Carousel Digital Signage. Deployment Guide

Transcription

1 Carousel Digital Signage Deployment Guide c Tightrope Media Systems Carousel Digital Signage Software version 6.5 Carousel for BrightSign Software version 1.3 Printed December 30, 2015

2 Contents 1 Introduction What Does This Guide Cover? What Does This Guide NOT Cover? What If I Need Help? Virtual Machine Image Requirements Installation System Licensing Player Software Installation Requirements Install Tightrope Media Systems Software Configure Windows Power Options First Run and System Check BrightSign for Carousel Software Requirements Application Installation BrightSign Deployment Server for Carousel BrightSign Player Configuration Tool for Carousel Basic Configuration Additional Settings Network Settings Monitor Control Settings Syncronization Settings Advanced Settings Notes Portrait Mode Automated Update Process Device Recovery List of Figures 16 1

3 1 Introduction 1.1 What Does This Guide Cover? 1.2 What Does This Guide NOT Cover? 1.3 What If I Need Help? Thank you for purchasing a Carousel Digital Signage system from Tightrope Media Systems! We have worked hard to make sure your new system is versatile, easy to use and reliable. This guide covers the steps to setup, install and configure a new Carousel Digital Signage software system on non-tightrope Media Systems hardware, including Tightrope supported third-party players (such as BrightSign). This guide does not include information on the setup or configuration of Windows as it relates to the needs of the organization installing it. It is assumed that the installer(s) are familiar enough with Windows to follow our guidelines while ensuring specific needs are meet. If you need assistance from Tightrope Support beyond clarifications while working through this guide, you will need to contact Sales ( and purchase Remote Configuration Assistance. Once purchased you will then need to schedule the Configuration session with one of our team members who will assist you with the configuration of your server. 2

4 2 Virtual Machine Image This section is for Pros Only. We will not explain virtual machine concepts here. If you re having trouble understanding the concepts, you will need to seek paid assistance from Tightrope Media Systems or one of our qualified installation partners. 2.1 Requirements The following items are needed to install the Carousel Server virtual machine image on a user-provided host. The.ova file from Tightrope Media Systems provided USB key or 2.2 Installation Download from Tightrope Media Systems: Windows Server 2008 R2 (6.4 GB.ova file) Windows Server 2012 R2 (11.3 GB.ova file) Microsoft Windows virtual machine host (such as VMWare) Microsoft Windows 2008 R2 or 2012 R2 license key (not provided by Tightrope Media Systems) Tightrope Media Systems software installers FrontDoor Carousel Framework Step 1: Use the.ova file to generate a new virtual machine in your virtual machine host environment. The specifics of this process are different for each virtual machine environment/vendor. Tightrope Media Systems is unable to provide support for this step. Step 2: Assign the new virtual machine a reserved DHCP or static IP address and hostname. Step 3: Run the FrontDoor software installer. Step 4: Run the Carousel Framework software installer. 3

5 2.3 System Licensing Step 5: Launch a web browser on the new Carousel Server and type in the address bar and press ENTER. Step 6: Login to FrontDoor with the default credentials. Username: Admin Password: trms FrontDoor: Server Setup: Licensing Step 7: From the FrontDoor Main Menu navigate to FrontDoor: Server Setup: Licensing. Step 8: Copy the Hardware License Key and it to Tightrope Professional Services to obatin a License Key for your system. (Figure 2.1) FIGURE 2.1: FrontDoor: Server Setup: Licensing 2 Virtual Machine Image 4

6 3 Player Software Installation It s possible that you ve purchased copies of our Carousel Player software to install and run on your own hardware. If so, this section will speak to installing the Carousel Display Engine. If you purchased a hardware player (200-series, 300-series, or BrightSign) please consult the Quick Start sheet that accompanied the unit. If you are unable to find a copy contact support@trms.com for a PDF version. 3.1 Requirements Physical machine running Windows 7 Professional The Carousel Player software uses a unique Security Identifier (SID) to differentiate itself from other Players in the Player Status list. This SID is created when Windows is first installed. If you re cloning your Players from a single OS installation, beware that these players will all share the same SID, causing the Player Status screen to not operate correctly. Look for additional information from Microsoft regarding the use of sysprep or newsid.exe to avoid these issues. Tightrope Media Systems Carousel Player installer Minimum system requirements can be found on the Tightrope Media Systems webpage at Install Tightrope Media Systems Software 3.3 Configure Windows Power Options Step 1: Run the downloaded Carousel Player installer. Step 2: Open Power Options from the Start Menu. (Figure 3.1) Step 3: On the left-side menu, click Create a power plan. (Figure 3.2) Step 4: Select High performance and name the plan Carousel, then click Next >. (Figure 3.3) Step 5: Set both Turn off the display and Put the computer to sleep to Never, then click Create. (Figure 3.4) Step 6: Again, on the left-side menu, near the bottom, click Personalization. Step 7: Make sure Screen Saver is set to None. (Figure 3.5) 5

7 FIGURE 3.1: Start Menu: Power Options FIGURE 3.2: Power Options Control Panel FIGURE 3.3: Power Options Control Panel: Create a Plan FIGURE 3.4: Power Options Control Panel: Plan Settings FIGURE 3.5: Personalization Control Panel 3 Player Software Installation 6

8 3.4 First Run and System Check FIGURE 3.6: Windows Security Alert Step 8: Run the Carousel Display Engine software from the Windows Desktop. Step 9: Since this is the first-time running it, you will get a Windows Security Alert, simply Allow access. (Figure 3.6) FIGURE 3.7: Carousel Display Engine Splash Screen Step 10: Upon startup of the Carousel Display Engine you will see a white spash screen. Press Configure.... (Figure 3.7) FIGURE 3.8: Carousel Display Engine Configuration Step 11: Under the Carousel Server Settings: Server enter in the IP address of the Carousel Server, and press the green checkmark. (Figure 3.8) Step 12: A new window will open to test the connection. Should any items fail, see the results box at the bottom of the window for solutions. (Figure 3.9) Step 13: After a successful connection test, press OK and return to the configuration window under Carousel Server Settings: Channel and choose the Carousel Channel to be displayed. (Figure 3.8) For additional information on the settings of the configuration window see the Carousel Manual available at 3 Player Software Installation 7

9 FIGURE 3.9: Carousel Display Engine Connection Tester Step 14: Once the configuration is set, press Save and allow the Display Engine to load your content. 3 Player Software Installation 8

10 4 BrightSign for Carousel Software 4.1 Requirements 4.2 Application Installation BrightSign Deployment Server for Carousel FIGURE 4.1: BrightSign Deployment Server for Carousel Installed and licensed Carousel Server running Carousel or later. If you do not have Carousel or later, but have an active System Assurance (SA) contract, please contact Tightrope Support for the latest update. If you do not have a valid SA, please contact your Dealer to purchase one. Carousel compatible BrightSign unit For a list of the current models, please visit BrightSign Deployment Server for Carousel application BrightSign Player Configuration Tool for Carousel application Visit to download the BrightSign for Carousel applications. Windows computer with an SD card reader/writer. Step 1: Run the downloaded BrightSign Deployment Server for Carousel application, BrightSign_Deployment_Server_for_Carousel_Z.Y.X.exe, installer on the installed Carousel Server. Step 2: Confirm the installation location of the BrightSign Recovery Files Install BrightSign Recovery files to C:\TRMS\Web\Carousel\brs (y/n)? by simply typing y. Step 3: If you are upgrading from a previous version you will be asked to confirm that you want to overwrite the existing files. C:\TRMS\Web\Carousel\brs\web.config already exists. You would like to overwrite it (y/n)? type y to continue. 9

11 Step 4: Confirm the installation location of the Carousel BrightConfig installer Install BrightSign Configuration Tool installer to C:\TRMS\Tools? (y/n) by simply typing y. Step 5: Press any key to exit the installer BrightSign Player Configuration Tool for Carousel Step 1: Run the downloaded BrightSign Player Configuration Tool for Carousel application, BrightSign_Player_Configuration_Tool_for_Carousel_Z.Y.X.msi, installer on a Windows computer with SD card reader/writer installed or attached. This will generally not be the Carousel Server. 4.3 Basic Configuration If you are just upgrading the BrightSign for Carousel software and do not want to change the Carousel Channel content you are finished. The BrightSign player(s) will download the latest files from the Server, reboot and start playing Carousel content again. FIGURE 4.2: BrightSign Player Configuration Tool for Carousel These steps are also outlined in the BrightSign for Carousel Quick Start sheet that is included with BrightSign unit purchased from Tightrope, or on our website at Step 1: Remove the SD card from the BrightSign unit, and place it in the SD card reader/writer. Step 2: Open the, now installed, BrightSign Player Configuration Tool for Carousel application. Step 3: Enter the IP address or Hostname of the Carousel Server and click Get Channel List. 4 BrightSign for Carousel Software 10

12 4.4 Additional Settings Network Settings FIGURE 4.3: BrightSign Player Configuration Tool for Carousel, Network Settings Step 4: Choose the channel you would like the unit to play. Step 5: Select your BrightSign model from the drop-down menu. Step 6: Set your network properties, as needed. Wireless requires an additional, optional, module. Step 7: Select the time-zone for the Player. Step 8: Click Create Setup Files and set the location to write them as the SD card. Step 9: Eject the SD card and insert into the BrightSign unit. The BrightSign unit will boot-up, download the latest firmware from the Carousel Server, reboot, install the latest firmware and reboot again before loading the channel for the first time. To update the software on the Players later on, simply update the version of the Carousel for BrightSign Deployment Tool and the latest software will be pushed out to the connected BrightSign Players. Assigning Static IP Enabling Wireless By default the BrightSign players are configured to obtain an IP address through DHCP. To assign a static IP address select the Use the following IP address option and enter the IP address, subnet, gateway, and DNS as provided by the your IT department. After installing the optional wireless module in the BrightSign player it may be configured to use a wireless network connection. To enable wireless check the box labeled Enable wireless and enter the SSID and password as provided by your IT department. SSID is case sensitive. 4 BrightSign for Carousel Software 11

13 Enabling a Proxy Server Some organizations require connection to the Carousel server through a proxy server. Proxy servers are configured by your IT department. To enable a proxy server check the box labeled Use proxy and enter the address and port provided by your IT department Monitor Control Settings FIGURE 4.4: BrightSign Player Configuration Tool for Carousel, Monitor Control Settings Power Save Monitor Control RS-232 Monitor Control All BrightSign players offer the ability to disable the video output on both the HDMI and VGA ports. Disabling the video output typically causes the display to enter power save mode and will enter standby or power off completely. Some displays enter power save immediately while others may wait up to 10 minutes. The time to enter power save is determined by the display and not the BrightSign player. Power save is configured for each player using the BrightSign Player Configuration Tool Step 1: Complete Section 4.3 on page 10, Basic Configuration up to Step 8 on the previous page Step 2: Select Power Save under the Monitor Control tab. Step 3: Set the desired on and off times for the display. The player will adhere to the time zone specified under the Time tab. Step 4: Continue with Step 8 on the preceding page, Basic Configuration and complete. Some BrightSign players provide functionality for sending serial commands via RS- 232 at specified times for turning the connected display on and off. This requires a display supporting RS-232 control and a connection via RS-232 from the BrightSign player to the display. The on and off commands are configured for each player using the BrightSign Player Configuration Tool. 4 BrightSign for Carousel Software 12

14 4.4.3 Syncronization Settings We are providing a simple tool to allow dealers and/or end users to pass serial on/off commands to displays. This functionality is not intended to be exhaustive or replace more advanced control systems such as AMX or Crestron. We have tested this functionality against a small set of displays to ensure the commands are passed correctly. We have not tested all major display brands, and are not storing a library of serial commands, RS-232 pin-outs, or baud rates. Please work directly with the display manufacturer to obtain the correct configuration settings. Step 1: Complete Section 4.3 on page 10, Basic Configuration up to Step 8 on page 11 Step 2: Select RS-232 under the Monitor Control tab. Step 3: Set the desired on and off times for the display. The player will adhere to the time zone specified under the Time tab. Step 4: Enter the serial string for both the monitor on and off commands along with baud rate as specified by the display manufacturer. Our application is designed to natively support Hexadecimal commands with proper handling of spaces, which enables you to paste the on/off commands and baud rate provided by the display s manufacturer without converting to bytes. Step 5: Continue with Step 8 on page 11, Basic Configuration and complete.! Player synchronization is utilized for a video wall or any set of displays/players intended to transition between bulletins simultaneously. To configure player synchronization complete the following steps. All players must play single zone channels only. Video wall displays/players are typically named or numbered starting on the top left, moving across the top row, and then beginning again on the left side of the next row down. For best results, we recommend using.mp4 or.mov containers for video files that will be synchronized across a video wall. FIGURE 4.5: BrightSign Player Configuration Tool for Carousel, Synchronization Settings Step 1: Complete Section 4.3 on page 10, Basic Configuration up to Step 8 on page 11 Step 2: Select the Synchronization tab and check the Enable Synchronization box. 4 BrightSign for Carousel Software 13

15 4.4.4 Advanced Settings FIGURE 4.6: BrightSign Player Configuration Tool for Carousel, Advanced Settings Step 3: Select Master or Slave. The master player dictates the timing of all bulletin transitions for the synchronized players. There can be only one master player. It is typically the top left player on a video wall. All other players comprising the video wall will be set to slave. Step 4: Specify a domain number (between 0 and 127). This number must be unique for each video wall on the network. This will ensure that multiple video walls can run on the same local network without synchronization messages interfering with each other. Step 5: Continue with Step 8 on page 11, Basic Configuration and complete. Diagnostic Web Server Skip Network Diagnostics Enable Serial Logging The Diagnostic Web Server (DWS) allows you to view and modify various settings on a networked BrightSign player. Once enabled, the DWS can be accessed with a web browser on any computer connected to the local network. For more information on how to use the Diagnostic Web Server, please see the Diagnostic Web Server User Guide available from BrightSign. Default login for the Diagnosic Web Server is: Username: admin Password: trms With this option selected the BrightSign Player will not perform the Network Diagnositics on boot. This option should only be used when perfoming troubleshooting with Support. RS-232 Monitor Control cannot be used with this option enabled, as the units only have 1 RS-232 port. 4 BrightSign for Carousel Software 14

16 Player Reset Tool After enabling this option: Step 1: Click Use Reset Tool and save the file to a blank SD card. Step 2: Insert the SD card into the BrightSign Player you wish to reset. This will reset all registry settings, but will not affect the current firmware. 4.5 Notes Portrait Mode Automated Update Process No configuration is required on the BrightSign player to enable portrait mode. The BrightSign player automatically rotates content 90 degrees clockwise when the Carousel channel s height is greater than its width. Tightrope and BrightSign will continue developing player enhancements and features well into the future. When a new software and/or firmware update is released it will be quick and easy to deploy. Simply install the latest release on the Carousel server. The BrightSign XD and XD2 media players periodically check the server for new firmware and script updates, and will automatically download and install the updates once they are detected. Software and Firmware versions included in the BrightSign Deployment Server for Carousel are dependent on one another. Newer versions of firmware are sometimes available on the BrightSign website, but should not be downloaded and installed, as it will not be supported with our Carousel for BrightSign Players software. New versions of firmware will become available with each new release of BrightSign for Carousel, after it has been qualified Device Recovery The BrightSign XD and XD2 media players monitor the health of the file structure on the unit s SD card. If the unit determines the file structure is unhealthy it will download a fresh set of script files and reboot itself. Additionally, if an SD card fails, a blank SD card can be placed in the unit. The player will download the latest script files from the server, reboot and play its latest Carousel channel content once again. 4 BrightSign for Carousel Software 15

17 List of Figures 2.1 FrontDoor: Server Setup: Licensing Start Menu: Power Options Power Options Control Panel Power Options Control Panel: Create a Plan Power Options Control Panel: Plan Settings Personalization Control Panel Windows Security Alert Carousel Display Engine Splash Screen Carousel Display Engine Configuration Carousel Display Engine Connection Tester BrightSign Deployment Server for Carousel BrightSign Player Configuration Tool for Carousel BrightSign Player Configuration Tool for Carousel, Network Settings BrightSign Player Configuration Tool for Carousel, Monitor Control Settings BrightSign Player Configuration Tool for Carousel, Synchronization Settings BrightSign Player Configuration Tool for Carousel, Advanced Settings 14 16