MagicBox VIP User Manual
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User Manual v1.65
Copyright © 2005 MagicBox, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
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Introduction...................................................................................................................1
Hardware........................................................................................................... 1
Software ............................................................................................................. 2
About This Manual........................................................................................... 2
Customer Support ............................................................................................ 3
Bugs .................................................................................................................... 3
Copyright and Use............................................................................................ 4
Credits ................................................................................................................ 5
Warranty ............................................................................................................ 6
Software License ............................................................................................... 7
FCC Statement................................................................................................... 8
Important Safety Instructions.......................................................................... 9
Hardware Setup.........................................................................................................11
Box Contents.................................................................................................... 11
Find a Suitable Location................................................................................. 12
Connections ..................................................................................................... 12
Select a Television Standard.......................................................................... 13
Connect a Monitor .......................................................................................... 13
Connect the Ethernet Adapter VIP “Express” Models Only ....................... 14
Connect the Power.......................................................................................... 15
Test the Demo Disk......................................................................................... 15
Configure the VIP Unit .................................................................................. 16
Set the Date............................................................................................... 16
Set the Time .............................................................................................. 17
Exit the Setup Screen............................................................................... 18
VIP Unit Reference...................................................................................................19
Player Unit Capabilities .................................................................................19
Floppy Disk Playback.............................................................................. 19
Serial Transfer........................................................................................... 19
Modem Transfer....................................................................................... 20
Ethernet Networking............................................................................... 20
Important Considerations.............................................................................. 21
Using the Remote Control..............................................................................23
Remote Control Buttons................................................................................. 23
Power -
................................................................................................... 23
Play -
...................................................................................................... 23
Arrows -
..................................................................................... 24
Select -
.................................................................................................... 24
Menu -
.................................................................................................... 24
Opt 1, Opt 2, Tag, Esc -
............................................................. 24
Starting the Unit .............................................................................................. 24
The Main Menu Screen................................................................................... 25
Load Pictures From VIP Disk................................................................. 25
Enter Setup Screen ................................................................................... 26
Loading a Project............................................................................................. 26
The Gallery Screen .......................................................................................... 27
The Setup Menu ..............................................................................................28
Preferences................................................................................................ 28
Time / Date............................................................................................... 30
Setting the Date ........................................................................................30
Setting the Time........................................................................................31
Version....................................................................................................... 31
Reset........................................................................................................... 32
Upgrade..................................................................................................... 32
Password................................................................................................... 32
Network Setup .........................................................................................32
Select a Network Adapter Type...................................................... 33
Set the Network Address................................................................. 34
Set the Subnet Mask..........................................................................34
Set the Gateway................................................................................. 35
The “Domain” Menu........................................................................ 35
Verifying the Network Setup .................................................................35
Updating the Unit’s Software........................................................................ 36
VIP Composer Installation..................................................................................39
Requirements................................................................................................... 39
Starting Setup… .............................................................................................. 39
Using Setup...................................................................................................... 40
Typical....................................................................................................... 42
Compact .................................................................................................... 42
Custom ...................................................................................................... 42
VIP Composer Configuration.............................................................................45
Launching VIP Composer ............................................................................. 45
The Setup Menu.............................................................................................. 46
The “Preferences” Tab............................................................................. 46
The “Sites” Tab......................................................................................... 46
“Floppy” Sites ................................................................................... 48
“Serial” Sites...................................................................................... 48
“Modem” Sites.................................................................................. 49
“Network” Sites................................................................................ 49
Completing Site Setup............................................................................. 50
VIP Composer Tutorial...........................................................................................51
Launching VIP Composer ............................................................................. 51
The Tutorial Disk ............................................................................................ 52
Opening the Tutorial Project......................................................................... 53
The Project Editor ........................................................................................... 55
Selecting a Page............................................................................................... 55
The Page Editor............................................................................................... 57
The Tool Palette and Tool Bar................................................................ 57
The Safe Text Area Guides ..................................................................... 58
Changing the Background............................................................................. 59
Changing the Text........................................................................................... 63
Page Properties................................................................................................ 68
General ...................................................................................................... 69
Description ........................................................................................ 69
Dwell Time ........................................................................................ 70
Transition Style ................................................................................. 70
Transition Speed............................................................................... 70
Output Quality.................................................................................. 71
Time Domain............................................................................................ 72
Starting Date / Ending Date ........................................................... 72
Starting Time / Ending Time.......................................................... 73
Day of Week ...................................................................................... 73
Full Example...................................................................................... 73
Project Properties ............................................................................................ 74
Author / Company / Notes................................................................... 75
Version / Created By............................................................................... 75
Default Dwell............................................................................................75
Reordering Pages ............................................................................................78
Saving Your Work........................................................................................... 80
More Time Domain Examples....................................................................... 80
Publishing to a VIP Unit.................................................................................83
Creating Your Own Project............................................................................ 86
Linked Pages.................................................................................................... 89
More About Publishing.................................................................................. 91
Publishing to a Single Site.......................................................................91
Publishing to Multiple Sites....................................................................92
Project Selection .......................................................................................93
Publishing Progress................................................................................. 93
Floppy................................................................................................. 94
Serial ...................................................................................................95
Modem ............................................................................................... 95
Network .............................................................................................96
Status Report.............................................................................................96
Frequently Asked Questions…………………………………………………..106
VIP User Manual 1
IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn
The VIP (Video Information Player) system allows you to create slides on
your PC with graphics and text which can then be played back on a
video monitor using the VIP unit.
A variety of applications can be served by a VIP, including advertising,
announcements, schedules, point of sale displays, and more. Use the
VIP wherever you have one or more monitors that need to display
messages in the form of still images.
Hardware
The VIP unit is a dedicated video slide player in a small set-top style
package. It features high quality output, low power consumption, few
moving parts, quiet operation, and an easy to use interface with an
infrared remote control. VIP playback units come in four versions:
Model Name Capacity (Approx.) Ethernet Bundled PC Software
VIP1 VIP Base 30 Images via Disk No VIP Composer
50 Images via Serial
50 Images via Modem * (See Note)
VIP2 VIP Express 30 Images via Disk Yes VIP Composer Express
50 Images via Serial
50 Images via Modem
50 Images via Network
VIP3 VIP Plus 30 Images via Disk No VIP Composer Express
150 Images via Serial
150 Images via Modem
VIP4 VIP Plus Express 30 Images via Disk Yes VIP Composer Express
150 Images via Serial
150 Images via Modem
150 Images via Network
* To use a VIP1’s modem capabilities, an upgrade to VIP Composer Express is required.
2 VIP User Manual
Software
Each VIP unit comes with a version of MagicBox’s “VIP Composer
Professional” software. This software can be installed onto a Windows
(95, 98, NT, 2000, or XP) computer allowing you to place text messages
over graphical backgrounds.
The backgrounds can come from many sources, including other
Windows applications, your own scanned photos or digital camera
images, the MagicBox background library, and more. You can copy and
paste text directly into “VIP Composer” from other programs such as
Microsoft Word, Corel Word Perfect, Netscape, etc.
About This Manual
This manual is organized as a reference. Every menu and feature of the
VIP hardware is described in the order it appears on the program menus.
A tutorial section is also provided to familiarize new users with the basic
functions of the hardware and getting started with VIP Composer.
You should skim through this manual once before setting up your unit
or installing your software in order to get an overview of how the VIP
works. Then, read through each chapter, especially the tutorial,
following the examples given. If you need quick reference to particular
features, you will find each feature listed in the table of contents.
Throughout the manual, tips and important items will be highlighted in
the following manner:
Text in this style of box represents a helpful tip or
important concept in using the VIP system.
⌧
Text in this style of box describes very important
information to prevent loss of data or damage to your
system.
VIP User Manual 3
Customer Support
Should you have any questions about installing or using your MagicBox
VIP system, please call our technical support line at 541-752-5542, send a
fax to 541-752-5614, or write to:
MagicBox, Inc.
1600 SW Western, Suite 130
Corvallis, OR 97333
You can also send email to:
support@magicboxinc.com
Your email inquiries will be answered within one business day, usually
the same day. Email is also the best way to communicate with us after
hours or on weekends. You may also visit our web site:
http://www.magicboxinc.com
Bugs
It is said that Murphy was an optimist only because he never had to use
a computer. Even the best-tested systems have unexpected problems.
We are dedicated to offering high-quality, bug-free products.
If you should encounter any unusual difficulties, please try to note the
circumstances under which the problem occurred. Try to duplicate the
results, if possible. These steps will help us to better isolate and solve the
problem. Please contact us right away when you find a bug – if we don’t
hear about it, we can’t fix it.
4 VIP User Manual
Copyright and Use
This manual and the software described herein are copyrighted with all
rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, neither this manual nor the
software may be copied, in whole or in part, without the written
permission of MagicBox, Inc.
MagicBox®, VIP™, and VIP Composer™ are trademarks of MagicBox,
Inc. Other terms, including TrueType, InstallShield, Windows, JPEG,
etc., are trademarks of their respective manufacturers.
The software in the VIP player unit was jointly developed. Portions of
the software are copyrighted by Avicor, Inc., and other portions by
MagicBox, Inc.
The backgrounds and fonts present on the VIP CD-ROM are copyrighted
by their original distributors and are present under a special
arrangement with MagicBox, Inc. These images and fonts are provided
for use in commercial and educational video production, broadcast,
cablecast, and closed-circuit applications. The image files may not be
redistributed in other media, including print; nor may the original image
files be translated into other formats for other platforms. The fonts may
be used by a single user by any application which supports them.
These companies are the original copyright holders of the images and
fonts included on the VIP CD-ROM. Written permission from the
copyright holder is required for uses of images and fonts in media or
applications other than those mentioned above.
Dimension Technologies, Inc. 100 Sample Backgrounds
4612 NE 20th Avenue
Ocala, FL 34479
VIP User Manual 5
Credits
Executive Producer:
Tom Searcy
Project Director:
Bob Richardson
Production Manager:
Karl Frederick
VIP Composer Software:
Karl Ott
VIP Player Development:
Gavin Bradshaw
Brian Larsen
Bryan Silbermann
Special Thanks:
Garrett Andres
Scott Bowman
Anne Davies
Ramona Perry-Campbell
6 VIP User Manual
Warranty
The VIP player unit hardware is warranted against defects in parts and
labor for a period of one year from the date of purchase. This warranty
does not apply to damage caused by misuse or external forces such as
power fluctuations, extreme temperatures, exposure to excessive
moisture, or other acts of nature.
The CD-ROM and floppy disks are warranted to be free from media
defects for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase.
This warranty does not cover shipping and handling charges for
replacement components or merchandise.
VIP User Manual 7
Software License
SOFTWARE PROGRAM LICENSE AGREEMENT
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
COPYRIGHT
This manual and software described herein are copyrighted with all rights reserved. Under the copyright laws,
neither this manual nor the software may be copied, in whole or in part, without the written permission of
MagicBox, Inc.
DISCLAIMER
The software is licensed and delivered on an "as is" basis. Except for the express warranty set forth below,
MagicBox, Inc. makes no other warranties, either expressed or implied, by statute or otherwise, regarding the
enclosed computer software product, its quality, its performance, its merchantability, or its fitness for any
particular purpose. The entire risk as to the results and performance of any program is assumed by you. Should
the program prove defective, you (and not MagicBox, Inc. or its dealers) assume the entire cost of all necessary
servicing, repair, or correction. Further, MagicBox, Inc. does not warrant, guarantee or make any representations
regarding the terms of corrections, accuracy, reliability, currentness, or otherwise; and you rely on the program
and results solely at your own risk.
LIMITED WARRANTY
MagicBox, Inc. warrants that the disks on which this software is recorded are free from defects in material and
workmanship, under normal use for 90 (ninety) days after the date of original purchase. If a defect occurs during
the 90-day period, you may return the disks to MagicBox, Inc. for a free replacement. The remedy for breach of this
warranty shall be limited to replacement and shall not encompass any other damages, including but not limited to
loss of profit, and special, incidental, or other similar claims.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
MagicBox Inc.'s liability is limited solely to the repair or replacement of the defective product, in its sole discretion,
and shall not in any event include damages for loss of use or loss of anticipated profits or benefits or other
incidental or consequential costs, expenses, or damages, including without limitation any data or information
which may be lost or rendered inaccurate, even if MagicBox, Inc. has been advised of the possibility of such
damages. Some states do not allow a limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts, or limitation of incidental
or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you
specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
LICENSE RESTRICTIONS
The licensed software and all associated documentation, and all proprietary and intellectual property rights
therein, are and shall remain the exclusive property of MagicBox Inc. Licensee agrees not to (a) modify, adapt,
alter, translate, or create derivative works from the licensed software or associated documentation, except as
expressly permitted; (b) reverse engineer, de-compile, dissemble or un-assemble in any way the licensed software;
or (c) distribute or disclose to others the licensed software or associated documentation.
MISCELLANEOUS
This agreement represents the entire understanding regarding the programs and related documentation and
supersedes any prior purchase order, communications, or representations. MagicBox, Inc. products and services
are interoperable only with specific 3
rd
party products and services, the definition of which is reserved solely and
without limitation at MagicBox, Inc.’s discretion, and may be changed without notice at any time. Contact
MagicBox Inc. for a list of approved 3
rd
party vendor products, services and/or limitations. This agreement may
only be modified by an officer of MagicBox, Inc. If any provision of the agreement shall be deemed unlawful, void,
or for any reason unenforceable, it shall be deemed severable from, and shall in no way affect the validity and
enforceability of the remaining provisions of the agreement.
This license agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state of Oregon.
8 VIP User Manual
FCC Statement
Federal Communications Commission
(FCC Statement)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed in
accordance with the instructions in this manual, harmful interference to radio communication may occur.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause interference to radio and television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on,
the user is encouraged to try and correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the space between the equipment and the receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from the one to which
the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for additional
suggestions. The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission
helpful: “How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems”. This booklet is available from the U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402 by ordering Stock No. 004-00000345-4.
WARNING:
A shielded-type power cord is required in order to meet the FCC emission limits and also to prevent interference to
the nearby radio and television reception. It is essential that only the supplied power cord be used. Use only
shielded cables to connect I/O devices to this equipment.
Canadian Doc Notice
For Class B Computing Devices
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out
in the Radio Interference Regulation of the Canadian Department of Communications. “Le présent appareil
numérique n’èmet pas de bruits radioélectroniques dépassant les limites applicable aux apparils numéeriques de las
class B prescrites dan le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le ministrère des Communications
du Canada.”
VIP User Manual 9
Important Safety Instructions
⌧
The following instructions describe how to prevent
physical injury to yourself or others, as well as how to
prevent damage to the unit. Read these instructions
thoroughly before attempting to setup or install your unit.
1. Please read these instructions thoroughly.
2. Please keep this guide for future use.
3. Please disconnect the device from the main supply before cleaning.
Do not use any liquid or aerosol spray cleaners.
4. To avoid damage of the device, you should only use accessory parts
permitted by the manufacturer.
5. The device must be protected against moisture.
6. To setup the device, it must be put in a stable horizontal position.
Tipping it over or dropping it may cause injuries. Only use safe setup
locations and follow the setup instructions of the manufacturer.
7. The ventilation openings are used for air circulation which protect the
device against overheating. Do not block the ventilation openings.
8. To connect the device, follow the connected load values of the main
supply.
9. Due to electrical safety, the wall socket must be equipped with a nonfused grounded conductor contact.
10. The power cable must be positioned in a way that nobody may trip
over it. There should be nothing resting on the cable.
11. All instructions and warning remarks on the device must be
followed.
12. If the device will not be used for a long time period, you should
disconnect it.
13. Any objects or liquids should never enter the device via its openings.
This could cause a fire or an electric shock.
10 VIP User Manual
14. Do not open the device unless instructed to do so by authorized
customer service personnel.
15. If the following conditions occur, the device must be disconnected
from the main power, and it must be checked by a qualified service
center:
A. Power cable or power plug are damaged.
B. Liquid has entered the device.
C. The device was exposed to moisture.
D. When the device does not operate according to the manual, or
you do not achieve any improvement with the aid of the manual.
E. The device has been dropped and/or the casing is damaged.
F. The device gives off excessive heat or a burning smell.
G. When the device shows obvious signs of a defect.
16. For repair, only original spare parts or parts in accordance with the
original specifications may be used. Use of unsuitable parts can cause
more damage and may void your warranty.
17. Please turn to the manufacturer for all questions concerning service
and repair.
18. The power outlet must be installed near the equipment and must be
easily accessible.
VIP User Manual 11
HHaarrddw
waarree SSeettuupp
Box Contents
Before you begin setup of your VIP unit, make sure that the following
components are included in the original packaging:
__ VIP Main System Unit
__ Remote Control
__ Power Cord
__ Ethernet Adapter (“Express” Models Only)
__ Ethernet Adapter Power Supply (“Express” Models Only)
__ Batteries for Remote Control (3x)
__ RCA to BNC Adapter Plug
__ RCA Video Cable
__ S-Video Cable
__ Software Installation CD
__ This User Manual
__ Demo Floppy Disk
__ Project Transfer Floppy Disks (2x)
__ Tutorial Floppy Disk
__ Warranty/Registration Card
Be sure to fill out and send in your registration card
right away. We must have your registration card on
file to be able to provide support (except for initial
setup support) and product updates.
12 VIP User Manual
Find a Suitable Location
The VIP unit should be placed on a stable, flat, level surface. Ensure that
the unit is not in a place where it may be easily knocked over, have its
cords tripped over, or have liquids spilled into it. The VIP unit warranty
does not cover damage caused by accidents or misuse.
An optional rack-mounting kit is available for professional/industrial
installations. If you have this kit, follow the instructions included with
the kit before hooking up cables to your VIP unit.
Connections
Most of the VIP’s connections are found on the rear panel, shown below.
In addition, a serial port is located on the front of the unit, behind a flipup plastic cover.
If you intend to use the serial port, you must use a VIP Serial Cable from
MagicBox, Inc. Use of other cables which may seem to fit, such as
Macintosh serial cables or S-Video cables, could damage the VIP unit.
Such damage is not covered by warranty.
VIP Rear Panel Diagram
The connectors, from left to right, are “Printer”, “VGA”, “S-Video”,
“Video”, “Audio L&R”, and “Power”. The Printer port is used to
connect the Ethernet adapter on VIP Express models. The Audio ports
are for future expansion and are not currently used.
⌧
Ensure that the VIP unit’s power cord is unplugged
before adding or changing any other connections.
Connecting cables while the power is applied may cause
damage to your VIP unit. Such damage is not covered
by warranty.
VIP User Manual 13
Select a Television Standard
Different parts of the world use different television standards. The
standard used in most of North America is called “NTSC”. The standard
used in many European countries is called “PAL”.
On the back of the VIP unit is a switch labeled “NTSC / PAL” – ensure
that this switch is set to the standard used at your location.
Connect a Monitor
The VIP unit supports several different types of display devices as
shown below:
The “VGA” port supports any PC-style RGB monitor. The “S-Video”
port supports professional video monitors with multi-pin inputs labeled
“S-Video”, “S-VHS”, or “Y/C”. The “Video” port outputs standard
composite video which may be connected to a video monitor or a
television with “A/V” or “Aux” inputs.
Only one output connector may be used at a time. The
VIP automatically detects which connector is hooked
up to a monitor when the VIP is first turned on. If you
have a blank screen, it might be because the monitor
was connected after the VIP was already on. Turn the
VIP power off and back on using the remote control to
correct the problem.
14 VIP User Manual
Connect the Ethernet Adapter
VIP “Express” Models Only
VIP Express models include an Ethernet networking adapter. There are
two varieties of Ethernet adapters, “Silicom” style and “Xircom” style.
Compare the adapter supplied with your unit with the photos below to
determine which type you have.
“Silicom” Ethernet Adapter and Power Supply
“Xircom” Ethernet Adapter and Power Supply
With the power cable disconnected from the VIP unit, connect the
adapter to the “Parallel” port on the rear of the VIP, tightening the
screws for a secure connection. Then, connect the Ethernet adapter’s
power supply and your network cable. (Contact your network
administrator to help you identify your network’s cable connection if
necessary.)
VIP User Manual 15
“Xircom”-style Ethernet adapters have a softwarecontrolled power light. This power light won’t come
on until the VIP unit has been configured to work with
the adapter, so you may not see the power light until
after you have adjusted VIP’s setup menus.
Connect the Power
Once you are sure everything is connected properly, connect the power
cable to the rear of the VIP unit and then plug it into a power outlet.
Test the Demo Disk
Once you’ve connected a monitor to your VIP unit and have applied
power, you should see one of the menu screens on your unit, such as the
one shown here:
At this point, insert the included demonstration disk. The unit should
change to a “gallery” screen like the one shown below (the individual
images may vary), and you will see each page being loaded from the
disk. If you receive any error messages during this process, you may
have a defective demo disk or a defective floppy drive. (Do not press
any buttons on the remote during the loading procedure – this will
interrupt the unit.)
16 VIP User Manual
Once all of the demo pages have been loaded, they will begin playing
automatically. If you have successfully reached this stage, your unit is
ready to go into service. Be sure to follow the steps under “Configure
the VIP Unit”, on the next page.
Configure the VIP Unit
At any point you may press the “Menu” button on the remote control,
and the VIP unit will enter the Setup Screen:
If you have a VIP “Express” model, you will also see a “Network” option
above the “Preferences” option.
Set the Date
VIP User Manual 17
Using the arrow buttons ( ) on the remote, highlight
“Time/Date” and press the Select (
) button. A sub-menu will
appear with the options “Set Time” and “Set Date”. Highlight
“Set Date” and press the Select (
) button.
A 6-digit digital display showing the current Month, Day, and
Year will appear. Use the left and right arrow buttons to select
which digit you wish to modify, and use the up and down arrow
buttons to change the value of that digit. To enter years greater
than 1999, use “00” for 2000, “01” for 2001, etc.
Once you have adjusted the digits to reflect the current date, use
the arrow buttons to highlight “Set” and press Select (
). You
will be returned to the Setup Screen.
It is important to set the date and time because the VIP
unit uses this information to determine when to play
certain pages that you have created. When you create
pages on your PC, you can set starting and ending
dates and times.
Set the Time
Using the arrow buttons (
) on the remote, highlight
“Time/Date” and press the Select (
) button. A sub-menu will
appear with the options “Set Time” and “Set Date”. Highlight
“Set Time” and press the Select (
) button.
18 VIP User Manual
A 4-digit digital display showing the current Hour and Minute,
will appear. Use the left and right arrow buttons to select which
digit you wish to modify, and use the up and down arrow
buttons to change the value of that digit.
This menu uses 24-hour notation, meaning that hours
range from 00 to 23 instead of the usual 1-12 am./pm.
For example, Midnight is 00:00, 8am is 08:00, Noon is
12:00, 1pm is 13:00 and 11pm is 23:00.
Once you have adjusted the digits to reflect the current time, use
the arrow buttons to highlight “Set” and press Select (
). You
will be returned to the Setup Screen.
Exit the Setup Screen
When you are done setting the date and time, highlight “Exit
Menu” and press Select (
). The unit will return to the main
menu or gallery view, depending on where you originally
started. If you want to resume playback of images, press
Play (
) on the remote.
For more details on the Setup Screen, including the
“Network” menu for VIP “Express” models, refer to
the next section of this manual, “VIP Unit Reference.”
The network information is under the heading
“Network Setup.”
VIP User Manual 19
VVIIPP UUnniitt RReeffeerreennccee
Player Unit Capabilities
Floppy Disk Playback
All VIP playback units accept floppy disks created using the VIP
Composer software. The VIP unit displays the pages found on the
floppy in the order specified as part of your VIP Composer project.
Normally, the process is as simple as inserting a floppy disk and
letting the unit automatically take over. Additionally, you can
manually control display of pages using the remote control.
The number of pages that can fit on a single floppy disk will vary
depending on the complexity and quality of those images, but
typically you can expect to fit 30 pages on a disk.
Serial Transfer
All VIP units can be updated using a serial cable connected to a PC,
instead of needing a floppy disk for transfer.
⌧
If you intend to use the serial port, you must use a VIP Serial
Cable from MagicBox, Inc. Use of other cables whi ch may
seem to fit, such as Macintosh serial cables or S-Video
cables, could damage the VIP unit. Such damage is not
covered by warranty.
Because no floppy disk is used, it’s available storage space is not a
limitation. Instead, the approximate number of images that can be
included in a project varies depending on the memory available in
the VIP model you have:
VIP1 – “VIP Base” Approx. 50 Images
VIP2 – “VIP Express” Approx. 50 Images
VIP3 – “VIP Plus” Approx. 150 Images
VIP4 – “VIP Plus Express” Approx. 150 Images
20 VIP User Manual
Modem Transfer
In addition to the direct serial cable, VIP units can receive images via
a modem. The VIP unit automatically detects a modem when it
boots.
⌧
If you intend to use the serial port with a modem, you must
use a VIP Modem Cable from MagicBox, Inc. Use of other
cables which may seem to fit, such as Macintosh seri al
cables or S-Video cables, could damage the VIP unit. Such
damage is not covered by warranty.
MagicBox, Inc. recommends US-Robotics Sportster 56K modems for
use with the VIP unit.
The image capacity of VIP units when used with a modem is the
same as when using a direct serial connection.
Modem communications requires the “VIP Composer Express”
software on the calling PC. The VIP Base model (VIP1) does not
include the “Express” version of VIP Composer. If you have this
model and wish to upgrade to modem capability, please contact
MagicBox, Inc.
Ethernet Networking
The “VIP Express” (VIP2) and “VIP Plus Express” (VIP4) models
include an Ethernet network adapter and built-in network software.
This allows the units to receive images over a corporate LAN or even
the Internet when properly configured.
Ethernet networking can be a complex subject. If you are
not familiar with terms such as “TCP/IP”, “IP Address”,
“Subnet Mask”, etc., then it is recommended that you have
your Network Administrator assist you with the initial
setup of the VIP unit.
The storage capacities of the “Express” models are the same as when
using them in Serial or Modem modes.
VIP User Manual 21
Important Considerations
Please keep the following issues in mind when setting up and operating the
VIP playback unit.
Protect the unit from power loss.
The image storage memory inside the VIP unit is not permanent. If the unit
loses power due to a power failure or if it is unplugged, it will need to reload its images. (The unit’s settings however are protected from power loss.)
If the unit is updated via floppy, it will automatically attempt to reload the
images from the floppy.
For serial, modem, and Ethernet modes, however, the images will have to be
re-sent from the VIP Composer software. For this reason, MagicBox, Inc.
recommends using an uninterruptable power supply with the unit.
Many inexpensive UPS models are available on the market, or you can
contact MagicBox, Inc. directly to order a suitable model. A typical UPS with
a capacity of 280VA can power a VIP unit for well over 12 hours.
Ensure that the date and time are set correctly.
The VIP unit takes into account the current time and date when playing back
pages. When you create pages in VIP Composer, you can schedule them to
only show up at certain times. Because of this, it is important that the VIP
unit be set to the correct date and time. See the previous chapter on setting
up the hardware for information on programming the date and time.
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The VIP unit turns on automatically.
The VIP unit has no hard power switch. When you plug the unit in, it will
immediately turn on. You can put the unit into sleep mode using the remote
control, but the unit will turn on again after a power interruption.
Do not connect more than one video output at a time.
The VIP unit supports VGA, Composite, and S-Video output formats.
However, it only can produce one of these signals at a time. It automatically
detects which input is connected when you first apply power, so be sure that
your monitor is connected before you plug in the VIP unit’s power cord.
Leave a disk in the unit if you can.
Once all your pages have loaded from a disk, the disk is no longer accessed.
Pages are played entirely from the unit’s memory. However, if the power
fails, the disk will be needed again for the pages to automatically reload. If
your VIP unit is located in an area (such as a retail counter-top display)
where the disk is likely to get lost or stolen, then we recommend that the VIP
unit be plugged into an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) so that it is less
likely to need to reload pages from the disk.
VIP User Manual 23
Using the Remote Control
The VIP unit’s functions are accessed using the
included infrared remote control.
If you intend to use the VIP unit purely as an automatic
playback device, you will not need the remote control
after you have set things up the way you like. Store the
remote in a safe place where it will not be lost, and
where you will be able to find it easily again should
you need to change a VIP setting later.
At the top of the remote control is an activity light.
This light will blink every time you press a button on
the remote. If you do not see the activity light blink,
then check to be sure that fresh batteries are installed in
the unit, and that the batteries are oriented in the
proper direction.
Remote Control Buttons
Power -
This button will enter and exit the VIP unit’s sleep mode.
If the VIP unit is on, press the Power (
) button to make the unit go
to sleep. The display will go blank and the power light will turn off.
It is only necessary to press this button once – there may be a delay
before the unit goes to sleep.
If the VIP unit is off, press the Power (
) button to wake up the unit.
The unit will display the main menu screen, and then if there is a
disk inserted it will automatically begin loading pages.
Play -
This will cause the unit to enter playback mode. Normally, the unit
will automatically begin playing pages after it has loaded them.
However, if you have accessed other menus using the remote, you
will need to press play for the unit to resume.
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Arrows -
During playback, you can use the Next (
) and Previous ( ) arrow
functions to use the VIP unit as a live slideshow.
When accessing menus, the arrow buttons navigate the menus and
change the values of selections.
Select -
The Select (
) button functions like an Enter key. Use it to choose a
highlighted menu item.
In playback mode, pressing Select will stop playback and take you to
the Gallery view (more about the Gallery view later in this chapter).
Menu -
The Menu (
) button takes you to the VIP setup menu.
Opt 1, Opt 2, Tag, Esc -
These buttons are reserved for new functions in the future and are
not currently used by the VIP unit.
Starting the Unit
When you first turn the unit on (by connecting the power for the first time,
or taking the unit out of sleep mode by pressing the Power (
) button on the
remote control), you will see the following splash screen for a few seconds:
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