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Scala InfoChannel 3 has a lot of improvements in the authoring software compared to previous versions, including better interfaces, scheduling, spell check in nine languages, multi-level undo and design features such as wipes, backgrounds and tricky text tricks. And that’s terrific. But if you’re a Pro AV integrator looking toward the burgeoning digital signage market, it’s the backend functions you’ll want to explore and learn.
Content creation
In Scala InfoChannel 3, they separated the content creation function from the distribution function. This means that designers can be working anytime, anywhere, on multiple authoring stations, without disrupting the scheduling process. It also means their design work doesn’t have to stop during broadcasting. In addition, the designer doesn’t have to worry about the distribution.
Publisher, Network Manager, Broadcast Server 3
Network management allows sending via LAN, Modem, Internet or Satellite IP Multicast. InfoChannel has integrated network management tools. A point-and-click interface lets you decide what content is played where and how it gets there. You can even do player system maintenance remotely. Content can be pushed or pulled, and FTP servers ensure that multiple players can receive content at the same time. Content can be sent to regions, to stores and sent at different times of day to address different demographics.
This is a network operations function only – the person running this part grabs the content from the designers and distributes it. Network administration can now be done via a Web browser so if something goes wrong in off hours or when the administrator is offsite, all he or she need do is log onto the Website and handle it, from anywhere.
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Players
The player is at the remote site and can be a monitor or a kiosk.
Reporter 3
Permissions can be set at the local level so that people can control their local monitors and content. One example is a store that might want to feature an employee of the month.
"There is a wide variety of applications," says Porter, "including retail, entertainment, training such as at Jewson, and affinity, where you have a focused visit or narrow purpose. A bank is one example, or a doctor’s office, where we have a lot of success. We have 1,000 doctor’s offices in the UK with Scala-run monitors in their waiting rooms."
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