ICXX-XX-XX-X-X (Turn this page over for a breakdown of part numbers.) iCOMPEL™ These publisher and subscriberBLACK units provide BOX impressive, attention-getting digital signage. ® Available in 2U, VESA, and OPS models. Customer Support Information Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S.
Table 1. Building an iCOMPEL part number, example ICPS-2U-PU-N-H. iCOMPEL (1st 2 characters) IC Series (3rd and 4th characters) Chassis type (after 1st dash)* Role (after 2nd dash) Wi-Fi (after 3rd dash)** Video option*** PS, SS, KS, KP, or OS 2U or VE or no value PU, SU, KU, or IU N, W, or no value A, D, or H * O series has no chassis type value here. **O series has no Wi-Fi value here. *** Video option applies only to 2U models.
iCOMPEL Federal Communications Commission and Industry Canada Radio Frequency Interference Statements This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy, and if not installed and usedproperly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio communication.
NOM Statement Instrucciones de Seguridad (Normas Oficiales Mexicanas Electrical Safety Statement) 1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de que el aparato eléctrico sea operado. 2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para referencia futura. 3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de operación deben ser respetadas. 4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas. 5.
Trademarks Used in this Manual Black Box and the Double Diamond logo are registered trademarks of BB Technologies, Inc. Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the trademark owners. All rights reserved. No parts of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any means - graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or information storage and retrieval systems - without the written permission of the publisher.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) Glossary Table of Contents 1. ......................................................................................................................................................12 Welcome to Black Box Digital Signage 1.1 1.2 1.3 2. Terms You Need................................................................................................................................... to Know 12 Logging On ............................................................
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 4. Media from External ................................................................................................................................... Sources 48 3.3.1 TV ................................................................................................................... 48 3.3.2 Radio ................................................................................................................... 48 3.3.3 Live Video .
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 5.9 5.10 5.11 5.12 6. 7.4 7.5 Channel Roles ................................................................................................................................... 101 Channel Content ................................................................................................................................... Servers 101 Publishing .................................................................................................................
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 9.4 9.5 9.6 10. Support Snap Shot ................................................................................................................................... 146 Connection Troubleshooter ................................................................................................................................... 146 Technical ...........................................................................................................................
Part I Welcome to Black Box Digital Signage
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 1. Welcome to Black Box Digital Signage Welcome to the iCOMPEL user guide. Here you will find comprehensive information about how to create digital signage with the iCOMPEL and how to manage the iCOMPEL unit. Find the subject you are looking for in the table of contents or in the PDF bookmarks. Track down the location of specific topics with the index at the end of the guide or by using the Adobe Reader search facility.
Welcome to Black Box Digital Signage To flesh out how those relationships work, consider each of those key features in turn. Schedule Your iCOMPEL is designed to run continuously. You control which Layouts are displayed on what days and at which times by creating a Schedule. The schedule may be something like this: Layout A runs from 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm, Mondays to Fridays. Layout B runs from 2.00 pm to 8.00 pm, Saturdays and Sundays. Layout C runs at all other times, throughout the week.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) However, if your software key permits it, you can also easily create a network of inter-related iCOMPEL players. You do this by designating and configuring one iCOMPEL as a Publisher, which means it shares the design and content of its schedule and layout with other iCOMPEL players. In turn, you designate those other iCOMPEL players as Subscribers. This shared content is referred to as a Channel.
Welcome to Black Box Digital Signage 1.3 Using the Web Interface You control and manage the iCOMPEL through your browser using the web-style pages of the iCOMPEL user interface. You should familiarize yourself with the essential features of the user interface before beginning to use the iCOMPEL. Most important is the main Home page but you should also be aware of the generic navigation and command features employed on other pages.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) The bar above the thumbnail includes the name of the layout and a link to open the editor for it. The time underneath indicates when the iCOMPEL last updated it. Layout Icons This shows you the arrangement of zones in the layout. Each zone is represented by a rectangle and the colors indicate the kind of content that zone can display. If you click on a zone, the iCOMPEL opens the graphical layout editor for you to edit it.
Welcome to Black Box Digital Signage If you click the open arrow on an attention or problem status bar, the iCOMPEL provides a description of the problem in the information revealed. To take corrective action, click on the appropriate button to open the relevant page in the interface. More generally, opening a status bar provides you with additional information about the subject area with a selection of buttons to take you to relevant pages in the user interface.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) – Confirmation of no known issues. – Brief description of an attention item (only shown if one is active). – Brief description of a problem item (only shown if one is active) Note: The iCOMPEL does not display the quick access icons if your PC screen is too small or you have restricted the size of the browser window.
Part II Creating Digital Signage
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 2. Creating Digital Signage This section describes how to create your digital signs. If you are new to the iCOMPEL see Terms you need to know before you begin. 12 The details in this section apply equally to creating content for a standalone iCOMPEL and for creating content for a channel publisher 100 . Click on the links below for more information on: Schedules Layouts Zones 20 25 27 Playlists 31 Media types 36 Enhancing your digital signage 68 2.
Creating Digital Signage – Copy the schedule. – Edit the schedule. To create a new schedule, click the Add Schedule tab. 2.1.1 Creating a Schedule To display content on your iCOMPEL, you need to create at least one schedule. Create additional schedules as required. You add schedule entries to a schedule to fine tune how the iCOMPEL runs it. To create a new schedule: 1. On the menu bar, click Schedules 2. Click Manage Schedules. 3. Click the Add Schedule tab.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 2.1.2 Schedule Entries A schedule entry is a set of one or more actions for the iCOMPEL to perform at specified times. Schedule entries repeat over a weekly cycle and a program of schedule entries make up a schedule. Use schedule entries to specify these actions: Displaying a layout Switching a screen on or off Switching audio on or off Performing Advance To commands. Whenever you create a new Schedule, the iCOMPEL automatically includes a Default Schedule Entry.
Creating Digital Signage The first schedule entry causes the iCOMPEL to turn the screen off and mute the audio soundtrack (note that the Showroom layout plays even though the screen is off): Details of first Schedule Entry The second schedule entry causes the iCOMPEL to turn the screen on and play the Showroom layout: Details of second Schedule Entry The third schedule entry causes the iCOMPEL to change to the Active layout for 10 minutes every hour: Details of third Schedule Entry 724-746-5500 | bla
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) To create a new schedule entry, click the Add Schedule Entry tab, complete the following details, and click the button: From Select the time range during which you want the iCOMPEL to apply the schedule entry. 00:00:00 means midnight. Set both From and Until to midnight for the iCOMPEL to run the schedule entry all day. For a period that runs through midnight, add separate schedule entries: one ending at midnight, one commencing from midnight.
Creating Digital Signage 5. Choose a layout for the iCOMPEL to display. 6. Click the button. To activate an override, follow these steps: 1. On the menu bar, select Schedules then Manage Schedules. 2. Click the Overrides tab. 3. Click the button next to the override you want to use. The iCOMPEL displays the override layout immediately and continues to do so until you click the button. 2.2 Using Layouts A layout is an arrangement of various display areas, called zones.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) The iCOMPEL provides the following action buttons for each layout: – Audition the layout (on the screen or in your browser, depending on your UI Options setting). – Delete the layout (you cannot delete a layout referenced by a schedule, even if inactive). – Rename the layout. – Copy the layout. – Edit the playlists for the layout's zones or edit the layout itself. To reduce the number of layouts displayed, follow these steps: 1. Click the button. 2.
Creating Digital Signage 2.2.4 Layout Properties The Layout Properties tab allows you to configure the following details (when complete, click the button): Description Optional. Enter a description of the layout. The iCOMPEL displays this on the Layout pages underneath the layout's name. Layout Ad hoc Page Check this box and the iCOMPEL will automatically create an ad hoc page if you add ad hoc items to this layout.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 2.3.1 The Layout Editor To create and manage the zones in a layout, you use the graphical layout editor. To edit a layout, click on its name or thumbnail on the Layouts > Manage Layouts page. The Zones tab provides the graphical editor that you use to adjust the position and size of each zone in your layout: The graphical layout editor By default, the editor displays the layout at 75% of the currently defined screen resolution (not the monitor of your PC).
Creating Digital Signage Note: The display shows the zones with a slight transparency (for example, to aid in aligning with background images). This does not indicate how the zone appears when displayed on screen. To select a zone, click it. The editor shows the selected zone with handles (as seen for zone E). To move the zone, drag-and-drop it. To resize the zone, drag one of the handles.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) Select Zone list The list highlights the currently selected zone (in this case, zone B). Perform the following actions with the Select Zone features: Click the Click the button to delete a zone. button to select the zone you want to size and position. This includes zones hidden by other zones. Change the zone order by dragging-and-dropping the 'Background' image to the back of the layout). icon.
Creating Digital Signage Size & Position Size and position the zone by entering specific values. Note: If you use pixel values, the result may vary according to the resolution of the screen. Top, Bottom, Left, and Right Edge Offsets – The iCOMPEL offsets the position of the zone relative to the edge of the screen. Width – Exact width for the zone. Height – Exact height for the zone. Aspect Ratio – Use to automatically size the zone depending on the aspect ratio of its content.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) folders and move files between folders). You can also add a whole folder to a playlist. See Media Run from the iCOMPEL Disk 40 for more information. Upload Files – Use to copy files onto the iCOMPEL and to create new folders. See Uploading Content Files 41 for more information. Specials – Use to add special items to the playlist (items other than files and folders). See Adding Special Items to a Playlist 32 for more information.
Creating Digital Signage Clocks. Direct text. External web pages. QR Codes. Interactivity actions. The Wait, Rendezvous Point, Advance To, and Change Layout commands. To add a special item to a playlist, open the playlist page and follow these steps: 1. Click the Specials tab. 2. Click the button alongside the item you want to add. (Depending on the item, you may need to enter text or select properties first.) 3. Click the Playlist tab to view the updated playlist. 4.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) Activate a Layout and View it on the Screen To activate a Layout and view it on the Screen, take these steps: 1. On the menu bar, click Layouts and Manage Layouts. 2. Click the layout's button. To return to what was previous being played, click the button. Audition a Layout, Playlist, or Individual Item on the Screen To audition a layout on the screen, take these steps: 1. On the menu bar, click Layouts and then Manage Layouts. 2. Click the layout's button.
Part III Understanding Media Types
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 3. Understanding Media Types The iCOMPEL allows you to display a great many types of digital content (also referred to as media). When creating a layout, you must specify the type of media each zone will display. This enables the zone to 'play' the media concerned. You can configure zones to support one or more of these players: Movie player – For media such as video and TV. HTML player – For media such as web pages and tables.
Understanding Media Types Additional notes: Supported Format Notes iCOMPEL text editor formats The iCOMPEL text editor offers formatting features (for example, use of bold, italic, font size, and color). 3.1.2 Newsfeeds You can display newsfeeds from external sources on the iCOMPEL. Broadcasters or news agencies (for example, the BBC or Reuters) provide newsfeeds containing headline news or sports reports. Providers often do not charge and usually do not require usernames or passwords.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) No authentication required – The newsfeed does not require a username and password. Login with – The newsfeed requires a username and password. Enter them in the fields provided. Proxy Select the required proxy configuration: No proxy required – The iCOMPEL connects directly to the internet. Use proxy if configured – The iCOMPEL accesses the internet through the configured proxy. You must first configure the proxy (on the Setup > System > HTTP Proxy page). 3.1.
Understanding Media Types Rename the table. Enter the new name in the field and click the rename the table, click the button. If you decide not to button. Copy the table. Enter the name for the copy in the field and click the copy the table, click the button. If you decide not to button. Edit the table. To edit a table after creating it, follow the same steps as described next for setting up a new table. You need to set up your new table by following these steps: 1. Click the table's button. 2.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) Override with text of maximum length – The ad hoc user can only enter text up to the number of characters you specify. Override value with text matching – The ad hoc user can only enter text that matches the regular expression you specify. In the Feedback Message field, enter the message you want the iCOMPEL to display to the ad hoc user if what they enter does not match the regular expression.
Understanding Media Types The File & Folders tab provides these file management features: List – Displays all the files and folders in the current location. Navigate – Move between folders (click on a folder name or on a link in the Folder field to open it). Act – Delete, move, and rename files and folders and also copy files. Click the button next to a folder to take these actions: – Delete the folder – Move or rename the folder. Click the button next to a file to take these actions: – Delete the file.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) Using the Upload Files Tab You use both the Files & Folders and playlist Upload Files tabs in the same way: 1. Navigate to the folder where you want to add the file. 2. Click the Upload Files tab. 3. If required, create a sub-folder: a. Type a name for the sub-folder in the Folder name field. b. Click the button. c. Click the sub-folder name to enter it. d. Click the Upload Files tab. 4. Click the 5.
Understanding Media Types Download files from the iCOMPEL to your PC using drag-and-drop or copy-and-paste. You cannot move files from one folder to another using FTP. Instead, download the file to your PC and then upload it to the other iCOMPEL folder. Alternatively, move files using the Media > Files & Folders page. Using Drag and Drop: Some browsers allow you to drag files off of your PC desktop and drop them directly into a playlist or a folder on the iCOMPEL.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) Additional notes: Supported Formats Notes MPEG-1 Good performance but poor resolution. MPEG-2 Recommended. Best combination of performance and resolution but large file size. MPEG-2 is the recommended format as it requires less decoding by the processor. Where possible, convert other formats to MPEG-2 before upload. MPEG-4 Small file size but high processing load. May slow down some models. AVI Best image quality but extremely high processing load.
Understanding Media Types Additional notes: Supported Formats Notes PNG Recommended. Good quality and supports transparency. JPG Recommended. Edges can blur and does not look good when shown on a large screen. GIF Can look very grainy. Only supports 256 colors but does support transparency. The iCOMPEL does not support animated GIFs. To use an animated GIF, first embed it into an HTML page. BMP Large file size but no loss of quality. 3.2.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) Supported Formats Notes Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2010 (PPT, PPTX) Save as WMV video – Best option for high quality and complex animations and transitions but files can be large. Save as Adobe Flash – Supports animations and transitions but complex and fast animation may appear choppy. Creates small files. Save as image slide show – Use if animations and transitions are not important.
Understanding Media Types Supported Format Notes HTML The iCOMPEL displays HTML using the WebKit browser engine for Linux. (The Apple Safari and Google Chrome browsers also use the WebKit engine.) WebKit supports web pages including JavaScript and Adobe Flash but not ActiveX. 3.2.8 Adobe Flash You can display Adobe Flash files with the iCOMPEL. Note: Complex Adobe Flash files may not run smoothly on less powerful iCOMPEL models Zone player type to enable: HTML.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 3.3 Media from External Sources You can display media running directly from external sources with the iCOMPEL. Refer to the media-specific Information to see which zone player type to enable and for additional notes on the formats supported: TV 48 Radio 48 Live Video 49 Multicast Video 49 External Web Pages 50 3.3.1 TV You can play output from external digital and analog TV stations with the iCOMPEL. Zone player type to enable: Movie.
Understanding Media Types Supported Format Notes Digital radio Digital radio stations, where available. Your iCOMPEL must be set up with: A TV antenna connected to its TV socket. A tuner card for tuning in to the stations (see TV & Radio 122 for more details). 3.3.3 Live Video You can output live video from various devices with the iCOMPEL. Zone player type to enable: Movie. Playlist tab containing the item: Specials.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) Supported Format Notes A device to stream video onto the network. Before you can add live video in to a playlist, you need to configure your TV tuner to recognize the video source as a TV input. See TV & Radio 122 for more details. 3.3.5 External Web Pages You can display whole or parts of pages from an external web site with the iCOMPEL. See Displaying Part of a Movie or Web Page 75 for details of how to display only a part of a web page.
Understanding Media Types To keep non-auto-refresh pages current, you need to reload them periodically. To do so, add the pages to a playlist with a fixed duration, as this forces the iCOMPEL to reload the page. Saving Web Pages to Disk and Adding to a Playlist: As an alternative to displaying a web page directly from an external source, you can save it on the iCOMPEL. This loses the connection with the source and your files will not be updated. To save the HTML files, use your browser's Save function.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.
Understanding Media Types 3.4.1 Movie Properties The following properties apply to zones enabled as a Movie player: Duration Select the duration you require: Play the movie file indefinitely – The movie plays continuously. Play movie file for – The movie plays for the period you specify. Deinterlace The iCOMPEL automatically performs deinterlacing if required. To explicitly enable or disable deinterlacing, select Yes or No from the drop-down list.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) Show the web page indefinitely – The iCOMPEL shows the web page always. Show the web page for – The iCOMPEL shows the web page for the period you specify. Web Page Size Choose the option you require: Use Zone Size – Display whole movie in the zone. Show Part of Web Page – Display only a 'window' view of the movie in the zone: o Left edge offset – Amount to indent the window relative to the page's left edge.
Understanding Media Types No Fade out – Image disappears immediately without fading out. Fade out in n.n seconds – Image fades out to the background. Specify the number of seconds for the fadeout to last (default is 1.5 seconds). Cross fade to next image in n.n seconds – Image fades out as the next image fades in. You must also set the next image's Fade In option to Cross fade from previous image.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) Vertical Alignment Select the text vertical position (only enabled for stationary and horizontally-scrolling text). Margins Set values to add blank space at each margin (in pixels). White Space Choose the option for how you want extra spaces, tabs, and new lines handled (collectively termed 'whitespace'): Display multiple spaces as single space and multiple new lines as single new line – Ignore extra whitespace (default).
Understanding Media Types Allowed Choices Select which newsfeeds the ad hoc user can choose: All Available Newsfeeds – User can choose from any of the newsfeeds you have added to the iCOMPEL. Only Selected Newsfeeds – User can choose only from the newsfeeds you check. Default Newsfeed Select the default newsfeed from the drop-down list. Fields Select whether to display components of the newsfeed other than the content: Title – Newsfeed title. Description – Newsfeed summary description.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) Font Select the font family you want and the size and style to apply. Text Color If you want text in a different color than the default, click the Pick Color button to select an alternative. Background Color If you want the background in a different color than the default, click the Pick Color button to select an alternative. Horizontal Alignment Select the text horizontal position (only enabled for stationary and vertically- scrolling text).
Understanding Media Types Text Color If you want text in a different color than the default, click the Pick Color button to select an alternative. Background Color If you want the background in a different color than the default, click the Pick Color button to select an alternative. Horizontal Alignment Select the clock's horizontal position. Vertical Alignment Select the clock's vertical position. Margins Set values to add blank space at each margin (in pixels).
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) Synchronization Slave - track changes to Master – The media shown in this zone is controlled from a master zone. Master – This zone controls the media shown in a slave zone. See Synchronizing Player Displays Between Zones 68 for more details. You can combine folder play properties to create complex sequences to meet specific requirements.
Understanding Media Types Time Validity To control when the iCOMPEL shows an item in a playlist, check the relevant boxes and set the times you require: Date Range – Select the dates during which you want these settings to apply (for a single day, set both dates the same). Days – Select the days you want the item to appear. Time Period – Select the period during which you want the item to appear. Examples when you might choose to use this property: To play adverts only on certain days of the week.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 3.4.10 Ad Hoc Properties The iCOMPEL displays ad hoc properties on the Media tab.
Understanding Media Types Customization Status Indicates if this item is currently displaying its default value or if it has been overridden by an ad hoc User. Used By Layouts Lists the layouts that use this ad hoc Item. (Only for ad hoc items that you cannot customize.) 3.5 Playlist Commands You can use the following playlist features to alter the display sequence and appearance: Rendezvous Points and the Advance To Command Change Layout Command 63 64 3.5.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 4. Make sure the Advance To command appears immediately before the item you want the iCOMPEL to synchronize with the other playlist. 5. If you want the Advance To command to target only a specific zone: a. Click the button. b. Select the zone from the In drop-down list. c. Click the button. Note: If you want to change the Advance To command to point to a different rendezvous point or to different zones, click the button and alter your selection. 3.5.
Understanding Media Types You define a Color Item by a unique name, a color value, and an opacity setting. If you change the color value or opacity setting, the iCOMPEL updates all the items that use the color. Click the button to apply your changes. You can define more than one color item with the same color values. Click the tab for the option you require: Colors – Listing the color items and their characteristics. Click the is in use).
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) To add a font file, follow these steps: 1. On the menu bar, select Media and Fonts. 2. Click the Add Fonts tab. 3. Click the 4. Click the 5. Click the button and navigate to the font file you wish to add. button. button. 6. After you add a font file, you must restart the iCOMPEL. 7. To preview a font, click the button. This interrupts the current layout display and shows a test message on the screen. You can change the test message using the Font Options tab.
Part IV Enhancing Your displays
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 4. Enhancing Your displays You can enhance your digital sign display in various ways: Synchronizing Playlist Displays Between Zones 68 Using Interactivity 71 Using the RS-232 Interface Port 75 Displaying Part of a Movie or Web Page Mitigating Plasma Screen Burn 75 76 Changing the Screen Background 76 4.
Enhancing Your displays To set up automatic captioning between the zone playing the video and the zone playing the captions, first set up the video zone: 1. Upload all the videos into one folder on the iCOMPEL. 2. Open the video zone's playlist page. 3. Click the Files & Folders tab and navigate to the video folder location. 4. Click the folder's button. 5. Click the Playlist tab. 6. Click the folder's button. 7. From the Item Synchronization drop-down list, select Master. 8.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) To illustrate that mechanism, here is a sequence of items in a playlist: Rendezvous Point: Start Default Movie item Advance To: Start Rendezvous Point: Option1 Option1 Movie Item Advance To: Start Rendezvous Point: Option2 Option2 Movie item Advance To: Start That playlist sequence might run like this: 1. The iCOMPEL plays Default Movie item in a continuous loop created by the Advance To command and rendezvous point Start. 2.
Enhancing Your displays 7. Click the button. 4.2 Using Interactivity You can configure the iCOMPEL to respond to inputs from an external source. External inputs are known as Events and they may be caused by: Someone pressing or releasing a defined area on a USB touch screen. Someone passing a detector or stepping on a pressure mat that generates a general purpose input/output (GPIO) signal (received through the iCOMPEL unit's RS-232 port).
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) Include an On Touch Advance To command in the playlist. Include an On Touch Change Layout command in the playlist. Play an HTML page in the zone. To add items, click on the playlist's Specials tab and select those required. You can include more than one On Touch Advance To or On Touch Change Layout commands in the playlist. Each On Touch command overrides the previous one.
Enhancing Your displays 1. Creates a list of all zones showing items coincident to the remote keypad button event. 2. Processes that list in depth order, starting with the top zone. 3. If a zone has an active remote keypad button action, and that is not to pass the event to another zone, the iCOMPEL performs the specified action and stops processing. 4. If no zone has an active remote keypad button action, the iCOMPEL performs the remote keypad action defined for the layout.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) by using a Change Layout command. Each method has advantages and disadvantages: Method Advantages Disadvantages Change zone size and show/hide properties Very fast transition Continues using existing media players Use Change Layout command Resets all media players Slower, visible transition 4.2.2 General Purpose Input/Output The iCOMPEL can respond to changes in voltages generated by a GPIO device such as a motion sensor or a pressure mat.
Enhancing Your displays See Interactivity 139 for more details. 4.2.4 Click On Touch You can configure the iCOMPEL to play an audio file when someone touches an interactive screen. To play an audio file, click the layout's Interaction tab and enable Click on Touch. The iCOMPEL does not play a sound when the setting is No Click on Touch. Specify these items: Volume – Express volume as a percentage of the Master Volume level. (You can specify the Master Volume level on the Audio page in the Setup menu.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 4.5 Mitigating Plasma Screen Burn If a plasma screen continually shows the same image, there is a danger it burns a permanent impression into the screen. Screen burn is less likely on LCD panels. You should activate any built-in burn-mitigation feature on your plasma screen. You can further mitigate the problem by regularly changing the background image or layout.
Enhancing Your displays Activation option to Activate new Layout after and select the delay from the drop-down list. 3. Click the button. 724-746-5500 | blackbox.com Copyright © 2010-2013 Black Box Network Services. All Rights Reserved.
Part V Ad Hoc Content
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 5. Ad Hoc Content The Ad hoc feature allows you to delegate limited control of content to staff local to the display. This is particularly useful where several iCOMPEL players share the same channel but also need some customized content. The people at each location can make those changes with a quick and easy, browser-based operation.
Ad Hoc Content user permission to access it. 5.1 Enhanced Ad Hoc Access Control Generating ad hoc content is quick and easy. As the content designer, you can build-in ad hoc content during implementation of your design. Alternatively, you can work with an existing design and allocate ad hoc content as required. Whichever route you choose, the overall time taken for generating display content is minimized. Ad hoc users can be working with the system productively with minimum delay.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 3. Click the button. 4. Click the button and set the item's Customization Scope: Local – Only affects the display for this iCOMPEL). Remote – Affects the display for all the subscribers to this publisher's channel. Tables You should have already created and formatted the ad hoc table you require. 1. On the playlist's page, click the Specials tab. 2. From the Table Item drop-down list, select the table you want. 3. Click the 4. Click the table's button.
Ad Hoc Content Converting an Existing Design to Ad hoc Content: You can create ad hoc content after you have completed a design. To create ad hoc content in an existing design, the process is the same as in each case above. You need to disable Automatic Ad Hoc in the Layout Properties tab. Creating Ad Hoc Pages: When ad hoc users log on, their Home page displays the Ad Hoc Pages you create. Ad hoc users cannot access any other iCOMPEL user interface pages.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 3. For each button, check the action required: No default Button Action – Check for the iCOMPEL to take no action when the user presses this button. When button is pressed Advance to Rendezvous Point – Check to assign a rendezvous point to this button. Choose the zones you allow the ad hoc user to control. When button is pressed change to Layout – Check to assign a layout to this button. Ad hoc users press this button to switch the display to that layout.
Ad Hoc Content Schedule override allows the ad hoc user to display one of a selection of predefined layouts and not have this interrupted by any other layout changes in the schedule. For example, this can be used to show a special TV event or display an emergency message without interruption. Advance To allows the ad hoc user on-demand control in several areas, including content selection. For example, this might be useful in a foyer where a iCOMPEL is showing a corporate video in a continuous loop.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 8. For the option Add Ad hoc Item of type, select Schedule Override from the drop-down list. 9. Enter a name for the schedule override and click the button. 10.In the Allowed Choices panel, select one of the following: All Available Schedule Overrides – Allows ad hoc users to select from any schedule overrides configured on the iCOMPEL. Only Selected Schedule Overrides – Allows ad hoc users to select only from the schedule overrides you select. 5.
Ad Hoc Content To delete an ad hoc item, click the . button. If the iCOMPEL does not display the item's cannot be deleted. To see which items are in use, click the Ad hoc Pages information. button, it is in use and button and look at the Used By Layouts and Used by When you add an ad hoc item, you can also set a range of properties, depending on the item.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 5.7 Creating Ad Hoc User Accounts If you want a user on a subscriber iCOMPEL to update ad hoc channel content, you must create an ad hoc user account for them on the subscriber. If you want a user on a publisher iCOMPEL to be responsible for ad hoc from center content, you must create an ad hoc user account for them on the publisher. To creating an ad hoc user account, take the following steps: 1. On the menu bar, click Setup and select System > Users. 2.
Ad Hoc Content 2. Click the page's button. To delete an ad hoc page, follow the same procedure and click the button. If the iCOMPEL does not display the page's . button, it is in use and cannot be deleted. Also, you cannot delete layout ad hoc pages, only disable them on the Layout Properties tab. 5.8.2 Editing Ad Hoc Pages The edit ad hoc page lists all the items you have added to the page that an ad hoc user can change.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) Users allowed to Enter Data – Select the users who have permission to view and make changes to the Data Entry page (users with Layout Manager Access permission can view and modify all ad hoc Data Entry pages). 5.9 Ad Hoc Folder Play You can add a folder to a playlist and then give ad hoc users permission to upload their own content into that folder.
Ad Hoc Content 5.11 Changing Ad Hoc Content If you want to change the ad hoc content currently playing, the general steps to follow are: 1. Connect to the iCOMPEL with your browser 2. On the menu bar, click Ad hoc Entry. 3. Select the ad hoc page for the content you want to change. 4. Make the necessary changes (see table below for details). 5. If the iCOMPEL is playing the item, click the button. Your change takes effect immediately. 6.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 1. On the menu bar, click Ad hoc Entry. 2. Select Media Folder. The iCOMPEL shows the contents of your media folder. 3. To view a file, click its name. 4. To upload a new file or manage the existing files, see Uploading Content Files 5. To change the order in which files play, see Folder Play Properties Screen Layouts 59 41 . . Change the whole layout (this assumes you have already added an ad hoc layout to the ad hoc page): 1.
Ad Hoc Content include ad hoc themes in layout packages. To access the Ad hoc theme page, click on Media and select Manage Ad hoc Theme. Create your theming features using the following tabs: Properties Select the options you require: Ad Hoc Theme – Choose the Disabled button to retain the default appearance. Choose the Enabled button to use the theme you are customizing. Header text color – Click the Pick Color button to select a different header text color.
Part VI Sharing Content Using Layout Packages
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 6. Sharing Content Using Layout Packages A Layout Package is a single file which contains all the media and control files required to fully install one or more layouts on another iCOMPEL. You can distribute layout packages on DVDs, by memory sticks, through file servers. or sent by email. Transferring layouts from one iCOMPEL to another is a two-step process: 1. Create the layout package 96 on the originating iCOMPEL. 2.
Sharing Content Using Layout Packages 5. Check the box next to each layout to include in the package. Note: The iCOMPEL also includes layouts referenced by Change Layout commands even if you do not select those layouts explicitly here. 6. Click the button. The iCOMPEL displays the Status tab. 7. When the layout package creation completes, click the Package Filename link and use the dialog to save the package file on your computer. 8. Send copies of the layout package ZIP file to those who need them.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) Copy but Keep Both Items – The iCOMPEL renames the items in the layout package to avoid conflicts with existing items. The iCOMPEL displays the new names on the Status tab. The iCOMPEL may offer specify different conflict actions for media files and layout and special items. In some cases, selecting Copy but Keep Both Items may cause additional items to be in conflict.
Part VII Channels and Signage Networks
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 7. Channels and Signage Networks Channels provide an easy way to display the same content at multiple locations by setting up a Digital Signage Network of iCOMPEL players. A collection of iCOMPEL players that all play the same content on their screens is known as a Channel. A channel has three parts: A Publisher iCOMPEL. The Channel Content Server (CCS). The server delivering channel content to the subscriber iCOMPEL players.
Channels and Signage Networks Note: It is recommended that the publisher iCOMPEL and each subscriber iCOMPEL run the same software version. Although later-version subscribers can sometimes display content created on earlier-version publishers, they will fail to display features no longer supported. 7.1 Channel Roles In a channel, you configure each iCOMPEL to operate according to the role it performs. The iCOMPEL can have one of these roles: Publisher – The iCOMPEL publishes content to a channel.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) How to Publish Description When Would You Use This Method? Using a USB memory stick You publish channel files onto USB memory sticks. You distribute the sticks to each subscriber, which automatically reads the channel from it. Your subscribers are not connected to a network or you do not want to publish the channel through a network. You have to perform this process every time you update the channel.
Channels and Signage Networks 7.3.1 Configuring the Publisher When you set the iCOMPEL role to Publisher, the iCOMPEL opens the Publisher tab for you to complete the configuration. You can also access the Publisher tab on the menu bar by clicking Channels and Manage Channels. Complete the publisher settings you require and click the button to enable them: Channel Name Enter a unique name for the channel. When the channel is active, this appears at the top of the page on the subscriber and publisher.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) You should consider these factors when calculating the storage space required for a channel: With the exception of video files, content does not require large amounts of storage. If your layouts do not include video files, you should find 1 GB to 2 GB of space sufficient. If your layouts include video files, increase storage by at least 2 GB per hour of standard quality video. Allow for more if the video is high quality.
Channels and Signage Networks 7.3.3 Multichannel Publishing You can publish more than one channel from the same publisher iCOMPEL. Although schedules are unique to each channel, more than one channel can share layouts and contents. Remember that the iCOMPEL can only publish the currently active channel. Both the publisher and subscriber players display the name of the active channel at the top of each of their pages. As suggested previously, you will find it helpful to give a channel a useful name.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) Update From Center Poll Interval Specify how often the subscriber polls for changes to ad hoc from center items. As above, take care with how often you poll. However, these changes require less bandwidth and you could set the poll interval accordingly.
Channels and Signage Networks 1. On the menu bar, click Channels. 2. Click Subscribe Channel. 3. Click the button. To update a subscription by USB stick, follow these steps: 1. On the publisher iCOMPEL, publish the updated channel to the USB stick you are using. 2. Plug the USB stick into the subscriber iCOMPEL. 3. The subscriber iCOMPEL detects the USB stick, recognizes there are changes to the channel, and proceeds to upload the new content.
Part VIII Player and System Status
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 8. Player and System Status Use the Status options to access information about the player and the system. Select the menu item for the status information you want to access: Player 110 – Viewing the current and recently displayed layouts and the CPU load. System 110 – Viewing the disk and CPU temperatures over time, general system status, and hardware specification. Conditional Play 111 – Checking the items that are subject to conditional play.
Player and System Status Beneath each graph, notes indicate the maximum temperature during the period and the shut down temperature. iCOMPEL shuts itself down if the disk temperature exceeds 50 °C for more than 5 minutes. °C 30 Days: As above except covering the previous 30 days.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) added the required player local information for those conditions, the iCOMPEL displays an action message containing a link you can follow to add the missing name. The rest of the page is split into two tabs, one each for Playlist Items and Schedules. Each tab displays: Details of the PLI name on which the item depends. The operation that the iCOMPEL executes to decide if the item plays. The values that the item contains and the current values in the PLI.
Player and System Status Note: Viewing the live-screen display may impact the quality of the actual screen's output. 724-746-5500 | blackbox.com Copyright © 2010-2013 Black Box Network Services. All Rights Reserved.
Part IX Setup
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 9. Setup Use the Setup options to configure and check the operational features of your iCOMPEL. Select the menu item for the option you require: System Setup 117 – Configuring the administrative and infrastructure aspects of the iCOMPEL system. Player Setup 134 – Configuring the display output characteristics you want the iCOMPEL to support. Maintenance and Troubleshooting 142 – Performing backup, update, and support activities. 9.
Setup Date Style Select the date format you prefer: Locale Specific means the format matches the country and language you set on the Setup > Player > International page. Date Separator A hyphen is the default. Enter another character to use as an alternative. Month Style Select how you prefer to see the month expressed.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) Date and Time 119 – Specifying time source and time zone. Network 120 – Setting up and testing the network connection. TV & Radio 122 – Tuning and using TV and radio stations (only displayed if the iCOMPEL has a TV card installed). HTTP Proxy 124 – Setting up proxy server access. Security 125 – Configuring firewall and secure access services. Player Local Information 132 – Adding customized data items to the player.
Setup XML Control – Access to the XML message interface allowing non-browser based control of the iCOMPEL. (Does not allow access to pages.) Media Folder Select the user's FTP home and ad hoc media folder from the drop-down list. This prevents users from accessing any folders above the one you specify when they log in through FTP or through the Ad hoc Media Folder page. Password The user's password. Repeat in the Password Confirm field. Note: You cannot retrieve passwords.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) designated. 9.2.3 Network Use the Network options to configure, check, and test the iCOMPEL network connection. Note: The iCOMPEL displays its active IP address in large text on the splash screen during the boot up process. Click the tab for the options you require: Ethernet 120 – Configuring IP address and DNS settings. 3G Modem 121 – Configuring a 3G network connection. Wireless 121 – Configuring a wireless connection.
Setup 3G Modem: If your iCOMPEL can connect to a 3G network, complete the following information then click the reboot the iCOMPEL: Enable button and Select whether you want to connect by 3G or not: Disable 3G network – The iCOMPEL will not use the 3G network. Enable 3G network – The iCOMPEL will use the 3G network. PPP Authentication If the 3G network requires authentication, enter the username and password. PIN If the 3G network requires a PIN, enter the PIN.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) Add New Network Chose the network you want to use, complete the required information, and click the button: Visible – Lists reachable wireless networks. Select the button next to the network you want to connect to. If the network requires a network password or key, enter it in the Key field. Other – Select if the network you want is not listed above. Enter the network SSID and select the correct Key Type option.
Setup Rebroadcaster Settings: To configure rebroadcasting, complete the following information then click the button: Enabled Check the Rebroadcast a Digital Station option to enable rebroadcasting. If you enable it, the iCOMPEL TV card is disabled for analog TV, digital TV and radio, and Composite and S-Video capture. Station Check the TV or Radio option and select the station from the drop-down list. Stream As Enter a descriptive name for the station.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 3. Click the button. 4. If you wish, click the button to audition the new station on the screen. Capture Tests: Click the button to audition the capture feature indicated. Streaming TV & Radio: If the iCOMPEL cannot receive a TV signal directly, you might be able to deliver the TV signals by multicast streams using the local network. The iCOMPEL decodes the multicast stream and displays the TV image in a zone in the normal way.
Setup After you have configured the HTTP proxy, specify that the iCOMPEL uses it on the relevant setup page: HTML player – Setup on the Setup > Player > Players page. Channel subscription – Setup on the Channels > Manage Channels page. Newsfeed – Setup for the individual newsfeed on the Media > Newsfeeds page. Reporting – Setup on the Setup > System > Reporting & Remote Setup page. Software update – Setup on the Setup > Maintenance and Troubleshooting > Software Update page (Settings tab).
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) Click the tab for the option you require: Firewall 126 – Examining and configuring the firewall and other security services settings. Master Password 127 – Changing the iCOMPEL master password. LDAP 128 – Detailing access control using the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol. LDAP Expert 128 – Entering XML-based LDAP parameters. (Only displayed if you have set the User Interface Policy to Expert.
Setup Unicast Listener Service Settings Listening Ports – Specify the ports the iCOMPEL listens on. Master Password: The Master Password tab allows you to change the master password. You need the master password to access the iCOMPEL kernel through SSH. Note: This is not the same password you use to login to the iCOMPEL through a browser. It may be desirable to change the master password, but you must know the existing one to do so.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) A detailed log. When you have a correct setup, and the iCOMPEL username is valid, the LDAP test returns the Passed status. To correct any indicated problems, check the user permissions and change the associated LDAP settings.
Setup To begin with, it is important to understand the difference between the iCOMPEL and the LDAP security models: The basic iCOMPEL security model prevents access to system features unless a user is authenticated and has explicit permissions. In the LDAP security model, a user is considered to have permission if an LDAP filter matches entries in the directory. Typically, an LDAP filter establishes that a user is a member of a group.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) complete the Bind Username and Bind Password. For example, the bind username is a distinguished name (DN) like: cn=Manager,dc=yourdomain,dc=com. FTP User: The information in this section is used to authenticate users and give them permission to gain FTP read/write access to the iCOMPEL. You will need to know how to find the user object in the directory that corresponds to the username given to FTP.
Setup Posix Scheme Directory – (objectclass=posixAccount). In the Display Name Attribute field, enter a name for the user for the iCOMPEL to use in the banner. This is typically as described for the relevant context: Active Directory – Typically, the displayName or sAMAccountName attribute. Posix Scheme Directory – Typically, the cn or uid attribute. HTTP Permissions: After a user has been authenticated to access the iCOMPEL web interface through HTTP, the iCOMPEL will check the user's permissions.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 9.2.8 Player Local Information Use the Player Local Information page to add, delete, or modify data items for customizing the iCOMPEL behavior. Examples include the following features: Conditional play – Add data that the iCOMPEL checks to determine which playlist items or schedules to play. Localize HTML pages – Add data that the iCOMPEL uses to localize output from web pages.
Setup Reporting Settings: To configure reporting, complete the following information then click the iCOMPEL if you change the Reporting or SSH settings): Reporting button (you must also reboot the Check the button for the reporting option you want: Status reporting is disabled – The iCOMPEL does not send reports. Report status to a iDM via HTTP – The iCOMPEL sends report using HTTP or HTTPS. Report status to a iDM via VPN – The iCOMPEL sends report using VPN.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 9.2.10 Feature Keys Certain features beyond the normal capabilities of the iCOMPEL are licensed. This page allows you to view currently installed feature keys and to add new feature keys. The Licensing tab shows a summary of all installed feature keys, while the Status tab shows all currently licensed features. The Add License tab allows you to add new feature keys. Note: The iCOMPEL must be rebooted for newly installed features to become available. 9.
Setup Status – Displaying a summary of the screen's Extended Display Identification Data (EDID), including screen resolution. Tests – Testing different aspects of screen performance. Before setting up your screen, you need to understand the Layout Canvas Size setting and understand its application when designing your content. You use the layout canvas size setting to: Define the size of the display space on which the iCOMPEL will render your layouts. Define the design space for the layout editor tool.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) VESA CVT Timings – The width and height are taken from your layout canvas size. The iCOMPEL calculates timing information using the standard VESA CVT formula. Always use Normal Blanking for CRT screens. Try Reduced Blanking for flat-screen displays. Custom Timings – For advanced users only. The width and height are taken from your layout canvas size. Enter your required values for the indicated timing characteristics.
Setup Allow disk based flash to read local data and communicate with internet – Select if flash content requires cross-domain access to data or needs to read local files. XML Web Select whether the HTML player can access external web sites: Services External URL Access Allow XML web services to access external sites – The HTML player can access external sites. Do not allow XML web services to access external sites – The HTML player cannot access external sites. 9.3.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) Note: If you have enabled Send RS-232 String Action for the item, a subscriber or publisher iCOMPEL also displays the Local Override section. This allows you to enable and define a local RS-232 string for the item separate from the one defined in the channel. The Last Response section details the response received the last time the iCOMPEL executed this item.
Setup Add Item: To create the RS-232 item, complete the following settings and click the button: Name Enter a name to uniquely identify this RS-232 item. Perform Enabled Actions when Specify when the iCOMPEL executes the RS-232 item (in a playlist or automatically at the event you specify). Send RS-232 String Action Check the Send RS-232 String Action box to enable the iCOMPEL to send the RS-232 string you specify. Clearing the box disables it.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) Touch screen is connected but is not calibrated. Touch screen is available. (The touch screen is only usable when the iCOMPEL displays this status.) After you have connected a touch screen, you must calibrate it by following these steps: 1. Click the button. 2. On the touch screen, carefully press your finger on the center of each of the three crosshairs as they appear. 3. Touch the Press to finish message in the center of the screen. 4.
Setup Remote Keypad: The iCOMPEL can respond to button presses on a infra-red controller or remote keypad. The buttons are: Volume up and down – Adjusts the master volume level up and down in 10% divisions. The iCOMPEL indicates the new volume at the top right of the screen. Station up and down – Selects the next station up or down in the list of available ad hoc TV or radio stations. The iCOMPEL indicates the new station, or that none are available, at the top right of the screen.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 6. When the backup process finishes, remove the USB device. To restore a backup: 1. Attach the USB device containing the backup to the iCOMPEL. 2. On the menu bar, click Setup and select Maintenance and Troubleshooting > Backup & Restore. 3. Click the button next to the backup you want to restore. 4. Wait for the iCOMPEL to reboot after the restore process finishes. 5. Remove the USB stick.
Setup Update File Indicates if an update is available or not. If one is, this displays details of the file if it has not yet been installed. Update Description A description of what the update listed above provides. (Not displayed if there is no update available.) Progress Contains a progress bar during a download. After a download completes, indicates that an update is ready for installation at the next reboot. (Not displayed if there is no update available.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 9.6 Reboot System You can access the Reboot page from the Setup > Maintenance and Troubleshooting menu. Use the Reboot page to perform a controlled reboot of the iCOMPEL. Caution: You can stop and restart the iCOMPEL simply by switching the power off and on. However, following a software update, you must reboot the iCOMPEL using this controlled process to ensure the update completes successfully. Select Yes from the drop-down list and click the button.
Part X Troubleshooting
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 10. Troubleshooting Your iCOMPEL requires little maintenance. From time to time, Black Box Network Services may release software updates for your iCOMPEL. To make sure you keep your iCOMPEL up to date, you can set it to receive and install those updates automatically (see Software Update 142 for more details).
Troubleshooting Task Comment In Firefox, select Tools > Options > Advanced. On the Network tab, click the button and select No Proxy. Reboot the iCOMPEL and the PC. During the iCOMPEL boot sequence, press the ESC key and look for an OK message (in green) for the eth0 parameter. If you see a [Fail] message (in red) for the eth0 parameter this usually means that the iCOMPEL has found nothing to connect with at the other end of the cable.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) Task Comment FTP. address of the iCOMPEL and press the Enter key. When prompted, enter the same username and password. In Firefox, in the address bar type ftp:// followed by the username, a colon (:), the password, the at symbol (@), and then the IP address of the iCOMPEL. For example, ftp//remote:9999@192.168.1.2. You should see a list of folders including media. 148 724-746-5500 | blackbox.com Copyright © 2010-2013 Black Box Network Services.
Part XI Technical Reference
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 11. Technical Reference This section contains technical reference topics not covered elsewhere: Energy Saving 150 – Reducing the amount of power your system consumes. Optimizing Playback Performance 151 – Enhancing the playback performance of specific media types. RS-232 Technical Reference 151 – Understanding RS-232 pin assignments and electrical interfaces. Backup Contents 152 – Understanding which files and folders the iCOMPEL saves in a backup. 11.
Technical Reference 11.2 Optimizing Playback Performance You can optimize the playback performance of specific media by taking note of these points: iCOMPEL players have no problem displaying MPEG-2 video at a reasonable rate (up to 10 Mbps). This typically uses less than half of the iCOMPEL processing power. You should resize images (especially digital photos) before uploading them onto the iCOMPEL. Ideally, resize them so that they match the size of the zone.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) Outputs have: A voltage swing ranging from +/-5 V to +/-12 V (depends on hardware). A source current drive capability of about 15 mA (with output current limiting) (can drive LEDs/PIR modules and provide a voltage for contact closure applications). 11.4 Backup Contents Backing Up Your Player 141 describes how you create a backup for your iCOMPEL.
Part XII Glossary
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) 12. Glossary Term Meaning Ad hoc An override to a display schedule, often managed locally by ad hoc users, which is restricted to a specific zone and/or content type. Ad hoc users control ad hoc content or ad hoc items, which are kept in ad hoc media folders, and displayed on ad hoc pages. Ad hoc from center An ad hoc schedule override which is managed and sent by a remote publisher iCOMPEL to one or more specific subscriber iCOMPEL players.
Glossary Term Meaning Layout package The media and settings for a layout bundled a ZIP file for distribution to other players. Media Dynamic content such as streaming video, TV, radio and newsfeeds is referred to as media. Media audit Reports indicating which media items played on the iCOMPEL, when, and for how long. Media folder Designated area on the iCOMPEL disk holding media items for adding to playlists. Media player The type of media each zone is enabled to display.
iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.3) Term Meaning Screen snap shot A picture of what the iCOMPEL is currently displaying. Standalone A player that is neither a subscriber or publisher. Streaming video Video which is delivered to the end user 'live' (that is, direct from the video provider). Subscribe iCOMPEL players that show a schedule from a publishing iCOMPEL subscribe to that device. Subscriber A player that accepts a channel from a publisher.
Index Glossary Index character set 55 click on touch 75 clock properties 58 clocks 38 colors 64, 76 common advanced properties conditional play 60, 111 conflict 97 connection problems 146 contact 14 content 20, 36, 40, 41, 48 content types 36 control line inputs 74 control line outputs 74 copy layout package 97 creating layout package 96 -33G modem 120 -Aaccounts 118 action 71 action buttons 15 ad hoc 12, 80, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92 ad hoc content 80, 84, 86, 88, 90 ad hoc folder 80, 84, 90 ad hoc from cen
Index iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.
Index Glossary roles 100, 101, 105 rotating zones in a layout 76 RS-232 40, 75, 137, 139, 151 RS-232 content 40 RS-232 inputs 139 RS-232 interface 75 RS-232 outputs 137 RS-232 technical reference 151 RSS 37 -Oopacity 64 OpenType 65 operational status 15 optimizing playback 151 options 116 OTF 65 outputs 74 override 20, 24 -S - -P- saving energy 150 schedule 12, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25 schedule entry 22 screen 134 screen background 76 screen burn 76 screen display 112 screen resolution 134 screen snap shot
Index iCOMPEL Digital Signage User Guide (V9.2.
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