Gefen EXT-HD-DSMP User manual

®
www.gefen.com
Hi-Def
Digital Signage
Media Player
EXT-HD-DSMP
User Manual


ASKING FOR ASSISTANCE
Technical Support:
Telephone (818) 772-9100
(800) 545-6900
Fax (818) 772-9120
Technical Support Hours:
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, Pacic Time
Write To:
Gefen, LLC
c/o Customer Service
20600 Nordhoff St
Chatsworth, CA 91311
www.gefen.com/DS
Notice
Gefen, LLC reserves the right to make changes in the hardware, packaging and
any accompanying documentation without prior written notice.
Hi-Def Digital Signage Media Player is a trademark of Gefen, LLC
HDMI, the HDMI logo, and High-Denition Multimedia Interface are trademarks
or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing in the United States and other
countries.
© 2011 Gefen, LLC, All Rights Reserved
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Rev A7
v0.9.7.3

CONTENTS
1 Introduction
2 Operation Notes
3 Features
4 Panel Layout
4 Front Panel
5 Back Panel
6 Panel Descriptions
7 IR Remote Control
7 IR Remote Control Layout
8 IR Remote Descriptions
9 Installing the Batteries
10 Connecting the Hi-Def Digital Signage Media Player
10 Wiring Diagram
11 Operating the Hi-Def Digital Signage Media Player
11 Powering the Hi-Def Digital Signage Media Player
12 Accessing the Main Menu
14 Safely Removing the USB Storage Device
16 How the Hi-Def Digital Signage Media Player works
16 Directory and File Nomenclature
17 Renaming Files and Directories
18 Operating Modes
19 Stand-Alone Mode
19 Using Stand-Alone Mode
21 Viewing the Schedule File
23 Editing the Playlist File
24 Viewing the Settings.xml le
24 Checking Our Work
26 Adding More Video Content to the Playlist
26 Changing the Playlist Order
27 Scheduling Content
28 The Default Event
28 Understanding the Default Event
29 Push Mode / Pull Mode
29 Using Push and Pull Modes
29 The FTP Client and FTP Server
29 Push Mode
30 Method 1: Conguration using the OSD
33 Method 2: Conguration using the Settings.xml le
34 Conguring the FTP Client
37 Pull Mode
37 Method 1: Conguration using the OSD
40 Method 2: Conguration using the Settings.xml le
43 Conguring the FTP Server
44 The Settings.xml le
44 Understanding the Settings.xml le
46 Settings.xml Summary
54 Formatting the USB drive using ext3
55 Firmware Update
57 Specications
58 Warranty

1
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the Hi-Def Digital Signage Media Player.
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.
Gefen’s reliable, plug-and-play products supplement cross-platform computer
systems, professional audio/video environments and HDTV systems of all sizes
with hard-working solutions that are easy to implement and simple to operate.
The Gefen Hi-Def Digital Signage Media Player
The Hi-Def Digital Signage Media Player provides an effective means to playback
and schedule digital signage content on both digital and analog connections. By
connecting the Hi-Def Digital Signage Media Player to a network, content can
be pushed to the box using a computer and FTP client program. When a more
elaborate setup is required, a number of units can be installed to pull content
from a local or external FTP server based on a schedule. The Hi-Def Digital
Signage Media Player acts as both an FTP client and server with live logging
of various important statistics, such as playback, system status, and uploaded
content. For precise time synchronization, the Hi-Def Digital Signage Media
Player can be set up to access an external NTP server. Many audio and video
le formats are supported with NTSC and PAL output resolutions up to 1080p
Full HD. HDMI, Composite, and Component outputs with separate analog and
digital audio outputs provide exibility when connecting to various displays.
Two USB 2.0 ports provide connection to the included USB ash drive or to an
external hard drive. The Hi-Def Digital Signage Media Player enclosure features
integrated mounting brackets for a secure installation on any at surface or
directly to the back of the display. For complete management of multiple devices
in multiple locations, Gefen provides a CMS (Content Management Software)
solution which can be run in a virtual environment. The Gefen CMS will allow you
to easily manage all of your units in the eld from any compatible browser with
access to logs, schedules, content, and playlists.
How It Works
The Hi-Def Digital Signage Media Player can connect to a display using either
analog or digital video connectors. Connect an HDMI, Component, or Composite
cable between the Hi-Def Digital Signage Media Player and the display. If using
the networking capabilities of the Hi-Def Digital Signage Media Player, connect
your network cable to the Ethernet port. Optionally, the digital or analog audio
output connector can be used to connect the Hi-Def Digital Signage Media Player
to an external audio processor or amplier. Connect the included USB ash drive
to the rear panel of the unit. Connect the 12 V DC power supply to the unit and
connect the AC power cord to an available electrical outlet.

OPERATION NOTES
2
READ THESE NOTES BEFORE INSTALLING OR
OPERATING THE HI-DEF DIGITAL SIGNAGE MEDIA PLAYER
• This unit DOES NOT contain any internal memory. Memory must be
supplied by the user in the form of a USB 2.0 ash drive. The following
le systems are compatible with this player:
»NTFS and ext3
• The main settings, schedules, playlists, and subdirectories will be located on
the attached USB device. The default directories and settings le (settings.
xml) can be downloaded and placed into the root directory of the USB
device. These les can be downloaded from the Gefen Web site at:
»www.gefen.com/downloads
• Power must be disconnected from the Hi-Def Digital Signage Media Player
before the USB drive is attached.
• The Gefen Hi-Def Digital Signage Media Player has both analog
(Component and composite) and Digital (HDMI) connectors. The following
output resolutions are available:
»Analog Connectors:
Composite: 480i and 576i (NTSC/PAL)
Component: 720p, 1080i, and 1080p (NTSC / PAL)
»Digital Connectors:
HDMI: 720p, 1080i, and 1080p (NTSC/PAL)
• The Gefen Hi-Def Digital Signage Media Player can operate in two modes:
»Stand-Alone Mode - This is the default mode. In this mode the unit
supports all scheduling and playlist features but cannot be updated
remotely via the FTP server or client. For more information on operating
the Media Player in Stand-Alone mode, see page 19.
»Push Mode / Pull Mode - In this mode all scheduling and playlist
features available. Remote management is possible by utilizing the
FTP server and client that are built into the Hi-Def Digital Signage
Media Player. For more information on operating the Media Player in
one of the two Network Modes, refer to page 29.
• File logging can be enabled or disabled through the settings.xml.
See page 53 for information.

3
FEATURES
Features
• Supports resolutions up to 1080p Full HD
• HDMI, Component, and Composite A/V outputs active simultaneously
• Text-based scheduling and playlist using a text editor
• CMS for multiple units*
• Supports MPEG 1/2/4, DivX 3/4/5/6, XVid, and H.264/AVC video codecs
• Supports MP3, MPEG, WMA, PCM, LPCM, ADPCM, FLAC, WAV, AAC,
OGG, and MKA audio formats
• Wall-mountable enclosure for excellent heat dissipation and durability
• Integrated OSD Menu for device conguration
• Built-in FTP server and client to push and pull content
• Full media scheduling and accounting logs
• NTP client for time synchronization
• USB 2.0 ports used for storage
• Programmable PIN code prevents unauthorized access to OSD
• Compatible le systems: NTFS and ext3
• IR remote control unit
Package Includes
(1) Hi-Def Digital Signage Media Player
(1) 6 ft. Locking HDMI cable (M-M)
(1) USB 2.0 ash drive
(1) IR Remote Control Unit
(1) 12V / 3A DC Power Supply
(1) Quick-Start Guide
*The Content Management Software (CMS) allows you to manage content,
playlists, and schedules for multiple units on a network. See the Content
Management Software User Manual for more information.

4
PANEL LAYOUT
Front Panel
12 3

5
PANEL LAYOUT
Back Panel
11 10
4 5 6 8 97

6
PANEL DESCRIPTIONS
1 IR
This IR window receives signals from the IR Remote Control Unit.
2 STATUS
This LED indicator will ash bright blue to indicate network trafc when the
Media Player is connected to a network.
3 PWR
Power LED indicator. When power is applied to the unit, this LED will glow
bright blue. When no USB device is connected, the LED will alternate blue and
red. When the Media Player is booting, this LED will ash red when accessing
the USB drive.
4 Component
Connect three (3) RCA cables from the Green, Blue, and Red outputs to the
component video input of a display or other video output device.
5 Optical
TOSLINK audio ouput connector. Connect an optical cable from this connector
to an audio output device.
6 HDMI
Connect an HDTV display to this port using the included locking HDMI cable.
7 Ethernet
Connects the Hi-Def Digital Signage Media Player to a network using 10/100
Mbps Ethernet cable.
8 USB
USB 2.0 output ports. Connect up to two (2) USB devices to these ports.
9 12V DC
Connect the included 12 V DC power supply to this power receptacle.
10 Analog Audio Output
Connect a L/R RCA stereo pair from these outputs to an L/R RCA stereo input
pair on an audio output device.
11 Component Output
Connect a single RCA cable from this output to the component video input of a
display or other video output device.

7
IR REMOTE CONTROL
1
4
6
7
9
8
14
12
13
11
10
15
2
3
5
EXT-HD-DSMP-IR Remote Control Layout

8
IR REMOTE CONTROL
IR Remote Control Descriptions
1 Power
This button will toggle between the ON and STANDBY power states. A RED
LED will be active when the unit is in Standby power state. The Power LED will
glow bright blue when the Media Player is powered ON.
2 Numeric Keypad (0 - 9)
Used to enter values when using the Menu System.
3 +
Press this button to increase the volume level of the audio output.
4 Back
Press this button to move up one level in the Menu System or return from a
submenu.
5 -
Press this button to decrease the volume level of the audio output.
6 Aspect
Changes the aspect ratio between 16:9, 16:10, Pan Scan 4:3, and
Letter Box 4:3
7 ◄ (Cursor Left)
Press this button to move (to the left) between elds in the Main Menu.
8 ▼ (Cursor Down)
Press this button to move the selection cursor down or to decrease values within
the Main Menu.
9 OK
Conrms the current setting.
10 ► (Cursor Right)
Press this button to move (to the right) between elds in the Main Menu.
11 Output
Selects the output resolution.
12 ▲ (Cursor Up)
Press this button to move the selection cursor up or to increase values within
the Main Menu.
13 Eject button
Press this button to eject the USB drive, before removing the USB drive.
14 Home
Press this button to display the Input PIN Code screen.
15 Mute
Press this button to mute the output signal.

9
IR REMOTE CONTROL
Installing the Batteries
1. Remove the battery cover on the back of the IR Remote Control Unit.
2. Insert the included AA batteries into the open battery slot.
3. Replace the battery cover.
WARNING: Risk of explosion if battery is replaced by an incorrect
type. Dispose of used batteries according to the instructions.
Battery Slot
(shown with batteries)
IR emitter
Transmits the IR
commands to the
Media Player
Battery alignment
The batteries should
be installed in the
following position:
_
_
+
+

10
CONNECTING THE HI-DEF DIGITAL SIGNAGE MEDIA PLAYER
How to Connect the Hi-Def Digital Signage Media Player
1. Connect Hi-Def Digital Signage Media Player to the display using the
included HDMI cable.
2. OPTIONAL: Connect the analog or digital audio outputs of the Hi-Def Digital
Signage Media Player to an audio receiver/processor using RCA (analog) or
Optical (digital) cables.
3. Connect the included USB 2.0 ash drive (or external USB 2.0 hard drive) to
the USB port located on the rear panel of the Hi-Def Digital Signage Media
Player unit.
4. Connect the included 12V DC power adapter between the power input
of the Hi-Def Digital Signage Media Player and an available electrical outlet.
Wiring Diagram for the Hi-Def Digital Signage Media Player
EXT-HD-DSMP
CAT-5 / ETHERNET
HDMI CABLE
USB CABLE
COMPOSITE CABLE
COMPONENT CABLE
TOSLINK
USB Flash Drive
or
USB External HDD
Router
Display using HDMI
Display using Component
Display using Composite
Audio Receiver
ATTENTION: This product should always be connected to a
grounded electrical socket.
STOP: Make sure the USB drive is connected to the Media Player
before continuing to the next step.
NOTE: If using the Hi-Def Digital Signage Media Player with an
analog display, then connect the Hi-Def Digital Signage Media
Player to the display using user-supplied composite or component
video cables.

11
OPERATING THE HI-DEF DIGITAL SIGNAGE MEDIA PLAYER
Powering the Hi-Def Digital Signage Media Player
1. Once power has been connected to the Hi-Def Digital Signage Media Player,
the following screen will be displayed while the unit completes the booting
process.
2. After the boot process has been completed, any schedules, playlists, and
content will be automatically begin playing:
If no content has been scheduled, then the PIN code screen will be
displayed. See next page for details on using the PIN code screen.

12
OPERATING THE HI-DEF DIGITAL SIGNAGE MEDIA PLAYER
Accessing the Main Menu
If no media is scheduled to play after the Media Player has nished booting, then
the PIN code screen will be displayed. The PIN code screen provides a secure
gateway to the Main Menu. The PIN code screen can be displayed at any time
by pressing the Home button on the IR Remote Control.
1. Press the Home button on the IR Remote Control.
2. The Input PIN code screen will be displayed.
3. Use the numeric keypad on the included IR Remote Control to enter the PIN
code. The default PIN code is: 0000.
Numeric Keypad
Use the numeric keypad on the
IR Remote Control to enter the
PIN code.
The Main Menu will automatically
be displayed if the correct PIN
code is entered.
S/W Version: Ver.0.9.7.3

13
OPERATING THE HI-DEF DIGITAL SIGNAGE MEDIA PLAYER
As the PIN code is entered, each of the numbers will be masked for security
purposes. Although not required, a PIN code is recommended to prevent
unauthorized access to the Main Menu. The PIN code can be disabled (see
page 47).
PIN code is always masked
during entry.
S/W Version: Ver.0.9.7.3
ADVANCED: If the PIN code has been disabled within the
settings.xml le, then pressing the HOME button on the IR
Remote Control will access the Input PIN Code screen (see page
47 for more information on enabling / disabling and setting the PIN
code). From the Input PIN Code screen, press the OK button to
access the Main Menu.
S/W Version: Ver.0.9.7.3

14
OPERATING THE HI-DEF DIGITAL SIGNAGE MEDIA PLAYER
4. After entering the correct PIN code, the Main Menu will be displayed.
Safely Removing the USB Storage Device
In Stand-Alone Mode, it will be necessary to remove the USB
storage device from the Media Player in order to update schedule les,
playlist les, and content. To safely remove the USB storage device, use the
EJECT button on the IR Remote Control Unit.
1. Access the Main Menu in order to stop the playback of all content.
2. Press the EJECT button on the IR Remote Control Unit. Note that the
bottom portion of the Main Menu also identies the EJECT button on the IR
Remote Control Unit.
S/W Version: Ver.0.9.7.3
S/W Version: Ver.0.9.7.3

15
OPERATING THE HI-DEF DIGITAL SIGNAGE MEDIA PLAYER
3. The Media Player will prompt you to select which device to stop. In the
example below, only one USB device is connected to the Media Player.
Additional storage would be identied as D, E, F, etc.
4. Highlight the USB device you wish to stop and eject, using the ▲and ▼
buttons on the IR Remote Control, then press the OK button. The Media Player
will prompt you to conrm the operation:
Select Yes to conrm the operation. Select No to cancel and return to the
Main Menu.
5. If you select Yes, then the following screen will be displayed, indicating that
you may now remove the USB device from the back of the Media Player:

16
HOW THE HI-DEF DIGITAL SIGNAGE MEDIA PLAYER WORKS
Directory and File Nomenclature
The Hi-Def Digital Signage Media Player uses directories to organize
schedules, playlists, and media content. A major part of how the Media Player
behaves is governed by a set of three les:
• schedule.gsh
• playlist.gpl
• settings.xml
The local USB drive also contains three (3) directories:
• /media
• /playlists
• /schedules
The illustration below provides a summary of each of the three les, the location
of the le on the USB drive, and how they relate to one another.
The /media directory is used to store your Digital Signage content.
An additional directory, /Logs, is automatically created by the Media Player.
These log les provide a record of all events which have transpired and can be
used to provide information during troubleshooting.
settings.xml
Location: Root directory
This le contains the name of the
active Schedule le to be executed.
schedule.gsh
Location: /schedules directory
Contains the name of the Playlist(s)
or media les to be executed.
playlist.gpl
Location: /playlists directory
Each playlist le contains a list of the
media le(s) to be played.
<settings>
<devCong>
<namevalue=”GefenPlayer”/>
</devCong>
<ipCong>
<ipModevalue=”manual”/>
<automatic/>
<manual>
<ipvalue=”192.168.2.238”/>
...
...
<DefaultEvent>
<DayOfWeek>1,1,1,1,1,1,1</DayOfWeek>
<EventStart>00:00:00</EventStart>
<EventEnd>23:59:59</EventEnd>
<FileName>/playlists/playlist.gpl</File-
Name>
</DefaultEvent>
<media>
<FileName>/media/2.mov</FileName>
</media>
<media>
<FileName>/media/7.mp4</FileName>
</media>
<media>
<FileName>/media/8.mp4</FileName>
</media>
...
...
Table of contents
Other Gefen Media Player manuals