813-0035b Media Messenger with Multi Zone User Manual

Media Messenger™ Firefly Media Distribution Software User Manual 813-0035b Trademarks The Visual Circuits, Media Messenger and Firefly logos are registered trademarks in the United States and other countries. All other products, services or company names mentioned herein are claimed as trademarks and trade names by their respective companies. © Visual Circuits, 1999-2004. All rights reserved. No portion of this manual may be copied by any means without the prior consent of Visual Circuits. Visual Circuits Corporation 5155 East River Road, Suite 401 Minneapolis, MN 55421 USA http://www.visualcircuits.com Visual Circuits Publication Number: 813-0035b All specifications, notices and warnings are subject to change without notice. CONTENTS Welcome to Media Messenger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Setup and Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Software Setup/Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Quick Tour of Media Messenger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Common Tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Creating layouts (Multi Zone only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Creating playlists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Creating schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Defining players, groups, and networks. . . . . . . . . . .10 Linking players and groups to playlists and schedules . 10 Creating Media Lineups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Uploading playlists, schedules and media lineups to an update location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Menus, Panes, Viewers, and Workspaces. . . . . . . . . .12 Main Menu Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Player Network Pane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Player Information Pane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Schedule Viewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Playlist Viewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 i Contents Setting Up the Player Network Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Adding a Media Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Player Configuration Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Changing a Player Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Adding a Media Player Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Group Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Moving Media Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Drag and Drop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Move Player Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Removing Players or Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Removing Multiple Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Playlist Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Creating a New Playlist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Renaming a Playlist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Adding Videos to a Playlist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Removing Videos from a Playlist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Moving Videos Within a Playlist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Adding Graphic Overlays to a Playlist . . . . . . . . .24 Setting or Changing Graphic Overlay Properties .25 Deleting Graphic Overlays in a Playlist . . . . . . . . . .27 Adding External A/V Events to a Playlist . . . . . . . . .27 Add an External A/V Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Removing External A/V Events from a Playlist .28 Moving External A/V Events within a Playlist . .28 Editing External A/V Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Exporting a Playlist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 ii Contents Schedule Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Creating a New Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Renaming a Schedule. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Adding an Event to a Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Adding the first event to a new schedule. . . . . . . .33 Adding an event to an existing schedule . . . . . . . .33 Editing Event Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Deleting an Event from a Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Viewing the Weekly Playback Schedule on a Grid 35 Assigning Video Start/Stop Dates . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Date Rules and Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Adding Video Date Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Removing Video Date Rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Exporting a Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Linking Playlists and Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Linking Playlists to Media Players or Groups . . . . .41 Linking Schedules to Media Players or Groups . . . .42 Working with Media Lineups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Theory of Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Media Messenger Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 .mlu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 update files (.fpl,.fsc,.tar) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 other files (mm.net, mm.cmd) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 File Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 mm.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 iii Contents Opening Media Messenger for the first time and Creating a Media Lineup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Opening a Media Lineup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Saving a Media Lineup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Creating an Empty Media Lineup for a New Network . 47 Importing a Playlist (.fpl) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Exporting a Playlist (.fpl) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Importing a Schedule and Playlist from a Schedule Update Packet (.tar) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Exporting Schedules To Schedule Update Packets (.tar files) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Create Schedule Update Packets Manually. . . . . .50 Managing and Publishing to a Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Managing a Media Player Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Log File Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Run Logs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Diagnostic Logs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Viewing Log Files in Media Messenger . . . . . . . . . .55 Publishing / Updating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 FTP Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Publishing via FTP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Configuring Player Network Properties . . . . . . . .60 Configuring Player FTP Server . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Publishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 FTP Server Housekeeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 iv Contents Publish to CD/DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Updating a Media Player with the Update Disc . .65 Media Update Disc Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Multi-zone Layout Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Creating a Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 Layout Editor Workspace and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . .70 Setting Display Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 Position Zones in Layout Workspace . . . . . . . . . . . .72 External Controllers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Adding Players with External Controllers . . . . . . . .78 Schedules with External Controllers . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 v WELCOME TO MEDIA MESSENGER Thank you for purchasing Media Messenger™: Firefly Media Distribution software. Media Messenger software, teamed with the Firefly™ Media Player, creates a simple—yet powerful—end-to-end solution for the distribution and utilization of high-quality digital media. Combine video, audio, and graphics into digital media and distribute it across multiple channels at a single location or throughout a large-scale enterprise. Use Media Messenger to develop targeted programming based on date, time, region or subgrouping of locations. Deliver programming rapidly and reliably by FTP or Media Update discs. Just as business and organizational demands for digital media continue to evolve, so too Media Messenger continues to evolve to meet these demands. Keep up with our latest product offerings by checking our web site at www.visualcircuits.com. 1 Welcome to Media Messenger Figure 1. Example of Virtual Circuits Media Player Network Capability Using Media Messenger Software 2 SETUP AND INSTALLATION System Requirements Component System Processor Operating Systems Memory Hard Drive CD/DVD Drive Requirement IBM-compatible PC Intel Pentium™ 266 MHz/equivalent or higher Windows 98, ME, NT Workstation 4.0, 2000 or XP 128 MB RAM minimum 20 MB free disk space plus additional space for media content - CD-ROM drive or - - CD-RW drive and “burning” software (if creating Media Update CDs is desired) or - DVD-RW drive and burning software (if creating Media Update CDs or DVDs) Remote updating requires a direct Internet or dial-up connection via an ISP, satellite, etc. Requires FTP Server, such as Serve-U (http://www.rinosoft.com) Media Messenger requires Firefly Media Player, version 3.1 or higher. Internet Connection Network Delivery Firefly Media Players in Field 3 Setup and Installation Software Setup/Installation Install Visual Circuit’s Media Messenger software from the Media Messenger CD by following the online screens and prompts. Below are a few things to remember. 1. Close all Windows programs before beginning software installation. 2. Select Install Type • Full Install Select this option when installing Media Messenger for the first time: the program installs all software files and sets standard parameter settings. • Update Only Select this option if updating Media Messenger software to a new version: the program updates all the software, but leaves the current parameters settings unchanged. 3. License Agreement Carefully read the Media Messenger license agreement. The software installation only proceeds if the Accept button is clicked and the license terms are agreed to. If you did not purchase the multi-player version of the Media Messenger software and would like to receive a singleplayer license, click on the link in the middle of the license information screen to register online for a Media Messenger single-player license. This step requires a connection to the Internet. 4. System Restart Once all of the files have been copied to your system, restart the computer to complete the installation. 4 Setup and Installation 5. Initial Startup When starting Media Messenger for the first time, the application requests the Company Name and Registration Key provided by Visual Circuits. Enter this information exactly as provided by Visual Circuits. If the software registration does not complete successfully, verify that the Company Name and Registration Key are entered correctly. If the problem persists, contact a Visual Circuits representative at 1-800-250-5533, for assistance. 5 6 QUICK TOUR OF MEDIA MESSENGER Use Media Messenger to create, distribute and manage playlists and schedules for playback on Firefly Media Players. Playlists and schedules contain the information about what content (videos and graphic overlays) plays and when. Media Messenger allows for the easy customizing of playlists and schedules for an individual player or for groups of players. Use Media Messenger to transfer the playlists, schedules, and content files to a central location from which the networked Firefly Media can download them. In addition, copy the files to a Media Update Disc (CD or DVD) when updating a player locally without using a network. 7 Quick Tour of Media Messenger Terminology Content Event Player Network Graphic Overlay Group Layout Media Lineup Video, graphics, and text used to convey a message. An event consists of a playlist with a start and stop time.Within a schedule there can be multiple events. The list of all players and groups. A static image (company logo, sale sign or any other image) placed over an associated video. A set of media players with the same playlist, schedule, and linked content. A template used to position content within the display area: refers to Multi Zone capabilities. A file that contains a collection of schedules and playlists assigned to the media player network (saved as a .mlu file). Standard CD/DVD discs created with Media Messenger that can be sent out for local Firefly updating. A Visual Circuits media player in the field. A looping, multi-channel sequence of MPEG videos and graphic overlays (saved as a .fpl file). Transferring either new or updated playlists, schedules, or content files to a media player. A group of playlists, each with its own start and stop time. Each player has at least one schedule assigned to it (saved as a .fsc file). The file Media Messenger creates, that is distributed to media players for updating via FTP or Media Update discs (saved as a .tar file). Any valid MPEG file playable on a media player: MPEG-1, MPEG-2. A specific area within the layout used to hold the content. There are zones for each type of content: video, graphics, and scrolling text. Media Update Disc Player Playlist Publish Schedule Schedule Update Packet Video Zone 8 Quick Tour of Media Messenger Common Tasks Using the Media Messenger application, you are able to: Creating layouts (Multi Zone only) Media Messenger uses a layout or template to position and size the content within the display area. There are two methods for creating a layout. ❏ Playlist editor The playlist editor permits the use of one graphic or scrolling text overlay with each video in the playlist. In addition, the editor provides simple positioning and sizing capabilities. See the section, Playlist Editor on page 21 for more information. ❏ Multi-zone layout editor The multi-zone layout permits the use of multiple graphics and a scrolling zone along with precise positioning and sizing capabilities. See the section, Multi-zone Layout Editor on page 69 for more information. Creating playlists The playlist is a list of MPEG videos that defines the sequence that they play and on which channel. In addition to MPEG videos, playlists list the graphic overlays that accompany each video. A graphic overlay is a static graphic image or a scrolling text zone that lies over its associated video. It is easy to remove or alter a graphic overlay without the need to recreate or modify the base MPEG. The graphic overlay feature provides an effective way to display a company logo, sale sign or any other image over your regular video playback. See the section Playlist Editor on page 21 for more information. 9 Quick Tour of Media Messenger Creating schedules Schedules determine when playlists are played: days and times. Scheduling permits the delivery of customized content to a target audience by providing the ability to play a specific playlist at a particular time on a designated display device. As audiences change through the course of the day or week, scheduling insures that the right playlist is running all the time. See the section Schedule Editor on page 31 for more information. Defining players, groups, and networks A group is a set of Firefly media players with the same configuration. A network is a list of all the players and their groups being managed from a single central location. The number of players on a network can range from one to thousands, they may be grouped locally or dispersed over a wide geographical area, and they need not be physically connected to each other. A player network allows a corporate or service headquarters to control content and playback for a wide area, for instance coast to coast. See the section Setting Up the Player Network Tree on page 15 for more information. Linking players and groups to playlists and schedules Set up linkages for individual Firefly players and/or groups of Firefly players to use specific playlists and/or schedules determined by the Media Messenger software. See section Linking Playlists and Schedules on page 41 for more information. 10 Quick Tour of Media Messenger Creating Media Lineups A media lineup is a master file to store playlists, schedules and linkages for the media players on the network. These files are saved with a .mlu extension. When starting Media Messenger for the first time, and before doing any work, save the media lineup and give it a working name. See the section Saving a Media Lineup on page 47 for more information. Uploading playlists, schedules and media lineups to an update location Media Messenger can upload playlists, schedules, media lineups and content to an FTP site or other update location, where media players can automatically retrieve it. This update location may also be an upload location for broadcast-type communication networks. See the section Managing and Publishing to a Network on page 53 for more information. 11 Quick Tour of Media Messenger Menus, Panes, Viewers, and Workspaces Main Menu Bar Player Information Pane Player Network Pane Playlist Viewer Schedule Viewer The main workspace of Media Messenger is comprised of five functional areas: ❏ Main Menu Bar ❏ Player Information Pane ❏ Player Network Pane ❏ Playlist Viewer ❏ Schedule Viewer 12 Quick Tour of Media Messenger Main Menu Bar This row of buttons provides quick access to the major functions of the Media Messenger application. Edit Schedules Edit Playlists Edit Layouts Publish to CD/DVD Publish to FTP Player Network Pane This pane contains an organizational list of the Visual Circuits media players - Firefly, Mantis, and POP - located on the network. This is an interactive workspace. Right clicking on an individual player or a group name displays a drop down menu with a variety of available functions. Player Information Pane The Player Information Pane displays the properties of the selected player or group: Name, Group Name (if in a group), Site ID, Location, linked Playlist or Schedule, and the total number of players on the network. 13 Quick Tour of Media Messenger Schedule Viewer Below the Player Information Pane is the Schedule Viewer. Selecting a player or group in the Player Network Pane automatically displays the controlling schedule provided that there is one linked to the player or group. The purpose of the viewer is to supply a quick method to verify that the players and their linked schedules are correct and up-to-date. Click on the Edit button above the schedule list window to access the Schedule Editor. Playlist Viewer Selecting a player or group in the Player Network Pane automatically displays the controlling playlist provided that there is one linked to the player or group. The purpose of the viewer is to supply a quick method to verify that the players and their linked playlists are correct and up-to-date. Click on the Edit button above the playlist window to access the Playlist Editor. 14 SETTING UP THE PLAYER NETWORK TREE Player Groups Number of player channels. Linked Playlist or Schedule controlling playback or entire group. Linked Playlist or Schedule controlling playback of individual player. Individual Player Use the Player Network Tree to create an interactive map for the set up and administration of all the Visual Circuit Firefly or Mantis media players on a local area or wide area network (LAN or WAN). With this network tree it is possible to ❏ Add players and set their properties, ❏ Create groups of players, ❏ Move players on the network tree, ❏ Remove players from the network. Developing the network tree, like developing any production network is an iterative process with additions, changes, deletions can be made at any time. 15 Setting Up the Player Network Tree Adding a Media Player To add a Firefly Media Player to the network tree: 1. Right-click on Network in the network pane. 2. Select Add Player. 3. Enter player information into the Player Configuration dialog window. 4. Click OK to save. Player Configuration Fields Player Name Enter a unique name to identify the particular player. This name appears in the network tree. Player Site ID Enter the same Site ID that is used when configuring the player in the field. Media Messenger uses Site IDs in the updating process to ensure that the correct content gets to the correct player. This value can be no more than 30 characters and can only contain letters a-z and numbers 0-9 (example: MN106). Group ❏ ❏ To have the player stand independent of a group, select Ungrouped. To add the player to a group, select the group from the drop down menu. If a specific group name does not appear in the drop down menu, it must be added. Refer to Adding a Media Player Group on page 18. 16 Setting Up the Player Network Tree Location Enter a description of the location of the player. This is information that is useful later should it be necessary to instruct someone else on how to physically locate it, e.g. store name, address, physical location in the store. Output ID Enter channel numbers that match the channel numbers used by an external control device such as a television controller board. This field is required if video and audio output are coordinated with a Philips or Contemporary Research television controller board. Refer to External Controllers on page 77. Player Type Select the type of Visual Circuits media player being used. Number of Channels Set the number of channels the local player hardware and software supports. Changing a Player Configuration Configuration information for a given player can be changed later. To do: 1. Right-click on the player. 2. Select Properties from the drop down menu. The Player Configuration dialog box appears: make corrections. 3. Click OK to save. 17 Setting Up the Player Network Tree Adding a Media Player Group Players may be grouped by any logical category: state, city, store, department, audience, etc. The power of the group is that it permits the administration of multiple players simultaneously, such as assigning them the same schedules or playlists. Adding a player Group is similar to adding a single player: 1. Right-click on Network in the network pane. 2. Select Add Group. 3. Enter the Group Name and Description (optional). 4. Click OK to save. If necessary, players within a group may be administered individually with their own linked schedules and playlists. Group Fields Group Name Enter a unique name to identify the particular group of players. This name appears in the network tree. Group Description (Optional) Enter a meaningful description identifies the unique characteristics of the group. Moving Media Players Use this command to move a media player within the network tree. When moving a player, Media Messenger automatically updates the player properties in respect to the group it is moving to. There are two methods for moving a media player. 18 Setting Up the Player Network Tree Drag and Drop 1. Click on the player to move. 2. Keeping the mouse button depressed, move the player to its new location. 3. Release mouse button. Move Player Dialog Box 1. Right-click on the player to move. 2. Select Move Player from the drop down menu. 3. In the Move Player to Group dialog box, select the new destination the from the list of groups in the drop down menu. This may be a group or the option Ungrouped, which makes the player an independent unit. 4. Click OK to confirm the move. Removing Players or Groups To delete either a player or group: 1. Select the item to remove. 2. Right-click on the item and select Delete from the drop down menu. 3. Click Yes in the Confirm Delete dialog box. Removing Multiple Players It is not possible to delete multiple players or groups at the same time. They must be removed individually. .Deleting a group does not delete the players in it. The players are reassigned to the Ungrouped category and their properties updated accordingly. 19 20 PLAYLIST EDITOR Content List The Screen Preview provides a still image the selected video or graphic overlay in the playlist on the right, as well as the selected video in the playlist channel. Some file formats do not display in the preview. Use the Playlist Editor to create or modify a video playlist by ❏ Arranging videos in a playback sequence, ❏ Creating and positioning graphic overlays associated with specific videos, ❏ Creating and positioning scrolling text associated with specific videos. The graphic overlay feature provides an effective way to display a company logo, sale sign or other static image (.bmp, .jpg, .gif, .tga or .png) over a video. Within the playlist, it is possible to assign a graphic overlay one, many, or all videos in the list. There are three methods for opening the Playlist Editor ❏ Selecting it from the Tools drop down menu in the main Media Messenger workspace, ❏ Clicking the Edit Playlist icon in the Main Menu bar, ❏ Clicking the Edit button located to the right of the Playlist viewer. 21 Playlist Editor Creating a New Playlist Create a new playlist by either: ❏ Clicking the New button located over the Playlist Viewer in the Media Messenger main screen, ❏ Clicking the New option in the Playlist drop down menu, in the Playlist Editor. The following dialog box appears. 1. Enter the a name for the playlist. 2. Select the player type. 3. Set the number of channels corresponding to the player type. Renaming a Playlist To rename a playlist from within the Playlist Editor: 1. From the Playlist drop down menu, select the playlist to rename. 2. Click the Rename option. 3. Enter a new name for the playlist. 4. Click the OK button. Media Messenger saves the playlist with its new filename. Adding Videos to a Playlist To add a video to a playlist: 1. Select the channel to receive the video and right-click to display the edit options. 2. Select Insert Video. 22 Playlist Editor 1 Select channel to recieve video. 2 Click Insert Video. 3 Locate video file(s) and doubleclick to insert. 4 Continue adding videos as needed Any video may be used multiple times on a channel and in a playlist. 3. Use the Windows Browser to locate the correct video file, and double-click the file. This inserts the video in to the channel. Video file extensions compatible with Media Messenger and Firefly Media Players are .mp2, .mpa, .mpeg, .mpg, .mpv and .vob. To simultaneously select multiple files from the media list, use the Windows hot keys Shift/Control. 4. Add additional videos as needed. Removing Videos from a Playlist To remove a video from the playlist: 1. Right-click on the target video in the playlist. 2. Select Remove from the options in the drop down menu. Videos must be removed one at a time. 3. Removing a video, removes all attributes associated with it. 23 Playlist Editor Moving Videos Within a Playlist All content within the playlist is movable by dragging it to its new position. 1. Select the video or another content shown in the playlist. 2. While holding down the mouse button, drag the item to its new location on playlist. 3. Release the mouse button. Adding Graphic Overlays to a Playlist Transparency Key Color Fade In / Fade Out Duration Position Adding graphic overlay files to a playlist is similar to that of adding video files. 24 Playlist Editor 1. Right-click on the video that the graphic overlay is to accompany. A graphic overlay is the attribute of a video, hence an overlay can not be added to an empty channel. A video can have only one graphic overlay. If a second graphic is added, it replaces the first. 2. Select the option Insert Graphic/Overlay from the drop down menu. 3. Locate the graphic file. 4. Set the overlay properties. 5. Click OK to save. Setting or Changing Graphic Overlay Properties Overlay The image formats that are compatible with Firefly Media Messenger are .bmp, .gif, .jpg, .png, and .tga. When Media Messenger imports a .gif, .jpg, .png, .tga, or non 256color .bmp image file for use in the playlist, it converts the file in to a standard 8-bit, 256-color bitmap format and, if necessary, reduces the image size to the system maximum of 720 x 480 for NTSC. As a result, all image files listed on the system have the file extension .bmp. The conversion to .bmp format ensures that all graphic overlays are consistent in appearance and functionality. An alternative to the auto-formatting performed by Media Messenger is to create the images and convert them to the 8-bit standard mentioned above before importing them into Media Messenger. Transparency Transparency is the extent that the graphic overlay allows the video beneath it to show through. Select between 0% (opaque) to 100% (clear), with the default at 0%. 25 Playlist Editor Key Color Called Masking, Blocking, Cropping, or Keying Out, use Key Color to specify which color within the graphic becomes invisible, and allowing the video to show through. There are three methods for selecting a color to key out. ❏ None - No color selected. This is the default setting. ❏ Auto Key - Media Messenger assumes that the color in the upper left corner of the graphic is the background color and selects it to key out. The best backgrounds to key out are ones with a single color and no patterns. ❏ RGB - Manually select the color to key out by entering its RGB (Red, Green, Blue) values into the designated fields. The RGB feature is available only for 8-bit, bitmap graphics with a resolution of 720x480 or less. Fade In / Fade Out Use these properties to set the number of seconds it takes for the overlay to fade in and then out. Default is 0. Duration Set the total length of time the overlay is visible between Fade In and Fade Out. Duration default is 0. When the Fade In, Fade Out, and Duration times are left at the default of 0, the graphic overlay displays for the entire time that its video plays. Position Select radio button that represents the area in the video display where the overlay is to appear. 26 Playlist Editor Deleting Graphic Overlays in a Playlist Right-click on the overlay and select the Remove option in the drop down menu. A graphic overlay may be deleted individually or by deleting the video that it belongs to. Adding External A/V Events to a Playlist The ability to add External Audio/Visual Programming is an optional feature that is available for multi-channel Firefly and Mantis devices. Currently Firefly MZ and SC do not support this feature. To purchase the External A/V Event feature contact a Visual Circuits representative at 1-800-250-5533. Insert the Visual Circuits Smart Card into the Media Player to enable the external A/V event feature. External event programing allows the placement of one or more special external events into the playlist which in turn allows the use of the Schedule Editor to schedule the playing of the playlist and its events. The sources for external events may be satellite, cable, and local or national television broadcasts which enter the Firefly via its Video In connector. External events may be live broadcasts of training classes and meetings, or breaking news and emergency information. For specific information about Smart Cards and how Firefly or Mantis Media Player handle external signal sources, refer to the appropriate User Manual. Add an External A/V Event The process for adding an external A/V event to a playlist is similar to the process for adding a video file to a playlist. 1. Select the channel and then the video to receive the external event, right-click on the video. 27 Playlist Editor 2. Select Insert External from the drop down menu. This inserts the external event item in the playlist. Unlike graphic overlays, an External Audio/Video Event Does Not Require that a video be present for it to play, thus it is possible to insert an external event in an empty channel. 3. Edit the external event parameters if necessary. 4. Add and edit other external events if required. 5. Repeat process for other channels in needed. Removing External A/V Events from a Playlist To remove an external event from a playlist: 1. Right-click on the target external event in the Playlist Editor’s content list. 2. Click Remove from the options in the drop down menu. External events must be removed one at a time. Moving External A/V Events within a Playlist Moving an external events the same as a video or other playlist content: drag the event to the new location and release it. Editing External A/V Events 1. Right-click on the external event to be edited. 2. Select Properties from the drop down menu. 28 Playlist Editor Duration Set the duration of the external event by entering the number of hours, minutes and seconds (HH:MM:SS) based on a 24-hour clock. External Audio Use the check box to turn this option On or Off: checked indicates On. External Video Use the check box to turn this option On or Off: checked indicates On. Exporting a Playlist Exporting a playlist creates a (.fpl) file that saves the various parameters set during the creation or editing of the playlist. This file is then available to restore a damaged Media Lineup or to add playlist information to other Media Lineups. To create a fpl file: 1. Click on the File menu button in the Media Messenger main workspace. 2. Select Export Playlist. 3. Use the Windows browser to name the export file and determine where it will be saved. 29 30 SCHEDULE EDITOR Use the Schedule Editor to create or modify the playback schedules that control when and how often playlists play. This is done by ❏ Creating events which a re composed of a single playlist with adjustable playback properties: - start and stop dates, - start and stop times, - specific days of the week, - interrupt other events, - play once or at certain intervals. ❏ Arrange events in order of play There are three methods to open the Schedule Editor: ❏ Selecting it from the Tools drop down menu in the main Media Messenger workspace, ❏ Clicking the Edit Schedules icon in the Main Menu bar, ❏ Clicking the Edit button located to the right of the Schedules viewer. 31 Schedule Editor Creating a New Schedule Create a new playback schedule by either: ❏ Clicking the New button located at the over the Schedule Viewer. The following dialog box appears: 1. Enter the name for the schedule. 2. Select the type of media player the schedule is for. 3. Click OK when finished. Media Messenger automatically opens the Schedule Editor. When Media Messenger creates the new schedule it loads the Playlist shown in the Playlist Viewer in the main workspace as the first playlist in the new schedule. Media Messenger opens the Schedule Editor with the new schedule name. At the same time, the Playlist shown in the Playlist Viewer in the main workspace is loaded as the first playlist in the new schedule. Renaming a Schedule To rename a playback schedule from within the Schedule Editor: 1. Select the schedule to rename from the Schedule Name drop down menu. 2. Select the Schedule drop down menu. 3. Click the Rename button. The Create New Schedule dialog window appears. 32 Schedule Editor 4. Enter a new name for the schedule. 5. Click the OK button. Media Messenger saves the schedule with its new filename. Adding an Event to a Schedule Set Video Start/Stop Dates Set Scheduled Serial Commands Minimal Time Interval Events List Play Once Interval Adding the first event to a new schedule. If the default playlist loaded into the new schedule is not the one desired, change it by: 1. Click on the playlist shown in the Events list to highlight it. 2. Select the correct playlist from the Playlists drop down menu. The playlist in the Event list automatically updates. Adding an event to an existing schedule 1. Click Add Event to insert a new event. By default, the Schedule Editor uses the original playlist from the first event for the new event. 2. Select the playlist for the event from the Playlists drop down menu. The new event’s playlist name updates. 33 Schedule Editor Editing Event Properties Click on the event that needs editing. Review the event properties shown in the Events window and edit them using the appropriate controls. Start Time Using the 24 hour clock, select the playlist start time from the drop down menu. Examples: 6 AM = 06:00, Noon = 12:00, and 6 PM = 18:00, Midnight = 24:00. Stop Time Using the 24 hour clock, select the playlist stop time from the drop down menu. Examples: 6 AM = 06:00, Noon = 12:00, and 6 PM = 18:00, Midnight = 24:00. Minimum Time Interval This is the drop down menu located above the Events area. Select a time interval of 1, 5, 15, 30 minutes or 1 hour. Setting this interval determines the time increments displayed in the Start and Stop drop down menus. If videos typically play at regular times, for example on the half hour, set the minimum time interval to 30 minutes. This minimizes the number of available start and stop times in the menu, making time selections simpler. Days of Week Select the specific days of the week that the playlist is to play. Interrupt Click on the check box to have this playlist promptly start on time, even if it requires interrupting another event. Play Once Click on this check box to have the playlist played back only once (regardless of its time allotment). Interval Used with the Play Once property, this property determines the time period between playbacks of a Play Once event. For example, the event runs only once every four hours. 34 Schedule Editor Deleting an Event from a Schedule To delete an event from a schedule: 1. Go to the Schedule Editor and ensure that the correct schedule is open. 2. In the event listing, click on the playlist to delete. 3. Click the Delete Event button. This deletes the event and its associated properties from the schedule. 4. Only one event may be deleted at a time. Repeat until done and then click Close. Viewing the Weekly Playback Schedule on a Grid The Grid View feature provides a quick way to review the weekly playback schedule. This week at a glance, helps ensure that the correct playlists play on the specified days at the specified times. This is not an editable view. If changes are needed, close this window and return to the Schedule Editor. 35 Schedule Editor Assigning Video Start/Stop Dates Not only is it possible to specify when a playlist can play and for how long, it is possible to set date rules for individual video files within a playlist, that specify when they playback too. Use the Video Dates Editor to assign a range of specific dates for a particular video to play. Video date rules are set by wether First Day and Last Day dates are used. Date Rules and Examples Start Date 02/01/03 Stop Date - -/- -/- - Description Start date with no stop date. Example: “The product demonstration video must be available to playlists the exact day the product is released, but no sooner.” - -/- -/- - 05/31/03 No start date with stop date. Example: “The new marketing campaign video is available to the playlists from now until the end of the spring months”. 01/01/03 01/31/03 Both start date and stop date. Example: “January promotions video are available to playlists only during the month of January”. 36 Schedule Editor Adding Video Date Rules To add a date rule for a video: 1. In the Schedule Editor, Click on the Set Video Start/Stop Dates button. 2. Select the video to assign a date rule to. Assigning or Editing a Start Date 1. To set a start date for the video, click on the Change First Day button. If the video is to be available for playback starting right immediately, select Start Immediately, ❏ If the video is to be available for playback starting on a day other than the current day, select Start on this Day. 2. Select and year, month, and day from the Calendar. 3. Click OK to save. ❏ 37 Schedule Editor Assigning or Editing a Stop Date To set a specific stop date for the video click on the Change Last Day button. If the video is to be available for playback indefinitely, select No last day. ❏ If the video is to be available for playback only through a specific day, select Last day to play. 4. Use the drop down menus and calendar to choose the specific month, year and day. 5. Click OK to save. ❏ Once you have finished adding date rules, click on the “Close” button to return to the main Schedule Editor screen. 38 Schedule Editor Removing Video Date Rules To remove a date rule for a video: 1. In the Schedule Editor main workspace, click on the Set Video Start/Stop Dates button. 2. Select the video you would like to remove a date rule from. ❏ To remove the start date, allowing the video to be available for playback right away, click on the Change First Day button and then select Start Immediately. ❏ To remove the end date, allowing the video to be available for playback indefinitely, click on the Change Last Day button and then select No last day. 3. When done, click on the Close button to return to the main Schedule Editor screen. Exporting a Schedule Exporting a schedule creates a Schedule Update Packet which is an archive (.tar) file that saves related schedule (.fsc) and playlist (.fpl) files. The packet is then available to restore a damaged Media Lineup or to add schedule and playlist information to other Media Lineups. To create a Schedule Update Packet: 1. Click on the File menu button in the Media Messenger main workspace. 2. Select Export Schedule. 3. Use the Windows browser to name the export file and determine where it will be saved. 39 40 LINKING PLAYLISTS AND SCHEDULES Linking Playlists to Media Players or Groups Playlists are not automatically connected to a specific media player or group of players: linking tells the player or group to use that playlist. Players belonging to the same group must use the same playlist or schedule. Linking a playlist to either the group or a player within the group, instructs all of the players in the group to use that playlist. To link a playlist to a player or group: 1. In the Player Network Pane, click on of the player or group to link to a playlist. 2. In the Playlist Viewer to the right, click on the Playlist drop down menu and choose the playlist to link. 3. Click the Link button next to the Playlist field and confirm the linkage. Media player to receive playlist Playlist to link to player. Link confirmation dialog box Playlist Viewer area 41 Linking Playlists and Schedules All linkages are saved when the Media Lineup file is created and saved. Refer to Saving a Media Lineup on page 47 for more information. Linking Schedules to Media Players or Groups Like playlists, a schedule is not automatically linked to any media player or group when it is created. Linking schedules to a player or a group is similar to that of linking a playlist. Players belonging to the same group must use the same schedule. Linking a schedule to either the group or a player within the group, instructs all of the players in the group to use that schedule. To link a schedule to a player or group: 1. In the Player Network Pane, click on of the player or group to link to a schedule. 2. In the Schedule Viewer to the right, click on the Schedule drop down menu and choose the schedule to link. 3. Click the Link button next to the schedule field and confirm. Media player to receive schedule. Schedule to link to player. Schedule Viewer area Link confirmation dialog box 42 WORKING WITH MEDIA LINEUPS Theory of Operation Media Messenger Files Media Messenger creates six files to store information related to a network configuration. .mlu The Media Lineup file is the most important of the files. It stores the playlists with their video files, external a/v events, schedules used in a particular network configuration, and layouts. Media Messenger uses this file to compile data from the other files into the record edited by the user. The .mlu file is not used as part of the process of updating of media players. update files (.fpl, .fsc, .tar) These files are secondary to the .mlu. They are necessary for updating deployed playlists and schedules. ❏ .fpl The playlist file lists for each channel of each player, the parameters set when creating or editing the playlist. Create a .fpl file for each playlist used in the network configuration. Refer to Playlist Editor on page 21 for information about creating and saving playlists. ❏ .fsc When a schedule is exported, this file is created and included in the Schedule Update Packet. It contains the scheduling data specific to the playlists associated with that schedule. 43 Working with Media Lineups ❏ .tar This archive file is created when a schedule is exported. It the .fsc and .fpl files that the player needs to upload so that it can update to the latest playlists and schedules. other files (mm.net, mm.cmd) Media Messenger uses these two files to create the initial workspace. These files are located in the same directory that Media Messenger runs from: the default actions is C:/VCCMediaMessenger/. ❏ mm.net This file contains a list of the players, individuals and groups. Media Messenger uses it to create the network map seen in the Player Network Pane. ❏ mm.cmd This file stores any external commands created for the player network. At startup, Media Messenger creates this file with a set of default commands. File Names Visual Circuit media players and Media Messenger accept file names up to 128 characters (alpha-numeric) in length, including the extension. Operation 1. At start up, Media Messenger draws information from the last Media Lineup used along with mm.net file to create the Player Network that the User sees. 2. Modification of the current network configuration effects the various files that contain the data related to the changes made. Exporting these files saves changes and makes it available for use in other network configurations, backups, or as templates for future playlists, schedules, etc. 44 Working with Media Lineups 3. Video and .bmp content files are not physically incorporated into any of the files generated in Media Messenger. The Media Messenger files that do refer to video and graphics files do so through the user of pointers. When updating a player it is necessary to upload the .fsc and .fpl files as well as the MPEG and .bmp. mm.net Media Messenger updates this file when there is an addition or deletion of a player or group from the player network. Every time Media Messenger starts, it uses the last .mlu file and this file as the default network structure. Copying and saving this file with the other files that comprise a particular network configuration insures that a complete record is kept. 45 Working with Media Lineups Opening Media Messenger for the first time and Creating a Media Lineup When Media Messenger starts for the first time, it opens with an empty, untitled media lineup. Immediately name and save it. 1. Click on the File menu in the Media Messenger main workspace. 2. Click on Save Media Lineup. ❏ Give the file a distinctive name. ❏ Save the file. Suggestion Save all files relating to a specific network configuration to a specific folder. This arrangement helps later, if there are multiple networks or media lineups that need to be maintained. Opening a Media Lineup To open an existing media lineup: 1. Choose Open Media Lineup from the File menu or click on the open icon. 2. If asked Do you want to save changes to untitled.mlu select appropriate response. Refer to Saving a Media Lineup on page 47 for more information. 3. Using the Window browser, locate and open the desired Media Lineup. The selected media lineup file opens, with the current network configuration displayed in the Player Network Pane. Any schedules and playlists saved in this file are available in their respective drop down menus. In addition, the schedule linkages in this file are now active. 46 Working with Media Lineups Saving a Media Lineup Save a media lineup using the Save Media Lineup from the File menu or by clicking the save icon: ❏ If saving a media lineup for the first time, Media Messenger asks for a filename and a location. ❏ If the lineup has been saved earlier, then it is saved without a prompt, using the assigned name and location. Creating an Empty Media Lineup for a New Network To create an empty media lineup: 1. Close Media Messenger. 2. Go to the VCCMediaMessenger folder on the workstation computer. Default location for is C:/Program/. 3. Rename the existing mm.net file. This saves the most current network configuration. 4. Restart Media Messenger. The Player Network Pane is now empty and the Schedule and Playlist Viewers are reset to there defaults as well. 47 Working with Media Lineups Importing a Playlist (.fpl) Use an existing playlist file as a template to create a new playlist: import the list into the appropriate media lineup and then edit it. 1. Click on the File menu. 2. Click on Import Playlist. 3. Use the Window browser to locate the desired playlist file. 4. Click Open. The playlist is now available in the media lineup. Exporting a Playlist (.fpl) When the Media Messenger Playlist Editor closes, the playlist (.fpl) is automatically saved within the media lineup (.mlu) file. There are two reasons why .fpl files are useful: ❏ If manually updating network media players using FTP or update CD/DVDs, ❏ If it is desirable to create or update media lineup using playlists without schedules. To export a playlist: 1. Click on the File menu. 2. Click on Export Playlist. 3. Use the Window browser to locate the desired playlist destination and name the file. 4. Click Save. The playlist is now available as an .fpl file. 48 Working with Media Lineups Importing a Schedule and Playlist from a Schedule Update Packet (.tar) Use an existing schedule update packet (.tar) file to import a schedule with its associated playlists into the a media lineup and then edit it. 1. Click on the File menu. 2. Click on Import Schedule. 3. Use the Window browser to locate the desired schedule (.tar) file. 4. Choose a .tar file and click Open. The schedule is now available in the media lineup. 5. Locate the schedule update packet file with the schedule and playlists to import. Select the filename and click “Open”. The Schedule Editor window opens and displays the schedule information to be imported. This schedule may be edited, if necessary. Upon closing the Schedule Editor window, notice he imported schedule now appears in the Schedule list. 49 Working with Media Lineups Often, playlists are created using the Media Messenger and then transferred to individual media players. However, the same playlist creation capability exists in both the Firefly WebView and the Firefly IR Menu interfaces. Exporting Schedules To Schedule Update Packets (.tar files) To update Media Players, create a schedule update packet (.tar) file that contains schedule and playlist information. These files are automatically created when the update process runs, as described in Publishing / Updating on page 57. Create Schedule Update Packets Manually Manually generating a schedule update packet provides the ability to export a particular schedule with its linked playlists from one media lineup to a different one. This is done by ❏ Opening one media lineup, .mlu, ❏ Creating a schedule update packet (.tar) for the schedule ❏ Then importing that schedule into a different media lineup. Follow these steps to export a schedule and its playlists to a schedule update packet: 1. From the Media Messenger main screen, in the Schedule field, select the schedule to use in creating the schedule update packet. 2. Select “Export Schedule Update Packet” from the File drop down menu. A Save As dialog box will be displayed (see below). By default, the schedule update packet uses the name of the schedule selected in step 1 50 Working with Media Lineups . Figure 1. Media Messenger Export Schedule Update Packet Dialog Box 3. Change the filename, if necessary, and select a location for the schedule update packet. Then click “Save”. A message informs you that the file was successfully created, and you can click “OK”. 4. Now import the schedule update packet’s schedule and playlists into another media lineup as described in the previous section. 51 52 MANAGING AND PUBLISHING TO A NETWORK Managing a Media Player Network Media Messenger provides the capability of viewing media player playback verification and diagnostic data (log files). Log File Reporting Overview The logging of playback verification data, as well as diagnostic data, provides for easier and more powerful management of a Visual Circuits media player network. There are two types of data logs available: run logs and diagnostic logs. Media Messenger allows for the enabling or disabling of these logs in any combination. Depending on the type of media player being used, log file reports are available by ❏ Right-clicking on the player, in the Player Navigation Pane and selecting View Logfiles or Run Log Summary, ❏ Accessing the Systems Settings menu via the IR Menu, WebView, or the Front Panel Display. Run Logs The primary use of a Run Log is to provide verification of playback schedules, hence demonstrating compliance with a paid playback agreement. The log is for a specific media player and provides a record of the videos played, ❏ Associated graphic overlays, ❏ Channels played on, ❏ Starting dates and times, 53 Managing and Publishing to a Network ❏ ❏ Percentage of the video played, Length of playback. Examples of the use of run log data: ❏ A report that describes how X video played at Y time for a total of Z occurrences. ❏ Reports that provide statistics for graphic overlay playback (special announcements, highlighted products, testing graphics effectiveness), playback duration, and the channels hosting the playback (representing specific audiences). Diagnostic Logs The diagnostic log records all media update transactions and any system errors on a media player. Information contained in the diagnostic log include: ❏ FTP/DVD Updating data that tracks date, time of connection/disconnection, errors- yes/no, files, sizes and percent transferred. ❏ Storage Cleanup data that records what media the automatic storage cleanup routine deleted, including file names, sizes and dates. ❏ Missing Elements Log that records all missing media referenced by an active playlist or schedule, including date, time and file element. ❏ Error Summary data that records user player diagnostic information, including the number of system restarts, number of watchdog restarts, the player version. The Create Diagnostic Log option (On or Off) is located in the media player System Settings menu and is accessible via the IR Menu, WebView, or Front Panel Display. Other log files options are available on the media player, including selectable log file formats, logging the default playlist, and setting the maximum log file size. See the media player User Manual for more information. 54 Managing and Publishing to a Network Viewing Log Files in Media Messenger To view the log files for a particular media player: 1. Set up the network, FTP auto-update, and logging settings on the media player supplying the log files. Refer to the medial player User Manual for more details. 2. Perform a FTP update to upload the log file templates to the log files directory on the FTP server. 3. Complete the FTP Publish from the Media Messenger software to the FTP server. During this process, the Media Messenger software identifies the media player log files on the FTP server and downloads them to the proper location in Media Messenger. 4. Right-click on the player with the log files to view and select View Log Files from the drop own menu. 55 Managing and Publishing to a Network 5. Select the desired log file from the drop down menu. The log file names using the following convention: Example: firefly31-run-20030403.xml where ❏ site ID (Firefly Site ID) ❏ dia (for diagnostic log) or run (for run log) ❏ xxxx xx xx (year/month/day) 6. When done reviewing the contents of the log files, click the OK button to return to the Media Messenger main screen. 56 Managing and Publishing to a Network Publishing / Updating The purpose of playlists and schedules is to supply the media player with necessary information to organize and play program content at the correct time and for the right number of cycles. It is necessary to publish the completed playlist, schedule, and content files (videos and graphics) to the media player. There are two ways of doing this: ❏ FTP Publishing via FTP is the remote updating of playlist, schedule and content files between an FTP server and the Media Messenger computer. Playlists or schedule update packets (.tar) files that containing both schedules and their associated playlists, are created for each media player requiring updating. Once the data is on the server, each Firefly media player is able to automatically update itself by downloading its own playlist/schedule update packet with linked content files from the FTP server. ❏ Media Update Disc Media Update Discs is a manual process for the local updating of individual media players. The most efficient method for local updating is to first create a Media Update Disc that contains the playlist, schedule update packet (.tar) and linked content files. Later in this section, there is a method for creating a Media Update Disc that, when it is inserted into the media player CD/DVD drive, prompts the player to automatically transfer the data to the player’s internal storage. 57 Managing and Publishing to a Network FTP Overview FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a standardized convention to deliver digital data via TCP/IP. TCP/IP is a set of common network protocols for communicating digital data and is commonly used by networking systems, such as the internet. The Visual Circuits media players come with an on-board FTP server that allows direct updates from a computer running Media Messenger. In addition, the media player can use FTP, to update itself automatically when connected to a static network connection. New media, playlists, schedules and/or system updates can be downloaded using this connection to an FTP site. A static network connection may be a DSL, cable modem, or a connection to a Local Area Network (LAN). Often LAN connections have access to the internet, but be sure to check with a networking specialist for information on setting up an account if internet access is required to reach the FTP server. Often internet access from a LAN requires the use of a proxy server and fire wall permissions. Although there are many types of FTP software packages available, Visual Circuits recommends Serv-U. Download at trial version of the software from www.serve-u.com. Use of FTP requires: ❏ An FTP server accessible through either a direct network connection or a dial-up Internet connection. ❏ An FTP account on that server with read, write, and delete permissions. ❏ Media Messenger software configured to upload files to the FTP server, ❏ Software configured to download files from the FTP server. 58 Managing and Publishing to a Network Publishing via FTP The FTP function permits the updating of remote players with the transfer of playlists, schedules, and content files between an FTP server and a computer running Media Messenger. The FTP server may be on-board the media player or a separate network server. This process can automatically create the playlist or schedule update packet (.tar) files and then upload them along with associated videos and graphic overlays: the playlists or schedule update packets go to a sub-directory named “scripts”, while the content files go to a specified directory. If the sub-directory scripts does not exist, the program creates it. During initial set up of the player, it receives a unique Site ID. When Media Messenger generates a playlist or schedule for a player, the file contains its site ID. Later when the player loads these files from a server, it uses the ID to verify that the files are intended for it. These files contain the player’s unique identification (Site ID) so that, when a player accesses the FTP site, it downloads the correct data. To upload files directly to the media player it is necessary to perform the following steps in Media Messenger: 1. Configure the network properties of the media player. 2. Configure the FTP server on-board the media player. 59 Managing and Publishing to a Network Configuring Player Network Properties 1. Go to the Main window of Media Messenger. 2. In the Player Network Pane, right-click on the media player requiring updating. 3. Click on Properties to display the Player Configuration box. 4. Fill in the Player Configuration information. Unique name to identify player (Hostname). Unique ID set in player before installation, Media Messenger uses it to identify the player. If player belongs to a group, select name from drop down list. Physical location of player. Set to one for Firefly MZ. 60 Managing and Publishing to a Network Configuring Player FTP Server Network Administrator provides FTP configuration information. This may be the a media player or an FTP server used for storing presentation content. When loading directly to a media player, leave the Directory field blank and place files in FTP root directory. Security settings provided by Network Administrator. 1. Click on Settings in the Main Menu list and select FTP Server Setup. 2. Fill in the FTP Site Information Fields. a. IP Address/Hostname. This is the network administrator assigned IP Address and/ or Hostname of the target FTP server. This may be a media player or another FTP server. b. Directory Name of the target directory where the files are to go. It is recommended to leave this blank and use the FTP root directory. c. FTP UserName d. FTP Password 3. FTP Proxy Check this box if using a FTP Proxy server, then add its IP address and Port. 61 Managing and Publishing to a Network Publishing 1. Open WebView, click on System Settings, and select Network. Confirm that the network and security settings are correct. 2. Return to the Media Messenger main workspace. 3. Select the target player or player group in the Player Network Pane. 4. Click on Publish in the Media Messenger, Main Menu List and then select Publish to FTP. 2 4 3 6 6A 7 5 5. Confirm that the Media Messenger FTP configuration is correct for the player: click on the FTP Setup button and review setup data. 6. Select the Upload Option: a. specific player, b. group of players, c. all players, 6A If uploading to one specific media player, select the Direct Upload to Firefly option, otherwise leave unchecked. 62 Managing and Publishing to a Network 7.Click the Begin Update button. When the upload completes, close the Update Control window. All files (playlist, schedule, or the playlist/schedule update packet -.tar-and content files) must be present in the media player internal storage before the player will begin playback. Consult the media player User manual for how the player responds when it receives new or updated material. For example, the Firefly MZ loads immediately and begins playing back the playlist or, if using a schedule, the playback begins at the appropriate time. FTP Server Housekeeping 4b 4a 3 Periodically, inspect the content stored on the FTP server and remove the files that are no longer used. 1. Select the target player in the Player Network Pane. 2. Click on Publish in the Media Messenger, Main Menu List and then select Publish to FTP 3. Click the Connect button to connect to the FTP site. If connection can not be made, click the Setup and check the FTP settings. 63 Managing and Publishing to a Network 4. Delete unused files from the server by either: a. Selecting individual files in the file list and deleting. b. Checking Delete Unused Content from FTP Server as part of the update process. 5. When finished, click the Disconnect to disconnect from the FTP site and then Close. Publish to CD/DVD Another method of transporting playlists, schedules, and media files is to create a Media Update Disc.This process creates the content image of an autorun disc for a CD or DVD. Media Messenger does not burn a CD or DVD. It prepares the necessary files so that when they are burned on to a disc, an autorun application is created. 1. Go to the Media 2 Messenger main 1 workspace and select the player or group that is to receive the update. 3 2. Select the Publish to CD/DVD icon. 4 3. Verify that the 5 correct destination for the files is shown in the destination field: 7 6 change if necessary. 4. Check the Copy All Needed... box. This insures that all content files are included on the disc. 64 Managing and Publishing to a Network 5. Verify that the total space required does not exceed the capacity of the CD or DVD disc. 6. Click on Create CD/DVD Files. 7. Click on Close. 8. Use CD/DVD creation application to burn files on a disc. Updating a Media Player with the Update Disc 1. Insert the disc in the drive of the media player to update. If the new files are contained on a set of discs, insert the discs in any order. Remove the Media Update disc from the drive when the update is complete. 2. When inserting the disc, playback stops and the files are copied onto the player’s internal storage. The player’s video outputs show black until the operation finishes. ❏ If the update uses only one disc, playback automatically starts with the new playlist after the files are copied. ❏ If the update requires multiple discs, when each Media Update disc finishes loading, playback begins with whatever video and graphic overlay files are available at that moment. Media Update Disc Tips 1. When each Media Update disc is written or “burned”, it must contain the desired playlist or schedule update packet files, videos and graphic overlays. All of these files must be on the root of the disc. Be sure to reparent your files before burning if required. 2. Use the Jolliet file system for the CD/DVD. 65 Managing and Publishing to a Network 3. Whenever any Media Update disc is inserted in the Firefly Media Player, the playlist/schedule file on that disc will be saved as the most current playback playlist/schedule. If a previous or old update disc is ever put back into a system, the playback playlist/schedule will change. Always complete local updating by loading the most current Media Update disc(s) or reopen and save the desired playlist or schedule update packet 4. During the update, the Firefly media Player searches the disc for its playlist or schedule update packet file, identified using the naming convention siteID.tar. When it locates the playlist or schedule update packet, it will copy it and begin to copy all videos and graphic overlays identified in this playlist/schedule. If there is no playlist or schedule update packet on the root of the Media Update disc, no files will be transferred. If there is not a site ID specific playlist/schedule file, Firefly will select any .tar file resident on the disc. This feature is advantageous when a number of players need to be updated with the same content, because then only one general playlist/schedule file would need to be created for updating all players. 5. If there is not enough storage available, Firefly gains space by erasing unused files, files not in the playlist/schedule, from the existing content: starting with the oldest and moving forward chronologically. Firefly does this first before installing the new files. Before inserting the Media Update disc in the player’s disc drive, be sure you do not need the existing files. 6. Write or burn the files from the temporary directory to a CD or DVD, using a writable CD or DVD drive and the required software. 66 Managing and Publishing to a Network 7. If the content files do not fit on one disc, you can copy them across multiple discs. However, you must copy the playlist or schedule update packet (.tar) file to the root of every disc in the set. If you do not, some files may be erased from the internal storage when you run the Media Update discs on the Firefly Media Player. 8. It is not necessary to copy any videos or graphic overlays to the disc if they already are stored on the internal storage of each Firefly Media Player being updated. 9. Always be sure to write discs at speeds which correspond to the system resources (disc read or file retrieval speed) and the speed of the writer. 10. Most disc writing programs will fail if there are incorrect disc writing conditions. However, always test all written discs in another CD or DVD drive different from that of the writer to be sure that the data can be recognized. 11. Be sure that the disc burning session is closed properly. 12. Test the written discs in a system similar to the ones that will be updated. 67 Managing and Publishing to a Network 68 MULTI-ZONE LAYOUT EDITOR Overview Media Messenger Multi-Zone Layout Editor is an application for use with the Firefly MZ™ Media Player. The Multi Zone Layout Editor provides the ability to integrate multiple high-resolution, rich-content graphics with dynamic video and scrolling text in a simultaneous display. The Layout Editor does this by dividing the screen into a variety of content zones. These zones are extremely flexible as to the content type, size, and position within the display area. 69 Multi-zone Layout Editor Creating a Layout The Multi Zone Layout Editor provides the ability to create precise layouts for presentations. To access the Layout Editor go to the main workspace of Media Messenger and click on a player to work with. Edit Playlist Edit Schedule 3 2 Publish to FTP Edit Layout Publish to CD/DVD 1 There are three ways to access the Layout Editor 1 Clicking on Edit Layout Button 2 Clicking on Tools and selecting Layout Editor from the menu. 3 Click on Edit Playlist and click on the Edit Layout Button located there. Layout Editor Workspace and Tools Workspace Menus Video Zone Graphic Zone Scrolling Text Auto-stretch Sizing Left, Right, Up, Down Snap Positioning Left, Right, Up, Down Save Workspace Location Zone Parameters Precision Control Size Save Zone Parameters 1. Video Zones - there must be a video in the layout for it to display properly. • Use either the Zone drop down menu or the Zone buttons to do add content zones to the layout. 2. Scrolling Text and Graphics Zones are optional. 3. Size and position the content zones by: 70 Multi-zone Layout Editor Dragging and stretching with the cursor. ❏ Using the Auto Stretch and Auto Snap buttons. ❏ Entering specific dimensions in the zone parameters fields. ❏ Save zone parameters using the Assign button. 4. Periodically save the layout while working. ❏ Setting Display Parameters Determine if the Layout Editor workspace is set to the appropriate video standard and resolution parameters for the display environment. 1. Click on the Layout button. 2. Select the New Layout, give the layout a name, and click OK 3. Return to the Layout button, select Screen Resolution and choose the appropriate setting. Content Type Video Standards Video Files Graphics Format NTSC and PAL MPEG-1, MPEG-2, Unencrypted DVD BMP, GIF, JPG, PNG, TGA 4. Next select Video Resolution and choose the appropriate video standard. 5. Save. 71 Multi-zone Layout Editor Position Zones in Layout Workspace 1. Create the Video Zone first. Video Zone The Layout must have a video zone with a video file to function. There is only one video zone in a layout. Scrolling Text Zone There is only one scrolling text zone per layout. Scrolling text zones can overlay the video or graphics zones. Graphics Zones The layout can have any number of graphic zones. A large number of graphic zones will slow performance. 2. Add Scrolling Text Zone, if required. 3. Add Graphics Zones. Plasma Screen Burn-in When creating layouts for display on plasma screens, remember the potential for burn-in by stationary images and text. Refer to the display manufacturer’s documentation for recommended display times. Recommendation: Create display designs in which the positions of graphic zones or the graphic zone content changes freguently enough to avoid plasma screen burn-in. 4. Save the layout. 72 Multi-zone Layout Editor Creating the Playlist for a Multi Zone Layout Navigation Pane Playlist Menu Playlist Pane Scheduling Pane Schedule Menu 1. Return to the Media Messenger main workspace. 2. Open the Playlist Editor. 3. Verify that the correct Playlist is shown in the Playlist Menu field. 73 Multi-zone Layout Editor 4. Verify that the Navigation Pane lists the layout content zones. 5. Right-click on the default Video Zone and insert a video file. To locate files to insert into the content zone, use the file browser or, if the file is already resident on the Firefly MZ Media Player, enter the filename with its extension when it is requested by application. The full path is not required provided that all the files for the playlist are transferred to the same directory on the player File Formats Video: Mpeg-1, Mpeg-2, Unencrypted DVD Graphics: BMP, GIF, JPG, PNG, TGA, 6. If required, add content to the default Scrolling Text and Graphics Zones. 74 Multi-zone Layout Editor 7. Insert additional video files in to the video zone to create the rest of the playlist. Each new video zone is a parent to a family of child content zones that are clones of the default zones. Child content zones display at the same time as the parent video. A default content zone displays whenever one of its clones is left empty. If both the default and one of its clones are left empty, the presentation background displays. 8. Insert he graphic or scrolling text objects belonging to each video. 9. Save the playlist by clicking on the Close button in the Playlist Editor workspace. 75 76 EXTERNAL CONTROLLERS This section provides a brief overview of the use of Media Messenger when media players are working with external controllers. Refer to the media player User Manual for more information about serial commands. Visual Circuits media players are often used in trade show or presentation situations. Occasionally, media players team with external control devices for special applications. In such cases, display devices receive programming from the players but are physically controlled by the controller. Channel Output IDs Coordination of the activities between the players and the external controllers requires that the players are setup to receive and transmit serial commands. In addition, Media Messenger provides the opportunity to imbed control serial commands in the schedules. 77 External Controllers Adding Players with External Controllers The process for adding a media player that works with an external controller to the Player Network Tree is the same as described on with one exception. The Output ID must contain the channel numbers, as defined for the external controller, not the standard media controller numbering. In the example at the right, the player is outputting programming to its companion controllers devices 11, 12, 13, and 14 or the player’s channels 1, 2,3, and 4 respectively. When listing the Output IDs of the external devices they must be in the order of the player channels, i.e. 1 2 3 4. Schedules with External Controllers Media Messenger permits the inclusion of serial commands for the control of external devices in its schedules. The Player issues the commands to the controller which in turn issues them to the external devices.This commands are specific to devices manufactured by Philips and Contemporary Research. To program serial commands: 1. Open the Schedule Editor and select the schedule to be edited. 2. Click on Set Scheduled Serial Commands to open the Schedule Serial Commands dialog box. 3. Click on Add Command to open the Insert Serial Command dialog box. 4. Select the external controller type from the Group drop down list. 5. Select the desired serial command from the Command drop down menu. Continue until the command string is complete. 78 External Controllers 3 4 5 6 6. Click OK to save. Days of week to run. Start/StopTime Channel Auto run at start of schedule. 7. Set schedule parameters. 8. Click OK to save. 79 80 INDEX Symbols ,fpl 43 ,fsc 43 .fpl 29, 48 .tar 44, 49, 59 A adding external A/V event to playlist 27 graphic overlays to playlist 24 player group 18 player to network tree 16 player with external controller 78 video to playlist 22 assigning video start / stop dates video 36 audio external 29 auto key 26 D deleting multiple players 19 diagnostic logs 54 dialog box creating new playlist 22 export schedule packet 51 move player 19 direct upload to Firefly 62 display parameters 71 duration 24, 26 E editing event properties 34 editor video dates 36 empty channel 25 empty media lineup 47 event 8 creating with schedule editor deleting 35 deleting from schedule 35 external A/V 28 interrupt 34 interval 34 minimum time travel 34 play once 34 properties 34 exporting playlist 48 schedule to .tar file 50 schedule update packet 50 exporting a schedule 39 external A/V event adding 27 editing 28 removing 28 external audio 29 external control device 77 B C 31 blocking 26 CD/DVD 64 channel empty 25 output ID 77 child content zone 75 configuration player 16 Contemporary Research 17, content 8 creating a media lineup 46 empty media lineup 47 cropping 26 78 I-1 external controller external video 29 77 F fade-in / fade-out 24, 26 file conversion 25 fpl 29 file formats 25 filename 44 files .fpl 43 .fsc 43 .mlu 43 .tar 44 mm.cmd 44 mm.net 44, 45 viewing 55 Firefly software version, required 3 Firefly MZ external A/V event 27 Firefly SC external A/V event 27 Firefly WebView 50, 62 FTP 57 account 58 configure server 61 connections 58 overview 58 permission 58 publishing 62 server 3, 58 server housekeeping 63 site information fields 61 updating 58, 59 positioning 24 previewing 21 properties, setting or changing 25 transparency level 25 graphics zones multi zone 70 grid view 35 group 8 adding 18 deleting 19 I importing playlist 48 playlist from schedule update packet 49 schedule update packets 49 schedules 49 installing software 3 J Jolliet file system 65 K key color 24, key out 26 26 L G graphic file formats 25 graphic overlays 8, 9, 21 adding 24 deleting 27 empty channel 25 key color 26 layout 8 creating (MZ only) 9 linking playlist 41 schedule 42 to players 10 to playlist 10 to schedules 10 local updating 57 log file reporting 53 viewing 55 I-2 M main menu bar 13 masking 26 media lineup 8, 11, 43 .mlu 43 contents 43 creating 11, 46 exporting 29 file 43 opening 46 operation 44 restore damaged 29 saving 47 theory of operation 43 Media Messenger operation 44 media update disc 8, 57, 64 menus 12 minimum time travel 34 MLU files. See media lineup 43 mm.cmd 44 mm.net 44, 45 moving external A/V event in a playlist player in the network tree 18 video in playlist 24 multi zone creating a playlist 73 graphics zones 70 inserting multiple videos 75 scrolling text 70 setting display parameters 71 workspace 70 P PAL 71 parent zone 75 Philips 17, 78 player 8 adding 16 compatible image formats 25 configuration 16, 60 deleting 19 group 16, 18, 42 location 17 move 19 moving 18 network 8, 10 network capability 2 network tree 15 output ID 17 site ID 16, 66 updating with Media Update Disc 65 28 N network tree 15 NTSC 71 720 x 480 25 O operating systems 3 output ID 17 external controller 78 player configuration name 16 player information pane 13 player network management diagnostic log 54 log file 53 run logs 53 player network pane 13 playlist 8, 21, 66 .fpl file 43 adding external A/V event 27 adding video 22 create 59 creating 9, 22 creating for a multi zone layout 73 editing external A/V event 28 exporting 29, 48 importing 48 importing from .tar file 49 linking 41 moving external A/V event 28 moving video 24 new 22 removing external A/V event 28 I-3 removing video 23 renaming 22 playlist editor 21 playlist viewer 14 playlists 9 previewing graphic overlays 21 videos 21 properties graphic overlay 25 publish 8 FTP 57 media update disc 57 publish to FTP 62 publishing 57 via CD/DVD 64 via FTP 59 R registration single-player license 4 registration key 5 remote updating 57 removing groups 19 player 19 video from playlist 23 removing external A/V event from playlist 28 removing multiple players 19 RGB 26 run logs 53 S schedule 8 .fsc file 43 .tar file 44 adding an event 33 creating 10, 32 deleting event 35 exporting 39 exporting to .tar file 50 grid view 35 imbed serial command 77 linking 42 player group 42 renaming 32 weekly playback 35 schedule editor 31 creating an event 31 schedule update packet 8, create 59 creating 39 exporting 50 schedule update packets importing 49 schedule viewer 14 schedules 10 editing events 35 exporting 39 importing 49 scripts sub-directory 59 scrolling text 21 multi zone 70 serial commands 77 server file maintenance 63 Serv-U FTP server 3 setup and installation software 4 Shift/Control 23 single-player license 4 site ID 16, 66 Smart Card external event A/V 27 software full install 4 update only 4 software installation 3 start date 36 start/stop dates 36 stop date 36 sub-directory scripts 59 system memory 3 system requirements 3 system restart 4 50, 66 I-4 T TAR files. See schedule update packet TCP/IP 58 transparency 24 transparency level 25 U updating 57 FTP 58 local 57 media update disc 57 remote 57 updating with Media Update Disc upload 62 uploading 11 65 V VCCMediaMessenger folder 47 video 8 external 29 inserting in multi zone 75 video date rules adding 36 editing 39 removing 39 Video Dates Editor 36 video standards 71 videos previewing 21 viewer 12 playlist 14 schedule 14 viewing log files 55 W WebView 50, 62 weekly playback schedule workspaces 12 35 Z zone 8 I-5 813-0035b © 2004 Focus Enhancements