FEATURE: DIGITAL SIGNAGE
access and update players with new content. Integration behind firewalls is simpler; companies also have the tools and understanding to implement digital signage equipment on their networks. This insight gives them confidence that their system is protected and will not pose security threats from outsiders.” The widely used alternative is dedicated hardware players specific to digital signage software, usually provided by the digital signage solution provider themselves. These offer tailored and highly efficient playback of high- resolution video files without the unnecessary and power- hungry components of PC architecture players. “The advantage of dedicated players is that they are built to run specific applications, rather than being general- purpose players with the overhead of additional components and unneeded functionality,” explains Jeff Hastings, CEO of BrightSign. “They can be highly secure, since the operating system is based on Linux and can be locked down more effectively
than Windows. They use dedicated hardware GPUs rather than software to decode video more efficiently and at better visual quality, at the same time consuming far less power. Their cost is based on functionality, rather than the base platform and expensive operating systems, so are suited to low-cost simple applications, particularly retail advertising in which rotating video files are infrequently updated and often undertaken manually by shop staff swapping an SD card or USB stick in the unit itself. The downside is that they don’t have the configuration options and flexibility of PC-based solutions or the ability to play complex mixtures of different types of material and content simultaneously.” Dedicated players can be
built to be extremely reliable and robust, both in their construction and operational performance. “Players operate within a few seconds of switching on, and include hardware and software watchdogs that monitor operation and will force a system reboot if necessary,”
WESTERN UNION AUTOMATES EXCHANGE RATE DISPLAY IN BANKING NETWORK
The Western Union International Bank is using 58 BrightSign XD digital signage players in a new installation which automates the display of exchange rates and schedules advertising content in 40 branches in Germany and Austria. According to Thomas
Zraunig, who managed the project: “We needed to roll out the system fast, within just a few months, so the players had to be exceptionally easy to set up, configure and program. We distribute content via the Cloud and exchange rates from a text or XML file from the point of sale system.” The players were
adds Hastings. “Some of our players have been running for seven years in a theme park in Orlando without problem and with no reported downtime. Even if any of these devices have been rebooted, it is unlikely it will be noticed as it only takes 20 seconds.”
programmed using BrightAuthor. “It took one day to test the players and configure them to use the BrightSign Network. Exchange rates change frequently; we need to change the displayed rate instantly and automatically. Advertising is shown in the evening, varying with
FOCUSED FEATURES Players of this type generally include features that tailor their operation to the application. “AMX signage products incorporate a host of features designed to simplify installation by helping integrators to get started
location, and each branch has its own opening hours – we are able to program the players to
react accordingly.” Providing automatic updates of the exchange rate that are always correct and aligned with the point of sale systems saves staff a huge amount of time and gives corporate management the reassurance that customers always have the correct information.
quickly,” explains Jonathan Mangnall, sales director, AMX. “Features include player auto- discovery, easy software installation and flexible design elements. In addition, they integrate with other business productivity tools and monitoring systems,
30 October 2013
www.installation-international.com
STUDY CASE
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