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PN-SS01
User Manual
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Sharp PN-SV01, PN-SS01 User Manual

SHARP Digital Signage Software
PN-SS01 PN-SS02 PN-SV01
OPERATION MANUAL
2
Introduction
Precautions on use ........................................................................................................................... 5
Trademarks ........................................................................................................................................ 6
How to read this manual ................................................................................................................... 6
Definitions .......................................................................................................................................... 7
System operation precautions ......................................................................................................... 7
Program distribution workflow ........................................................................................................ 9
Installing/Launching
Required operating environment ................................................................................................... 11
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software .................................................................................. 12
Launching and closing the Launcher window .............................................................................. 26
Program Creation/Editing
The main Program Editor window ................................................................................................. 28
Creating programs .......................................................................................................................... 30
●Setting the PIP window ............................................................................................................................ 43
Creating/Editing a Timetable
The main Timetable Editor window ................................................................................................ 48
Creating a timetable ........................................................................................................................ 50

Contents

3
Contents
Creating/Editing Schedules
The main Schedule Editor window ................................................................................................ 58
Creating a schedule ........................................................................................................................ 60
Panel Management and Option
Managing panels ............................................................................................................................. 66
Option ............................................................................................................................................... 70
Distributing schedules
The main Schedule Distribution Tool window .............................................................................. 72
Distributing schedules .................................................................................................................... 73
Displaying break-in programs ........................................................................................................ 78
List of Reserved Distribution/List of Distribution Log ................................................................. 82
Schedule Management
Server Scheduler ............................................................................................................................. 84
Schedule Reception/Program Display
FTP Server ........................................................................................................................................ 85
Client Scheduler .............................................................................................................................. 86
Program Viewer ............................................................................................................................... 89
4
Monitoring status
The main Status Monitoring Tool window ..................................................................................... 90
Acquiring and displaying panel status .......................................................................................... 93
Setting the operation environment ................................................................................................ 97
Contents
5
Thank you for purchasing SHARP Digital Signage Software. SHARP Digital Signage Software comes in three versions: The Standalone, Network, and Viewer Versions. This manual covers all three versions. Where editions differ in terms of usage restrictions and functionality, this fact is clearly indicated.
IMPORTANT: To aid reporting in case of loss or theft, please record the product’s model and serial numbers in the space provided.
Model No.:
Serial No.:
U.S.A. ONLY

Precautions on use

• This product is subject to exacting quality control and product inspection before shipment. In the unlikely event that a failure or malfunction occurs, contact your retailer.
• Please understand that SHARP CORPORATION bears no responsibility for errors made during use by the customer or a third party, nor for any other malfunctions or damage to this product arising during use, except where indemnity liability is recognized under law.
• Under copyright law, the use of this product to duplicate, edit or otherwise alter copyrighted material is only permitted in cases where such duplicated or edited material is for individual or home use.
If material is duplicated and/or edited beyond this scope, and if such duplicated or edited material is used,
(except in cases where the user themselves holds the copyright for the object of the duplicated material or where the user has received permission from the copyright holder), this will constitute a violation of copyright law and may lead to the copyright holder or other parties claiming compensation for damages. Such use should therefore be strictly avoided.
When using photo image data, DVD images, TV broadcasts or similar material with this product, the above
uses that constitute copyright violation should, naturally, be strictly avoided. Using, modifying, or otherwise altering images of other people without permission constitutes a violation of portrait rights, and should also be strictly avoided.
• When showing TV, DVDs, or similar copyrighted programs and/or material you must obtain the permission of the copyright holder or copyright holders.
• Transcribing or duplicating part or all of this manual and/or this software without permission from our company is not permitted.
• As a part of our policy of continuous improvement, SHARP reserves the right to make design and specification changes for product improvement without prior notice. The performance specification figures indicated are nominal values of production units. There may be some deviations from these values in individual units.

Introduction

6

Trademarks

• Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista, PowerPoint, and Windows Media are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
• The Microsoft Internet Explorer logo is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
• Flash and Flash Player are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.
• Intel, Celeron, and Pentium are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Intel Corporation and/or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries.
• QuickTime and the QuickTime logo are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the United States and other countries.
Names of products and other proper nouns are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective copyright holders.

How to read this manual

●Icons
indicates reference information, related details, and restrictions.
indicates pages that contain related information.
●Notation
• Keyboard keys are indicated with square brackets.
E.g. [Shift], [Ctrl], etc.
• Menus, windows, dialog boxes, buttons, and tabs etc are indicated with square brackets.
E.g.
1. From the [Option] menu click [Grid Setting].
The [Grid Setting] dialog box will appear.
• Items, check boxes, and option buttons, etc., are indicated with double inverted commas.
E.g. “X”, “Preset Screen Size” option button, etc.
• This manual assumes that this product has been installed in the following location.
If you have installed the software in a different location, this can be interpreted to refer to the folder where you installed it.
C:\Program Files\Sharp\SHARP Digital Signage Software (default)
• The screenshots and operational procedures in this manual are only examples.
These may change depending on your monitor, screen settings, or the version of the OS you are using and other factors. This manual gives instructions using Windows XP as an example. The content files and fonts in this manual are only examples. Not all of these are included with this software.
• This manual does not contain basic operating instructions for Windows.
Trademarks / How to read this manual
7
Definitions
This chart provides definitions of terms used in this manual.
Term Definition
Controller PC
The PC that is used to create and distribute programs, timetables and schedules. Also referred to as a “Server PC”.
Target PC
A PC that displays content according to a schedule. Also referred to as a “Panel PC” or a “Client PC”. “Panel” refers to an LCD monitor connected to a target PC.
Content (files)
Material (i.e. files) such as movies, still images, and audio files that are played on the panel. These are usually prepared by the user.
Playlist
A list that plays multiple content in a desired order. Contains information such as content data, order of play, and duration, etc.
Frame
Refers to a sub-screen that is used as a display unit when a single panel is divided into multiple frames.
Scroll message
A scrolling message. Up to two scroll messages can be displayed.
Program
Programs consist of a frame layout, multiple frames and their assigned playlist information, scroll message information, etc.
Timetable
Timetables contain information regarding the order and duration of play for multiple programs that have been assigned to a one-day time frame.
Schedule Schedules contain multiple timetables assigned to desired dates of play.
Attached files
The collective term for the image files, etc, which are required when displaying HTML files, etc.

System operation precautions

Points to note when creating content and programs
If the PC does not have sufficient processing power, content may not be played correctly. Before operating the system, run a test using the actual content to be displayed on the panel.
Take care of the following points when creating content or programs:
• Movie players
Playing multiple videos simultaneously is not recommended. Windows Media Player generally places a heavier load on the CPU than Flash Player (although this depends
on the content).
• A separate, fee-based codec may be necessary to play video files.
• QuickTime Player is required in order to play QuickTime content.
• Flash content
Take care when playing content that makes frequent use of image transparency processing (image fade-in/
fade-out), as this may place an extremely heavy load on the CPU.
• Enlarging/reducing still images and movies
As image size and display size increase, so does the load placed on the CPU. CPU load also increases when
images are displayed at an enlarged or reduced size. Keep the size of the content display area (frame size) as small as possible. Content should also be created using the same image size as the display size.
Definitions / System operation precautions
8
• Scroll message content
Displaying scroll messages requires a great deal of CPU processing power. When using scroll messages,
programs should be tested by actually displaying them before operation.
· Scroll messages with a larger display area place a larger load on the PC. Do not make the scroll message
display area unnecessarily large.
· If there are a lot of characters in a scroll message line, display may become distorted. If this occurs, start a
new line. (Up to 100 characters per line recommended.)
• PowerPoint
Set PowerPoint data so that it plays repetitively by setting slide transition to advance slides automatically
(automatic slideshow).
PowerPoint Viewer is not capable of simultaneous multiple display. Do not assign PowerPoint files to multiple
frames in the same program. It should also be noted that PowerPoint Viewer only proceeds to play slideshows when the focus is on itself.
PowerPoint Viewer 2003/2007 is required. Even if you already have Microsoft PowerPoint 2003/2007 installed
on your PC, you must make a separate installation of PowerPoint Viewer 2003/2007.
Continuous operation of target PC
This software is not designed for continuous 24-hour-a-day operation. Be sure to turn the power off on the target PC every day. (Refer to Power Control on p.68)
PC internal clock
This software executes schedules based on the PC’s internal clock. You should ensure that your PC’s internal clock is always accurate by synchronizing it with an internet time server or other means.
Accuracy of program display time
Program display is controlled by a timer that starts at 0 seconds every minute. Programs cannot be switched at intervals of less than 1 minute, or during a 1 minute interval (i.e. in intervals of less than 60 seconds). Be aware that there may be some delay before content is actually displayed depending on the time taken to launch applications that display content and the time taken to load content files.
Operation during program display
Do not use the mouse or keyboard (e.g. to click on a window, etc.) during program display. Doing so may change the window display order or alter the content to be played. Press [Esc] to finish program preview display.
Backups
This software does not have a backup function. You should make regular backup copies of content files, etc., during operation.
Daisy chain configuration
Multiple SHARP LCD monitors (PN series) can be connected in a daisy chain configuration. This software cannot transmit different panel control commands (i.e. ON/OFF commands or input commands) to individual monitors connected in daisy chain configuration.
Still images
Displaying a still image in the background or in a frame in the same position for a long time may leave a residual image on the monitor. When creating programs or timetables, you should take measures such as changing still images and layouts at set intervals to avoid this problem.
Date display
This software displays the date in YYYY/MM/DD format.
System operation precautions
9
Program distribution workflow
This chart details the process from program creation to the stage where programs can be displayed on a panel.
Standalone Version
Lay out your chosen content and create a program. (p.28)
1
Program Editor
Assign the hour of the day that your program will be shown. (
p.48)
2
Timetable Editor
Assign the dates when daily timetables you have created will be shown. (p.58)
3
Schedule Editor
Distribute schedules and programs you have
created to Client Scheduler. (
p.72)
4
Schedule Distribution Tool
Control Program Viewer so that it displays schedules and programs at a set time. (
p.86)
5
Client Scheduler
Program Viewer displays programs when instructed to do so by Client Scheduler. (p.89)
6
Program Viewer
Program
displayed
You can distribute to a target PC
that has Program Viewer installed
by using USB memory or other
external storage devices. (
p.76)
Program distribution workflow
10
Network Version
Lay out your chosen content and create a program. (
p.28)
1
Program Editor
Assign the hour of the day that your program will be shown. (p.48)
2
Timetable Editor
Assign the dates when daily timetables you have created will be shown. (
p.58)
3
Schedule Editor
Distribute schedules and programs you have created
to a target PC connected to the network. (p.72)
4
Schedule Distribution Tool
Control the distribution schedule and distribute
scheduled times to the FTP server. (
p.84)
Server Scheduler
The FTP server passes schedules and programs it receives to Client Scheduler. (
p.85)
5
FTP Server
Control Program Viewer so that it displays schedules and programs at a set time. (p.86)
6
Client Scheduler
Program Viewer displays programs when instructed to do so by Client Scheduler. (p.89)
7
Program Viewer
Program
displayed
Controller PC
(Network Version)
Target PC
(Viewer Version)
You can distribute to a target PC
that has Program Viewer installed
by using USB memory or other
external storage devices. (p.76)
Schedules and programs can be loaded from USB
memory or other external storage devices. (From )
Distributed via a network
Obtain panel status data and control
target PC power. (p.90)
Status Monitoring Tool
Program distribution workflow
11

Installing/Launching

This section provides installation instructions and information regarding the necessary operating environment, as well as instructions on how to start and close down the Launcher window. Be sure to read this before using the software.

Required operating environment

Item Description
PC
CPU: Celeron M 1.3 GHz or higher (Pentium 4 processor recommended)
*3
2 GHz or higher Pentium 4 processor is recommended for movie/content-heavy programs.
OS
Microsoft Windows 2000/XP, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003 (English version)
Memory 256 MB or higher (512 MB or higher recommended)
*3
Hard disk 20 MB or more free space (Additional space required for saving data)
Monitor (for controller PC)
*1
Full color display with resolution of at least 1024 x 768
Monitor (for target PC)
*2
PN series LCD monitor
Interfaces
• USB port (only required if using USB memory)
• LAN port (only required for Network Version [TCP/IP communication must be functional])
Others
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or later PowerPoint Viewer 2003/2007 Windows Media Player 9 or later Flash Player 6 or later QuickTime Player 7 or later (in order to play QuickTime content)
*1 Used for creating/editing programs and schedules. *2 Used to display programs with the Standalone and Viewer Versions. *3 If you use Windows Vista, please follow the requirement of Vista.
• Panel control can only be used with the PN series.
• When controlling the target PC manually (when turning the panel PC on), the Wake
On LAN function
that operates by Magic Packets from the target PC must be enabled.
If the target PC is outside the same LAN segment, Magic Packets may not get through depending on
router specs/settings. Contact your network administrator for more details.
• Regardless of which version of this software you are using, you must have Flash Player, Windows Media Player, and PowerPoint Viewer 2003/2007 installed on the PC on which this software is installed.
If you have not installed all of these programs, or have installed different versions of them, a message
prompting you to install may appear. If this happens, download the appropriate programs from the relevant website and install them.
• A separate, fee-based codec may be necessary to play video files.
12

Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software

You must log in as an administrator before beginning the installation process.
●Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software
1. Start your PC
2. Close down all applications.
3. Launch the SHARP Digital Signage Software setup program (setup.exe).
Double-click the setup.exe file to launch the setup program.
If a security warning saying ‘The publisher could not be verified.’ is displayed during the installation,
click [Run].
If using the “SHARP Digital Signage Software CD-ROM”
1) Set the CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive of your PC.
If using Windows 2000/XP, or Windows Server 2003
the setup program will be launched automatically. In this case, proceed to step 4. If the setup program does not launch after a few moments, launch the Setup.exe file in the CD-ROM folder.
2) In the [AutoPlay] dialog box, click “Run setup.exe”.
If the [AutoPlay] dialog box does not appear, double-click
the Setup.exe file in the CD-ROM folder.
3) When the [User Account Control] dialog box appears,
click [Allow].
4. In the [Welcome to the Install Shield wizard...] window, click [Next].
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software
5. Read the entire software license agreement.
6. If you agree to the terms of the agreement, select the “I accept the terms of the license agreement” option button, and click [Next].
7. Select the version that you have purchased and click [Next].
The three following versions are available:
• [PN-SS01] Standalone Version For creating programs and distributing/displaying schedules
with a single PC.
• [PN-SS02] Network Version For use on a controller PC to create programs, distribute
schedules, and check panel status.
Also used for distributing programs and schedules to target PCs
running the “Viewer Version”.
• [PN-SV01] Viewer Version Only installs software for content display. For use on a target PC. Displays received programs according to a schedule.
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software
8. Enter the appropriate license code for your version and click [Next].
If you entered a temporary license code, you will only be
able to use the software for a two-month trial period. You should register the license code you obtained before the end of the trial period.
• If you are using the Standalone or Network Version, license codes can be registered using the [Register License Code] dialog box from the [Option] menu. (
p.70)
9. Click [Next].
• If you are using the Viewer Version, license codes can be registered from the [Version] dialog box in Client Scheduler. (
If you want to change the location where the installation will
be made, click [Change] and specify a different directory.
p.88)
13
14
10. Click [Install].
The installation will start.
11. Click [Finish].
The installation is now complete.
If you are using Windows Vista, the following screen will
appear. Click [Yes] to restart your PC.
If you are using the Standalone or Network Versions, a shortcut to SHARP Digital Signage Software will be created on your desktop.
If you are using the Standalone or Viewer Versions, Client Scheduler ( ) will launch and appear in the Task Tray. If you are using the Network Version, Server Scheduler (
) and Client Scheduler ( ) will launch and
appear in the Task Tray.
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software
15
●PC settings
Once the installation is complete, change the following settings on your PC before using this software.
Auto login settings
If the target PC is to be used without an operator, Windows auto login should be enabled. If using Windows Vista, use the following procedure to enable auto login.
1. From the Windows Taskbar, click [Start], [All Programs], [Accessories], and then [Command Prompt].
The [Command Prompt] window will appear.
2. Type in “control userpasswords2” (without the inverted commas) and push [Enter].
3. If the [User Account Control] window appears, click [Continue].
The [User Accounts] dialog box will appear.
4. Clear the “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer” check box.
5. Click [OK].
6. In the [Automatically Log On] window, enter a “User Name” and “Password”, and click [OK].
7. Type in “exit” and then press [Enter].
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software
16
Welcome Center settings (Windows Vista only)
These settings do not apply to Windows 2000/XP or Windows Server 2003.
Under default settings, the “Welcome Center” is displayed when Windows Vista is started. Clear the “Run at startup” check box, to stop the “Welcome Center” from being displayed when a program is displayed in Program Viewer. The “Welcome Center” will not appear from the next time the PC is started.
If “Welcome Center” is closed you can display it using
either of the following methods.
• From the Windows Taskbar, click [Start], [Control Panel], [System and Maintenance], and then [Welcome Center].
• From the Windows Taskbar, click [Start], [All Programs], [Accessories], and then [Welcome Center].
Screen saver settings
Disable the screen saver so that it does not display on the monitor when a program is displayed in Program Viewer.
•If using Windows 2000/XP or Windows Server 2003
1. Right-click on an empty area of the desktop, and from the menu that appears, click [Properties].
The [Display Properties] dialog box will appear.
2. Click the [Screen Saver] tab and select “(None)” from the “Screen saver” list.
3. Click [OK].
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software
17
• If using Windows Vista
1. Right-click on an empty area of the desktop and from the menu that appears, click [Personalize] and then [Screen Saver].
The [Screen Saver Settings] dialog box will appear.
2. Select “(None)” from the “Screen saver” list.
3. Click [OK].
Power control
Adjust settings so that the panel or hard disk do not turn off or go into system standby while a program is displayed in Program Viewer.
•If using Windows 2000/XP or Windows Server 2003
1. From the Windows Taskbar, click [Start], [Control Panel], [Performance and Maintenance], and then [Power Options].
The [Power Options Properties] dialog box will appear.
2. Select “Never” from the “Turn off monitor”, “Turn off hard disks”, and “System standby” pull-down menus on the [Power Schemes] tab.
3. Click [OK].
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software
18
• If using Windows Vista
1. From the Windows Taskbar, click [Start], [Control Panel], [System and Maintenance], and then [Power Options].
The [Power Options] dialog box will appear.
2. Select “High performance” and double-click [Change plan settings].
3. Select “Never” from the “Turn off the display” and “Put the computer to sleep” lists.
4. Click [Save changes].
Return to the [Power Options] dialog box.
5. Close the [Power Options] dialog box by clicking the
button in the upper right corner of the window.
Windows Sidebar (Gadget) settings (Windows Vista Only)
These settings do not apply to Windows 2000/XP or Windows Server 2003.
Adjust Windows Sidebar (Gadget) settings so that the Sidebar (Gadgets) is not displayed.
1. Right-click on an empty area of the Windows Sidebar, and from the menu that appears, click [Properties].
The [Windows Sidebar Properties] dialog box will appear.
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software
19
2. Clear the “Start Sidebar when Windows starts” check box.
3. Click [OK].
4. Restart your PC.
The Windows Sidebar (Gadgets) will no longer appear from the next time you start Windows Vista.
Active desktop settings (Windows 2000/XP/Server 2003 Only)
Turn Active desktop settings off.
These settings do not apply if you are using Windows Vista.
1. Right-click on an empty area of the desktop, and from the menu that appears, click [Properties].
The [Display Properties] dialog box will appear.
2. Click the [Desktop] tab, and then click [Customize Desktop].
The [Desktop Items] dialog box will appear.
3. Click the [Web] tab and clear all the check boxes under “Web pages”.
4. Click [OK].
IME Toolbar settings
These settings are not required if the IME Toolbar is not displayed. Store the IME Toolbar in the Taskbar so that it is not displayed when a program is being displayed in Program Viewer.
1. Right-click on the IME Toolbar and, from the menu that appears, click [Minimize].
You can also click to minimize the Toolbar.
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software
20
Taskbar settings
Adjust the Taskbar settings so that the Taskbar is not displayed when a program is being displayed in Program Viewer.
1. Right-click on an empty area of the Taskbar, and from the menu that appears, click [Properties].
The [Taskbar and Start Menu Properties] dialog box will appear.
2. Under “Taskbar appearance” on the [Taskbar] tab, clear the “Auto-hide the taskbar” and “Keep the taskbar on top of other windows” check boxes.
3. Click [OK].
Windows Update settings
Set Windows Update so that it does not update automatically and display popup messages (dialog boxes), etc., while a program is being displayed in Program Viewer.
If you have disabled automatic updates, remember to check the Windows Update website (http://
windowsupdate.microsoft.com/) regularly and download and install updates manually. Not installing the latest updates is a security risk and may also lead to performance related issues.
•If using Windows 2000/XP or Windows Server 2003
1. From the Windows Taskbar, click [Start], [Control Panel], [Performance and Maintenance], and then [System].
The [System Properties] dialog box will appear.
2. Click the [Automatic Updates] tab and select the “Turn off Automatic Updates” option button.
3. Click [OK].
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software
21
•If using Windows Vista
1. From the Windows Taskbar, click [Start], [Control Panel], [Security], and then [Turn automatic updating on or off].
The [Change settings] dialog box will appear.
2. Select the “Never check for updates” option button.
3. Click [OK].
4. If the [User Account Control] window appears, click [Continue].
The [Change settings] dialog box will close.
Resident application settings
Adjust settings for resident applications (e.g. virus scanners) so that they do not display popup messages (dialog boxes) when a program is being displayed in Program Viewer.
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software
22
Personal firewall settings
If you plan to distribute content over a network, you must free a TCP/IP port for this software to use when the distribution port is assigned to a personal firewall.
If you have installed the Viewer Version, a unique FTP server will be installed, and started as a service.
The default TCP/IP port number is 21. If you change the port number, you must also change the FTP settings for the controller PC (
p.68), and the FTP settings for Client Scheduler on the target PC
(
p.87) to the same port number.
Firewall settings for Status Monitoring Tool (Windows Vista Only)
If using Windows Vista, use the following procedure to change these settings.
1. From the Windows Taskbar, click [Start], [Control Panel], [System and Maintenance], and then [Administrative Tools].
2. Double-click “Windows Firewall with Advanced Security”.
3. If the [User Account Control] window appears, click [Continue].
The [Windows Firewall with Advanced Security] dialog box will appear.
4. On the left of the window, click [Inbound Rules], then click “New Rule” under [Actions] in the pane on the right of the window.
The [New Inbound Rule Wizard] dialog box will appear.
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software
23
5. Select the “Custom” option button, and click [Next].
6. Select the “All programs” option button, and click [Next].
7. From the “Protocol type” list, select “ICMPv4”, and click [Next].
8. Set “Protocol and Ports”, “Scope”, “Action”, and “Profile” in order as necessary. Click [Next] to be taken to the settings screen for the next step.
Confirm with your network administrator before
adjusting these settings.
9. Enter a “Name”, and click [Finish].
10. Close the [Windows Firewall with Advanced Security], [Administrative Tools], and [System and Maintenance]
dialog boxes in order, by clicking the
button at
the top right of each window.
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software
24
●Uninstalling SHARP Digital Signage Software
If this software frequently shuts down incorrectly when a program is being displayed or created, you should modify the program. If the problem persists even after doing so, we recommend uninstalling, then reinstalling this software.
Uninstalling this software will not delete any programs, schedules or content files that you have already
created. You will be able to use these files again upon reinstalling this software.
1. Start your PC.
2. Close down all applications.
3. Launch the SHARP Digital Signage Software setup maintenance program (setup.exe).
Double-click the setup.exe file to launch the setup maintenance program.
If a security warning saying ‘The publisher could not be verified.’ is displayed during the installation,
click [Run].
If using the “SHARP Digital Signage Software CD-ROM”
1) Set the CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive of your PC. If using Windows 2000/XP, or Windows Server 2003
the setup maintenance program will be launched automatically. In this case, proceed to step 4. If the setup maintenance program does not launch after a few moments, launch the Setup.exe file in the CD-ROM folder.
2) In the [AutoPlay] dialog box, click “Run setup.exe”. If the [AutoPlay] dialog box does not appear, double-click
the Setup.exe file in the CD-ROM folder.
3) When the [User Account Control] dialog box appears, click [Allow].
4. Select the “Remove” option button, and click [Next].
If you select the “Modify” or “Remove” option button, you
will have to reacquire a license.
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software
25
5. Click [Yes].
The uninstallation will start.
If you have forgotten to exit Server Scheduler or Client Scheduler,
a message like the one on the right will appear. Click [No] to close down Server Scheduler and Client Scheduler, and retry the uninstallation. If you click [Yes], Server Scheduler and Client Scheduler will be forcibly terminated and the uninstallation will continue.
6. Click [Finish].
The uninstallation is now complete.
If you are using Windows Vista, the following screen will
appear. Click [Yes] to restart your PC and complete the uninstallation.
Installing SHARP Digital Signage Software
26

Launching and closing the Launcher window

●Launching the Launcher window
1. On the desktop, double-click the short cut.
The Launcher window will launch.
The Launcher can also be started by going to the Windows Taskbar and clicking [Start], [All Programs],
[SHARP Digital Signage Software], and then [SHARP Digital Signage Software].
●Closing the Launcher window
1. Click on the Launcher window.
The Launcher window will close.
●The Launcher window
The Launcher window is the window from which all operations are started. There are six buttons for different functions such as program creation and program distribution.
If another tool or dialog box is already launched, it will be displayed in the foreground.
2) Program creation/ editing
3) Timetable creation/editing
4) Schedule creation/ editing
5) Schedule distribution
6) Panel control
7) Option
1) Button description window
1) Button description window
When the cursor is placed over a button, an explanation of the button’s function is displayed in this window.
2) Program creation/editing (
p.28)
This button launches “Program Editor”. Program Editor lets you create programs by setting screen sizes and layouts, as well as content and scroll messages.
Launching and closing the Launcher window
27
3) Timetable creation/editing (
p.48)
This button launches “Timetable Editor”. Timetable Editor lets you create one-day timetables by assigning programs you have created to be shown at desired times.
4) Schedule creation/editing (
p.58)
This button launches “Schedule Editor”. Schedule Editor lets you create schedules by assigning timetables you have created to be executed on desired dates.
5) Schedule distribution (
p.72)
This button launches “Schedule Distribution Tool”. Schedule Distribution Tool lets you send the schedules you have created to specified panels.
6) Panel control (
p.66)
This button launches the [Panel Management] dialog box. When distributing programs to multiple panels using the Network Version, you can register and control panels from this dialog box.
This function is only available with the Network Version.
7) Option (p.70)
This button launches the [Option] dialog box. This dialog box displays version information about the Launcher, and also lets you register license codes.
Launching and closing the Launcher window
28
Program Editor

Program Creation/Editing

Create programs (content) to display on a panel.

The main Program Editor window

●Launching Program Editor
1. Click on the Launcher window.
“Program Editor” will launch.
As soon as Program Editor launches, four pre-defined frames and two scroll messages for creating new programs will be displayed in the main window. Programs are completed by setting program content in this window.
• Program Editor can also be started by going to the Windows Taskbar, and clicking [Start], [All Programs], [SHARP Digital Signage Software], [Tools], and then [Program Editor].
• The first time Program Editor is launched, the [Content Preview] window will appear. (
p.36)
• If QuickTime Player is not installed, the window on the right will appear. If you intend to play QuickTime content, you must install QuickTime Player 7 or later.
●The main Program Editor window
1) Title bar
2) Menus
3) Toolbar
4) Tabs
5) Settings window
1) Title bar
The name of the program will be displayed here. When Program Editor launches, the title bar will read “Untitled”. When a program is saved, it will change to the name of the program. When content of an opened program is changed, the title bar will display an asterisk (*) after the program name.
29
Program Editor
2) Menus
Menu options are as follows:
Menu option Description
Relevant
page
File
Create New Program Opens a new program. -
Open Program Loads a saved program.
p.44
Save Program Overwrites the currently edited program.
p.43
Save Program As Saves the currently edited program under a different name.
p.43
Delete Program Allows the user to specify and delete programs.
p.45
Properties of Program
Displays program properties and allows the user to change them.
p.45
Import Program
Reads a program that has been exported from another PC so that it can be used.
p.47
Export Program
Writes out a saved program so that it can be used on another PC.
p.46
Exit Exits Program Editor.
-
View
Preview Program [Original size]
Displays a preview of the currently edited program at its original size.
p.44
Preview Program [Fit screen]
Displays a preview of the currently edited program fitted to the size of the screen.
p.44
Show Content Preview Window
Shows/hides the [Content Preview] window.
p.36
Refresh
Updates the Content folder to reflect additions or deletions of content files.
-
Option
Grid Setting
Allows the user to fine tune grid settings for positioning frames and scroll messages with the grid.
p.33
Help About Program Editor Displays version information for Program Editor.
-
3) Toolbar
The toolbar buttons perform the following actions:
Icon Menu option Description
Relevant
page
Open Program Loads a saved program.
p.44
Save Program Overwrites the currently edited program.
p.43
Properties of Program
Displays program properties and allows the user to change them
p.45
Preview Program [Original size]
Displays a preview of the currently edited program at its original size.
p.44
Preview Program [Fit screen]
Displays a preview of the currently edited program fitted to the size of the screen.
p.44
4) Tabs
Clicking a tab switches to the settings window for each item.
5) Settings window
Allows the user to set advanced settings for the selected tab.
The main Program Editor window
30
Program Editor

Creating programs

●Valid content files
File types that can be used as content are as follows:
Content name File type
Background, Frames 1-4
MPEG, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, WMV (Windows Media Video – file type playable with Windows Media Player), Flash (file type playable with Flash Player), MOV (file type playable with QuickTime Player), PowerPoint, HTML, JPEG, BMP, GIF, PNG
Scroll messages 1-2 Scroll messages created in Scroll Message Editor
Audio WAVE, MP3, AU, AIFF,
WMA (Windows Media Audio – file type playable with Windows Media Player), MOV (file type playable with QuickTime Player), MIDI
Audio files cannot be positioned in the layout. They are used as audio or music (background music) that
plays while a program is displayed.
Content files are recognized by their file extensions. Certain file types require the installation of corresponding software.
File extension Content type Required software
.avi .mpeg .mpg .wmv .asf
Movie
Windows Media Player
.mov QuickTime Player
.swf Flash Flash Player
.ppt .pps PowerPoint PowerPoint Viewer2003/2007
.htm .html HTML Internet Explorer
.tlp Scroll message None
.wav .wave .mp3 .au .aif .aiff .wma .mid .midi
Audio
Windows Media Player
.mov QuickTime Player
.jpeg .jpg .gif .png .bmp Still image None
Creating programs
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