DT Research, Intel, & AirMedia deliver digital signage to Beijing Airport

DT Research, Intel, and AirMedia presented a press conference in Beijing on July 28th, 2009 to announce the deployment of a digital signage collaboration at the Beijing International Airport.

The DT Research's SA3000, with Intel Core2 Duo processor will be installed by AirMedia at the entrance gates for the domestic and international departure halls and the baggage claim area of Beijing Aiport's terminal 3.

AirMedia owns and operates a digital signage network for distributing advertising and information. By using digital signage, they have realized huge time-saving gains for changing and updating campaigns.

See the full press release: http://signage.dtri.com/web/about/press-release.html

How do I Install the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 On the SA2000?

Microsoft doesn't officially support .NET 3.5 SP1 yet on the Microsoft XP Embedded Standard Release (SP3) but here's a short guide that we have come up with that would allow you to remove the .NET Framework 2.0 (included module in XPE) and then install 3.5SP1. Please click on this link to find out more: http://www.signage.dtri.com/web/support/signage_appliance_text.html

Running Microsoft Powerpoint Content from the WebDT Content Manager

A lot of you have asked about using Microsoft Powerpoint Content on the WebDT Content Manager 3.0. Here is a short guide on what to look out for when programming the contents.

- Here I am using a screen shot captured on Microsoft Powerpoint 2007. It might look a little different on Powerpoint 2003 but the concept is the same.

- After you have programmed the ppt file, go "Slideshow" -> "Setup slide show" and make sure the "Browsed at a kiosk (full screen)" is checked.

- Also check the "use timing, if present" as well.

- Now go to the "Animation" tab and program your slide show as usual.

- Next, go to the "Design" tab and change the "Slide sized for" to the correct aspect ratio. Meaning if the zone on your template is programmed in the 16:9 aspect ratio then change this section to "16:9".

- If you need to embed external movie files, then read on, otherwise you can save the file and upload it to the multimedia section of WCM3.0 but make sure the .ppt/pptx/pps extension still stays on after the upload.

- For Powerpoint file with embedded object, please use only WMV or MPG-1 video file as other formats are not fully supported by the Microsoft Powerpoint viewer (as installed on the WebDT Player). Currently macros, programs, opening linked, other embedded video objects (other than WMV and MPG-1) as well as .eps, .pct, .emz, .cdr, .cgm, .wpg, .wmz are NOT supported. The example screenshot below shows an embedded "wmv" file.

- If you have embedded any objects into the ppt file proceed to "zip" up (.zip format) the multiple files from one folder into a single .zip file.

- Logon to WCM and proceed to upload the zip file under the "Multimedia" section.

- Click on the pptx or ppt entry file (See picture as indicated with a yellow bar below).

- You can now process the powerpoint file via WCM3.0

How Do I "Batch Register" all my WebDT Signage Appliances within a network?

Question: How Do I "Batch Register" all my WebDT Signage Appliances within a network?

We have been getting enquiries about large scale deployment of WebDT and how best to "register" all the Signage Appliances without having to hook up a mouse and keyboard to each unit once they are installed in the field. Well, WebDT actually has a tool called the "Batch Register Tool" (Simple as it is) that allows administrators or field service agents (via his/her laptop connected to the Signage network) to simply register all these appliances without going to each player individually.

Step 1: Install the WebDT Signage Tools Package (inclusive of Batch Register Tool and Offline Deployment Tool) on a notebook PC (typically this is the PC which the field service agent would be using). The WebDT Signage Tools can also be found on the local SA1000/2000/3000 DT Research folder (Start -> All Programs -> DT Research -> WebDT Signage Tools -> Batch Register)




Step 2: Once installed and running, the tool should then automatically "Scan" your primary network connection subnet (where the laptop or the Signage Appliance is connected to). Bear in mind that this tool cannot be used to register Signage Appliances that are outside of the local area network.

Step 3: Expand Publish Server and you should be able to see all the Signage Players currently running (either already registered or not). You can then click on the player to view more information about that player (see screen shot below).




Step 4: Select all the players which you would like to register to a particular server and then type in all required credentials (See picture below). Make sure the Publish Server URL is specified correctly with the full path such as http://signage.server.com:81/publish/



Step 5: Once successfully registered you should then be able to control the Signage Appliance from your WebDT Content Manager server. You can use the Batch Register Tool to change registration or even change the playername, etc.

How Do I Publish to 2 LCD Screens from one single WebDT SA2000?

There are 2 video output connections on the SA2000, one HDMI and one VGA. You could convert the HDMI connections into a DVI connector by simply buying the necessary video adapter if your LCD monitor doesn’t support HDMI input. Make the HDMI output on the SA2000 the primary video output and the VGA output the secondary output. By default when you utilize both the HDMI and VGA connections, you would see the same contents being "cloned" onto the second LCD screen. You could alternatively enable both LCDs to work as one giant screen; meaning you effectively "extend" the screen from LCD number 1 to LCD number 2.

Follow the instructions below to enable both screens to work with the SA2000 in the "extended" mode:

Note: This is assuming that you have the latest ATI Catalyst driver installed on your SA2000 (you need version 8.56xxx or above). If you have the SA2000 (95051) image you should already have the latest ATI driver. Also this is a temporary solution until the release of WCM3.2 which has special template builder which allows the user to create templates of any sizes.



Step 1: Configure the ATI Catalyst driver. (See picture)
Start by exiting the WebDT Player software screen by pressing control+shift+space at the same time. Then right click on the “Catalyst™ Control Center”



Step 2: Select Displays Manager -> Displays Properties (See picture).





Step 3: Right click on the “Right most” monitor and select “Stretch Main vertically onto Monitor”.

Step 4: Select Desktop area 2560x1024 (or anything less). You could go higher than 2560x1024 but certain video files will probably not play on the screen.

Step 5: Now you can design the content to fill up the whole 2560x1024 zone or create several smaller zones to fill up the entire screen.

Step 6: Since the 2 screens share the full resolution you had selected equally, when you design a template that looks like the following, the left zone contents would then appear entirely on LCD number 1 and the right zone contents would then appear entirely on LCD number 2.

Accuweather Flash App Integration with WCM3.0

If you are thinking about adding AccuWeather's Real Time Update Flash Application to WCM3.0 (and WCM2.3), please contact us for a comprehensive PDF documentation on how to get this done. Contact signagesupport@dtri.com for a free PDF guide.

What's the best way to "Publish" a Kiosk Application through WCM3.0?

In actual deployment of kiosk applications. Having each player link back to Web URLs to retrieve websites is generally not a good idea. You should think about “modifying” existing websites into something that would suit the local kiosk environment better. In particular, pay close attention to user-ability issues such as making sure the touch buttons are visible and huge enough, fonts are large enough to read based on LCD sizes, etc.

With that said, the best way to deploy a kiosk app is to design the whole html site into a locally reference-able web application.

The advantages of going with this method is:

1. The whole website sits on the WebDT Signage Player/Appliance (once it’s re-distributed by WCM via the playlists and schedules) so unstable internet connection won’t affect user interaction on the screens.
2. You don’t get “page not found” nor “file not found” issues which is likely to happen by directly referencing remote URL sites.
3. This “local” html site can still reference external web links via XML or URL on a as needed basis.

Step 1: zip up the entire html site (make sure each url link is referenced locally and based on relative link as opposed to absolute links).

Step 2: Upload entire zip into multimedia folder.

Step 3: design your template and incorporate the web.zip application.

Does The SA2000 work with the new "Stretch" LCDs from LG such as the M3800S-BN?

The answer is Yes!



These LCD specs can be downloaded from: http://www.lgcommercial.com/stretch/




Step 1: Design the template in WCM3.0 with the correct zone size (See picture below)

The LG M3800S-BN supports 1366x398 natively so select the 1366x768 template and create a zone that takes up the upper portion of the screen. This zone should have the following size: 1366x398.

Step 2: Connect the SA2000 HDMI output (you need to get an HDMI to DVI convertor) to the DVI input on the LG Stretch LCD.

Step 3: Boot up the SA2000 and exit the WebDT Player software. Proceed by launching the ATI Catalyst driver screen (Right click on the desktop screen and select Catalyst Control Center). Go to Displays Manager -> Display Options and make sure the desktop area is either set to 1360x768 or 1366x768 (For the main monitor).

Step 4: Toggle the OSD Menu on the LG Display and set the resolution to either 1366x768 or 1360x768. Set it to "Full" mode first so that you can see the whole screen and perform all necessary actions such as registering the player, copying the Start WebDT Signage Player Icon and creating a shotcut on the screen, etc.

Step 5: Now you can design the content to fill up the whole 1366x398 zone or create several smaller zones to fill up the entire screen.


If you have questions on how to get all this to work, please email signagesupport@dtri.com for more help.

Mark your Calender for Intel Embedded eVent, Internet (September 15, 2009 / Retail & Transactions Solutions Hall)

The networked world is growing at a tremendous pace. In just six years, it’s expected that 15 Billion intelligent devices will be connected to the internet. And, with your imagination and hard work, Intel can be a part of many of the devices that will revolutionize the way we work, talk, play and move. So, Intel is hosting the virtual tradeshow, the Intel Embedded eVent, and wants you to join! It’s a one day event that will showcase Intel technologies and our customers’ innovation in intelligent, connected devices.

The WebDT team will be participating in the virtual chat session. Mark your calender and join us for this growing event.

DT Research at Computex Taipei 2009

MS1600 in action

WebDT SA3000 Signage Appliance

Thank you for visiting the booth. See you next year!

Digital Signage Expo (DSE) Essen Europe 2009

Thank you all for visiting our booth at the DSE Essen Early May 2009!

WebDT MS1600 Multi Screen Appliance powers multiple screens for digital signage applications

The WebDT MS1600 Multi Screen Appliance powers multiple screens for digital signage applications. Featuring the powerful and energy-efficient Intel® Quad Core™ processor, the MS1600 includes the latest graphics technology with up to 16 DVI connectors for high-quality video and optimal display experience. Combined with the industry-leading WebDT Content Manager Software, one MS1600 is capable of driving dynamic content on up to 16 screens, while communicating with the server for continuous updates. These screens can be configured into one large video wall or they can be spread out to serve separate areas. Each screen has the ability to deliver up to 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) resolution on each screen.

Features:
1. Drives up to 16 screens; Full HD content supported on each screen.

2. Supports up to 7680 x 4320 Super Hi-Vision resolution, 16 times thepixel resolution of existing Full HD digital signage.

3. Up to 16 different zones of content for each display wall.

4. Content flexibility for image, flash and many multimedia file formats; stretched across multiple screens or played on a single screen.

5. Intuitive remote management with WebDT Content Manager software;manage up to 16 zones.

For more information: http://signage.dtri.com/web/products/multi_screen_appliance/ms1600/features.html

WebDT Content Manager 3.0 Service Pack 1 (SP1) Released

Date: 4/09/2009

Server Version: 94031
Player Version: 93201
Edge Server Version: 93201

New Features
- Add "Path in Player" information for Media in content server.
- Add "Free Space" and "Edge Server Time" information for Edge Server in content server.

Bug Fixed
- Fix the HDMI audio/video fast play issue.(You need to update the display driver “560” onto each player separately. Newer player image will have this driver loaded by default)

Please contact signagesupport@dtri.com if you need to get a copy.

WebDT Launched the WebDT SimulCAST System Software

WebDT SimulCAST System is part of the WebDT Content Manager software suite, a key component of the comprehensive WebDT Digital Signage System. With the WebDT SimulCAST System, school/ corporate departments can broadcast “Emergency” messages instantly and simultaneously. Control the messages centrally and distribute them via the web-based management interface, publishing to every digital signage display and to computer within the network. Distribute messages by county, by building, or by department.

For more information: http://signage.dtri.com/web/products/software/SimulCAST_System.html

DT Research Concluded A Successful Digital Signage Expo 2009 in Las Vegas

Thank you all for visiting the booth!

DT Research Expands AirMedia’s Digital Signage Network to Dozens of Airports in China (2/25/2009)


DT Research™, Inc., an industry leader in the development of information appliances for vertical markets, today announced that the WebDT Signage System has been deployed in over 20 airports in China, marking one of the largest digital signage network deployments in the world. AirMedia advertising content can now be dynamically displayed on high-definition LCD screens at most airports in China, including Guangzhou and Shenzhen. This is an expansion of the WebDT Signage System deployment in the Beijing Capital International Airport that was completed in preparation for the 2008 Summer Olympics.

“In this economic climate, advertisers need new ways to capture consumers’ attention,” said Dr. Daw Tsai, president of DT Research. “Airports offer a strategic venue for advertisers because they target a highly valuable and captive audience. The visual appeal of digital signs combined with the flexibility to change content dynamically, provide advertisers with a more compelling and cost-effective alternative to traditional onsite advertising.” Dr. Tsai continued, “The size of this deployment demonstrates the real enterprise-class capabilities of the WebDT Signage System. Our system enables the creation of a layered architecture so that administrators can remotely add digital signage appliances or reallocate existing ones to change the flow of content among different sites. This layered approach increases the network’s performance, reliability and security.”

The WebDT Signage System offers a unique medium for capturing an audience’s attention at key locations. A comprehensive system comprising of industrial-grade signage hardware, content management software and device management software, the WebDT Signage System can deliver dynamic advertising, information, news and training – displayed in up to 8 zones on each screen. Content scheduling and playback are controlled remotely by secure wireless signage appliances.

About DT Research
DT Research™ develops and manufactures web-enabled information appliances for vertical applications. The WebDT family of products is based on thin computing platforms for secure, reliable, and cost-effective computing. WebDT products include digital signage solutions, wireless tablets, point-of-service handhelds, compact modular systems, and display-integrated information systems. These systems emphasize mobility, wireless connectivity and touch displays. Powered by Windows® Embedded and Windows XP operating systems, WebDT devices offer durability and ease in integration, leading to solutions that can be remotely managed with the comprehensive WebDT Device Manager software.

For more information, visit http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsignage.dtri.com&esheet=5904037&lan=en_US&anchor=http%3A%2F%2Fsignage.dtri.com&index=1.

DT Research and WebDT are trademarks of DT Research, Inc.All other brands and product names may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

WebDT Content Manager 3.0 Released 3/10/2009

New Features WebDT Content Manager 3.0
Click here to check out a flash demonstration: http://signage.dtri.com/web/products/software/WCM3.0_ideas/software_Flash.html

Click here to check out some screen shots:

http://signage.dtri.com/web/products/software/V30/software_paper1.html

Some new features provided under Version 3.0:

- Support for real incorporating the WebDT Edge Server into the WebDT network
- Support for displaying player snapshot on the WebDT Server Screen
- Provide pixel count within template design
- Support new Combo List concept
- Allows incorporation of default wallpaper, playlist within groups of screens or the entire organization
- Ticker no longer in a fixed position
- A PC utility included for selecting multiple files and folders at once for upload
- New power management features for WebDT Signage Appliances
- Transition effects supported within each playlist
- Support for preloaded urgent cast contents
- Support for remote player updates (Patches, BIOS, Image) within WebDT Content Manager
- Improved batch upload
- Improved display of player information
- Support for new Microsoft SilverLight playback

Good News for smaller Signage Network Operators! Released of 170W-H160-021 WebDT Content Manager / WebDT Device Manager Software Preinstalled Server

We have recently released a WebDT Content Manager/Device Manager Preinstalled Server running Windows XP Pro with a 160GB HDD. This server is strong enough to host up to about 40 WebDT Signage Players and is a perfect complement in a smaller Digital Signage Network.

Please enquire (the part number for this unit is 170W-H160-021) with your account manager or email signagesales@dtri.com for more information.

DT Research teams with Wowcard to deploy digital signage at Philippine restaurants
• 19 Nov 2008

HONG KONG — DT Research Inc., a developer of information appliances for vertical markets, and WOWCARD Inc., a service provider to restaurants, tourist attractions, casinos, hotels and medical institutions in the Philippines, announced that Jollibee and Chowking, two of the most popular fast-food chains in the Philippines, have deployed the WebDT Signage System at their Subic Bay Freeport locations.

Commissioned by the Subic Bay Tourism Department, the digital signs primarily serve as key information terminals for local and international tourists and business travelers, according to a news release. Using the WebDT Signage System, the restaurants are now able to remotely manage content on multiple signs offering up-to-the minute local tourism information and advertising.

Subic Bay Freeport is a tourist and business destination located about 70 miles north of Manila, the Philippines' capital. Subic Bay boasts numerous vacation spots that include casinos, resorts, scuba diving centers and museums as well as a number of hotels and restaurants. Both Jollibee and Chowking use the WebDT Signage System to broadcast local travel information to visitors, including highlights and details on scenic spots, weather and news, forthcoming international and local affairs, conventions and concerts. When not used as tourist and business information terminals, the signs showcase Jollibee and Chowking's own food and product promotions or serve as an advertising medium for national and international businesses.

The digital signage network installations at Jollibee and Chowking provide the restaurants and Subic Bay's local tourism industry with an interactive and up-to-the minute system to communicate to visitors. The WebDT Signage System's content management software provides the ability to dynamically update content on multiple signs from any remote location, ensuring that guests receive offers and travel information in real-time.

"Subic Bay Freeport is a premier travel destination in the Philippines, attracting over 1.8 million local and foreign tourists and business visitors every year," said Armand C. Arreza, administrator and chief executive of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. "The WebDT Signage System enables us to quickly communicate to local and international tourists and showcase some of the finest destinations around the area. Also, with local establishments having different events and specials on a daily basis, the signage system provides them with a way to promote their products and services to increase sales."

"The WebDT Signage System allows the SBMA Tourism Department and WOWCARD Inc. to efficiently manage the content that is published on each digital sign," said Dr. Daw Tsai, president of DT Research. "This offers local tourism officials and advertisers the flexibility to promote different destinations or products and services on a daily, or even hourly, basis. The WebDT Content Manager and Remote Device Manager provide businesses and advertisers with a powerful tool to effectively reach targeted audiences."

News Flash! Oklahoma St. University, Columbus Tech replace bulletin boards with digital signage

Oklahoma St. University, Columbus Tech replace bulletin boards with digital signage.

• 27 Oct 2008
SAN JOSE, Calif. — DT Research Inc. and XRiver Technologies, a major distributor of WebDT products, announced that Columbus Technical College and Oklahoma State University have deployed the WebDT Signage System.

The two institutions now use digital signs in place of most static bulletin boards, which serve as information terminals for students, faculty and staff. By using the WebDT Signage System, both schools can update content on multiple signs from one location — providing up-to-the-minute information about campus events, special classes, faculty appointments, research, weather and news.

The WebDT digital signs are placed at major junctions throughout the Columbus Technical College campus in Columbus, Ga. The signs are used to broadcast live news feeds along with weather and other general college announcements to students and faculty throughout the day. In addition, an UrgentCast feature allows the college to immediately broadcast emergency information across the campus. The college previously used low-end personal computers hooked up to television screens to disseminate information to students. But the PCs did not provide the ability to dynamically update content and could not support streaming video and news feeds.

“We were impressed with the different types of media that the WebDT Signage System supports,” said Chris Graves, audio visual specialist at Columbus Technical College. “With the WebDT system’s zoning capability, we’re able to push different types of content into each zone — from streaming media to flash to weather/news tickers. We also found the UrgentCast feature to be particularly valuable. We can quickly override content on all screens to broadcast alerts across campus in cases of emergencies.”

Oklahoma State University, with a main campus in Stillwater, uses the WebDT Signage System as an interactive directory for students and faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences. The installed screens include the infrared touch option, which allows students to interact with the sign, quickly locate faculty and administration offices and connect to the college’s Web site. The Oklahoma State University Department of Zoology is one of 24 departments in the College of Arts and Sciences and is also currently utilizing a screen to showcase faculty research efforts. The college hopes to expand to other departments in the future.

“The College of Arts and Sciences’ dean has always been tech-oriented so we wanted to utilize technology to change what used to be such static boards for directories,” said Norma Earp, technology manager at Oklahoma State University, College of Arts and Sciences. “We needed a system that is low maintenance, does not require heavy staff resource and can be expanded easily. The WebDT Signage System offered just that with its ease of use and fast installation.”
“Columbus Technical College and Oklahoma State University are great examples of how digital signage technology can quickly and cost-effectively communicate to a wide audience,” said Ed Maddox, president of XRiver Technologies.