Digital Signage & Distribution System

Summary

Nixfon created a comprehensive digital signage system for Inscreen Systems to help create, manage, distribute and playback digital media content over an IP network.

The Client

Inscreen Systems is a leader in the digital signage industry in Malaysia. They had secured a contract from TMNet to implement 50 Hotspots all over Klang Valley with plasma displays and digital content.

The Business Need

The client needed an easy-to-use, web-based system to create, manage, distribute and playback digital content in remote locations. The content was to be created and managed from a central location.

The Challenges

Inscreen wanted a system that was capable of handling multiple content ranging from advertisement videos to news feeds. The system should be able manage and distribute this content to 50-100 locations seamlessly via a broadband connection with minimum human intervention.

The Nixfon Solution

We developed a fully integrated system with two main components, IServer (Server Side Component) and Iplayer (Plasma/Player Side Component). IServer is a web based system which handles the operational aspects of the distribution and content management. This system allows for easy input of video files, news feeds, different screen layout templates as well as customized templates and also personalized flash banner logos to suit customers’ request.

IServer also has a few unique features, it tracks all files transferred and played on the player side and provides a detailed report on number of times a video is played, location, time and manages file playlist based on client as well as location.

IPlayer is a Windows-based component developed to run on the mini PCs attached to the Plasma TVs. This system handles the tasks that are assigned by IServer. It stores the files that are transferred from the server along with the playlist and the chosen template. Based on a stipulated time in the playlist, files are retrieved and played. It requires minimum human input. Even switching the IPlayer on/off is done automatically from the server. Iplayer also sends an e-mail to the administrator if the PCs are faulty/down or manually shutdown by anyone.

Value Delivered

The digital signage and distribution system addressed the need for a fully automated content distribution system which incorporates the latest IT technology with use of broadband infrastructure to create a whole new media for advertisers and information providers alike.

It is developed using a unique technology that enables large video files to be transferred quickly and efficiently via FTP. The system also features a billing module which calculates revenue and profits based on rate cards provided by the client.
The system is developed using .Net architecture in a modular basis which allows for easy enhancement and customization.