MultiScreen Channel User manual
MultiScree∂Channel
TRADEMARKS
"MultiScreen Channel" and the MultiScreen logo are registered trademarks of MultiScreen Channel Pty. Ltd.. All other
trademarked names used herein are used for the purposes of identification and for the benefit of the trademark holder.
No infringement of trademarks is intended. Trademarks remain the property of the trademark holder.
COPYRIGHT
The MultiScreen Channel hardware, software & documentation are copyrighted ©2002-2008 by MultiScreen Channel
Pty. Ltd.. All rights reserved.
LICENSE
You have purchased the right to use the MultiScreen Channel software registered in your name on MultiScreen Channel
hardware (also registered in your name) only and not on any other computer. No part of this documentation nor the
hardware or software described within may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, scanned, stored mechanically or
electronically, or translated into any language without the prior written permission of MultiScreen Channel 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 copies of the software or accompanying documentation to others. You may not decompile, disas-
semble, reverse engineer or modify the hardware or software, nor attempt to unlock, decode or bypass any copy protec-
tion methods that have been utilised.
MultiScreen Channel 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 Channel Pty. Ltd. cannot guarantee its accuracy
after publication and disclaims liability for any changes, errors and omissions, or damages resulting there from.
WARRANTY
The MultiScreen Channel system is fully guaranteed against any manufacturing defects or faulty workmanship for one
full year from the date of purchase. MultiScreen Channel Pty. Ltd. warrants that it will repair (or at its option replace)
any part of a MultiScreen Channel system which in the opinion of MultiScreen Channel 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 Channel unit has been installed and used in accordance with the MultiScreen Channel
Operator's Manual. Please take note of the following conditions : (a) This warranty is issued only at the time of origi-
nal purchase; it is non-transferable. (b) MultiScreen Channel Pty. Ltd. will not accept freight charges or insurance
responsibility for any MultiScreen Channel units returned unless prior approval has been granted by MultiScreen
Channel Pty. Ltd.. (c) This warranty will be void if in the opinion of MultiScreen Channel 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 Channel Pty. Ltd. is loaded onto the MultiScreen Channel system. (e) A service fee will be charged for
service only where the fault is found not to be in the MultiScreen Channel unit.
MultiScreen Channel Pty. Ltd. shall not in any case be liable for damages or loss of anticipated profits or benefits or
other incidental 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 Channel has been
advised of the possibility of such damages.
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Contents
Dear Customer 7
Specifications 8
Setting Up the Production Unit 9
Unpacking Your Production Unit......................................... 9
Where to put the Production Unit...................................... 10
Connections........................................................................... 11
FRONT 11
REAR 11
Connecting the Power Cable 12
Connecting an Operating Monitor 12
Connection to a Television Monitor 12
Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse 12
Connection to Public Display TV’s 13
Other Connections 13
Caring for Your Production Unit....................................... 14
Care of the Production Unit 14
Shock Precautions 15
Transporting the System 16
Cleaning the System 16
General Operation 17
Using the Keyboard and Mouse.......................................... 19
Using On-Screen Controls................................................... 21
Using the Sequence Editor................................................... 22
Sequence Preview Mode and Display Mode 25
Preview Mode 25
Display Mode 26
Keyboard Lock 26
Inserting a New Screen 27
Moving a Screen 28
Cloning a Screen 29
Deleting a Screen 30
Copy, Cut and Paste 31
Using the Screen Editor....................................................... 32
Adding a Graphic to a Screen 34
Selecting a Transition for a Screen 36
Setting the Display Times for a Screen 37
Adding Text to a Screen 40
Tab Stops 43
Adding Tab Stops 43
Deleting Tab Stops 45
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Text Appearance 47
Adding a Scroller to a Screen 49
Adding a Sound to a Screen 56
Changing an Element on a Standard Screen 57
Removing an Element from a Standard Screen 58
Creating Multiple Screens 59
Inserting a DVD Title into a Sequence 61
Linking Sequences 64
Deleting a Linked Sequence or Play DVD Screen 67
Freezing a Sequence on the Screen 68
Print Screen 69
Installation of the MCS_PrintScreen Application 69
Paper Orientation 71
Using the PrintScreen feature 72
Advanced Options 74
Selecting a Screen 74
Deleting a Screen 74
Deleting All Screens 74
Using the Sequence Scheduler............................................. 75
The Master Sequence 76
Scheduling a Sequence 77
Using the DVD Scheduler.................................................... 79
Scheduling a DVD 79
Scheduling Multiple DVD Titles 82
DVD Format 83
Shutting down the Production Unit.................................... 84
Advanced Operation 85
Setting Defaults..................................................................... 86
Setting the Time and Date................................................... 88
Changing the System Settings............................................. 90
Positioning the Screen 91
Setting the Output Frequency 92
Automatic System Reboot 93
Network Folders 94
Adding Network Folders 94
Changing Network Folders 99
Removing Network Folders 99
Backup and Restore........................................................... 101
The USB Flash Disk 101
Automatic Backup 102
Scheduled Backups 103
StartUp Backups 103
Manual Backup 104
Manual Restore 106
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Save Sequences 108
Load Sequences 113
The Graphic Manager ....................................................... 117
Graphic Categories 118
Loading a Graphic 119
Renaming a Graphic 121
Moving a Graphic 122
Deleting a Graphic 123
Digital Camera Initialisation 124
Using the Sound Manager................................................. 126
Loading a Sound 127
Renaming a Sound 129
Deleting a Sound 130
Transfer Sequences............................................................ 131
Transfer Sequences Set-up 131
Transferring Sequences 134
Displaying External Video................................................. 137
Creating Your Own Graphics........................................... 138
Additional Options 139
Random Number Generator............................................. 140
The External Keypad 140
Overview of Operation 141
Setting the Random Number Generator Options 142
Setting the Random Number Limits in Display Mode 147
Drawing a Random Number 148
The Summary Screen 151
The Countdown Timer 153
Resuming a Draw 154
Viewing the RNG Draw History 155
Playing a Bingo Draw 156
Configuring the Bingo Draw 157
Meal Number Control........................................................ 160
The External Keypad 160
Keypad Operation 161
Adding a Meal Number 161
Deleting a Meal Number 162
Meal Number Display Screens 163
New Meal Number Display Screen 163
Meal Number Reminder Screens 163
Configuration 165
Setting the Meal Number Control Options 165
Meal Number Display Screen Settings 168
Meal Number Appearance Settings 170
Meal Number Size & Position 172
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Advanced Settings 173
Instant Message Activator................................................. 175
The External Keypad 175
Overview of Operation 176
Activating an Instant Message 177
Cancelling an Instant Message 179
Setting up Instant Messages 180
Setting up a Sequence as an Instant Message 181
Setting up a Sound as an Instant Message 183
Setting the Instant Message Configuration 185
Key Command Summary 187
Display Mode 187
Preview Mode 187
Sequence Editor 187
Screen Editor 188
Graphic Selector 188
Text Editor 188
Text Appearance Selector 189
Glossary 190
Warranty 192
Index 193
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MultiScree∂Channel
Dear Customer
Welcome,
The MultiScreen Channel In House TV Production Unit has been
designed to satisfy the growing demand for effective information
display equipment.
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
features are available to help customise the TV Production Unit to suit
your particular installation.
Should you have any further enquires regarding this machine, whether
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 Channel In House TV Production Unit has the
capacity to generate any number of information screens comprising
any combination 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
analogue or digital clock.
Can generate animated scrolling text messages over any informa-
tion screen in a range of colours, speeds and styles.
Scheduling software allows individual screens or whole sequences
to be displayed at specific times.
Animated transitions between information screens.
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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MultiScree∂Channel
Setting Up the Production Unit
Unpacking Your Production Unit
When unpacking your MultiScreen Channel In House TV Communi-
cation System, you should find the following items included in the
container:
MultiScreen Channel TV Production Unit
MultiScreen Channel Keyboard
MultiScreen Channel Mouse
MultiScreen Channel Operator's Manual (this book)
1 GB USB Flash Disk
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MultiScree∂Channel
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.
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
Production Unit to misbehave. Dampness causes oxidation, and dryness causes
static electricity.
Heat is probably the single most damaging environmental element to the
Production 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
1. DVD CD/DVD ROM Drive.
2. POWER SWITCH Used to switch unit on. (Note:
Always shut down the Production Unit as described in
the manual before turning it off.)
3. USB PORTS
4. POWER LED(s) Indicates that the unit is switched on.
5. HDD LED Indicates Hard Disk Drive activity.
6. RESET SWITCH Used to restart the unit without
turning it off. (Note: Do not reset the unit unless
instructed to by MultiScreen staff.)
1
6 2
4
3
4
5
18
16
17
13
12
15
14
20
19
10
8
9
7
11
REAR
7. POWER [IEC] 200-240v AC Input
8. MOUSE [PS2] Connection for standard PS2 mouse,
mouse or other pointing device.
9. KEYBOARD [PS2] Standard PS2 keyboard
connection.
10. USB PORTS Connections for USB devices including
mouse, keyboard and flash disks for automatic backups.
11. AUDIO OUT (MAINBOARD) [STEREO 3.5mm]
Mainboard Audio output. Nominal 0.7V RMS.
12. VGA OUT [D15HD] May be used to connect to a VGA
computer monitor with speakers.
13. UHF OUT [F-type] Modulated RF output for
connection via TV Antenna Distribution System.
Nominal output level 70dBmV (3mV), adjustable over
range 470-859 MHz. 5.5MHz Audio carrier (PAL 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
output. Nominal output 0.7V RMS, impedance 1 kΩ.
16. KEYPAD [RJ45] 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, can be switched independently of Main
output. PAL, 1V p-p into 75Ω.
20. AUDIO OUT (MONITOR) [White RCA] Secondary
Audio output. Nominal output 0.7V RMS, impedance 1
kΩ.
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Connecting the Power Cable
Plug the correct end of the power cable into the power socket on the rear of the
Production Unit. Next, plug the round power connector into any mains power
point. Ensure that the power point is switched off before making any further
connections.
Connecting an Operating Monitor
You can use a standard VGA computer display, or a TV set (or both) as your
operating monitor.
If using a VGA computer monitor, connect the monitor’s video lead to the blue
VGA OUT socket (13). 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 + F12 after the system has finished starting up.
If using a TV monitor, connect the A/V OUT MONITOR sockets to the A/V
inputs of the TV, using a twin RCA Male-Male lead. The lowest socket is the
Audio 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 VIDEO OUT and AUDIO OUT 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.
Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse
The TV Production Unit is operated by using a keyboard and a mouse. Connect
the green plug from the mouse's cable to the round green socket, and the purple
plug from the keyboard's cable to the round purple socket.
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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 Channel
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
can be set by the installation technician, to ensure it does not clash with any
existing 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, and 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 (12) may also be used. This output will not mask the editing
process. An adapter may be required if the connector is not the standard S-Video
type (4 pin Mini-DIN).
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 functions.
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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 84 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 sides and rear of the Production Unit are never blocked.
•Do not spray any kind of cleaning liquid directly on the case or keyboard.
Instead apply it to 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 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
unauthorised opening of the Production Unit's case will void your warranty.
•Plug all three-prong cables into properly grounded power sources. The
Production Unit works better with steady and reliable electricity. Use a power
filter/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
vulnerable to shock when they are shut off. Consequently, you should always
power down the system unit as described on page 84 before moving it.
During transport, pack the system unit in its original packing boxes and
cushioning 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
button 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
televisions 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
simultaneously.
+
Editing Mode is used to create and alter screens and sequences,
schedule sequences, adjust the time and date, and change the
Production 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.
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
appears. 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.
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 search through the sequence for a particular screen,
arrange 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.
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Using the Keyboard and Mouse
The MultiScreen Channel TV Production Unit is fitted with a
keyboard and mouse, which are used to operate the Production Unit.
Basic operation of the keyboard and mouse is described below. For a
full listing of all commands available on the Production Unit, see Key
Command Summary, page 181.
The main section of the keyboard contains all the letters of the alphabet,
plus the numbers 0-9, various characters required for punctuation and
several other keys with specific functions. Most of these keys are used
when editing text, and will insert a character similar to that displayed on the
key itself.
The Shift, Ctrl (Control) and Alt keys are different from the other keys on
the keyboard. They change the functions of other keys. In this manual, it
may say to press, for example, Ctrl + C. In this case, you would press and
hold down the Ctrl key and then press the Ckey.
You will notice several keys have two symbols on them - for example, the
key with the number 4also has the dollar symbol $. To access the higher
character, hold down the Shift key in the manner described above.
The Tab key has two purposes. When editing text, it inserts a large space
about 8 regular spaces wide. When not editing text, the Tab key allows you
to move between buttons on the screen without using the mouse. Pressing
Tab will move forward to the next button, whilst Shift + Tab will move
backward to the previous button.
The Backspace key is used when editing text to erase one character at a
time. You can use it to correct mistakes.
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The Numeric Keypad can be used to enter numbers instead of the row of
numbers along the top of the main section. This will only work if the Num
Lock light is on - press the Num Lock key to toggle the light on or off.
The Cursor Keys are used to move around the screen. Pressing any one of
the keys will move the cursor in the direction indicated. These keys also
have additional functions, which are described as necessary.
There is a block of special keys labelled SAVE (F6), Delete, PgUp, PgDn,
etc, etc. These keys are referred to as Function Keys. See page 187,
Keyboard Command Summary, for details.
Cursor Keys
The Esc key (or Escape key) is used to exit from screens or abort the
current operation. For example, pressing Esc in Preview Mode will return
you to the Sequence Editor.
The mouse is used to move a pointer around the television screen. There are
two buttons on the mouse. The mouse is used as follows:
To move the pointer, simply put your hand over the mouse and move.
The pointer will move around on the screen in the same direction that
you move your hand.
Pressing the left-hand button once is referred to as a "Left Click", or
simply a "Click". Pressing the right hand button is referred to as a
"Right Click".
Pressing the left button twice in quick succession is referred to as a
"Double Click".
In some cases, you can also use the mouse to "Drag and Drop" items,
such as screens in the Sequence Editor. To drag and drop an item, first
use the mouse to move the pointer over the item you wish to drag. Next,
press and hold down the left mouse button. With the left mouse button
still held down, move the mouse. When the item has reached its new
location, release the left mouse button.
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Table of contents
