SHARP Digital Signage Software PN-SS01 PN-SS02 PN-SV01 OPERATION MANUAL Version 4.
Contents Introduction Precautions on use............................................................................................................................ 5 Trademarks......................................................................................................................................... 6 How to read this manual.................................................................................................................... 6 ●Icons...............................................
Contents Creating/Editing a Timetable The main Timetable Editor window................................................................................................. 66 ●Launching Timetable Editor..................................................................................................................... 66 ●The main Timetable Editor window......................................................................................................... 66 Creating a timetable.............................
Contents Schedule Management Server Scheduler............................................................................................................................ 103 Schedule Reception/Program Display FTP Server....................................................................................................................................... 104 ●Launching the FTP Server......................................................................................................................
Introduction Thank you for purchasing SHARP Digital Signage Software. SHARP Digital Signage Software comes in three versions: The Standalone, Network, and Viewer Versions. This manual covers all three versions. Where editions differ in terms of usage restrictions and functionality, this fact is clearly indicated. IMPORTANT: To aid reporting in case of loss or theft, please record the product’s model and serial numbers in the space provided. Model No.: Serial No.: U.S.A.
Trademarks / How to read this manual Trademarks • Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista, PowerPoint, and Windows Media are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. • The Microsoft Internet Explorer logo is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. • Flash and Flash Player are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.
Definitions / System operation precautions Definitions This chart provides definitions of terms used in this manual. Term Definition Management PC The PC that is used to create and distribute programs, timetables and schedules. Also referred to as a “Server PC”. Viewer PC A PC that displays content according to a schedule. Also referred to as a “Panel PC” or a “Client PC”. “Panel” refers to an LCD monitor connected to a viewer PC. Content (files) Material (i.e.
System operation precautions • Scroll message content Displaying scroll messages requires a great deal of CPU processing power. When using scroll messages, programs should be tested by actually displaying them before operation. · Making the background color transparent will increase the load. · Scroll messages with a larger display area place a larger load on the PC. Do not make the scroll message display area unnecessarily large.
System operation precautions Still images Displaying a still image in the background or in a frame in the same position for a long time may leave a residual image on the monitor. When creating programs or timetables, you should take measures such as changing still images and layouts at set intervals to avoid this problem. Date display This software displays the date in YYYY/MM/DD format.
Features of SHARP Digital Signage Software / Program distribution workflow Features of SHARP Digital Signage Software SHARP Digital Signage Software is SHARP’s original content distribution and display software. Easy-to-use user interface Programs can be laid out in editable time schedules similar to newspaper TV guides or calendar-style monthly schedules.
Program distribution workflow Network Version 1 Program Editor Lay out your chosen content and create a program. (p.29) 2 Timetable Editor Assign the hour of the day that your program will be shown. (p.66) 3 Schedule Editor Assign the dates when daily timetables you have created will be shown. (p.76) 4 Schedule Distribution Tool Distribute schedules and programs you have created to a viewer PC connected to the network. (p.
Installing/Launching This section provides installation instructions and information regarding the necessary operating environment, as well as instructions on how to start and close down SHARP Digital Signage Software. Be sure to read this before using the software. Required operating environment Item Description PC CPU: Celeron M 1.3 GHz or higher 2 GHz or higher Pentium 4 processor or 1.6 GHz or higher Atom330 dual core processor is required for movie/content-heavy programs.
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software You must log in as an administrator before beginning the installation process. ●Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software 1. Start your PC 2. Close down all applications. 3. Launch the SHARP Digital Signage Software setup program (setup.exe). Double-click the setup.exe file to launch the setup program. If a security warning saying ‘The publisher could not be verified.’ is displayed during the installation, click [Run].
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software 5. Software license agreement will appear. Read the entire software license agreement. 6. If you agree to the terms of the agreement, select the “I accept the terms of the license agreement” option button, and click [Next]. 7. Select the version that you have purchased and click [Next]. The three following versions are available: • Standalone Version For creating programs and distributing/displaying schedules with a single PC.
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software 10. Click [Install]. The installation will start. 11. Click [Finish]. The installation is now complete. If the following screen appears, click [Yes] to restart your PC. If you are using the Standalone or Network Versions, a shortcut to SHARP Digital Signage Software will be created on your desktop. If you are using the Standalone or Viewer Versions, Client Scheduler ( ) will launch and appear in the Task Tray.
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software ●Setting the environment of the viewer PC Once the installation is complete, change the settings of the viewer PC before using this software. A description is given below, using Windows XP/Vista/7 as an example. Auto login settings If the viewer PC is to be used without an operator, Windows auto login should be enabled. The following is an example using Windows Vista. 1.
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software Welcome Center settings (Windows Vista only) These settings do not apply to Windows XP/7. Under default settings, the “Welcome Center” is displayed when Windows Vista is started. Clear the “Run at startup” check box, to stop the “Welcome Center” from being displayed when a program is displayed in Program Viewer. The “Welcome Center” will not appear from the next time the PC is started.
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software • If using Windows Vista/7 1. Right-click on an empty area of the desktop and from the menu that appears, click [Personalize] and then [Screen Saver]. The [Screen Saver Settings] dialog box will appear. 2. Select “(None)” from the “Screen saver” list. 3. Click [OK]. Power control Adjust settings so that the panel or hard disk do not turn off or go into system standby while a program is displayed in Program Viewer. • If using Windows XP 1.
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software • If using Windows Vista 1. From the Windows Taskbar, click [Start], [Control Panel], [System and Maintenance], and then [Power Options]. The [Power Options] dialog box will appear. 2. Select “High performance” and click [Change plan settings]. 3. Select “Never” from the “Turn off the display” and “Put the computer to sleep” lists. 4. Click [Save changes]. Return to the [Power Options] dialog box. 5.
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software 2. Clear the “Start Sidebar when Windows starts” check box. 3. Click [OK]. 4. Restart your PC. The Windows Sidebar (Gadgets) will no longer appear from the next time you start Windows Vista. Active desktop settings (Windows XP Only) Turn Active desktop settings off. These settings do not apply if you are using Windows Vista. 1. Right-click on an empty area of the desktop, and from the menu that appears, click [Properties].
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software Taskbar settings (Windows XP/Vista only) Adjust the Taskbar settings so that the Taskbar is not displayed when a program is being displayed in Program Viewer. 1. Right-click on an empty area of the Taskbar, and from the menu that appears, click [Properties]. The [Taskbar and Start Menu Properties] dialog box will appear. 2. Under “Taskbar appearance” on the [Taskbar] tab, clear the “Auto-hide the taskbar” and “Keep the taskbar on top of other windows” check boxes.
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software • If using Windows Vista 1. From the Windows Taskbar, click [Start], [Control Panel], [Security], and then [Turn automatic updating on or off]. The [Change settings] dialog box will appear. 2. Select the “Never check for updates” option button. 3. Click [OK]. 4. If the [User Account Control] window appears, click [Continue]. The [Change settings] dialog box will close. • If using Windows 7 1.
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software Personal firewall settings If you plan to distribute content over a network, you must free a TCP/IP port for this software to use when the distribution port is assigned to a personal firewall. If you have installed the Viewer Version, a unique FTP server will be installed, and started as a service. The default TCP/IP port numbers are 20 and 21. If you change the port number, you must also change the FTP settings for the management PC (Fp.
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software 5. Select the “Custom” option button, and click [Next]. 6. Select the “All programs” option button, and click [Next]. 7. From the “Protocol type” list, select “ICMPv4”. 8. Set “Protocol and Ports”, “Scope”, “Action”, and “Profile” in order as necessary. Click [Next] to be taken to the settings screen for the next step. Confirm with your network administrator before adjusting these settings. 9. Enter a “Name”, and click [Finish]. 10.
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software ●Uninstalling SHARP Digital Signage Software If this software frequently shuts down incorrectly when a program is being displayed or created, you should modify the program. If the problem persists even after doing so, we recommend uninstalling, then reinstalling this software. Uninstalling this software will not delete any programs, schedules or content files that you have already created. You will be able to use these files again upon reinstalling this software.
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software 5. Click [Yes]. The uninstallation will start. If the Server Scheduler or the Client Scheduler has been started, a message will appear. In this case, click [Yes]. The Server Scheduler and the Client Scheduler will be forcibly terminated and the uninstallation will continue. 6. Click [Finish]. The uninstallation is now complete.
Launching and closing the Launcher window Launching and closing the Launcher window ●Launching the Launcher window 1. On the desktop, double-click the The Launcher window will launch. short cut. The Launcher can also be started by going to the Windows Taskbar and clicking [Start], [All Programs], [SHARP Digital Signage Software], and then [SHARP Digital Signage Software]. ●Closing the Launcher window 1. Click on the Launcher window. The Launcher window will close.
Launching and closing the Launcher window 3) Timetable creation/editing (Fp.66) This button launches “Timetable Editor”. Timetable Editor lets you create one-day timetables by assigning programs you have created to be shown at desired times. 4) Schedule creation/editing (Fp.76) This button launches “Schedule Editor”. Schedule Editor lets you create schedules by assigning timetables you have created to be executed on desired dates. 5) Schedule distribution (Fp.
Program Editor Program Creation/Editing Create programs (content) to display on a panel. The main Program Editor window ●Launching Program Editor 1. Click on the Launcher window. “Program Editor” will launch. As soon as Program Editor launches, four pre-defined frames and two scroll messages for creating new programs will be displayed in the main window. Programs are completed by setting program content in this window.
Program Editor The main Program Editor window 2) Menus Menu options are as follows: Menu option Description Relevant page Create New Program Opens a new program. - Open Program Loads a saved program. Save Program Overwrites the currently edited program. Fp.49 Fp.47 Save Program As Saves the currently edited program under a different name. Delete Program Allows the user to specify and delete programs. Properties of Program Displays program properties and allows the user to change them. Fp.
Program Editor Creating programs Creating programs ●Valid content files File types that can be used as content are as follows: Content name File type Background, Frames 1-4 MPEG, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, WMV (Windows Media Video – file type playable with Windows Media Player), Flash (file type playable with Flash Player), Conditional content (.dcv) for background, frames, MOV (file type playable with QuickTime Player), PowerPoint, HTML, JPEG, BMP, GIF, PNG RSS configuration file (.
Program Editor Creating programs ●Positioning content (Layout) Screens and content size and position, etc., are set in the [Layout] window. [Layout] window When “Layout Locked.” is displayed in the center of the layout window, the layout cannot be edited. Clear the “The layout edit is locked.” check box in the [Properties of Program] dialog box (Fp.51). 1. Check that the [Layout] tab is selected. If it is not, click the [Layout] tab to select it. 2. Set a [Screen Top-Left Position].
Program Editor Creating programs 4. Set [Frame Layout]. 1) Check the checkboxes beside the frames, scroll messages, or PIP that you want to display. You can also click the button at the top right hand corner of a display frame, PIP frame or scroll message to hide it. 2) Set “X ”, “Y ”, “Width”, and “Height” coordinates for each frame or scroll message. • Only “X ” and “Y ” coordinates can be adjusted for the PIP frame. To adjust the size of the PIP frame, drag your mouse over the layout window (See below).
Program Editor Creating programs E.g. Frame1: X = 25, Y = 20, Width = 1338, Height = 835 Frame2: X = 1380, Y = 25, Width = 523, Height = 830 Message1: X = 20, Y = 869, Width = 1883, Height = 194 PIP: X = 578, Y = 395 The above coordinates would produce a layout like the screenshot below. • The name, position and dimensions (X coordinate of top left corner, Ycoordinate of top left corner, width, height) are displayed in the top left of each frame or scroll message.
Program Editor Creating programs Using the grid Using the grid makes it easy to position items accurately. Items can be dragged with the mouse and aligned on the grid. The grid can be set with the following procedure: 1. From the [Option] menu click [Setting]. The [Setting] dialog box will appear. 2. Set the “Frame Layout”. Check the “Frame position in Grid” check box to use the grid. Clear the check box to position frames in 1 pt increments. 3. Set the “Interval” for the grid.
Program Editor Creating programs ●Setting the background/frames 1-4 Set content, order of play and duration for content in the background and frames 1-4. “Content Folder” tree Playlist “Content File” list 1. Click any of the [Background] or [Frame1] – [Frame4] tabs. 2. From the “Content Folder” tree, select the folder where the content files you want to use are located. Confirm that the [Content] tab is selected. If the tab is not selected, click on it.
Program Editor Creating programs [Viewer Path] tab Displays the content file specified with “File Path On Viewer PC.” You can specify an EXE file. Enter a path that can be referenced by the viewer PC. For an EXE file, “Parameters” can be added. • When displaying large content files that are not frequently updated, save the files on the viewer PC in advance, and only enter the paths that refer to them. This will help reduce the time it takes to send program contents.
Program Editor Creating programs Content preview You can preview content files in the [Content Preview] window. Click [Content Preview] from the [View] menu to preview the files. Previews for the following types of files will not be displayed immediately. To preview these files, click the relevant icon displayed in the [Content Preview] window. (Click the text string if previewing a scroll message.
Program Editor Creating programs Background color when content is not displayed When content is not being played, frames can be filled in using a specified color. Click the color swatch to display the [Color] dialog box and change the background color. Properties of content From the playlist, select a content file, and click The following settings may be adjusted: to display the [Properties of Content] dialog box. 1) Content File Path Displays the path to the content file.
Program Editor Creating programs 5) Layout • “Keeping aspect ratio”, “Not keeping aspect ratio”, and “In original size” option buttons You can select “Not keeping aspect ratio” when the content type is a still image or Flash. You can select “In original size” when the content type is a still image. • “Temporarily, move frame” check box To change the screen position of the content temporarily, check this check box and click [Position Setting].
Program Editor Creating programs Clicking the buttons at the bottom of the “Content File” list performs the following actions: Icon Menu option Description Create New Scroll Message Launches Scroll Message Editor and allows you to create new scroll messages. Edit Scroll Message Launches Scroll Message Editor and allows you to edit the scroll message selected in the “Content File” list. Delete Scroll Message Deletes the scroll messages selected in the “Content File” list.
Program Editor Creating programs Creating scroll message files Create a message to be displayed in a scroll message. 1. Click the [Message1] or [Message2] tab, and then click Scroll Message Editor will launch. 1) Title bar under the “Content File” list. 2) Menus 3) Toolbar 4) Settings window 1) Title bar A file name will be displayed. When Scroll Message Editor launches, the title bar will read “Untitled”. When a file is saved, it will change to the name of the file.
Program Editor Creating programs 2) Menus Menu options are as follows: Menu option File Edit Description Create New Scroll Message Opens a new scroll message file. Open Scroll Message Loads a saved scroll message file. Save Scroll Message Overwrites the currently edited scroll message file. Save Scroll Message As Saves the currently edited scroll message file under a different name. Exit Exits Scroll Message Editor. Cut Cuts the text string selected in the “Scroll message edit box”.
Program Editor Creating programs Checking the [Use HTML tag] check box allows you to use the following HTML tags in the “Scroll message edit box” to define the font color, size and other styles. Tag Explanation Defines the text. Takes the COLOR, SIZE and FACE attributes which respectively define the text color, text size and typeface. Defines bold text. Defines italic text. Defines underlined text. Defines strikethrough text. Defines bigger text.
Program Editor Creating programs 5. Set “Scrolling.” Set the scroll direction and speed of scroll messages. 1) Select the “Direction” from “Leftward,” “Rightward,” “Upward” and “No Move” option buttons. • If the “Vertical” option button is selected in “Message Format,” the “Leftward” or “Rightward” option button cannot be selected. • If “No Move” is selected, scroll messages are displayed at the center of the specified range line by line. (The portion that is outside of this range is not displayed.
Program Editor Creating programs ●Setting audio and music Set audio and music (background music) for program display. If two or more content files containing audio are set in different frames, both will play. 1. Click the [Sound] tab. 2. From the “Content Folder” tree, select the folder where the content files you want to use are located. Confirm that the [Sound] tab is selected. If the tab is not selected, click on it.
Program Editor Creating programs ●Setting the PIP window Set the frame size, aspect ratio, input source, and audio source for the PIP frame. This function can be used only with the SHARP LCD monitor (PN series). 1. Click the [PinP] tab. 2. Select the “Monitor Model Name”. 3. Set values for each item. A list will appear when you click on a cell in the “Value” column. * Items displayed vary according to the “Monitor Model Name”. * The video signal may cause misalignment with PIP location and size.
Program Editor Creating programs Save program as Use this option when you want to save the currently edited program under a different name. 1. From the [File] menu, click [Save Program As]. The [Save Program As] dialog box will appear. 2. Select the program folder in which the program is to be saved. For more details about the program folder, see the following. 3. Enter a new name in “Program Name” and click [Save]. A confirmation message for creating a thumbnail will appear. 4.
Program Editor Creating programs ●Opening a program Load a program that you have already saved and use it. Editing only the places you want to change in an existing file and saving the file under a new name is an effective way to create programs. 1. From the [File] menu, click [Open Program]. You can also open a program by clicking . The [Open Program] dialog box will appear. 2. Select the program folder containing the program. 3. From the “Program List”, select a program, and click [Open].
Program Editor Creating programs ●Preview Program Display Settings If you check “Set Configuration before Preview Program” on the [View] menu, the “Preview program setting” screen will be displayed during the program preview. You can set the conditions, and if you click the “Preview” button, the preview will occur under the conditions you have set. • Preview some time later program: Displays the program preview after a specified amount of time has passed.
Program Editor Creating programs ●Displaying program properties Change program names and program colors. 1. Click [Properties of Program] from the [File] menu. You can also display and change program properties by clicking The [Properties of Program] dialog box will appear. . Information about the “Program Name”, “Duration”, “Color of Program”, “Option”, and “Data Path” is displayed. • The “Program Name” can be changed.
Program Editor Creating programs ●Importing/exporting a program Exporting a program The export function is used to write out a program so that it can be used with this product on another PC. 1. From the [File] menu, click [Export Program]. The [Export Program] dialog box will appear. 2. Select the program folder containing the program. 3. From the “Program List”, select a program, and click [Export]. The [Select the folder to export] dialog box will appear. 4.
Program Editor Creating programs Importing a program The import function is used to load an exported program that has been created with this product on another PC. 1. From the [File] menu, click [Import Program]. The [Select the program to import] dialog box will appear. 2. Select a (.prg) file to import, and click [Open]. The [Import Program] dialog box will appear. A screen like the one on the right will appear while the import is being prepared. Click [Cancel] to cancel the import. 3.
Program Editor RSS Editor RSS Editor SHARP Digital Signage Software Pro WEB Server Version allows you to receive RSS feeds from servers on the intranet and Internet and display them on the viewer PC. A created RSS configuration file (.erc file) can be used as content in Program Editor. ● Creating a RSS configuration file 1 From the Windows taskbar, click [Start], [All Programs], [SHARP Digital Signage Software], [Tools], [RSS Editor]. “RSS Editor” will launch.
Program Editor RSS Editor Menu option View Help Description Basic Edits the RSS configuration file using a template. Advanced Edits the RSS configuration file with a user specified design. A CSS (style sheet) is also available. Preview Displays a preview of the currently edited RSS configuration file. The preview is displayed at the size of the preview window. About RSS Editor Displays version information for RSS Editor.
Program Editor RSS Editor 5 Specify the number of item to be displayed and configure the screen switching settings. 1) “Number of Feed items” Select the number of items to be displayed on the window from the list box. (Maximum of 7 items) 2) “Screen switching interval” Specify the interval to switch the items to be displayed on the window in seconds. 3) “The effect of switching time” Specify the slide show effect when the item is updated.
Program Editor RSS Editor 1) “Title”, “Description” and “Background” Click any of the items to set the individual elements (font, position, background and CSS). 2) Elements “Font” Click [Select] and specify the font type, style and size.Specify the font color in the [Color] dialog displayed by clicking the palette. “Position” Select the horizontal and vertical positions of the RSS feed from the list box. “Background” Select a background image or color with a radio button.
Conditional Content Editor Conditional Content When creating Playlists with the program editor, most of the content is the same, and in many cases, multiple Playlists with only one differing part are created. In these cases, you can display Playlists with only the differing part changed according to specified conditions when using conditional content. Basic Screens for Conditional Content Editor ●Launching Conditional Content Editor 1.
Conditional Content Editor Basic Screens for Conditional Content Editor 2) Menus The following are the contents of the [File], [View], and [Help] menus. Menu option Description Create New Conditional Content Opens a new file. Open Conditional Content Reads saved conditional content. File Save Conditional Content Saves the currently edited conditional content. Save Conditional Content As Saves the currently edited conditional content under a different name. Exit Quits Conditional Content Editor.
Conditional Content Editor Creating Conditional Content Creating Conditional Content ●Compatible Content File Formats The following file formats can be used as content. Types of Conditional Content Compatible File Extensions Background, Frame .jpg, .jpeg, .gif, .png, .bmp, .avi, .mpeg, .mpg, .wmv, .asf, .mov, .swf, .ppt, .pps, .htm, .html, .exe Scroll Messages .tlp Audio .wav, .mp3, .au, .aif, .aiff, .wma, .mid, .midi, .mov RSS confi guration file .
Conditional Content Editor Creating Conditional Content 1. From the “Content Folder” tree, Select the folder where the content files you want to use are located. You can also display content by specifying “URL” or “Viewer Path.” The [URL] Tab Displays the HTML of a specified URL as content. Enter a URL that can be referenced by the viewer PC. If your PC can connect to the Internet, clicking [View URL] will connect to the URL you have entered.
Conditional Content Editor Creating Conditional Content 3. Click the icon. Content files are added to the end of the condition list. For more details about how to set play conditions for condition lists, refer to Page 64. • In Step 3, you can register content files by double-clicking them or by dragging them from the Content File list to the [condition list]. • You can hide content by clicking the icon on the bottom left of the screen.
Conditional Content Editor Creating Conditional Content Clicking the buttons on the top right of a condition list performs the following actions: Icon Menu option Description Show the properties of the content Displays the properties of the currently selected content file. See below for more details. Set content playback conditions Sets playback conditions for selected content. For more details, refer to Page 65.
Conditional Content Editor Creating Conditional Content 3) Background If the content is a still image file and you have checked the “Keeping aspect ratio” option button, you can specify a background color for the content. Click the color swatch to display the [Color] dialog box and change the background color. Click the box next to “Transparent” to make the background transparent. The background color for the background frame will be displayed as black if the background color is set to transparent.
Conditional Content Editor Creating Conditional Content 6) Week You can set playback to occur on a certain week of every month. You can select multiple weeks out of every month (e.g. first and third weeks). 7) Panel name You can set playback to occur on the panels that contain or do not contain the characters that you enter. 8) Group You can set playback to occur in groups that contain or do not contain the characters that you enter.
Timetable Editor Creating/Editing a Timetable Set programs created with Program Editor to display at a set hour of the day. The main Timetable Editor window ●Launching Timetable Editor 1. Click on the Launcher window. “Timetable Editor” will launch. When Timetable Editor launches, a new blank timetable with no programs assigned will be displayed. Timetables are completed after program is set on this screen.
Timetable Editor The main Timetable Editor window 2) Menus Menu options are as follows: Menu option File Edit Option Help Description Relevant page Create New Timetable Opens a new timetable. - Open Timetable Loads a saved timetable. Fp.72 Save Timetable Overwrites the currently edited timetable. Fp.72 Save Timetable As Saves the currently edited timetable under a different name. Fp.72 Delete Timetable Allows the user to specify and delete saved timetables. Fp.
Timetable Editor Creating a timetable Creating a timetable ●Registering a program in the timetable 1. Check that the [Program] tab is selected. If it is not, click the [Program] tab to select it. The program list will be displayed here. There are four categories in the list: “Program Name”, “Duration”, “Screen Size”, and “Screen Position”. The color of the icon in front of the “Program Name” represents the “Color of Program”.
Timetable Editor Creating a timetable ●Registering panel control in a timetable 1. Click the [Panel Control] tab. A list of panel control commands will be displayed. There are two categories: “Command Name” and “Input Source”. Commands are as follows: Command Description Turn On Display Turns the panel (monitor) power ON. Turn Off Display Puts the panel (monitor) into standby mode. Switch Input Source (Input “No.”) Switches the panel (monitor) input source.
Timetable Editor Creating a timetable 2. Select the panel control command you want to use from the “Command Name” and click . The [Add Panel Control Command to Timetable] dialog box will appear. 3. Set the “Time”. This is the time that the command will be executed. Specify times between 00:00 and 24:00. 4. Click [OK].
Timetable Editor Creating a timetable ●Adjusting a timetable Clicking the buttons on the top right of the timetable performs the following actions: Icon Menu option Description Preview Program Displays a preview of the selected program at its original size. Preview Program (Fit Screen) Displays a preview of the selected program fitted to the size of the screen. Properties for Program/ Command Displays the properties of the selected program/panel control command.
Timetable Editor Creating a timetable Adjusting the scale Select intervals of 5, 10, 15, 30 or 60 minutes from the “Scale” list. ●Saving a timetable Save timetable Use this option when you want to save the currently edited timetable under its original name. 1. From the [File] menu, click [Save Timetable]. You can also save a timetable by clicking . The timetable file will be overwritten and saved with the same name. When “Timetable Editor” is started, the title bar will read “Untitled”.
Timetable Editor Creating a timetable ●Checking a timetable Check a timetable using the program preview function. All the registered schedule data and timetable data is erased in the SHARP Digital Signage Software standalone version (PN-SS01). 1. From the [File] menu, click [Preview Timetable]. A preview of the timetable will be displayed. 2. Check the preview.
Timetable Editor Creating a timetable ●Importing/exporting a timetable Exporting a timetable The export function is used to write out a timetable so that it can be used with this product on another PC. Exported timetable data includes programs registered in timetables. 1. From the [File] menu, click [Export Timetable]. The [Export Timetable] dialog box will appear. 2. Select the timetable folder containing the timetable. 3. From the “List of Timetable”, select a timetable, and click [Export].
Timetable Editor Creating a timetable Importing a timetable The import function is used to load an exported timetable that has been created with this product on another PC. 1. From the [File] menu, click [Import Timetable]. The [Select the timetable to import] dialog box will appear. 2. Select a (.tbl) file to import, and click [Open]. The [Import Timetable] dialog box will appear. A screen like the one on the right will appear while the import is being prepared. Click [Cancel] to cancel the import. 3.
Schedule Editor Creating/Editing Schedules Set timetables created with Timetable Editor to display on a set day. The main Schedule Editor window ●Launching Schedule Editor 1. Click on the Launcher window. “Schedule Editor” will launch. When Schedule Editor launches, a new blank schedule with no timetables assigned will be displayed. Schedules are completed after timetable is set on this screen.
Schedule Editor The main Schedule Editor window Menu option File Edit Option View Help Description Relevant page Save Schedule Overwrites the currently edited schedule Save Schedule As Saves the currently edited schedule under a different name. Delete Schedule Allows the user to specify and delete saved schedules. Properties of Schedule Allows the user to display and change the schedule name. Fp.
Schedule Editor Creating a schedule Creating a schedule ●Registering a timetable in the schedule Timetable folder 1. Select the timetable folder containing the timetable. 2. Select a timetable from the “Timetable” list and click or alternatively, double-click the timetable, or from the [Edit] menu, click [Add Timetable to Schedule]. , The [Add Timetable to Schedule] dialog box will appear. 3. Set a “Span”. This is the length of time that the program will be played for.
Schedule Editor Creating a schedule The calendar The calendar can display dates between January 2005 and December 2020. Days on which a timetable is registered show the “timetable color” and the “timetable name”. The buttons and lists at the top of the calendar perform the following actions: Icon Menu option Description Show Previous Month Displays the month before the month that is currently displayed. Select Year Displays the year selected for the month that is currently displayed.
Schedule Editor Creating a schedule ●Saving a schedule Save schedule Use this option when you want to save the currently edited schedule under its original name. 1. From the [File] menu, click [Save Schedule]. You can also save a schedule by clicking . The schedule file will be overwritten and saved with the same name. When “Schedule Editor” is started, the title bar will read “Untitled”. If you attempt to save at this stage the [Save Schedule] dialog box will be displayed.
Schedule Editor Creating a schedule ●Deleting a schedule Delete unnecessary schedules. 1. From the [File] menu, click [Delete Schedule]. The [Delete Schedule] dialog box will appear. 2. Select the schedule folder containing the schedule. 3. From the “List of Schedule”, select a schedule, and click [Delete]. 4. Click [Yes]. The selected schedule will be deleted. 5. Click [Close]. ●Changing schedule name 1. From the [File] menu, click [Properties of Schedule].
Schedule Editor Creating a schedule ●Importing/exporting a schedule Exporting a schedule The export function is used to write out a schedule so that it can be used with this product on another PC. Exported schedule data includes programs and timetables that are registered to the schedule. 1. From the [File] menu, click [Export Schedule]. The [Export Schedule] dialog box will appear. 2. Select the schedule folder containing the schedule. 3. From the “List of Schedule”, select a schedule, and click [Export].
Schedule Editor Creating a schedule Importing a schedule The import function is used to load an exported schedule that has been created with this product on another PC. 1. From the [File] menu, click [Import Schedule]. The [Select the schedule to import] dialog box will appear. 2. Select a (.sch) file to import, and click [Open]. The [Import Schedule] dialog box will appear. A screen like the one on the right will appear while the import is being prepared. Click [Cancel] to cancel the import. 3.
Panel Management and Option Panel Management and Option When distributing programs to multiple panels with the Network Version, you must first set the panels. Managing panels This function is only available with the Network Version. ●Launching Panel Control Management 1. Click on the Launcher window. The [Panel Management] dialog box will appear.
Panel Management and Option Managing panels 2) Buttons The buttons perform the following actions: Name Add Panel Description Relevant page Adds a new panel to be managed. Add Group Adds a new group. Edit Changes the content of the selected panel or group. Delete Deletes the selected panel or group. Manual Control Sets panels and control commands to be controlled manually. Exit Closes the [Panel Management] window. FBelow Fp.86 FBelow, p.86 Fp.87 Fp.87 - ●Adding/editing a panel 1.
Panel Management and Option Managing panels 4) MAC address Set the MAC address for the viewer PC if you want to turn it on from the management PC. 5) FTP Setting Enter the “User name” (within 30 alphanumeric characters), “Password” (within 30 alphanumeric characters), and “Port number” (1-32000) that you set for the viewer PC FTP settings. • FTP settings for adding a panel can be set in advance. (Fp.
Panel Management and Option Managing panels ●Controlling a panel manually Set this option when you want to control the viewer PC manually. When controlling the viewer PC manually, (when turning on the panel PC), the Wake On LAN function that operates by Magic Packets sent from the viewer PC must be enabled. If the viewer PC is outside the same LAN segment, Magic Packets may not get through depending on router specs and settings. Contact your network administrator for more details. 1.
Panel Management and Option Option Option Option allows you to check product version information and to set values for adding panels in advance. ●Launching Option 1. Click on the Launcher window. The [Option] dialog box will appear. ●Checking version information The [Version] tab displays version information. Registering a license code If you input a temporary license code when installing, you will only be able to use the software for a two-month trial period.
Panel Management and Option Option ●Adding default panel settings for panels Set default values for FTP settings that are applied to all newly-added panels. 1. Click the [FTP Setting] tab. 2. Set the [Default to Add the Panel].
Schedule Distribution Tool Distributing schedules Distribute schedules created with Schedule Editor to the viewer PC. The main Schedule Distribution Tool window ●Launching Schedule Distribution Tool 1. Click on the Launcher window. “Schedule Distribution Tool” will launch. Schedule Distribution Tool can also be started by going to the Windows Taskbar and clicking [Start], [All Programs], [SHARP Digital Signage Software], [Tools], and then [Schedule Distribution Tool].
Schedule Distribution Tool Distributing schedules Distributing schedules Schedules can be distributed in the following ways: • Distributed to a viewer PC via a network (Network Version only) • Distributed to your own PC • Distributed via USB memory or other external device The maximum total size of schedules (including programs and content) that can be distributed with Schedule Distribution Tool is 2 GB. Data greater than this size cannot be distributed.
Schedule Distribution Tool Distributing schedules 5. Check the check boxes for all the panels and/or groups that the schedule is to be sent to. Clicking the buttons in the top right of the window will allow you to add or edit panels and groups in the same way as the [Panel Management] window (Fp.84). The buttons perform the following actions: Button Name Description Add Panel (Panel PC) Adds a new panel to be managed. Fp.85 Add Group Adds a new group. Fp.
Schedule Distribution Tool Distributing schedules 11. If you selected the “Distribute now” option button in step 7, a screen like the one on the right will appear. Check that the distribution was successful and click [Close]. If you selected the “Distribute at specified date time” option button in step 7, a screen like the one on the right will appear. Click [OK]. • Schedule and program distribution may take some time.
Schedule Distribution Tool Distributing schedules 5. Check the distribution settings, and click [Finish]. The distribution will be executed. Distribution data can be packaged and saved as a single file that includes schedule information including programs, timetables, and content. Click [Save the Package], and in the [Save the Package] dialog box that appears, specify a directory to save the file to. Then enter a “File name”, and click [Save]. There is usually no need to use this function. 6.
Schedule Distribution Tool Distributing schedules 3. Select a schedule. If you would like to add the selected schedule to the currently open schedule on the viewer PC, check the “Add this schedule on the running schedule in the target panel.” check box. If the box is not checked, the currently open schedule on the viewer PC will be replaced with the currently selected schedule. 4. Click [Next]. The [Selection of the Drive to Transfer] dialog box will appear. 5.
Schedule Distribution Tool Displaying break-in programs Displaying break-in programs ●Distributing via a network and making a break-in display • This function is only available with the Network Version. • If ordinary schedule distribution and break-in distribution overlap, the break-in distribution has the higher priority in processing. 1. Click [Distribute schedule or program to the panel]. The [Selection of Distribution Methods] dialog box will appear. 2.
Schedule Distribution Tool Displaying break-in programs 6. Set the “Display Time of Break-in Program” area. • “Display the break-in program as soon as distribution has been completed” option button Displays the program as soon as the distribution wizard exits. • “Start the break-in program at the time specified” option button Starts program display at the set time. 7. Set a “Display Time” 8.
Schedule Distribution Tool Displaying break-in programs 12. A screen like the one on the right will appear. Check that the distribution was successful and click [Close]. • If the set time has already passed the break-in program will not be displayed. • Once the break-in program has been displayed in the target panel for the amount of time specified in “Display Time”, the panel will return to the original program.
Schedule Distribution Tool Displaying break-in programs 4. Set the “Display Time of Break-in Program” area. • “Display the break-in program as soon as distribution has been completed” option button Displays the program as soon as the distribution wizard exits. • “Start the break-in program at the time specified” option button Starts program display at the set time. 5. Set a “Display Time” 6.
Schedule Distribution Tool Displaying break-in programs 10. A screen like the one on the right will appear. Check that the distribution was successful and click [Close]. • If the set time has already passed the break-in program will not be displayed. • Once the break-in program has been displayed in the target panel for the amount of time specified in “Display Time”, the panel will return to the original program.
Schedule Distribution Tool List of Reserved Distribution/List of Distribution Log List of Reserved Distribution/List of Distribution Log ●List of Reserved Distribution Click the [Reserved Distribution] tab to display the list of currently reserved distributions. There are five categories: Schedule Name, Distribution Target, Reserved Date Time, Power ON, and Power OFF. Clicking on a category will organize the reservations in ascending or descending order.
Schedule Distribution Tool List of Reserved Distribution/List of Distribution Log Deleting the entire distribution log The entire contents of the distribution log can be deleted by either of the following two methods: • Right-click in the Distribution Log, and from the menu that appears, click [Delete All Distribution Log]. • Press [Delete]. A confirmation dialog box will appear. Click [OK].
Server Scheduler Schedule Management This function is only available with the Network Version. Server Scheduler Server Scheduler controls reserved distribution schedules that have been reserved with “Schedule Distribution Tool”, and distributes schedules to the viewer PC at the scheduled time. Server Scheduler is automatically started when Windows launches. When Server Scheduler launches, an icon ( ) is displayed (and resides permanently) in the Task Tray. Do not exit Server Scheduler unnecessarily.
FTP Server/Client Scheduler Schedule Reception/Program Display This function is available on the Viewer Versions. This section gives details for viewer PC settings when schedules and programs are distributed from the management PC using the Network Version. FTP Server The FTP Server receives schedules and break-in programs from the management PC, and passes them to the Client Scheduler. ●Launching the FTP Server The FTP Server launches automatically when Windows is launched.
FTP Server/Client Scheduler Client Scheduler Client Scheduler Client Scheduler is used on the viewer PC. It loads the schedules and break-in programs that have been received by the FTP Server, and controls the Program Viewer to display specified programs at the specified time. ●Launching Client Scheduler Client Scheduler is automatically launched by “Startup” when Windows launches. When Client Scheduler launches, an icon ( ) is displayed (and resides permanently) in the Task Tray.
FTP Server/Client Scheduler Client Scheduler • The area set under the [Display Area] tab will be the display area (except when a program is specified). • “Smooth contents change” check box Check this check box to switch between contents smoothly by preparing the playback of the next content before the end of the current content. Also check this check box when it is necessary to synchronize the content display between frames.
FTP Server/Client Scheduler Client Scheduler • [Set Panel Attribute] You can set Viewer PC panel attributes and “Panel name,” “Group” and “Comment.” This setting is for playing different content in each panel during conditional content playback. [Display Area] tab • “Display area for distributed program” When the display area of the program and the resolution of the panel are different, this tab allows you to display the program regardless of the display area set for the program.
FTP Server/Client Scheduler Client Scheduler • [FTP Server] tab Sets the FTP Server. • User name”: Must be kept within 30 alphanumeric characters. • “Password”: Must be kept within 30 alphanumeric characters. • “Port Number”: Enter a value between 1 and 32000. The initial default values are: • User name: ftp • Password: ftp • Port Number: 21 • If you have installed the Viewer Version, a unique FTP Server will be installed, and started as a service. The default TCP/IP port numbers are 20 and 21.
FTP Server/Client Scheduler Client Scheduler • Tenant ID Sets an operation group ID for the viewer PC. The operation group ID is only valid when selecting the “Pro WEB Server Version” radio button. • Viewer ID: Sets an operation Viewer ID for the viewer PC. • Access interval: Set the length of the time interval for checking for distributed data. • [Detail] Set the length of the interval for periodic access. • First access time: Set the initial time for accessing the HTTP Server.
FTP Server/Client Scheduler Client Scheduler Setting Description Default Host name or IP address Enter the host name or the IP address of the panel to be controlled within 32 alphanumeric characters. Data port Enter a data port number between 1025 and 65535 for the panels to be controlled. User name Enter the username, if one exists for the panels to be controlled, in 8 characters or less. - Password Enter the password, if one exists for the panels to be controlled, in 8 characters or less.
FTP Server/Client Scheduler Client Scheduler • “Power OFF the panel before exiting this software.” check box When this check box is checked, the power of the panel is turned off when the Client Scheduler is terminated. • “Synchronize the panel time with PC time before starting up this software.” check box When this check box is checked, the clock of the panel is set to the time of the viewer PC when the Client Scheduler is launched. [USB Distribute] tab Sets the details of USB distribution.
FTP Server/Client Scheduler Client Scheduler / Distributing content directly by using USB memory or another external storage device Deleting Break-in Program Information Click the [Delete Break-in Program Information] menu. A confirmation message will appear. Click [Yes] to delete all registered break-in program information currently saved in Client Scheduler. Deleting Emergency Scroll Message Information Click [Delete Emergency Scroll Message Information] menu. A confirmation message will appear.
FTP Server/Client Scheduler Distributing content directly by using USB memory or another external storage device • In the Contents direct distribute mode, HTML files cannot be displayed. • Contents are executed in ascending order of the file names. By attaching a serial number such as “001,” “002,” …, at the head of each file name, the order of play can be set. • The play time of content is usually 10 seconds. For video, it is the time until play is completed.
Key/Mouse Monitoring Tool Key/Mouse Monitoring This function is available with the Viewer Versions. This section explains the function of switching displayed programs using keyboard and mouse operations. Key/Mouse Monitoring Tool Window ●Launching the Key/Mouse Monitoring Tool window 1. From the Windows Taskbar, click [Start], [All Programs], [SHARP Digital Signage Software], [Tools] and then [Key-Mouse Watcher]. The key/mouse monitoring tool launches and an icon ( Task Tray.
Key/Mouse Monitoring Tool Key/Mouse Monitoring Tool Window 1) Click the option to be edited and click [Edit]. A dialog box will appear. 2) Set the options. • “Key Setting” Set the combination of keys to be registered. • “Operation” Set the action of the registered key. • If you select “View preset program,” specify the ID number of the preset program to be displayed in “ID of preset prg.”. If the preset program has not been imported, specify the ID number and import the program.
Key/Mouse Monitoring Tool Key/Mouse Monitoring Tool Window • “Play program again, if no input has come for a certain time” check box When this check box is checked, the normal program is resumed if the key or mouse is not operated for a certain period of time. 1) Click [Detail]. The “Configuration for Restart Program” dialog box will appear. 2) Set the options. • “Time to restart program after last key event” Set the period of time before program display is resumed.
Status Monitoring Tool Monitoring status This function is only available with the Network Version. The Status Monitoring Tool allows you to check panel status and control viewer PC power. The main Status Monitoring Tool window ●Launching Status Monitoring Tool 1. From the Windows Taskbar, click [Start], [All Programs], [SHARP Digital Signage Software], [Tools], [Status Monitoring Tool]. “Status Monitoring Tool” will launch.
Status Monitoring Tool The main Status Monitoring Tool window Menu option Power control of viewer PC Panel Description Power on Turns on the viewer PC of selected panels. Reboot Restarts the viewer PC of selected panels. Power off Turns off the viewer PC of selected panels. Fp.121 Starts status acquisition of selected panels. Fp.120 Property Displays panel status details if only one panel is selected. This function can be used only with the SHARP LCD monitor (PN series). Fp.
Status Monitoring Tool The main Status Monitoring Tool window 3) Group tree Displays groups registered in Panel Management.(Fp.84) When a group is selected, all the panels that belong to it (except for panels set without status acquisition) are displayed in the panel list. When “(Select all panels)” is selected, all panels (except for panels set without status acquisition) are displayed in the panel list.
Status Monitoring Tool Acquiring and displaying panel status Acquiring and displaying panel status ●Acquiring status of selected panels 1. Select a group from the group tree, and then select a panel from the panel list. • To select all panels in the panel list, either click [Select all panels] from the [Panel] menu, or press [Ctrl] + [A].
Status Monitoring Tool Acquiring and displaying panel status ●Setting panels for which status will not be obtained It is possible to set panels for which status will not be acquired so that they will not be displayed in the panel list. 1. From the [Option] menu click [Panel setting without status acquisition]. 2. Select panels from the “Panel list with getting status”. 3. Click [Add]. The selected panels will move to the “Panel list without getting status”. 4. Click [OK].
Status Monitoring Tool Acquiring and displaying panel status 4. A screen like the one on the right will appear. Check that the distribution was successful and click [Close]. ●Displaying detailed information for a panel 1. Select a group from the group tree, and then select a panel from the panel list. 2. From the [Panel] menu click [Property], or alternatively, click . The [Panel property] dialog box will appear. 3. Check the settings, and click [Close].
Status Monitoring Tool Acquiring and displaying panel status ●Changing thumbnail size It is possible to change the size of the thumbnails of the screen captures acquired from the panels. 1. Click the buttons on the toolbar. (Small: , Medium: , Large: ) Or alternatively, from the [Option] menu, click [Thumbnail size], and select the size you want to use.
Status Monitoring Tool Setting the operation environment Setting the operation environment Set advanced settings for panel status acquisition. 1. From the [Option] menu click [Operation environment]. The [Setting of operation environment] dialog box will appear. 2. Set the options. 1) Check the “Response confirmation of viewer PC through ICMP ECHO packet” check box. (Compulsory) The check box cannot be cleared. • Timeout (seconds) Sets the timeout value for confirming a response from the viewer PC.
PN-SS01/SS02/SV01 12M(5)
