MultiScreen In House TV Communication System User manual
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
www.multiscreen.biz
info@multiscreen.biz
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TRADEMARKS
"MultiScreen" and the MultiScreen logo are registered trademarks of MultiScreen Pty. Ltd.. All other trademarked
names used herein are used for the purposes of identification and for the benefit of the trademark holder. No infringe-
ment of trademarks is intended. Trademarks remain the property of the trademark holder.
COPYRIGHT
The MultiScreen hardware, software & documentation are copyrighted ©2002-2010 by MultiScreen Pty. Ltd.. All
rights reserved.
LICENSE
You have purchased the right to use the MultiScreen software registered in your name on MultiScreen hardware (also
registered in your name) only and not on any other computer. No part of this documentation nor the hardware or soft-
ware described within may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, scanned, stored mechanically or electronically, or
translated into any language without the prior written permission of MultiScreen Pty. Ltd.. You may not transfer or
duplicate the software from the media that it was provided on for anything other than your own back-up purposes, and
copyright and registered user information must be transferred to each back-up copy made. You may not distribute cop-
ies of the software or accompanying documentation to others. You may not decompile, disassemble, reverse engineer
or modify the hardware or software, nor attempt to unlock, decode or bypass any copy protection methods that have
been utilised.
MultiScreen Pty. Ltd. reserves the right to make improvements and modifications at any time to the products described
in this manual, and to the contents of this manual and other related documentation. While every effort is made to ensure
the correctness of the manual‟s content, MultiScreen Pty. Ltd. cannot guarantee its accuracy after publication and dis-
claims liability for any changes, errors and omissions, or damages resulting there from.
Portions of this product were created using LEADTOOLS ©1991-2008, LEAD Technologies, Inc.. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
XXX
WARRANTY
The MultiScreen system is fully guaranteed against any manufacturing defects or faulty workmanship for one full year
from the date of purchase. MultiScreen Pty. Ltd. warrants that it will repair (or at its option replace) any part of a Mul-
tiScreen system which in the opinion of MultiScreen Pty. Ltd. or its authorised service agent, is defective by reason of
faulty workmanship or materials during this period for parts and/or labour providing the MultiScreen unit has been in-
stalled and used in accordance with the MultiScreen Operator‟s Manual. Please take note of the following conditions :
(a) This warranty is issued only at the time of original purchase; it is non-transferable. (b) MultiScreen Pty. Ltd. will
not accept freight charges or insurance responsibility for any MultiScreen units returned unless prior approval has been
granted by MultiScreen Pty. Ltd.. (c) This warranty will be void if in the opinion of MultiScreen Pty. Ltd. the cause of
the defect is, or includes, misuse, accident, service or repair by any unauthorised person or company, or alterations
made or damage occurring in any other way. (d) This warranty will be rendered void if any third party software not
authorised by MultiScreen Pty. Ltd. is loaded onto the MultiScreen system. (e) A service fee will be charged for service
only where the fault is found not to be in the MultiScreen unit.
MultiScreen Pty. Ltd. shall not in any case be liable for damages or loss of anticipated profits or benefits or other inci-
dental or consequential expenses or damages, including without limitation any data or information which may be lost or
rendered inaccurate, arising from the use or misuse of its products, even if MultiScreen has been advised of the possibil-
ity of such damages.
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Contents
Dear Customer 9
Specifications 10
Setting Up the Production Unit 11
Unpacking Your Production Unit.................................... 11
Where to put the Production Unit................................... 12
Connections........................................................................ 13
Front Panel 13
Rear Panel 13
Connecting the Power Cable 14
Connecting an Operating Monitor 14
Connection to a Television Monitor 14
Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse 15
Connection to Public Display TV‟s 15
Connection to Network (Internet) 15
Other Connections 15
Caring for Your Production Unit.................................... 16
Care of the Production Unit 16
Shock Precautions 17
Transporting the System 18
Cleaning the System 18
General Operation 19
Using the Keyboard and Mouse....................................... 21
Using On-Screen Controls................................................ 23
Using the Sequence Editor................................................ 24
Sequence Preview Mode and Display Mode 27
Preview Mode 27
Display Mode 28
Keyboard Lock 28
Inserting a New Screen 29
Moving a Screen 30
Cloning a Screen 31
Deleting a Screen 32
Copy, Cut and Paste 33
Using the Screen Editor.................................................... 34
Adding a Graphic to a Screen 36
Selecting a Transition for a Screen 39
Setting the Display Times for a Screen 40
Adding Text to a Screen 43
Text Appearance 44
Alignment 45
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Tab Stops 46
Adding Tab Stops 46
Deleting Tab Stops 48
Cut, Copy and Paste 49
Undo 49
Save & Exit 49
Text Appearance 50
Adding a Scroller to a Screen 52
Adding a News Feed to a Scroller 55
Configuring News Feeds 57
Subscribe to a Recommended News Feed 58
Manually Add a News Feed 59
Modify a Subscribed News Feed 62
Test a Subscribed News Feed 62
Delete a Subscribed News Feed 64
More Information About News Feeds 64
Adding a Clock to a Screen 67
Adding a Sound to a Screen 71
Changing an Element on a Standard Screen 72
Removing an Element from a Standard Screen 73
Creating Multiple Screens 74
Inserting a DVD Title into a Sequence 76
Inserting a Video into a Sequence 79
Linking Sequences 83
Deleting a Linked Sequence Screen, PlayVideo
Screen or Play DVD Screen 86
Freezing a Sequence on the Screen 87
Print Screen 88
Installation of the MCS_PrintScreen Application 88
Paper Orientation 90
Using the PrintScreen feature 91
Advanced Options 93
Selecting a Screen 93
Deleting a Screen 93
Deleting All Screens 93
Using the Sequence Scheduler..........................................94
The Master Sequence 95
Scheduling a Sequence 96
Using the DVD Scheduler .................................................98
Scheduling a DVD 98
Scheduling Multiple DVD Titles 101
DVD Format 101
Shutting down the Production Unit ...............................103
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Advanced Operation 104
Setting Defaults................................................................ 105
Setting the Time and Date.............................................. 107
Changing the System Settings........................................ 109
Positioning the Screen 109
Setting the Output Frequency 111
Automatic System Reboot 112
Network Folders 113
Adding Network Folders 113
Changing Network Folders 118
Removing Network Folders 119
Backup and Restore ........................................................ 120
The USB Flash Disk 120
Automatic Backup 120
Scheduled Backups 122
StartUp Backups 123
Manual Backup 124
Manual Restore 126
Save Sequences 128
Load Sequences 133
The Graphic Manager .................................................... 136
Graphic Categories 137
Loading a Graphic 138
Renaming a Graphic 140
Moving a Graphic 141
Deleting a Graphic 142
Digital Camera Initialisation 143
The Sound Manager........................................................ 145
Loading a Sound 146
Renaming a Sound 148
Deleting a Sound 149
The Video Manager......................................................... 150
Video Categories 151
Loading a Video 152
About Video Codecs 154
Renaming a Video 155
Moving a Video 156
Deleting a Video 157
Transfer Sequences......................................................... 158
Transfer Sequences Set-up 158
Transferring Sequences 161
Displaying External Video.............................................. 164
Creating Your Own Graphics........................................ 165
Creating Your Own Videos............................................ 166
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Network & Internet Configuration................................168
Additional Options 172
Random Number Generator...........................................173
The External Keypad 173
Overview of Operation 174
Setting the Random Number Generator Options 175
Setting the Random Number Limits in Display Mode 180
Drawing a Random Number 181
The Summary Screen 184
The Countdown Timer 186
Resuming a Draw 187
Viewing the RNG Draw History 188
Playing a Bingo! Draw 189
Configuring the Bingo Draw 190
Meal Number Control.....................................................193
The External Keypad 193
Keypad Operation 194
Adding a Meal Number 194
Deleting a Meal Number 195
Meal Number Display Screens 196
New Meal Number Display Screen 196
Meal Number Reminder Screens 196
Configuration 198
Setting the Meal Number Control Options 198
Meal Number Display Screen Settings 201
Meal Number Appearance Settings 203
Meal Number Size & Position 205
Advanced Settings 206
Instant Message Activator ..............................................208
The External Keypad 208
Overview of Operation 209
Activating an Instant Message 210
Cancelling an Instant Message 211
Setting up Instant Messages 213
Setting up a Sequence as an Instant Message 214
Setting up a Sound as an Instant Message 216
Instant Message Configuration 218
Portrait Orientation.........................................................220
Monitor & TV Orientation 221
Editing Mode 222
Graphic Dimensions 222
Display of Videos 223
Sequence Compatibility 223
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Dear Customer
Welcome,
The MultiScreen In House TV Production Unit has been designed to
satisfy the growing demand for effective information display equip-
ment.
After many years of research and development we have manufactured
this unit to maximise your point-of-sale advertising and/or information
distribution. Incorporated into this machine is the latest technology
that will ensure simple, trouble-free operation. Various optional fea-
tures are available to help customise the TV Production Unit to suit
your particular installation.
Should you have any further enquiries regarding this machine, wheth-
er it be for service or maximising its potential for your business,
please contact us.
We wish you every success.
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Specifications
The MultiScreen In House TV Production Unit has the capacity to
generate any number of information screens comprising any com-
bination of graphics, text, sound and other elements.
Can output to any television or group of televisions via AV output
or RF output. Can also connect to a computer monitor via VGA
output.
A choice of 16 background and text colours, and a wide range of
fonts that may be expanded.
The ability to display the current time on screen using a virtual ana-
logue or digital clock.
Can generate scrolling text messages over any standard information
screen in a range of colours, speeds and styles.
Animated transitions between standard information screens.
Video content can be played from a wide range of video file for-
mats or directly from a DVD video disc.
Scheduling software allows individual screens or whole sequences
to be displayed at specific times.
Optional Random Number Generator and Bingo function.
Optional Meal Number Control.
Optional Instant Message Activator.
The Production Unit comes complete with a 12-month warranty.
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Setting Up the Production Unit
Unpacking Your Production Unit
When unpacking your MultiScreen In House TV Communication Sys-
tem, you should find the following items included in the container:
MultiScreen TV Production Unit
MultiScreen Keyboard
MultiScreen Mouse
MultiScreen Operator‟s Manual (this book)
2 USB Flash Disks
Powerboard
Cables and Connectors
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Where to put the Production Unit
A cleared-off desk or table is a perfect location. Look out for the proximity of a
power outlet and a local area network Ethernet cable or wall socket.
You should try to avoid dirt, dust and smoke, since these might cause system
failure. Also, keep your Production Unit away from strong magnetic fields. This
includes fans, air conditioners, radios, large speaker systems, and other electric
motors.
Do not set up your system in a room with extreme conditions of temperature and
humidity. Temperatures in a room too hot or too cold could cause your Produc-
tion Unit to misbehave. Dampness causes oxidation, and dryness causes static
electricity.
Heat is probably the single most damaging environmental element to the Produc-
tion Unit. Because of this, never push the rear of the unit against a bookcase,
wall, or anything that restricts the air from circulating freely around the entire
case. Do not place a TV or monitor directly on top of the unit. If the fan outlet on
the back of the Production Unit or any of the ventilation holes are blocked, heat
builds up inside the computer. A marginal heat problem can be exacerbated by
accumulated filth from dirt, dust and smoke.
Do not place the Production Unit in direct sunlight, near a radiator, lamp, or a
heat vent. Remember that heat causes electronic circuitry to behave in strange
ways. When electronic components heat up, they tend to fail. If this happens, it
may not be a permanent failure, but could lead to one.
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Connections
Front Panel
1. CD/DVD ROM Drive
2. POWER SWITCH Used to switch the unit on. (Note:
Always shut down the Production Unit as described on
page 103 of this manual rather than using this switch to
turn it off.)
3. USB PORTS
4. POWER LED Indicates that the unit is switched on.
5. HDD LED Indicates Hard Disk Drive activity.
6. RESET SWITCH Used to restart the unit without turn-
ing it off. (Note: Do NOT reset the unit unless instructed
to by MultiScreen staff.)
Rear Panel
7. POWER [IEC] 100-240V 50-60Hz AC Input.
8. MOUSE [USB] Connection for the USB mouse. (Any
available USB port may be used.)
9. KEYBOARD [USB] Connection for the USB key-
board. (Any available USB port may be used.)
10. BACKUP FLASH DISK [USB] Connection of USB
Flash Disk for automatic backups. (Any available USB
port may be used.)
11. AUDIO OUT (PC) [Green 3.5mm STEREO] Raw
audio output from PC mainboard for Local Monitor.
12. VGA OUT [D15HD] Connect to Local VGA Monitor.
13. UHF OUT [PAL MALE] Modulated RF output for
connection via TV Antenna Distribution System. Nomi-
nal output level 70dBmV (3mV), adjustable over range
470-859 MHz. 5.5MHz Audio carrier (PAL B/G). Set at
factory to channel 25, 506 MHz.
14. VIDEO OUT (MAIN) [Yellow RCA] Main Video
output. PAL, 1V p-p into 75Ω.
15. AUDIO OUT (MAIN) [White RCA] Main Audio out-
put. Nominal output 0.7V RMS, impedance 1 kΩ.
16. KEYPAD [RJ45 x 2] Power and data communication
for accessory keypads. Can connect to multiple devices.
17. VIDEO IN [Yellow RCA] External Video input.
18. AUDIO IN [White RCA] External Audio input.
19. VIDEO OUT (MONITOR) [Yellow RCA] Secondary
Video output for Local TV Monitor. PAL, 1V p-p into
75Ω.
20. AUDIO OUT (MONITOR) [White RCA] Secondary
Audio output for Local TV Monitor. Nominal output
0.7V RMS, impedance 1k Ω.
21. NETWORK [RJ45] 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet
connection to computer network and for internet access.
22. S-VIDEO & COMPONENT VIDEO OUT [9 Pin
Mini Din] S-Video (Y/C) and Component Video
(YCrCb) output. Special adapter cable required.
23. DVI OUT Digital Video output to local DVI Monitor.
1
2
3
5
4
6
23
7
8
9
10
11
13
14
17
5
1
16
18
19
20
21
12
22
15
Note: Due to continual improvements, some features
may be in different locations than as depicted.
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Connecting the Power Cable
Plug the smaller end of the power cable into the power socket (7) on the rear of
the Production Unit, and ensure that the switch next to the socket is set to 1.
Next, plug the larger power connector into any mains power point, firstly ensur-
ing that the power point is switched off prior to plugging in. Only turn the mains
power switch on after all of the other rear panel connections have been also been
plugged in.
Connecting an Operating Monitor
You can use a standard VGA computer display, or a TV set (or both) as your op-
erating monitor.
If using a VGA computer monitor, connect the monitor‟s video lead to the blue
VGA OUT socket (12). There may be a second VGA socket on the mainboard
near the bottom centre of the back panel –do not connect to this socket. If the
monitor includes speakers, connect the monitor‟s audio input lead to the green
mainboard audio out socket (11). If the system has been started up previously
without a monitor connected, you may need to activate the monitor output by
pressing Ctrl + Alt + F2 after the system has finished starting up.
If using a TV monitor, connect the A/V OUT MONITOR sockets to the A/V in-
puts of the TV, using a twin RCA Male-Male lead. The lowest socket is the Au-
dio output, with the Video output just above it. Select the A/V input on the TV.
Connection to a Television Monitor
If you have a monitor style television equipped with VIDEO IN and AUDIO IN
sockets, then connect these sockets to the MONITOR VIDEO OUT (19) and
MONITOR AUDIO OUT (20) sockets respectively on the rear of the Production
Unit using an audio/video cable with a pair of male RCA connectors on each end.
Ensure that your television is set to receive the external video signal in order to
display the Production Unit‟s output. Refer to your television‟s manual if you are
unsure about how to do this.
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Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse
The MultiScreen unit is operated by using a keyboard and a mouse. Connect each
of the USB plugs from the mouse & keyboard cables into any two of the availa-
ble USB sockets on the MultiScreen unit‟s rear panel.
Connection to Public Display TV’s
There are two sets of outputs for connecting to public displays, UHF OUT (14)
and A/V OUT MAIN (15 & 16). The UHF OUT allows simple connection to an
MATV (Master Antenna TV) distribution system. The MultiScreen signal will
appear as one more (analogue) TV channel, and may be combined with free-to-
air channels and modulated Pay-TV decoders etc. The UHF channel frequency
can be set by the installation technician, to ensure it does not clash with any ex-
isting stations.
The A/V OUT MAIN sockets provide a standard composite video and line level
audio signal for connection to devices which require A/V inputs, such as external RF
modulators, video matrix switchers, video distribution amplifiers, & PA systems.
Both of these outputs will display an “Updating system, please wait” message
whenever the system is not running in Display mode, during editing for example.
The audio signal is muted.
The S-VIDEO output (22) may also be used. This output will not mask the edit-
ing process however. An adapter may be required if the connector is not the
standard S-Video type (4 pin Mini-DIN).
Connection to Network (Internet)
Using a CAT-5 Ethernet cable, plug one end into the NETWORK socket (21) on
the rear of the MultiScreen unit and the other end into a spare socket on a net-
work switch or router connected to your local area network. Also see page 168
for further information regarding configuration of network & internet connectivity.
Other Connections
Some of the other sockets on the back panel are for options described elsewhere
in the manual, while others are provided for future functionality.
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Caring for Your Production Unit
Follow the suggestions below to keep your valuable system in good condition.
Care of the Production Unit
Never turn the power button off or move the system while the hard disk drive
is reading or writing, as indicated by the hard disk activity light. Doing so
may cause damage to the information stored on the hard disk. The system
should always be properly shut down as described on page 103 before being
switched off.
Whenever you turn off the Production Unit, always wait at least ten seconds
before turning it back on again. If you don‟t observe this precaution, you may
damage the Production Unit‟s circuitry.
Avoid dropping or jarring your Production Unit. This loosens memory chips
and expansion cards, and can severely damage the hard disk drive. Always
shut down the Production Unit prior to moving it, even if it‟s only to the other
side of the desk.
Do not set up your system in a room with extreme conditions of temperature
and/or humidity.
Do not allow heat to build up inside of the system unit. Ensure that the vents
on the top, sides and rear of the Production Unit are never blocked.
Do not spray any kind of cleaning liquid directly on the case or keyboard. In-
stead apply it onto a soft cloth. Always turn the power off and unplug each
power cable from its power source before cleaning.
Use the Production Unit in as clean & dust-free an environment as possible.
Do not eat or drink while operating the Production Unit.
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Shock Precautions
Electrical surges and spikes can cause serious damage to your system. Use a
power filter/surge protector on the system unit and everything connected to it
(Televisions, for example). If just one device is not protected, damaging surges
can enter the system through unprotected peripherals and damage everything
connected to it.
A power strip/surge protector provides protection against many types of voltage
spikes that can travel on the power line and damage your system, but it isn‟t
much help against lightning. If severe weather or an electrical storm threatens,
it‟s a good idea to unplug the entire system from the power outlets before the
storm starts.
This list is important to protect yourself from electrical shock and your system
from damage.
Be sure all cables are free from table or desk legs resting on them. Arrange
cables out of traffic areas.
Unplug all power cords from their power sources if severe weather threatens.
When you disconnect a cable, always pull on the plug or connector, not on
the cable itself.
Know the static electricity precautions.
Do not open the Production Unit case. The components inside the Production
Unit can easily be damaged if the case is open. If it is ever necessary to open
the case, then this work should be performed by a technician. Note that unau-
thorised opening of the Production Unit‟s case will void your warranty.
Plug all three-prong cables into properly grounded power sources. The Pro-
duction Unit works better with steady and reliable electricity. Use a power fil-
ter/surge protector for protection against electrical surges. Do not use adapter
plugs or remove the grounding prong. Try to connect everything without the
use an extension cord. If you must use one, use a three-wire cable with
grounded plugs.
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Transporting the System
Dropping or jarring the system can damage the hard disk drive, particularly if the
drive is reading or writing when it is dropped. Hard disk drives are less vulnera-
ble to shock when they are shut off. Consequently, you should always power
down the system unit as described on page 103 before moving it.
During transport, pack the system unit in its original packing boxes and cushion-
ing materials.
Cleaning the System
Use a damp, lint-free cloth to clean the Production Unit and monitor (if present).
Avoid abrasives or solvents, as they can permanently damage the finish. Use a
soft cloth and window cleaner to clean the monitor. Turn off the monitor, then
squirt a little cleaner on the cloth and apply it to the screen.
Subjecting a system to a dusty or smoky environment significantly shortens its
life and increases the probability of failure.
If you spill liquid inside the keyboard, unplug the keyboard immediately and turn
it upside down to allow the liquid to drain out. Let the keyboard dry overnight
before attempting to use it again.
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General Operation
To switch on the Production Unit, first ensure that the unit is plugged
in and switched on at the power outlet. Next, press the Power On but-
ton located on the front of the unit.
The Production Unit has two main modes of operation: Display Mode
and Editing Mode. When the Production Unit is first switched on, it
will be running in Display Mode. This is the mode of operation the
Production Unit will normally be left in when unattended. Whilst in
Display Mode, the Production Unit will cycle through a sequence of
different screens. This sequence can be displayed on any in-house tel-
evisions the Production Unit is hooked up to. Screens can contain
graphics, static or scrolling text entered by the operator, sounds,
clocks showing the current time, or a combination of these things.
Once the Production Unit is up and running it will be operating in its
Display Mode, where it will continually cycle through a sequence of
information screens. To switch from Display Mode to Editing Mode,
press Esc + Pause/Break or alternately click both mouse buttons simul-
taneously.
Editing Mode is used to create and alter screens and sequences,
schedule sequences, adjust the time and date, and change the Produc-
tion Unit‟s settings. Whilst the system is in Editing Mode, your local
monitor is used to edit the system, and the message “UPDATING
SYSTEM, PLEASE WAIT”is displayed over the main TV output. (Note:
This message does not appear on MultiScreen Mini systems.)
Each sequence consists of a series of screens displayed in a defined
order. Each screen is shown for a specified amount of time before the
next is displayed. Every time the whole sequence has been shown, it
will start again from the beginning.
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Each standard screen in the sequence can contain any of the following
elements :-
A graphic, a static picture that may be chosen from the graphics
library.
Text, information that may be typed in by the user.
A scroller, text that scrolls across the screen at a speed specified by
the user.
A sound, a single sound effect that will play when the graphic ap-
pears. This is chosen from the sound library.
A clock, either analogue or digital, showing the current time. A
clock cannot be used on a screen that contains text or a scroller.
In addition a sequence may contain special screens which are used to
either link to another sequence, or to display a video title from the
video library or from a DVD video disc.
Screens may be created, altered or deleted as necessary, and you can
individually set the amount of time for each screen to be displayed.
You may also scan through the sequence for a particular screen, ar-
range the screens into a specific order, or hide a screen (ie. prevent it
from being displayed without deleting it). Each of these functions will
be described in detail in the pages to follow.
Table of contents
