NEC Digital Signage User manual

Status: V1.0 v. 06.05.09
2009 NEC Display Solutions –all rights reserved
NEC
NEC Digital Signage Software
Version 2.3
User Manual

User Manual NEC Digital Signage Software
Version 2.3
User Manual V1.0 v. 06.05.09
2009 NEC Display Solutions –all rights reserved
Seite 2 von 29
NEC Digital Signage Software is a free and easy to use Software Suite for the NEC Displays
MultiSync® LCD3215, LCD4215 and LCD4615.
Imprint
NEC Display Solutions Europe GmbH
Landshuter Allee 12-14
D-80637München
ElektroG-Reg.-Nr.DE 27894704
A company incorporated and registered in Germany:
Amtsgericht München, HRB 131 826
Managing Director: Bernd Eberhardt
Postfach 190665
80606München
Tel.:[phone]
Fax:[phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]
All hardware and software mentioned in this documentation are brands and/or registered trademarks of
the manufacturer and may not be used commercially or in any other way.
2009 NEC Display Solutions –all rights reserved

User Manual NEC Digital Signage Software
Version 2.3
User Manual V1.0 v. 06.05.09
2009 NEC Display Solutions –all rights reserved
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Table of Contents
Page
Summary ................................................................................................................................................ 4
1Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 5
2Editor- Mode ................................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Create new Content Projects ................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Add Content ............................................................................................................................. 8
2.2.1 Add Single Objects................................................................................................................... 8
2.2.2 Add Multiple Content Elements................................................................................................ 9
2.3 Add Channels......................................................................................................................... 10
2.3.1 Templates .............................................................................................................................. 10
2.3.2 Channels................................................................................................................................ 11
2.4 Add or Modify a Ticker ...........................................................................................................12
2.5 Content List and Preview Monitor .......................................................................................... 13
2.6 Changing a Content-Projekt................................................................................................... 14
2.7 Properties of Content Elements ............................................................................................. 15
2.7.1 Pictures and Picture Sections (bmp, jpg, png).......................................................................15
2.7.2 Flash Files (swf)..................................................................................................................... 18
2.7.3 Video Files (mpg, avi, wmv)...................................................................................................19
2.7.4 Templates .............................................................................................................................. 19
2.8 Opening an Existing Project................................................................................................... 20
2.9 Saving Projects ...................................................................................................................... 21
2.10 Sending Content Projects....................................................................................................... 22
2.10.1 Determining Playtime............................................................................................................. 23
3Web-Access in the NEC Digital Signage Software Editor ........................................................ 24
3.1 Subscribing to Channel Services ........................................................................................... 25
3.2 Changing Subscriptions to Channel Services........................................................................ 25
4Program Settings ......................................................................................................................... 26
4.1 Language Selection................................................................................................................ 26
4.2 Display Length and Image Transitions................................................................................... 27
4.3 Aspect Ratios of Images........................................................................................................ 27
4.4 Setting of the Send- and Receive Ports................................................................................. 28
5Licence Manager .......................................................................................................................... 29

User Manual NEC Digital Signage Software
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Summary
This User Manual describes the functions of the NEC Digital Signage Software. The Editor is used to
compile and update the Display Programs and the distribution to the connected NEC Player Systems.
With the NEC Digital Signage Software, Display Programs containing existing Content Elements like
pictures, videos, flash animations and tickers are edited, configured, and saved as Content Projects.
The resulting Content Projects are then displayed on the NEC Player Systems in the desired form.
Via the function mode Extras the NEC Digital Signage Software allows the usage of a proprietary Web
Portal for registered customers This contains, apart from access to product and support information,
also the optional usage of centrally located Channel Services. These are additional offerings (some of
them fee-based) that are used to design the content of the Display Programs. Channel Services are
hosted by authorized providers on a central web platform and updated regularly.
Channel Services can be subscribed to following the terms of use. After they have been subscribed to,
they can be imported into the individual Content Projects. While the application is running, the
subscribed Channel Services are continuously updated over the Internet.
After they have been saved, Content Projects are distributed to the connected NEC Player Systems via
the integrated send function and displayed on the NEC Displays. In order for this to work, the NEC
Editor PC and the NEC Player Systems have to be connected via a local network.
The User Manual for the NEC Digital Signage Software is complemented by a product description for
the whole system. This product description explains the setup and function and the exchange of the
system components NEC Editor and NEC Player. The installation and implementation of all system
components is also described in the product description.
Notice: Updated Versions of this User Manual will be available for download under the Link www.nec-
digital-signage-software.com. Here you will also find Frequently Asked Questions with helpful hints for
using the NEC Digital Signage Software.

User Manual NEC Digital Signage Software
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1 Overview
After starting, the NEC Digital Signage Software opens by default in the function mode Editor. In order
to use all functions, an always active Internet connection has to be available. If this is not the case, a
warning will be shown when the program is launched. The tabs for switching between the function
modes Editor and Extras are not visible. All functions which have to have an active Internet connection
are not usable. Those are explicitly mentioned in the User Manual. All other functions are usable
without restriction.
If an active Internet connection is present, you can switch between the function modes by clicking on
the tabs Editor and Extras. Their respective functions are explained in the following chapters.
You can change the size of the program window if you click with left mouse and drag the frame of the
program window. For full screen display please click the maximize (X) button.
To close the program click File in the menu bar and then Close, or in the Windows standard, click the
close button in the program window. Alternatively, the program can also be closed by using the Strg+X
command.
When closing the program, you will be notified if there are unsaved Content Projects and dialogue
windows. You will be prompted to save changed data and dialogues. Afterwards the program will be
closed.

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2 Editor- Mode
In Editor-Mode, the program window shows a menu bar (file, ticker, option, help), an icon bar (new,
open, save, ticker, settings, send) and an action bar for Content Elements (add channel, add content,
edit, delete). With these functions it is possible to compile a program sequence (Project).
The right part of the program window shows the Content List of the active Content Projects with all
added Content Elements. With new projects this is at first empty. When a Content Element is selected,
its content is shown in the preview monitor on the left side of the program window. The operation is
also possible via the context menu which is activated via the mouse button in the region of the Content
List. This is described in detail in Chapter 2.5.

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2.1 Create new Content Projects
The NEC Digital Signage Software is used for the composition, saving and control of content to be
played on the NEC Player Systems. The results are saved as Content Projects in a special format
(file ending .sms). They consist of freely combinable and configurable Content Elements like pictures,
videos, flash animations, tickers and Channel Services from the web, which are compiled from single
files/ objects.
In order to create a new Content Projects, click on the left icon bar on New or choose the function
New in the menu bar file. Alternatively you can also use the shortcut Strg+N. Give your project an
appropriate name or confirm the suggestion "New Project #".
The program asks you again during saving, closing and sending with what name the project should
be saved.
The combination of a program sequence (Content Project) using existing files and objects will be
explained subsequently.

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2.2 Add Content
Local files that with Display Elements can be added to the active Content Project via the action bar
function add content or can be imported with the right mouse click via drag&drop. The NEC Digital
Signage Software supports the picture formats jpg, bmp and png. Flash files (.swf) and video files in
the formats avi, mpg and wmv. The import procedure is the same for all file formats. Differences
exist only with the editing capabilities and the specification/configuration of the display parameters.
(Cp. Chapter. 2.7).
Subsequently the input methods are described how to import these files into the Content Project. All
Content Elements which have been imported into a Content Project will be displayed in a Content List
(Cp. Chapter 2.5).
2.2.1 Add Single Objects
By clicking the right mouse button in the Content List or clicking with the left mouse button on
Add Content, a file selection box opens, in which you can search through the content of your
local file system and attached data storage media (USB stick, CDROM, DVD….) and import
the desired content one by one. The file selection box only shows supported file formats.
Once you have found and selected the desired file, click on Open or double click the file.
The selected Content Element are taken over into the NEC Digital Signage Software and into
the Content List. The content of the object is displayed in the preview window. The original file
is not moved or modified.
In order to add additional Content Elements, repeat the process.

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2.2.2 Add Multiple Content Elements
Via the Windows Explorer open the storage location of your Content Elements. Here you can
select multiple files and move them into the main window of the NEC Digital Signage
Softwares via drag & drop (dragging while pressing the left mouse button). Here too the
original files are not moved or modified.
All selected Content Elements are copied into the NEC Digital Signage Software and taken
over into the Content List. The content of the first object of the copy list is displayed in the
preview window.

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2.3 Add Channels
Channel Services contain additional offers for the content creation of the Display Programs and are
provided by authorized providers on a central web platform and continually updated. During display
mode of the NEC Player, the content of the subscribed Channel Services are continually updated via
the Internet. An active internet connection is required.
Before Channel Services can be integrated into the individual Content Projects, they have to be
subscribed to in a separate procedure following the stated terms of use. This can be done via the
function mode Extras des NEC Digital Signage Softwares (Cp. Chapter 3).
Via the action bar Add Channels, Channel Services can be added into the active Content Projects.
Only already subscribed to Channel Services will be offered. (Cp. Chapter 3.1).
Notice: Please note that first display of a Channel Services on a NEC Player Systems may take up to
30 minutes. All other Content Elements of the Content Projects are displayed correctly.
2.3.1 Templates
Templates are Flashmovie-based fill-out forms that are provided via the Web and are adapted
via the NEC Digital Signage Software. At the appropriate places in the template it is possible to
place individual texts or pictures. When using the function Edit or double-clicking on the
appropriate template the individual editor for the template opens.

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2.3.2 Channels
Channels are dynamic Content Elements like, for example news, weather, sport etc.
With the function Add Channels, you can add Channels into the active Content Project. Apart
from the function delete the Content Elements cannot be edited further.
Notice: The information channels will be offered in the near future and can be subscribed then
via the web platform (As described in Chapter 3.1).

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2.4 Add or Modify a Ticker
Ticker texts are displayed continuously and superimpose other displayed content. To every active
Content Project, one ticker can be added and then modified.
In order to add or modify a ticker click on the left icon bar on Ticker or choose the function edit under
Ticker in the menu bar. The ticker window opens. In order to activate the ticker and make the ticker
visible in the preview, click the checkbox Ticker active or choose in the menu bar of the main window:
Ticker On.
Now you can individually design your Ticker with content and text. You can use up to 999 characters.
Here also an immediate preview is displayed.
Optionally, a continuously online updated ticker channel can be selected from the list of Channel
Services (RSS Feed). These Tickers with news, weather, sport etc. will be provided by authorized
providers on the web. Only tickers that have been subscribed to in a separate procedure can be used
as ticker channels (Cp. Chapter. 3.1).
Notice: Active Tickers are only shown in the preview window. They are not displayed in the Content
List.

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2.5 Content List and Preview Monitor
The Content List on the right side of the program window lists all Content Elements that are allocated
to the active Content Project. To every Content Element, a consecutive number is dedicated which
matches the playing order. A small preview window, the original file name and the playtime further
define the object. An icon on the right side of the listing shows if it is a picture, video or flash file.
The preview monitor on the left side of the program window shows the content of the selected
Content Elements.
Clicking on the green play button, the entire Content Project is shown, starting with the selected
Content Element. Besides this the current playtime and the total playtime of the object in the preview
monitor is shown. Via the red stop button the preview can be stopped. Active tickers are always
displayed too.
In the status bar of the program window in the lower corner, the total playtime of the current Content
Project and the number of added Content Elements are displayed. Via the zoom function to the right
of the status bar you can zoom in and out of the entries in the Content List.
Notice: The total playing time of the project displays the sum of all display pages of all Content
Elements. The playing time is calculated from the object data and is an approximate value, not an
exact value.

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2.6 Changing a Content Project
In a Content Project, the playing order/ display order of the Content Elements can be changed
anytime via drag&drop. In order to do this, the entries in the Content List are selected by clicking the
left mouse button and while keeping the left mouse button pressed can be dragged to the desired
position. (drag&drop).
To delete a selected Content Element, activate the delete function while pressing the right mouse
button or drag the object via drag&drop and while pressing the left mouse button out of the Content
List. The remove button is not supported.
When clicking an element in the Content List with the right mouse button, you can access the
functions: add, edit, delete, and paste in position. With add and paste in position, new content object
are added (Cp. Chapter 2.2.1). Via edit you can show / edit the object properties (Cp. Chapter 2.7).

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2.7 Properties of Content Elements
When using the function edit or double clicking on a Content Element in the Content List, a properties
window opens. These changes depending on the kind of Content Element.
Notice: This function is not available for Channel Services (Cp. Chapter. 2.3.2).
2.7.1 Pictures and Picture Sections (bmp, jpg, png)
Pictures contain the following information: Name of the picture file, original resolution in pixels,
display time of the picture, chosen transition effect to the following picture, as well as a preview
window in which the changes, if made, are shown.

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2.7.1.1 Playtime
The display time for pictures can be adjusted individually or via a slider. With the button
settings in all pictures, you can take over the playtime for all pictures of this type (Cp. Chapter
4.2).
2.7.1.2 Picture Transitions
Every transition between two pictures can be adjusted individually. The desired transition is
chosen from the available options. The selected transition is shown in the preview window. Via
the option Use in all Picture Items, the selected setting for all transitions and all pictures is
activated (Cp. Chapter 4.2).
Notice: Picture transitions can only be chosen for consecutive pictures. If another content type
(video, flash file or channel) follows after a picture, the option transitions is not offered. This
also applies for the last picture in a row of pictures.

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2.7.1.3 Edit Picture
The preview button edit picture is located in the properties window under the Preview and
allows to choose and set an image section in 16:9 format. The so called “trimming function”
allows images with formats other than 16:9 to be cut out and generated into an image with the
correct aspect ratio. The relative quality of the image is shown constantly in the left corner vial
a slider.
During the image editing only the imported copy of the picture in the Content Project in
changed. The original file remains unchanged.

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2.7.2 Flash Files (swf)
In the properties window the filename and a preview window are shown. By clicking on the
start button the file is played in the preview window and the elapsed time is shown. Clicking on
Stop stops the preview and by clicking on Ok the properties window closes and the chosen
display time is taken over. With this you can also cut the length of flash files.

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2.7.3 Video Files (mpg, avi, wmv)
Here the filenames and the playing time of the videos are displayed. No changes can be made.
2.7.4 Templates
The editing functions for templates which are used as Channel Services are described in
Chapter 2.3.1.

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2.8 Opening an Existing Project
In order to open a saved Content Project click in the left Icon bar on Open or choose in the menu bar
under File the function Open and choose the desired project with the file ending .sms.
Alternatively, a project can also be opened by double clicking the appropriate file in the Windows
Explorer. If the NEC Digital Signage Software is not yet running, the application will start
automatically. For this, the software has to be correctly installed.