easy Setting Wizard” appears automatically instead. Proceed according to the instructions given by the wizard to set up the system.
See “Setting Up the System Using the Easy Setting Wizard” on page 20 for details on the “Easy Setting Wizard.”
• When you start the management software in Windows 7 or Windows Vista, a window requesting confirmation on whether to allow running of the HTTP server appears. Click [Continue].
Exiting the Management Software
Click [File] > [Exit] on the menu bar of the main window.
The main window of the management software closes, and the software terminates.
If there is an unsaved item or unsent changes of settings, or when the management software is communicating with a player, a confirmation message appears.
Click [Yes] to save the item or send the settings, if necessary.
Provided distribution has been finished, content will be played automatically according to playlists and schedules, even after the management software is terminated.
If the management software should fail, restart Windows to stop the background processes that remain operating.
Note
Notes
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Setting Up the System
Using the Easy Setting
Wizard
When the management software is started for the first time after being installed, the “Easy Setting Wizard” will start automatically.
Set up the following items using this wizard before you start operating the management software.
• Location of the data folder in which all content, playlists, schedules, and settings will be stored
• Orientation (landscape or portrait) of the display devices to be used
• Start time of the schedule for a day
• Players to be managed by the management software
• The location of the data folder and the start time of the schedule for a day are fundamental settings for system operations. It is not possible to modify these two later. To modify them, you must initialize the player and reinstall the software before specifying the new settings. The data you are using, such as content and playlists, will not be available after reinstallation.
Refer to the Operating Instructions of the player for details on initializing the player.
• When setting the location of the data folder, specify a location for which users of the management software will have access privileges.
1
When the welcome screen of the wizard is displayed as shown in the image above, click [Next].The next screen appears, asking the location of the data folder.
2
Specify the desired location of the data folder, either by entering its path, or clicking [Browse] and selecting the folder, then click [Next].The management software will store all the data in this data folder.
The next screen appears asking the orientation of the display devices.
3
Select “Landscape” or “Portrait,” then click [Next] The next screen appears asking the start time of the schedule (time table) of each day.4
Specify the desired time (24-hour system) using the “Time” drop-down list boxes, then click [Next]. The next player registration screen appears.The management software regards 24 hours starting from the specified Schedule Start Time as a single schedule day.
Playout of any item must be scheduled within one schedule day. Playout starting on a certain schedule day cannot end on another schedule day.
Notes
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5
Click [Add] to register a player.The “Player Settings” window appears.
6
Register one of the players you use in this window.For a player receiving content via a network
Select the “Network Operation” option button, enter the following data in the respective fields, then click [Connect].
1)If you change this setting, restart each player after sending the
settings to the players.
The management software checks the connection between the player and the computer. If a connection is established, information on that player, such as the serial number and size of the storage, is displayed in the “Player Settings” window.
Under factory default settings, IP address 1 and 2 are automatically acquired via DHCP.
The subnet mask and default gateway settings can be changed using “Signage Web Manager.”
To check the settings for IP address 1 and IP address 2, press the INFO button on the player while the player is connected to a display.
For a player receiving content using a USB flash drive
Select the “USB Flash Drive Operation” option button, if any, then enter the following data in the respective fields.
1)If you change this setting, restart each player after copying the
settings to the players.
7
Click [OK] in the “Player Settings” window. The window closes.Item Description
Player Name Name used to identify the player.
You can use up to 100 characters in a player name. However, the following symbols cannot be used.
\ / : * ? " < > | Display
Orientation1)
Orientation in which the display device is installed.
Display Model
Select from Sony public displays, BRAVIA, and other models. Playout
Mode1)
Select from AVOUT Auto, HD15
1080p60, HD15 1080p50, HD15 720p60, or HD15 720p50.
Time Zone1) Time zone in which the player will be placed for operation.
IP Address 1 IP address used for Signage Web Manager.
IP Address 2 IP address used for playout operations.
All IP addresses must be unique in a network segment.
Adapter Network adapter used for communication with the players.
Enable RSS distribution
Enable text distribution via Signage RSS Navigator.
When this is enabled, interrupt playout from the management software is disabled.
Hint
Item Description
Player Name Name used to identify the player.
You can use up to 100 characters in a player name. However, the following symbols cannot be used.
\ / : * ? " < > | Display
Orientation1)
Orientation in which the display device is installed.
Display Model
Select from Sony public displays, BRAVIA, and other models. Playout
Mode1)
Select from AVOUT Auto, HD15
1080p60, HD15 1080p50, HD15 720p60, or HD15 720p50.
Time Zone1) Time zone in which the player will be placed for operation.
Serial No. The serial number of the player.
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Setting Up the System Using the Easy Setting WizardChap
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Repeat steps 5 to 7 to register another player. You can register up to ten players in total.When all players have been registered, click [Next].
The next screen, for confirmation of the registered players, appears.
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Check the displayed settings, then click [Send and Complete] or [Complete].Setup with “Easy Setting Wizard” is complete. The settings you made are sent to the players connected to the network.
For players that will receive content using a USB flash drive, the settings are saved in the management software for now. They will be automatically copied when content, playlists, and schedules are exported to a USB flash drive for distribution, and transferred to the player.
If connection between the player and the computer fails
When you click [Connect] in step 6, the management software checks the connection between the player and the computer. You can register the player even if connection cannot be established at that time.
In the “Player Settings” window, such a player is displayed with a “–” mark in its “Connect” column. Once network communication has succeeded, a “o” mark is displayed instead, and the player will be able to be used.
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Content Preparation
Add Content Window
Clicking the button of the operation guide displays the “Add Content” window. This window is used for content preparation, that is, registering video/still images and audio files, and creating text items.
The following illustration shows an example of the “Add Content” window. It has only the “My Collection Folder” pane.
My Collection Folder pane
The “My Collection Folder” pane shows the content that is registered in the management software. This pane enables you to register or create new content items, too.
The pane has a thumbnail view and a detail view, and consists of three parts.
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a Toolbar
Provides buttons corresponding to the functions related to content registration and creation.
b Tree
Shows the “Content” folder in the “My Collection” folder. This “Content” folder is provided to store content items. Besides the “Content” folder, there are three other folders provided to store playlists, schedules, and control commands respectively, but they are not shown in the “My Collection Folder” pane in the “Add Content” window.
Each folder can contain one or more sub folders.
You can create a sub folder in these folders to manage content items. Up to 30 levels can be created in the sub folder directory hierarchy.
Clicking a folder on the tree selects that folder, then the sub folders and the items in it appear on the content list.
c Content list
Shows the sub folders and items contained in the currently selected folder.
The buttons on the toolbar allow you to switch between the following two content list views: • Detail view
Information on the items, such as the file names and sizes is displayed as a list.
You can sort the items on the list by clicking a column title. For example, to sort the items by size, click “Size.” Clicking the same column title switches between ascending and descending orders for the listing.
• Thumbnail view
Thumbnail pictures or icons and the file names are displayed.
A thumbnail picture is basically displayed for a video or still image item. However, if the management software cannot obtain a thumbnail picture of a video file, the video icon will be displayed instead.
Besides the thumbnail pictures, the following icons are used for the items.
When you are going to perform an operation with a content item, playlist, or schedule, first select the desired item, then use one of the buttons on the toolbar.
Button Description
Opens the “My Document” folder window to enable you to register content files.
Moves up to the previous level on the tree.
Creates a new folder in the currently selected folder.
Opens the “Move to” window to specify the destination folder for moving the selected item.
Deletes the selected item after showing a confirmation message.
Opens the “Properties” window for the selected content item.
Opens the “Edit Text” window to create a new text item.
Opens the “Edit Graphical Text” window to specify a PNG file and create a new text item. Opens the “Edit Text” window or “Edit Graphical Text” window to edit the currently selected text item (text or PNG).
Selects the thumbnail view.
Selects the detail view.
2Tree
3Content list
1Toolbar
Icon Description
Video item (Displayed for a video item if its thumbnail picture cannot be obtained.) Text item
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Registering and Creating
Content Files
Clicking the button of the operation guide displays the “Add Content” window.
Content to be played on the players should be registered or created in the “My Collection Folder” pane.
See “Add Content Window” on page 23 for details on the window.
The procedure for registering or creating content varies, depending on the type of content.
Registering a Video, Still Image, or
Audio File
To use video, still image, or audio content, register the files created using other programs.
See “Content Formats that the Management Software Handles” on page 9 for details on the types of files that can be used for playout.
• Create content for registration in the landscape
orientation. Content in the portrait orientation cannot be registered. When using a display that is oriented in the portrait position, register any portrait-oriented content on its side. You can then rotate this content and change its orientation for previewing when editing the playlist. • The management software displays the name of the
original file as the name of a content item, therefore two or more content items may exist with identical name. • You can use up to 25 ASCII characters in the file names. • If you move, delete, or rename registered content files
using Windows Explorer or other means, “No File” will appear when you display playlists that include these files, and these playlists cannot be distributed.
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Click the button of the operation guide. The “Add Content” window appears. It consists of the “My Collection Folder” pane only.2
Click the button on the toolbar. The “My Document” folder window opens.3
Display the folder in which the files to be registered are stored.The files in that folder are displayed.
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In the “My Collection Folder” pane of the “Add Content” window, select the folder in which you would like to register files.You can use the button on the toolbar to create a sub-folder, and register content files in it.
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Select the files to be registered in Windows Explorer.6
Move the selection to the “Add Content” window using a drag & drop operation.If you drag & drop PowerPoint files or Flash files, Signage Animation Converter will start automatically. You can use this tool to convert the PowerPoint or Flash files and register them as MPEG2 files.
See “To convert PowerPoint and Flash files into video” on page 25 for details.
The dropped files are copied to the data folder, and displayed in the “My Collection Folder” pane.
To convert PowerPoint and Flash files into video
Use Signage Animation Converter to convert PowerPoint files and Flash files into MPEG2 format video files for registration.
• If the CPU processing load on the computer is high during conversion of a PowerPoint file, the video and audio may not be synchronized properly. In addition, if the slide transitions in the PowerPoint file have been configured to include animated effects, the file may not convert to the specified playout duration.
• If a PowerPoint file includes video, the video portion will not be converted.
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• Do not configure switching effects for the first slide of a PowerPoint file. Configured effects will not be
converted.
• Specify [On-screen Show (4:3)] or [On-screen Show (16:9)] under [Page Setup] in the PowerPoint settings to configure the size of the slides in the PowerPoint file. If you specify any other size, the file cannot be converted. • If you are using Microsoft PowerPoint 2010 or later in
Windows Vista or Windows 7, PowerPoint file conversion may not be performed properly and a video of a blank white screen may result, depending on your operating environment. In such cases, changing the following settings to disable the Windows Aero function may enable proper conversion.
- Click “Control Panel” > “Appearance and
Personalization” > “Personalization” > “Change the theme,” and change the desktop theme to “Windows Classic.”
• If you are using Microsoft PowerPoint 2010 or later and you convert PowerPoint files with [Resolution/Format] set to [SD/NTSC] or [SD/PAL], the message, “End of slide show,” may appear at the end of the resulting video, depending on your operating environment. In such cases, perform one of the following procedures for configuration and conversion.
- Set [Resolution/Format] to [HD/60i] or [HD/50i] and perform conversion again.
- Insert a blank dummy page at the end of the slideshow, perform conversion, and then shorten the playout duration in the property configuration page of the video so that the dummy page will not be played. • If you are using Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 in Windows
Vista or Windows 7, PowerPoint files that include animations may not be properly converted, depending on your operating environment. In such cases, remove the animation effects or use PowerPoint 2010.
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Drag & drop the PowerPoint files or Flash files to the “Add Content” window.Signage Animation Converter appears. If Signage Animation Converter was already
displayed, you can drag & drop the files directly to the content list in Signage Animation Converter.
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Click the “Setup” button to display the “Output Setting” window, and configure the conversion settings.3
Click [OK].Item Description
Resolution/Format Specifies the image size and video format.
Select “HD/60i,” “HD/50i,” “SD/ NTSC,” or “SD/PAL.”
Rotate Video When this is enabled, content in the portrait orientation will be automatically converted into images for portrait display. However, .flv format files will not be converted.
Output Folder Click the “BROWSE” button to display the “Output Folder ” window, and specify the folder to which the images will be output. PowerPoint Slide
Duration
Specifies the playout duration for the PowerPoint file slides. You can specify a duration between 1 and 300 seconds.
This setting is not applied to slides for which animation is configured.
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Click [Start] in Signage Animation Converter. Video conversion starts. The progress and status of conversion is displayed in the content list.When conversion is complete, the content is automatically registered to the “My Collection” folder.
• The video resulting from conversion will include audio that was output from the computer during conversion, in addition to the audio included in the PowerPoint file. However, conversion will not be possible if you disable the computer’s audio.
• When you convert a Flash file for which playback starts automatically and cannot be paused or resumed, the playout duration after conversion will differ from that of the original file. When creating Flash files that will be converted, create them so that pause and resume controls are enabled. If you are unsure of whether a Flash file can be paused, play the Flash file in a Web browser, right-click the image, and check whether you can pause playback from the context menu.
In addition, if a check mark does not appear next to [Show All] in the context menu when you right-click the Flash file image in a Web browser, proper conversion to the resolution specified in Signage Animation Converter may not be possible for that Flash file.
• If you set [Resolution/Format] to [HD/60i] or [HD/50i] and convert a PowerPoint file, white lines may be included in the outer frames of the slides or parts of the image may not be displayed. In such cases, set
[Resolution/Format] to [SD/NTSC] or [SD/PAL], and convert the file again.
To specify duration for a video
The management software allows you to specify duration for a video item in its “Properties” window.
You can also modify the duration of a video item, using this procedure. When you shorten the duration, the remainder of the video item will be cut. When you extend the duration, the picture of the last frame will be displayed for the added duration.
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In the “Add Content” window, select the desired video item.2
Click the button on the toolbar.The “Properties” window appears, showing the properties for the selected video item.
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Click the button in the “Properties” window. The “Duration Setting” window appears.4
Specify the desired duration (hours, minutes, and seconds in the HH:MM:SS format) using the “Duration” drop-down list boxes, then click [OK].The “Duration Setting” window closes, and the specified duration is displayed in the “Properties” window.
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Click the button at the top right of the window to close the “Properties” window.Creating/Editing Text
Create text content, and specify the colors, font, size, and effects for the items.
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Click the button of the operation guide.2
Click the button on the toolbar to create a new text item.To edit an existing text item, select the item to be edited in the “My Collection Folder” pane, then click the button.
In either case, the “Edit Text” window appears. When editing a text item, the selected item appears in the window.
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Type the desired text or edit the text in the text box atthe top.
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Specify the properties as desired using the buttons and drop-down list boxes in the “Edit Text” window. Note that some of the properties can be assigned to the selected part of the text item.5
Click [Check].The text you typed is displayed in the preview area of the “Edit Text” window with the specified properties. Check the text size in this area.
When the “Single Line (Scroll)” or “Length Scroll” effect is selected, the slider at the bottom of the window is enabled, allowing you to check the entire text.
When the “Single Line (Scroll)” effect is selected, the approximate time required to display the entire text content is shown as the “Scroll Time.”
Use the slider to check the entire scroll text.
It may be useful to remember the displayed scroll time for creating schedules.
The “Edit Text” window does not show movement of the text even when you select a scroll effect.
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To modify the text item, repeat steps 3, 4, and 5.To save the edited text item, click [Save] in the “Edit Text” window.
The “Save Text” window appears.
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To save the newly created text item or the edited text item as a new one, specify the location in which the created text item should be stored and the file nameItem Description
Font Selects the font face.
Assigns/removes the bold style alternately to the selected characters.
Assigns/removes the italic style alternately to the selected characters.
Assigns/removes the underline style alternately to the selected
characters.
Opens a color palette to enable you to select the background color, including transparent background. Opens a color palette to enable you to select the color for the selected characters.
Size Specifies the character size. Select “Small,” “Medium,” “Large,” or “Custom.” When you select
“Custom,” specify the desired size in the text box.
Preview area Text box
Slider
(Enabled only for a scroll text item.)
Effect Specifies one of the following text display effects:
Single Line (Scroll): Makes text flow across the screen from right to left.
Length Scroll: Makes text flow across the screen from bottom to top.
Single Line (Static): Displays single-line stable text.
Full Screen (Static): Displays multi-line stable text.
Speed Specifies the speed of text flow. Select “Slow,” “Medium,” or “Fast” after you select “Single Line (Scroll)” or “Length Scroll” for “Effect.” Alignment Specifies text alignment.
Select “Left,” “Center,” or “Right” after you select “Length Scroll,” “Single Line (Static),” or “Full Screen (Static)” for “Effect.”
Changes the orientation of the display.
Text Position Specifies the vertical display position of the text.
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for the item in the “Save Text” window, then click [OK].
You can use up to 25 ASCII characters in the file names.
To save the edited text item over the original item,
check the displayed location and file name, and click [OK].
The created text item is stored in the specified folder. If there is already a file having the same name in the specified folder, a confirmation message appears. Click [OK] to overwrite the file.
To apply a text item that has been overwritten to a schedule that has already been distributed, be sure to redistribute the schedule that includes the respective text item.
Creating/Editing Graphical Text
Create graphical text content by specifying the PNG file to display in addition to specifying effects and the display positions.
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Click the button of the operation guide.2
Click the button on the toolbar to create a new graphical text item.To edit an existing graphical text item, select the item to be edited in the “My Collection Folder” pane, then click the button.
In either case, the “Edit Graphical Text” window appears.
When editing a graphical text item, the selected item appears in the window.
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When creating a new item, drag & drop the PNG file from Windows Explorer to the PNG file list.• Refer to the specification document for details on supported PNG file sizes.
• When creating a new item, you cannot drag & drop PNG files that differ in size at the same time. To create a graphical text item from a PNG file that differs in size, close the “Edit Graphical Text” window, and reopen it before creating the new item. • To delete a file that appears in the PNG file list,
select the file and press the [Delete] key.
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Specify the properties as desired using the buttons and drop-down boxes in the “Edit Graphical Text” window.Note
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Item Description
Effect Specifies one of the following display effects:
Single Line (Scroll): Makes the PNG file flow across the screen from left to right.
Single Line (Static): Displays the PNG file in a static position.
Full Screen (Static): Displays a full-screen PNG file in a static position.
Length Scroll: Makes the PNG file flow across the screen from bottom to top.
Preview area PNG file list
Slider
(Enabled only for a scroll text item.)
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Click [Check].The specified PNG file is displayed in the preview area of the “Edit Graphical Text” window with the specified properties.
When the “Single Line (Scroll)” or “Length Scroll” effect is selected, the slider at the bottom of the window is enabled, allowing you to check the entire text.
When the “Single Line (Scroll)” or “Length Scroll” effect is selected, the approximate time required to display the entire text content is shown as the “Scroll Time.”
It may be useful to remember the displayed scroll time for creating schedules.
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To modify the graphical text item, repeat steps 4 and5.
To save the edited graphical text item, click [Save] in the “Edit Graphical Text” window.
The “Save Graphical Text” window appears.
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To save the newly created graphical text item or the edited graphic item as a new one, specify the location in which the created graphic item should be stored and the file name for the item in the “Save Graphical Text” window, then click [OK]. You can use up to 25 ASCII characters in the file names.To save the edited graphical text item over the original item, check the displayed location and file name, and click [OK].
The created graphical text item is stored in the specified folder.
If there is already a file having the same name in the specified folder, a confirmation message appears. Click [OK] to overwrite the file.
To apply a graphical text item that has been overwritten to a schedule that has already been distributed, be sure to redistribute the schedule that includes the respective graphical text item.
Speed Specifies the speed of the flow. Select “Slow,” “Medium,” or “Fast” after you select “Single Line (Scroll)” or “Length Scroll” for “Effect.”
Png Position Specifies the vertical display position of the graphical text.
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Playlist Editing
Edit Playlist Window
Clicking the button of the operation guide displays the “Edit Playlist” window. This window is used for playlist editing.
The following illustration shows an example of the “Edit Playlist” window. It consists of the “My Collection Folder” pane, “Playlist Editor” pane, “Content Preview” pane, and “Playlist Settings” pane.
My Collection Folder pane
The “My Collection Folder” pane in the “Edit Playlist” window is similar to that in the “Add Content” window. However, it shows the playlists already created, and
content, which is to be used on playlists, registered in the management software. Schedules, control, and text items are not shown in this pane in the “Edit Playlist” window.
Playlist Editor pane Content Preview pane
Playlist Settings pane My Collection Folder pane
Save and Distribute as Default, Save, and Save and Distribute buttons
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The toolbar provides the following buttons in the “Edit Playlist” window:
Besides the thumbnail pictures of video and still image items, the following icons are used for the items in the “Edit Playlist” window:
You can select a playlist to edit in the “My Collection Folder” pane. During playlist editing you can select the content items to be listed in the playlist.
See also “My Collection Folder pane” on page 23 for details on this pane.
Content Preview pane
The “Content Preview” pane displays the screen content of the selected point of the playlist shown in the “Playlist Editor” pane. You can view how the specified video/still image will be displayed on a player.
The “Content Preview” pane may consist of the following two parts:
a Video or still image indication
Shows the image of the video or still image listed at the selected point in the playlist.
b Change orientation button
Changes the orientation of the screen.
Playlist Settings pane
The “Playlist Settings” pane is used to specify the following settings for the playlist currently displayed in the “Playlist Editor” pane.
Still Image Transition
Specifies the effect to be used upon transition between two adjacent still images in the playlist.
Select one of the options from the drop-down list box.
Transition Speed
Specifies the transition speed to be applied when you select an effect with the “Still Image Transition” drop-down list box.
Select either the “Slow” or “Fast” option.
Default Duration for Still Image
Specifies the default duration for still images. When a still image is added to the playlist by a drag & drop operation, its duration will be the same as this setting.
Specify the desired duration (HH:MM:SS) using the drop-down list boxes.
Playlist Editor pane
The “Playlist Editor” pane is used to create and edit playlists, by adding content items in the order of playout. When editing an existing playlist, the content of the selected playlist is displayed in this pane. The file name of the playlist is shown on the title bar, in such a case.
Button Description
Moves up to the previous level on the tree. Creates a new folder in the currently selected folder.
Opens the “Move to” window to specify the destination folder for moving the selected item. Deletes the selected item after showing a confirmation message.
Opens the “Properties” window for the selected content item or playlist.
Opens the selected playlist in the “Playlist Editor” pane to edit it.
Selects the thumbnail view. Selects the detail view.
Icon Description
Video item (Displayed for a video item if its thumbnail picture cannot be obtained.) Audio item
Playlist
2Change orientation button
