Channels And Signage Networks - Black Box iCompel ICOMP-ICC User Manual

7.

Channels and Signage Networks

Channels provide an easy way to display the same content at multiple locations by setting up a digital signage network of
players. A collection of players that all play the same content on their screens is known as a channel.
A channel has these basic parts:
The iCC.
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The content that the iCC publishes.
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One or more subscriber players.
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When you publish to a channel, it includes all the related schedules, layouts, and media content. You should consider these
factors when calculating the storage space required for a channel:
With the exception of video files, content does not require large amounts of storage. If your layouts do not include video
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files, you should find 1 GB to 2 GB of space sufficient.
If your layouts include video files, increase storage by at least 2 GB per hour of standard quality video. Allow for more if the
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video is high quality.
The iCC displays the size of the channel on its Channels > Detailed Status page. Allow at least twice that on the
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subscriber player as it stores the channel twice: once to subscribe and again to display.
However, the channel does not include:
Any custom fonts you have installed.
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User records, including ad hoc users.
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If your content relies on either of the above, you will need to ensure they are already present on each of the subscribers.
Also consider the capabilities of the subscriber units in your network:
Are they powerful enough to show the content? Some content may not show optimally on less powerful player models (for
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example, high-resolution movies or Adobe Flash items that require a fast CPU).
What resolution are their attached screens? Ideally, to display the same content you should have screens set to the same
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resolution. If some screens display at lower resolution, take into account that content will be cropped.
Do they have any additional hardware or licenses required? Subscribers can only display certain content if they are
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configured to do so (for example, TV channels)?
To set up and begin using a channel, follow these general steps:
1. Create the content on the iCC.
2. When your content is ready, click the Manage Channels Page link that appears at the top of each screen on your iCC.
The iCC displays the Manage Channels page. Specify your channel configuration here (see
more details).
3. Click the appropriate publish button on the Manage Channels page. The iCC will not distribute changes to a channel until
you publish them. See
Repeat those steps for each additional channel you want to create (see
You will now need to configure each player in your network in the Subscriber role, pointing them to the correct location to find
the channel content to display.
Publishing a Channel for details of the publishing options.
iCOMPEL Content Commander User Guide
Configuring the Channel
Multichannel Publishing for more details).
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