® Digital Signage Creator Digital Signage Creator Hardware Manual www.gefen.
ASKING FOR ASSISTANCE Technical Support: Telephone Fax (818) 772-9100 (800) 545-6900 (818) 772-9120 Technical Support Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM PST Monday thru Friday PST Write To: Gefen, LLC c/o Customer Service 20600 Nordhoff St Chatsworth, CA 91311 www.gefen.com support@gefen.com Notice Gefen, LLC reserves the right to make changes in the hardware, packaging, and any accompanying documentation without prior written notice. Digital Signage Creator is a trademark of Gefen, LLC © 2011 Gefen, LLC.
CONTENTS 1 Introduction 2 Operation Notes 3 Features 4 Panel Layout 5 Panel Descriptions 6 Connecting And Operating The Digital Signage Creator 6 How to Connect the Digital Signage Creator 7 Accessing the Digital Signage Creator HTTP Server 8 Using the Digital Signage Creator Web Interface 25 DHCP Configuration 26 Static IP Configuration 30 Configuring a USB Drive with the Digital Signage Creator 32 Configuring Network Credentials for Remote Servers 34 Administering User Rights 49
INTRODUCTION Congratulations on your purchase of the Digital Signage Creator. Your complete satisfaction is very important to us. Gefen Gefen delivers innovative, progressive computer and electronics add-on solutions that harness integration, extension, distribution and conversion technologies.
OPERATION NOTES READ THESE NOTES BEFORE INSTALLING OR OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR • This manual covers operation of the Digital Signage Creator hardware. Please see the Digital Signage Director manual for software operation. • The Digital Signage Creator uses DHCP by default. The unit is always reachable at http://gef-dsc-xxxxxxxxxxxx.local from Zeroconf enabled computers on the local network. Replace “x” with the MAC address of the unit (without the colons).
FEATURES Features • Comprehensive software suite which includes content creation and management features • Built-in layout templates that quickly allows users to get a project started • Selectable output resolutions supporting 4:3 and 16:9, 16:10 computer and HDTV to 720p • Supports both horizontal and vertical display types • Direct iCal support for scheduling • Multiple content publishing options (local and remote) • Built-in HTTP Web server for management from any browser • Natively suppor
PANEL LAYOUT Front Panel 1 2 3 4 Back Panel 6 7 8 4 9 5
PANEL DESCRIPTIONS 1 Mini-Plug to RS-232 Serial Port This port is used to control functions and features using serial communications. 2 Ethernet Port Connects the Digital Signage Creator to the network using Ethernet cabling. When connected, the Digital Signage Creator unit can be controlled using the built-in Web interface of the DSD (Digital Signage Director) software. 3 USB Port Connect a USB cable to this port. This port supports USB 2.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR How to Connect the Digital Signage Creator 1. Connect an HDTV display to the output port on the rear panel of the Digital Signage Creator using the included 6 foot HDMI cable. NOTE: A VGA monitor can also be connected to the Digital Signage Creator. The HDMI and VGA ports are active at all times. 2. Connect an amplified speaker or audio device to the 3.5mm L/R analog stereo output for external audio support. 3. Optionally connect a 3.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Accessing the Digital Signage Creator HTTP Server (PC) This procedure is required to access the Digital Signage Creator for the first time, administer the HTTP server, or to publish content on a Digital Signage Creator unit. Use this procedure only if the default network configuration has not been modified.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Using the Digital Signage Creator Web Interface The Web Interface is divided into two sections: • Information • Administration Information > Status The Status function returns the status screen which is displayed once the Web interface is launched.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Information > Snapshot The Snapshot function creates a snapshot of the current content shown on the display and displays the image in the Snapshot window. Click the Refresh button to capture the current content displayed on the screen. The captured image is stored as a .PHP file. Clicking in the Snapshot window will display the full-size image in the web browser. The full path to the snapshot will be displayed in the address bar (e.g.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Information > Display Info Shows information about the display connected to the Digital Signage Creator. The Digital Signage Creator gets this information by reading the EDID of the attached display.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Information > Storage Provides information about the storage media used by the Digital Signage Creator. A link to the Local Storage is also provided. Clicking on this link will display the directories and content on the Digital Signage Creator.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR The file list can be sorted by clicking on Name, Last Modified, Size, or Description. Information > Logs Allows viewing of all Resource, JavaScript, Information, and Warning logs which have been generated by the Digital Signage Creator.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Administration > Display Settings > Basic Allows the resolution, orientation, and other display options to be changed. The Digital Signage Creator contains seven predefined video modes for computer monitors and HD displays. 1 Select the output resolution to activate. For more detailed settings, see Administration > Advanced > Display Settings. The aspect ratio of the connected display will be automatically updated according to the selected resolution.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR A preview of the current display settings are shown on the Display Settings page. Click the Apply button to save the changes and reboot the Digital Signage Creator. Display Settings > TV Screen Sets the output resolution for the HDMI output: 480p or 720p Display Settings > Computer Monitor Sets the output resolution for the computer monitor. Select VGA, SVGA, or XGA.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Display Settings > Force Aspect Ratio To Check this box to force the aspect ratio on the output. Select 4:3 (pan-and-scan) or 16:9 or 16:10 (widescreen). Display Settings > Screen Orientation Use the pull-down list box to select: Horizontal, Rotate 90 Right, Rotate 90 Left, Rotate 180, Flip Vertical, or Flip Horizontal. Display Settings > Overscan Percentage This function compensates for the display overscan. Select between 0 - 5.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Display Settings > Power Mode for VGA Output Controls the voltage level of pin 9 on the VGA connector. Setting Description Automatic Turns off VGA monitor when disconnected Always On VGA monitor is always on when connected Always Off Turns off the VGA monitor Display Power Save > Enable Display Power Saving Allows the connected display to be turned off and turned on ___________ Check the box to enable this feature.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Administration > Display Settings > Advanced Allows advanced control of resolution and other display options. After changing the Display Settings, click the Check button to test the video settings. Advanced > Display Settings > Resolution Select the output resolution from the pull-down list box. The list of available resolutions can be found on the next page.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Available resolutions: Resolution VGA ED HD 640 x 480 720 x 480 720 x 576 800 x 500 800 x 600 1024 x 640 1024 x 768 1280 x 720 1280 x 800 1920 x 1080 Advanced > Display Settings > Default Aspect Ratio Select the default aspect ratio on the output from the pull-down list box. Default Aspect Ratio 4:3 16:9 16:10 Advanced > Display Settings > Force Standard Video Modes Check this box to force standard video modes.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Advanced > Display Settings > Restrict Video Mode To Restricts the video mode. Video Mode HDMI VESA GTF VESA, GTF HDMI, GTF HDMI, VESA Advanced > Display Settings > Power Mode for VGA Output Sets the power mode when connecting to a VGA monitor. Power Mode Automatic Always On Always Off Advanced > Display Settings > HDMI Display Supports Underscan Check this box is the HDMI display supports underscan.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Advanced > Display Settings > Overscan Percentage Adjusts the amount of overscan on the display. Overscan Percentage 0 1 2 3 4 5 Advanced > Display Settings > Force Vertical Refresh Forces the vertical refresh rate.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Advanced > Display Settings > Screen Orientation Sets the Screen Orientation. Screen Orientation Horizontal Rotate 90 Right Rotate 90 Left Rotate 180 Flip Vertical Flip Horizontal Advanced > Display Settings > Enable Audio Output Check this box to enables the audio output on the 3.5mm stereo mini-jack (see page 4). Advanced > Interactivity Settings > Enable Events Enables events.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Advanced > Interactivity Settings > Maximum Rendering Latency Allows the rendering latency to be changed. Rendering Latency 250 ms 500 ms 1000 ms (1 sec) 1500 ms (1.5 sec) The rendering latency can be reduced to 60 ms when events are received by checking the check box. Advanced > Touchscreen Calibration Calibrates the Digital Signage Creator for use with a touchscreen display.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Advanced > Splash Screen Configuration Allows each of the default Splash Screens to be changed. Use the Browse... buttons to select a different splash screen. The splash screens can all be the same or can all be different images. Click the Apply button to have the Digital Signage Creator use the custom Splash Screen(s). Click the Reset to Default button to restore the default Splash Screens.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Administration > Network Settings > Basic > Identification Displays the Digital Signage Creator Device Name and Multi-screen ID. By default, these two identification numbers are the serial number of the Digital Signage Creator. The Device Name and Multi-screen ID can be renamed. Click the Apply button after renaming either of these IDs.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Network Interface Ethernet 3G Modem The Digital Signage Creator can connect to a network using an Ethernet cable or using a 3G Modem. By default, the Digital Signage Creator will use DHCP to acquire the network information. The MAC address is used for the network ID. Clicking the Static radio button will allow manual entry of the network information. DHCP Configuration 1. Connect to the Digital Signage Creator using the HTTP server (see page 6).
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Static IP Configuration Make sure that the Digital Signage Creator HTTP server can be accessed over Ethernet before continuing with the following instructions. 1. Collect information on the network configuration. The following information should be available about the network: 2. • A range of free IP addresses that can be allocated to the Digital Signage Creator unit(s) without network conflicts. • The correct Subnet mask.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Selecting 3G Modem for the network interface will list a new set of options: After the network information has been modified, click the Apply button to apply changes to the current settings.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Administration > Network Settings > Advanced > Network API Enables the API server. Enter the port number of the server and click the Apply button. Administration > Network Settings > Advanced > Proxy Settings Changes the proxy server settings. The proxy can be bypassed for connections within a Local Area Network and at the same time restricting access to IP addresses outside the network. NOTE: Proxy information is pulled from Internet Explorer.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Administration > Network Settings > Advanced > SNMP Settings Allows changes of the SNMP settings. Click the Apply button to apply the changes.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Administration > Media Sources > Basic > Media Sources Allows configuration of media sources. Both the Primary Source and the Fallback Source can use Local Storage (e.g. USB drive, etc) or Network Storage. It is recommended to set up a Fallback Source when using the Digital Signage Creator to prevent any possible interruption when accessing the content on the primary source. Configuring a USB Drive with the Digital Signage Creator 1.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR 1. Plug the USB storage device to the Digital Signage Creator 2. Press the Format Now button. All content of the USB storage device will be erased. 3. When the formatting is complete, unplug the USB storage device from the Digital Signage Creator 4. Plug the USB storage device to the Digital Signage Creator. NOTE: at this point content must be uploaded to the USB storage device using the Digital Signage Creator WebDAV server.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Administration > Media Sources > Advanced > Network Credentials Used to add usernames and passwords for network access. The Add Server Row button can be used to add another to this page. Configuring Network Credentials For Remote Servers 1. For each remote server protected by a password, enter the following information: • The server URI. The URI can also include a path on the server if different users are set up for different parts of the server.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Administration > Security > Administrative Server Used to change the password. Click the Apply button to save the changes. Administration > Security > Content Server Configures the Content Server password. Click the Apply button to save the changes.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Administration > Security > Monitoring Configures the Monitoring password. Click the Apply button to save the changes. Administering User Rights The Digital Signage Creator offers three levels of security: • Administrative Server: Controls the access to all pages of the HTTP administration server. It is recommended to always protect this area. • Content Server: Controls the access to all content displayed by the Digital Signage Creator.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR 1. Press the Apply button to save the changes. The Apply button must be pressed for each password that is changed. Passwords can only be changed individually. To configure a password for a remote server, go to Administration > Media Sources > Advanced > Network Credentials (see page 37). Administration > Date / Time > Current Settings Display the current Local Time and the Time Zone.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Administration > Date / Time > Change Time Allows manual setting of the time or configuration of NTP Servers to provide the time information. Click the Manual Time Settings checkbox to manually set the time. Click the Apply button to save changes.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Administration > Date / Time > NTP Statistics P id information i f i about b ffic. Provides NTP server traffi Press the Refresh button to update the NTP server information.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Administration > RS232 / USB IO > Settings Allows configuration of the RS-232 and USB settings. There are four built-in RS-232 device protocol options. By default the serial port control is disabled. It is enabled by selecting a protocol file in the Protocols drop-down box.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Once a protocol file is selected, the serial port should be configured for the attached device. Checking the Control monitor power check box will force the Digital Signage Creator to send the PowerOn and PowerOff commands at specified times (in 24 hours format) regardless of the content uploaded on the device.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Administration > Pull Mode > Content Pull Scheduling Pull Mode is the method in which the Digital Signage Creator pulls content from the server based on a specific time schedule. This permits automatic updating of the content during specific times. Click the Apply button to save the changes.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Pull Mode can be used bidirectionally to: • Automatically publish files to the Digital Signage Creator. Each time the Digital Signage Creator has been scheduled to update the content of its local storage, it will connect to the specified server, check for changes, and download all modified files. • Upload logs and previews to a remote WebDAV server. Pull Mode can be used with a WebDAV server or with standard HTTP servers.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Administration > Firmware Update > Current Versions Displays the current version of Digital Signage Creator firmware and updater. Administration > Firmware Update > Update Server Allows the firmware update server to be changed. Click Apply to save the changes. Click the Reset to Default button to restore the default server address.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Administration > Firmware Update > Automatic Update The Digital Signage Creator will automatically check for updates using the address listed in the Update Server box (see page 39). The pull-down list box can be use to select the hourly Update Time from 0:00 (Midnight) to 23:00 (11:00 PM). Click the Apply button to save the changes. Administration > Firmware Update > Manual Update Allows the Digital Signage Creator to be updated manually.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Administration > Firmware Update > Updater Info Displays the last update log. The latest update log is also available under the Logs menu (see page 15). Administration > Maintenance > Basic > System Restart Click the Restart Now button to reboot the Digital Signage Creator unit.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Administration > Maintenance > Basic > Restore Default Content Click the Restore Default Content button to restore the default Digital Signage Creator content. Administration > Maintenance > Basic > Reporting Click the Get Report button to generate a Digital Signage Creator status report. The status report is helpful to technical support when troubleshooting the Digital Signage Creator.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Administration > Maintenance > Advanced > Installation Mode Click the Enable button to place the Digital Signage Creator in Installation Mode. This feature will prevent the Digital Signage Creator from automatically rebooting when configuration changes are made. Administration > Maintenance > Advanced > Extended Reporting Generates an extended report which is useful to the Gefen technical support team when troubleshooting the Digital Signage Creator.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Finding the Digital Signage Creator on the Network (Mac OS X) Make sure that the Digital Signage Creator is powered and connected to the Mac using an Ethernet cable. 1. Open the Terminal program, located under Applications > Utilities. 2. In the terminal window, type the following command: ping -c 3 224.0.0.1 3. Press the Return key.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR 4. Type the command: arp -a 5. Press the Return key. A list of known network names, IP addresses, and MAC addresses will be displayed in the terminal window. The network name is listed in the first column. The IP address is listed in the second column and the MAC address is listed in the third column: Network Name IP Address MAC Address (serial number) asterix.spinetix.local 192.168.0.1 0:18:f3:4a:f9:4d lpcolor.spinetix.local 192.168.0.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Connecting To The Digital Signage Creator (Mac OS X) 1. From the Go menu, click Connect to Server... 2. Type the IP address or network name of the Digital Signage Creator in the Server Address text box, followed by the port number. Example: http://192.168.1.10:81 3. Click the Connect button. Uploading Content to the Digital Signage Creator 1. Go to the Finder. 2. Select the Digital Signage Creator unit on the list of connected servers. 3.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Using The Digital Signage Creator HTTP Server When accessing the HTTP server for the first time, read the previous sections first. Make sure that a PC is connected to the Digital Signage Creator unit using an Ethernet cable. The network configuration for the PC and the Digital Signage Creator will need to be configured correctly and be on the same network. There are few ways to access the HTTP server of a specific Digital Signage Creator unit. 1.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Using A Network Server With the Digital Signage Creator The Digital Signage Creator can use an HTTP server as the source for multimedia content. The Digital Signage Creator will frequently check for new or modified content on the server. The internal storage will be used to cache some of the media files from the server. If the Digital Signage Creator will be downloading content from a network server, refer to the Content Pull Mode on page 40. 1.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Content Access Modes When connected to the network, Digital Signage Creator can be used to access content to be displayed in three different modes: • Push mode: Files are pushed to the Digital Signage Creator using a WebDAV server. For example, the DSD uses the push mode to publish an Hyper Media Project to an Digital Signage Creator unit. • Client mode: The Digital Signage Creator accesses files from a remote HTTP server.
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE DIGITAL SIGNAGE CREATOR Configuring the RS-232 Serial Interface The Gefen Digital Signage Creator can control external appliances using its serial port (RS-232) interface. This type of interface is supported in particular by most professional monitors to allow switch on/off operations or image configurations. To control a device through the serial port interface the following is required: • A protocol file for the RS-232 device.
SPECIFICATIONS Digital Display Compatibility Aspect Ratio 16:9, 16:10, 4:3 (horizontal & vertical) Maximum resolution 1280x720 (16:9), 1024x640 (16:10), 1024x768 (4:3) Video output 720p (HD-Ready), 576p, 480p, VGA; 50 or 60 fps Video connectors HDMI (incl. digital audio), DVI via adapter. VGA (DB15 HD connector). Simultaneous use of HDMI and VGA possible Media Format Description language SVG Tiny 1.2+ (Scalable Vector Graphics) Media synchronization SMIL 2.
SPECIFICATIONS Interactivity events Touch screen, keyboard and mouse via USB 2.0 port, user defined serial port Time synchronized Millisecond accuracy, for unconstrained video wall configurations Network Connectivity Ethernet 10/100 Mbit/s (RJ-45), IEEE 802.3u, 802.
WARRANTY Gefen warrants the equipment it manufactures to be free from defects in material and workmanship. If equipment fails because of such defects and Gefen is notified within two (2) years from the date of shipment, Gefen will, at its option, repair or replace the equipment, provided that the equipment has not been subjected to mechanical, electrical, or other abuse or modifications.
Rev X7 20600 Nordhoff St., Chatsworth CA 91311 1-800-545-6900 818-772-9100 www.gefen.com Pb This product uses UL listed power supplies. fax: 818-772-9120 support@gefen.
