WEGENER NewsBridge

Urgent Messaging Timing

2011-08-29T16:17:00.000-04:00

The next important component of urgent messaging is timing. By definition urgent implies immediate. In the real world that is not necessary possible or necessary. Demanding on the type of message, and the distribution infrastructure available, one of the following timing methods will be employed:

Live
Reasonable delay
Scheduled
Cued

Live

“Live” timing is associated with real-time urgent messaging events, such as, breaking news. It requires a fast operational response to re-configure media players to simultaneously tune to the same media feed.

Pre-planning and testing is necessary to ensure critical network commands will be executed in a predictable manner. It is important to understand what network operations it will take to; bring in a new media feeds, tune all media players or groups of players to the new feed, and command media players to display new information. Which of these steps can be pre-planned? Tested?

Additionally, “live” events require a fast network connection, and preferably a consistent connection to fully ensure no delays in sharing breaking news with targeted sites.

Reasonable Delay

A near real-time event, such as a weather alert or corporate announcement, can be shared with “reasonable delay.” In these cases you may have hours to deliver and share a message. Pre-planning is still important, but the need for a fast network connection is greatly reduced.

Scheduled

A “scheduled” urgent message may take the form of a fire drill or legal notice. These can be setup well in advance and managed as part of the regular network schedule. This requires the least amount of test and pre-planning. Content is sent in the usual manner and schedules are arranged hours or days in advance.

Cued

When an urgent message is cued it implies an external trigger activates the start of the message. It can also imply the message itself triggers other events. This would be the case if activation command for specific digital signage is coupled with a contact closure or relay command to:

Turn on alarms
Activate a recorded message
Close/Open curtains
Turn XX on/off

Cued events can be real-time (push a button) or scheduled (network command). They can work alone or in combination with other messaging events.

Ultimately, timing for urgent messages is dependent on what predictable network speeds are available to you. Testing will be an important part of developing a sound urgent messaging strategy that uniquely fits your business organization.

Next issue

(Part 3) Urgent Messaging Delivery

Sending video vs. audio, text or graphics can be a major strain on your network infrastructure. We will explore this topic in the next installment.

(Part 1) Types of Urgent Messaging

2011-08-17T10:27:00.000-04:00

Urgent Messaging
Sometimes it is necessary to replace scheduled programming with urgent broadcasts or important messages. Our four part series will discuss urgent broadcasts within private networks, such as retail locations, churches or a campus (our discussion should not to be confused with Emergency Alert Systems - federally controlled communication systems).

(Part 1) Types of Urgent Messaging

The main objective of an urgent message is to share new information in a timely fashion. Television screens offer a dynamic and almost hypnotic vehicle to present new information. Unlike computers, the viewer is not distracted by many applications. Video can be enhanced with text and graphical information – making audio directions clearer.

For this reason, integrating a digital signage solution as part of your private network urgent messaging strategy makes logical sense. In addition, no professional video editing expertise is necessary to create visually appealing layouts.

Here are some Urgent Message Digital Signage examples:

Breaking Live News –The ability to pipe in a live over-the-air, satellite, cable or Internet feed.

Weather Alert / Early Closing Notices – Present timely information and instructions to local viewers.

Corporate Announcement – Share one, undiluted message with employees.

Legal Notices –Let employees know how you want them to handle a situation. Help clients and customers learn facts before word-of-month spreads fiction.

Next issue: (Part 2) Urgent Messaging Timing

WEGENER at InfoComm 2011

2011-06-23T13:02:00.000-04:00

Explore CompelConnect.com™

2011-05-17T10:04:00.000-04:00

Explore WEGENER's latest generation of media distribution network control. CompelConnect.com™ is a new software-as-a-service (SaaS) offering.

It provides management tools for content distribution, scheduling, playout control and continuous monitoring of WEGENER iPump media receivers/players.

Using partitioned web access, clients have access to a full-featured remote Compel network control system via the Internet.

CompelConnect.com™ is an easy-to-use, powerful network control system for video, audio and data networks and allows small and medium sized networks to launch and grow efficiently.

Supported Applications:

File-Based Broadcasting
Digital Signage
Regional Advertising
Corporate Communications
Retail Video Displays
News & Information
On-Demand Training
Video Over IP
Multi-Format File Distribution

Explore WEGENER's CompelConnect.com™

2011-05-03T10:34:00.000-04:00

Compel® Controlled Localization Applications

File-based media opportunities for broadcast TV, radio, enterprise, retail and non-profit organizations

WEGENER® Compel network control systems provides optimized distribution of live and file-based media content to WEGENER media players and receivers. Create unique media localization strategies by optimizing control of a vast array of media play-out features.

Video program insertion. Distribute and store video programs or advertisements at each receive site. Remotely schedule local insertions of stored video over a live feed. Alternately, use the stored content to run custom playlists at each site eliminating the need for real time network feeds.

CASE STUDY: http://www.wegener.com/CASE_STUDIES/case_study_filebased.php
PRODUCT INFO: http://www.wegener.com/PRODUCTS/iPUMP/ipump_6400.php

Efficient radio broadcasting. Pre-position select radio programming, liners, and advertisements at each site. Blend stored content with live programming. Enable each site to record live shows for time-shifted broadcasts.

WHITE PAPER: http://www.wegener.com/WHITE_PAPERS/pdf/WP_audioiPump_july09.pdf
PRODUCT INFO: http://www.wegener.com/PRODUCTS/iPUMP/ipump_6420.php

Broadcast ‘Signage’. Enhance the live network video feed with unique text and graphic overlays. Schedule video re-sizing at specific times to increase signage opportunities.

VIDEO: http://www.wegener.com/videos.php?vid=wegener_ppt
PRODUCT INFO: http://www.wegener.com/PRODUCTS/iPUMP/ipump_6400.php

NEW! Flexible Digital Signage. Expand inclusion of local content. Learn how to manage multiple non-technical content contributors with WEGENER’s open ingest solution.

WEGENER’s digital signage solution is a communication tool for Houses of Worship, Advertising Agencies, Banking, Corporate Communications, Digital Out-of-Home Networks, Healthcare, Retail and Systems Integration. It affords organizations an opportunity to simultaneously support multiple clients and marketing zones. Utilizing new digital sign creation tools for custom sign layouts and sequences of video, audio, graphics, html and text content - display local content at 1 or 1000+ screens.

APPLICATION NOTE: www.wegener.com/pdfs/WGNR_OpenIngest_Compel2.pdf
PRODUCT INFO: http://compel.wegener.com/

Multi-Video Input Digital Signage. Combine digital signage with local video. Add local digital signage content around commercial video feeds - without disturbing the existing the network infrastructure (eg. your setup for a satellite DTH service). Use WEGENER’s iPump 525 IP media player and CompelConnect.com network control to create and distribute custom digital signage.

Visit Apantac for details on their latest ½ rack unit MultiViewer to combine the iPump video output with up to 3 additional video inputs. Mix and match video combinations to create new branding strategies to engage a viewing audience.

PRODUCT INFO: http://compel.wegener.com/

PRODUCT INFO: http://www.wegener.com/PRODUCTS/iPUMP/ipump_525.php

NEW! Media Library Access. Personalize the video on-demand viewing experience. WEGENER’s new media library allows end-users to view file-based video content on local monitors or view more content via other connected devices (including mobile devices). Includes a full-featured remote control with DVR-like functionality and an option to customize menu graphics.

The solution extends how organizations use and target their file-based content. Use the same WEGENER media player to present digital signage, video playlists, live video and media libraries.

Request A Demo?
Web: http://www.wegener.com/CONTACT/
Telephone: 770-814-4021
Email: globalsales@wegener.com

Just how powerful is WEGENER’s digital signage solution?

2010-10-15T16:50:00.000-04:00

Just ask Spectrum Signal Processing by Vecima. Spectrum was WEGENER’s booth neighbor at SATCON 2010 this past week. They sell software-reconfigurable signal processing equipment and were demonstrating their multi-channel, multi-format video encoder (model DM-1322). They asked if they could use our iPump 525 IP media player to decode their live HD multicast. No problem. We always walk with spares. Plug and play. Video decode success.

Here’s where things get interesting. One of our show staff decided to enhance Spectrum’s demo. Using a laptop with a wireless Internet connection, he logged into CompelConnect.com and built a digital sign on the fly.

The sign added areas to display a Spectrum logo and marketing text over the IP multicast video. Marketing content from Spectrum’s website were ingested and sequenced in. The completed sign was then downloaded to the iPump 525.

Spectrum used the sign for the rest of the show.

In just 5 minutes we enhanced a basic IP multicast with branding and local content. Fantastic!!!

WEGENER® Exhibits at CCW/SATCON 2010

2010-10-13T16:41:00.000-04:00

WEGENER® showcases a variety of solutions to optimize video and data broadcasting at CCW/SATCON 2010, October 13-14, in New York. Visit booth #816 to explore new strategies for scalable network expansion, dynamic advertising, live video broadcasts and distribution cost containment.

New Product: Compel® 2, Network Control System
WEGENER’s 4th generation network control system, Compel 2, is a flexible, open architecture system that provides simplified operations for dynamic media distribution via satellite or terrestrial paths. It optimized to support multiple applications for content providers, TV, and digital signage. Compel 2’s modular design provides extensive opportunities to scale network expansions and tailor video and data applications. [request more info]

Hot Application: Digital Signage
WEGENER’s end-to-end Digital Signage solution includes CompelConnect.com™ SaaS (software-as-a-service) network control and iPump® media players. The package is designed to seamlessly scale from a pilot to a multi-site installation. It provides robust signage creation tools to design and control video, graphic & text sequences, along with scheduling tools to maximize the use of local advertising, branding and information. [request more info]

New Features: iPump 6400 Video Media Server
The WEGENER iPump 6400 now supports MPEG-4 (h.264) and HD video formats. The media server combines the features of a rack-mount video satellite receiver with key features of a media server and IP router. The unit’s flexible i/o design supports tailored configuration for different environments. Seamlessly blend live and file-based content to optimize the presentation of local content or build new advertising packages. [request more info]

WEGENER representatives will be available to discuss projects and provide product demonstrations throughout SATCON 2010 show days in booth #816. Content & Communications World (CCW) is the fall's premier conference and exhibition for media, entertainment and communications technology. CCW includes HD World, SATCON and 3D World conference and expo. CCW features business solutions for content creation, management and delivery, along with a range of satellite, fiber, and IP communications solutions.

Additional Products and Services WEGENER Offers:
• Automation - Master Control• Cable Equipment & Headend• Content Delivery, Distribution and CDNs• Corporate Communications Applications• Digital Asset Management• Multicasting• Satellite Receivers/Transceivers• Security/Encryption• Servers• Video Processing• Workflow Solutions

Challenges Building Digital Signage

2010-06-16T17:30:00.002-04:00

Ken Leffingwell (VP of Worldwide Sales) shared this video footage taken during setup of InfoComm 2010.

You can see glimpses of the digital signage WEGENER created to help promote activities in the pavilion. The video reminds me that during the design phrase I grappled with 3 common issues. Here are a few thoughts about thinking through these issues:

1) Serving multiple objectives: With so much flexibility to create and sequence a digital sign with dynamic information, it is tempting to go overboard and overwhelm a sign with too much information. To avoid this pitfall, set your priorities early. For example, are you primarily concerned with branding, information sharing, or advertising? It is a good idea to rank your objectives or assign rough percentage values. That way, throughout the design process you will have a way to still focused and not put too much emphasis (in display time or % of screen space) on a lesser objective.

2) Gauging your audience: You will have to make a judgment call about how long graphics should stay on the screen and how many words can be presented at any given moment. To get into the right mindset, think through your answers to:

Do you have a captive audience that is seated or standing?
Do you have a moving audience?
How long do they have to observe a sign?
How many words or images can you process in that timeframe?

3) Static images: Watch most TV channels and you will see certain elements remain constant (e.g. a logo or crawl text). You have the same luxury with digital signage – with one caveat. Running the same digital sign on a plasma screen for 8 hours can lead to permanent “burn-in” of images. If you do not have the luxury of using LCD monitors, it is wise to design or schedule sign changes to eliminate the potential of “burn-in”. Static images with high luminosity (white) pose the greatest risk.

Day 2: InfoComm 2010

2010-06-10T16:10:00.000-04:00

Apantac (booth N1844) again demos their Multiviewer Application utilizing WEGENER's iPump® 525 media player, CompelConnect.com™ and Apantac Tahoma DE. The solution combines multiple video and computer sources onto one display.

Photo taken at the Apantac's booth at InfoComm 2010

It gives clients additional flexibility to creatively combine existing sources of video with local edge ads and promotions. For more, read Apantac's NAB press release (http://www.apantac.com/news-04-10-3.html).

News from InfoComm10

2010-06-09T09:30:00.000-04:00

From the show floor..."We are on four displays in the Technologies for Worship Pavilion – one at the stage, two at the greeter station, and one on our table top display. Our tabletop display is right next to the greeter station. "

WEGENER to Power Digital Signages Displays at Infocomm10

2010-06-08T10:43:00.003-04:00

WEGENER® to Power Digital Signage Displays at InfoComm10

Solution will be used to generate and control signs within Technologies for Worship pavilion
(booth C7856)

WEGENER to showcase its new Digital Signage solution at InfoComm 2010, June 9-11, in Las Vegas. The WEGENER solution will be used to control several digital signage displays placed around the Technologies for Worship pavilion.

WEGENER’s end-to-end Digital Signage solution includes CompelConnect.com™ SaaS (software-as-service) network control and iPump® media players.

WEGENER’s Digital Signage solution – CompelConnect.com™ and iPump® media players

It provides robust tools to design and control video, graphic & text sequences, and scheduling tools to maximize the use of local advertising, branding and information.

Sample digital signage screens – combining video, graphic and text elements

WEGENER representatives will be available to discuss any digital signage project and provide product demonstrations throughout InfoComm10 in the Technologies for Worship pavilion (booth C7856). For more information about the Technologies for Worship pavilion please visit http://www.tfwm.com/conferences-Infocomm2010.

Resources:

- InfoComm10

- Technologies for Worship

- WEGENER iPump® media players

- WEGENER Compel® network control

- Video

- Whitepapers

2010-05-14T15:36:00.001-04:00

WEGENER NewsBridge - A communication tool offering useful updates and insights from WEGENER.