Signage PRO Manual (c) 2010 SmartAVI
Contents I Table of Contents Introduction 1 Disclaimer notice 2 Limited warranty statement 3 1. Contents of box 4 2. Installing Signage Manager 5 3. Setting up the SignagePro Client 9 3.1 Settings and ................................................................................................................................... Configurations of Client 10 Table 3.2 Quick .........................................................................................................................
II SmartAVI SignagePro Manual 7. Screen Configuration 68 7.1 Rotating ................................................................................................................................... a Screen 72 7.2 Installing................................................................................................................................... and Removing Fonts 89 8. Updating the SignagePro Clients Via Schedule 91 9.
Introduction 1 § Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of the SignagePro Digital Signage Solution. Please read the instructions carefully before using. SignagePro is a digital signage solution that creates new marketing and information sharing portals to reach target audiences with real time information. SignagePro attracts audiences by displaying your message using vivid, high-quality video and animation replacing traditional signs and posters.
2 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual § Disclaimer notice The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Applica makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for particular purpose. Applica will not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance or use of this material.
Limited warranty statement 3 § Limited warranty statement A. Extent of Limited Warranty 1. Applica, Inc. warrants to the end-user customers that the Applica product specified above will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the duration of 1 year, which duration begins on the date of purchase by the customer. Customer is responsible for maintaining proof of date of purchase. 2.
4 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual § 1.
2. Installing Signage Manager 5 § 2. Installing Signage Manager This quick setup guide will instruct you on how to install and setup the SignagePro software onto your Server (Host PC) and how to setup the SignagePro client (Player). To ensure proper installation of the server software; • Please make sure you are running Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 3 or Windows Server 2003 SP2. • Make sure that you are logged in as the system administrator. • Turn off the Windows firewall. (see figure 1.0.
6 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual figure 1.0.2 Note: If you will be using SignagePro across more than one network, refer to port 13325 when configuring your router port forwarding. SignageServer requires a unique USB key to be installed. You will find your key on back of the SignageServer CD sleeve. In addition, you must complete the online registration for your copy of SignageServer. If you do not register in the thirty-day window, your SignageServer software will become disabled.
2. Installing Signage Manager 7 3. The next window will be to choose components, make sure “SignageServer” is checked. (figure 2.0.2) 4. Choose the installation location you would like to install the SignageServer. Click ‘Next’. 5. Before the installation completes, you will be asked to create a password for the Administrator account. Leave it blank for the first time. You must sign in as the Administrator for the first time you load the SignagePro Manager.
8 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual figure 2.0.
3. Setting up the SignagePro Client 9 § 3. Setting up the SignagePro Client 1. Connect the power supply cable to the SignagePro client and plug the cable into a grounded power outlet. 2. Connect the mouse and keyboard cables to the corresponding ports. 3. Attach the VGA cable from the monitor or display to the VGA port on back of the client. If you don't have VGA Cable attached, you won't see the SignagePro player in the Client list of SignagePro Manager! 4.
10 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual § 3.1 Settings and Configurations of Client Once you’ve logged in, use the keys described in table 3.3 to navigate the various menus and functions. Some of these menus include: figure 3.1.4 A) SignagePro Configuration( Alt + Ctrl + 2): These tabs include: - Server: IP address of the SignagePro server (Host PC with SignageManager installed on it) - Username and Password - Player Name: A unique name given to identify this client on the SignageServer network.
3. Setting up the SignagePro Client 11 figure 3.1.5 B) Network Configuration menu (ALT + CTRL + 3): Manually enter your IP address or use DHCP Server (figure 3.1.
12 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual § Table 3.2 Quick Keys and Functions of SignagePro Client Keys Functions that you can use by applying directly to Signage Pro Player or in “Remote Administration” mode from the server side. ALT + CTRL + 1 Displays navigation menu. ALT + CTRL + 2 Setup Signage options; such as login username and password, IP address, player name and schedule. (figure 3.4) Setup network configuration. Use this option for static IP or for use over ALT + CTRL + 3 WAN.
4. Adding your company logo 13 § 4. Adding your company logo One of the major functions of digital signage is to get your message out and to increase your brand recognition. One of the most important aspects of your brand is your logo. Combining your logo with informative content is one of the best ways to do this. Each logo on the SignagePro server consists of two files; an image file and a text file. The text file describes the placement of the logo and adds a time and date.
14 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual figure 4.0.2 7. Click on "Install from USB", Select the ‘Logo” tab. (figure 4.0.
4. Adding your company logo 15 figure 4.0.3 8. Select the sample_logo in dialog box and click ‘Ok’ (figure 4.0.3) 9. You can install more logos from USB thumb drive by pressing "Install from USB" button. To remove a logo you can use the ‘Uninstall’ button. (figure 4.0.
16 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual § 4.1 Sample .slogo file without clock Sample .slogo file without clock picture = logoname.png origin = bottom left offset_x = 10 offset_y = 10 Sample .slogo file with clock picture = logoname.png origin = bottom left offset_x = 10 offset_y = 10 text = %H:%M:%S text_x = 0 text_y = 37 text_face = Arial text_size = 16 text_color = #000000 text_slant = normal text_weight = normal Table 4.
4. Adding your company logo 17 § 4.2 Field values for .slogo files The following table describes the different fields in the .slogo file and their meaning. Picture should specify PNG file that will be used as background for logo. If PNG have alpha channel these areas will be transparent. origin bottom left bottom right top left top right This value defines the corner of the screen from which offset value is taken.
18 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual § 4.3 Add Time and Date to .slogo You have the option of adding time and date to your logo by adding one of the following fields to your .slogo file. (table 4.3) See examp le (table 4.1) %a %A %b %B %c %C %d %D The abbreviated weekday name according to the current locale. %e Like %d, the day of the month as a decimal number, but a leading zero is replaced by a space. Equivalent to %Y-%m-%d (the ISO 8601 date format).
4. Adding your company logo 19 %t corresponding strings for the current locale. Noon is treated as pm and midnight as am. Like %p but in lowercase: am or pm or a corresponding string for the current locale. (GNU) The time in a.m. or p.m. notation. In the POSIX locale this is equivalent to %I:%M:%S %p. (SU) The time in 24-hour notation (%H:%M). (SU) For a version including the seconds, see %T below. The number of seconds since the Epoch, i.e., since 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC.
20 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual § 5. Wireless Configuration Important: Before configuring Wireless network connection under the SignagePro client you will need to setup your Wireless Router to have appropriate wireless settings. We recommend to use WPA2-PSK with an AES configuration. 1. Turn Off the SignagePro client. 2. Insert the USB wireless adapter into any available USB slot on your SignagePro client. 3. Boot your SignagePro client with the USB wireless adapter connected. figure 5.0.1 4.
5. Wireless Configuration 21 figure 5.0.2 5. Select Encryption Type (WPA 1/2 stands for WPA or WPA2) and enter the appropriate encryption key. (figure 5.0.2) 6. Hit “connect”. You should now be connected to your wireless network.
22 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual § 5.1 Connecting to a Hidden Network 1. Turn Off the SignagePro client. 2. Insert the USB wireless adapter into any available USB slot on your SignagePro client. 3. Boot your SignagePro client with the USB wireless adapter connected. 4. Once the unit is in the main screen (blue taskbar), go to CTRL+Alt+3. Hit the “refresh” button to update wireless List. You would not see your hidden wireless network SSID in the list. figure 5.1.2 5.
5. Wireless Configuration 23 figure 5.1.3 6. Type the name of the network and click on Connect. (figure 5.1.3) figure 5.1.4 7. Now you will see the new network in your list with "Hidden Network" name. Go to the Properties of that network. (figure 5.1.
24 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual figure 5.1.5 8. Select Encryption Type (WPA 1/2 stands for WPA or WPA2) and enter the appropriate encryption key. (figure 5.1.5) 9. Hit “connect”. You should now be connected to your wireless network.
6. Schedules, Tasks, Templates, RSS 25 § 6. Schedules, Tasks, Templates, RSS 1. Double click on the SignageServer Station Manager icon either on your desktop or start menu. figure 6.0.1 2. You will first be prompted with a ‘Server Logon settings’ dialog box. The default IP address is 127.0.0.1. In the user name and password fields use the new Administrator user and password you created in the installation process and hit ‘OK’. (figure 6.0.1) figure 6.0.
26 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual 3. Once the SignageServer Station Manager is loaded. You will see the following: Connected SignagePro clients. Loopback IP. (127.0.0.1) Your user name and password. Click Save Password to stay logged in. (figure 6.0.
6. Schedules, Tasks, Templates, RSS 27 § 6.1 User Manager Our user manager allows SignagePro users to manage and control their own user database. Each user created is allowed a set of permissions. The user rights are described as followed: • Administrator - Full access to everything, only user that is able to create and manage users. •Task Manager - Allowed to access and control the task manager and selectable clients assigned by the administrator.
28 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual 6.1.4 Click 'Save'. You will then see the new user in the list. (figure 6.1.3) To create a new user, right click or click on 'User' then 'New User.' The user properties window will open. Here is where you enter in your new user information (figure 6.1.4): • User name - The name of the new user. • Full name - The real name of the user. • Description - The description of the user. • Password - The password for that user.
6. Schedules, Tasks, Templates, RSS figure 6.1.
30 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual § 6.2 Task Manager The main feature of SignagePro is the Task Manager. This is where you set up and manage all of your presentations. To open the Task Manager: figure 6.2.1 · Select Run then click on the Task Manager. (figure 6.2.1) Once you are in the Task Manager you can begin setting up your presentations. Tasks: are individual presentations such as movies, PowerPoint presentations or Flash files; in order to run a Task it must be placed into a schedule.
6. Schedules, Tasks, Templates, RSS § 6.2.A Create a new Task figure 6.2.2 1. Explore Task tab and select ‘New Task’. (figure 6.2.
32 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual figure 6.2.3 2. Select the type of file you are going to use. (figure 6.2.
6. Schedules, Tasks, Templates, RSS 33 figure 6.2.4 3. Select the file located on your hard drive (figure 6.2.4) Once the task has been added, you can configure the following properties: · The duration of the task - setting the duration to 0:0:0 will cause the program to run indefinitely. · Operation on End of Task - Here you can set what will happen upon completion of the Task if it is included in a schedule. · Run Next Task - will open up the next task in the schedule upon completion.
34 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual § 6.3 Schedules - Creation, Export, Import A schedule is where you combine all of the different tasks that you’ve created in chapter 6.2. A and put them into one place. From here you create the programming schedule. You can select a variety of task to run at specific times, run once, or loop continuously. If you use the template feature (described in chapter 6.5) you will select which tasks will run in which window. Schedules can be as complex or as simple as you like.
6. Schedules, Tasks, Templates, RSS 35 figure 6.3.2 a. To do this you must use your mouse to highlight one of the tasks you created in the previous step. (figure 6.3.2) b. With the task highlighted click the arrow just to move the task into your schedule. (figure 6.3.2) c. The task within the schedule will run in order starting from the task at the top of the list. You can arrange tasks by selecting them and using the up and down buttons. d.
36 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual entirely. § 6.3.A Modifying Tasks within the Schedule Once you have added your tasks to the schedule, you are ready to modify the tasks properties! While in the ‘Schedule Properties’ dialog, double-click the task you wish to modify from the ‘Scheduled Tasks’ section. This brings up the ‘Schedule Task Properties’ dialog. From here you are given several options: a.
6. Schedules, Tasks, Templates, RSS 37 a. Schedule start type: This feature selects how the schedule will operate. (figure 6.3.6) · Run at user logon: This will start the schedule as soon as the user is logged on. · Run once: Select a specific time and date for the schedule to run. · Run periodically: Set the time and date for your schedule to play. This option allows you to alternately control a variety of schedules. b.
38 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual figure 6.3.7 § 6.3.B Run Schedule after a power failure If you need a schedule to start by itself even if you disconnect the SignagePro Player from a network and re-plug the power, you will need to follow those steps: a) We will need to have SignagePro Player to be connected to the network so the server would see it and that would allow us to apply new settings.
6. Schedules, Tasks, Templates, RSS 39 figure 1 Second, you need to click on the “properties” of the Schedule and go to the Day and Time tab on top. (figures 2 and 3). In the properties of the “Day and Time” tab you can find a little box that states “Run after power failure”, check that box if you want this schedule to start by itself even if the box is offline.
40 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual figure 2 (c) 2010 SmartAVI
6.
42 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual § 6.3.C Export Schedule and upload it to an offline box via USB figure 1 1) Open SignagePro Manager, go to "Run" and click on the "Task Manager". (figure 1) 2) Prepare a schedule and a task that you want to upload to an offline Player via USB.
6. Schedules, Tasks, Templates, RSS 43 figure 2 3) Go to the properties of the Schedule, choose an appropriate task and move it to the task-list by pressing the small arrow button.
44 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual figure 3 4) Go to the "Day and Time" properties of the schedule and in the "Schedule Start Type" select "Run at User logon". This setting will allow SignagePro Player to run the schedule as soon as you reboot the player.
6. Schedules, Tasks, Templates, RSS 45 figure 4 5) Go back to the "Task Manager", click on "File" on the top menu bar and choose "Export Schedule".
46 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual figure 5 6) Select the schedules that you want to export and check the box which states "Copy to internal storage". (figure 5) figure 6 7) Create a new folder on a USB Thumbdrive and save the exported schedule there. It should create several files – the .sch (schedule) file and the related task files. 8) Take the USB Thumbdrive and connect it to the SignagePro Player, after few seconds it will prompt you to remove the usb drive.
6. Schedules, Tasks, Templates, RSS 47 § 6.3.D Import a Schedule 1) Go to the "Task Manager" and click on the "Import Schedule". (figure 1) figure 1 2) Locate the folder where you have exported schedules and tasks and find a .sch file, select it and click on the "open" button.
48 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual figure 2 The process of importing schedules and tasks (c) 2010 SmartAVI
6. Schedules, Tasks, Templates, RSS 49 § 6.4 SuperSchedules Super Schedules were designed to allow multiple schedules to run in one, also allowing a drag and drop friendly user interface. To use the Super Schedule, open up the Task Manager and then click on 'Schedule' then select 'New Super Schedule'. 1. In the Setup Schedule tab, this is where you will setup your multiple schedules. Click on 'Add'. In the window that opened you can name your schedule and select the duration. Then click 'Ok'. (figure 6.4.
50 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual § 6.5 Template Creator The Template creator is powerful feature of SignagePro. Templates allow users to create and assign regions. This gives you the ability to run several tasks simultaneously on one screen. The result is the integration of high-resolution graphics with dynamic video and scrolling text messages and news feeds. § 6.5.A Create Template and Assign Task 1. Use your mouse to highlight the schedule you wish to use for your template. figure 6.5.1 2.
6. Schedules, Tasks, Templates, RSS figure 6.5.2 3. Once the Template Creator window is open you can now create regions.
52 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual figure 6.5.3 4. To create your first region click on the ‘Add View’ icon and drag your mouse across the white display editor. (figures 6.5.2 and 6.5.
6. Schedules, Tasks, Templates, RSS 53 figure 6.5.4 5.You may continue adding, deleting, resizing, and moving regions until you are satisfied with the results. (figure 6.5.
54 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual figure 6.5.5 6. You can also assign a background image to your layout by clicking the ‘Properties’ icon and selecting an image from your hard drive. (figure 6.5.
6. Schedules, Tasks, Templates, RSS 55 figure 6.5.6 7. Once you are satisfied with your layout, save the template file on your computer hard drive. (figure 6.5.6) Now you are ready to assign views. This is where you select which task will be displayed into the different regions you’ve just created.
56 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual figure 6.5.7 8. From the ‘Schedule Properties’ dialog double click on any of the tasks for this schedule. This will bring up the ‘Schedule Task Properties’ dialog. (figure 6.5.
6. Schedules, Tasks, Templates, RSS 57 figure 6.5.8 9. Select the view from the dropdown menu you where you would like the task displayed. Then click “ok” (figure 6.5.
58 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual § 6.5.
6. Schedules, Tasks, Templates, RSS 59 § 6.6 Creeping Line Editor SignagePro’s Creeping Line Editor enables you to create a scrolling marquis anywhere on your screen. You can use RSS feeds, text from a file, or simply type text directly into the editor. § 6.6.A Opening Editor 1. From the SignageServer Manager select ‘Run’ and click ‘Creeping Line Editor” (figure 6.6.1) figure 6.6.1 § 6.6.B Add Content 1.
60 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual 2. In the ‘General’ tab Creeping Line Property Sheet you are given several options; figure 6.6.3 figure 6.6.
6. Schedules, Tasks, Templates, RSS 61 figure 6.6.5 · · · · Input text: Type your text directly into the editor. (figure 6.6.3) Use RSS: Input the URL of the RSS feed of your choice. (figure 6.6.4) Control the speed of your scrolling text. (figure 6.6.5) Preview the text directly on your desktop. figure 6.6.6 3. Customizing fonts - Select the ‘Font’ tab to adjust the size, style and color of your font. (figure 6.6.
62 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual § 6.6.C Window and Transparency figure 6.6.8 In the Text Window and Transparency dialog box you are given several adjustment options. (figure 6.6.8) · Background Color · Window Border: · Transparency · Transparent Color figure 6.6.
6. Schedules, Tasks, Templates, RSS 63 Above are some examples of different transparency settings (figure 6.6.9) § 6.6.D Set the position of creeping text figure 6.6.10 The Window Position dialog lets you decide where you would like the scrolling text to appear on your screen. You have the option of either docking your window to the top or bottom of your screen, or positioning it exactly where you want it. (figure 6.6.
64 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual figure 6.6.11 You also have the ability to adjust the height and width of your textbox as well. (figure 6.6.11) Note: You can preview your changes anytime by clicking the ‘Preview’ button. § 6.6.E Line in a Task The new Creeping Line Manager allows SignagePro users to add multiple Creeping Lines in a Task rather than in a Schedule. You can now add multi Creeping Lines into specific Tasks. To add Creeping Lines into a Task: 1.
6. Schedules, Tasks, Templates, RSS 65 figure 6.6.14 3. In the Creeping Line Manager, you can add existing Creeping Lines or create new ones. To create a new one, click on 'Edit.' To add existing Creeping Lines, click on 'Add' and browse for your file. (figure 6.6.14) figure 6.6.15 4. You can add more than one Creeping Line in each task.
66 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual in a different Task that is running in one Schedule, click on ‘Stop previous Creeping Lines.’ (figure 6.6.15) 5. 'Enable Creeping Line documents below:' must be checked for the Creeping Lines to play. (figure 6.6.15) 6. You can change the Creeping Lines in Tasks that are already placed in Schedules by going to your Task properties via the Schedule Properties. figure 6.6.16 7. Two creeping lines and video (figure 6.6.
6. Schedules, Tasks, Templates, RSS figure 6.6.
68 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual § 7. Screen Configuration - Once you turn on the client, you are greeted with the SignagePro Splash Screen. - After the kernel initiates you are given approximately 15 seconds to press ‘F2’ and enter the configuration console. - Type "axorgcfg" and press "Enter". figure 7.2 After you type "axorgcfg" command you will be given the following options (figure 7.3): figure 7.3 · Configure mouse Settings to configure mouse.
7. Screen Configuration 69 · Configure keyboard Settings to configure keyboard. · Configure monitor Each time you connect a new display to the SignagePro Client you will need to add or edit the monitor settings; - Select the horizontal sync range that corresponds to your monitor. (figure 7.4) figure 7.4 It is recommended that you select a sync range that accommodates the highest resolution for your display. If you are unsure, please refer to your display manual.
70 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual figure 7.5 · Configure screen Each time you connect a new display to the SignagePro Client you will need to add or edit the screen settings. - Select either ‘Edit Screen’, ‘Add new screen’, or ‘Remove screen’ from the Screen Configuration Menu. - Select ‘OK’ and hit ‘Enter’ - ‘Select Screen Rotation’ gives you the following options; (figure 7.6) figure 7.
7. Screen Configuration 71 · Screen Modes – Configures the video mode for your display. - Use the up/down keys to scroll for the desired resolution. - Use the space bar to check the desired resolution. - Select ‘Finish’ and hit ‘Enter’ to save your settings and return to the main menu of the Configuration Panel. - Select ‘Ok’ on the confirmation window and hit ‘Enter’ · Write Xorg.
72 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual § 7.1 Rotating a Screen In this chapter we will describe how to rotate the image on the SignagePro Client screen and how to apply templates to it. 1) In order to get to the screen configuration menu you need to press F2 at the initial startup of the Signage Pro Client ( Player ) It will take you to the configuration console. Type "axorgcfg" and press "Enter" figure 8.1.
7. Screen Configuration 73 figure 8.1.2 3) Select "OK" and press "Enter", it will create xorg.conf file based on menu selections you make.
74 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual figure 8.1.
7. Screen Configuration figure 8.1.4 5) Select "Edit Monitor0" and click on "OK".
76 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual figure 8.1.5 6) Select the horizontal sync range that corresponds to your monitor. It is recommended that you select a sync range that accommodates the highest resolution for your display. If you are unsure, please refer to your display manual.
7. Screen Configuration figure 8.1.6 7) Select the vertical refresh rate that corresponds to your monitor - If you are unsure of this setting, please refer to your display manual.
78 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual figure 8.1.7 8) Each time you connect a new display to the SignagePro Client you will need to add or edit the screen settings.
7. Screen Configuration figure 8.1.
80 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual figure 8.1.9 10) Select appropriate rotation directions, such as clockwise or counterclockwise, and click on "Next". In our example we will rotate screen ClockWise.
7. Screen Configuration 81 figure 8.1.10 11) Found any unnecessary resolutions that are checked and uncheck it by selecting them and pressing the "Spacebar".
82 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual figure 8.1.11 12) Find the resolution you are using on your Screen, select it and Check the box next to it by pressing on "Spacebar". For this example we are using 1024 by 768.
7. Screen Configuration figure 8.1.12 13) Select "Write xorg.conf and quit" and click on "Ok".
84 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual figure 8.1.13 14) Write configuration file by clicking on "Ok".
7. Screen Configuration 85 figure 8.1.14 Reboot the client. After rebooting the client, the screen should display the rotated picture. Now we need to create a template that will allow us to display different tasks in different places on the screen, and we will be using "KompoZer HTML Editor" to modify the templates. This is the example of the source code for the template that we are using for vertical rotation:
86 SmartAVI SignagePro Manual
