The MPEG-Net Playback Module provides fully-automated (unattended), extremely high quality playback. The MPEG-Net Playback Module provides three functions: video playback, command scheduling and file transfer.
The Video Playback function uses a decoder board to play MPEG-2 video streams that may exceed broadcast quality. We can play from 1-to-16 video programs simultaneously per-system. It is possible to link multiple systems should more playback channels be needed. For more information, please see the configuration information below.
The Command Scheduling function allows you to determine when the playback starts, when the projector bulb is turned on and off, what action to take if a video clip is not found. You can specify what actions to take when the software starts and is shut down. There are many other actions that can be scheduled and custom actions can easily be added to meet any need.
The File Transfer function retrieves command files, and whatever playlists are referenced by these from your FTP server. It then checks local storage to see which clips need to be retrieved, and gets these. All actions are logged in human readable format. Logs are sent upon command (either at scheduled times, or in response to system events).
The software can acquire the exact local time (with daylight savings, if applicable) from the government's NIST time servers (atomic clocks), to ensure that your program is always right on schedule.
Each channel of playback represents a unique program. A single channel can be played through multiple monitors in multiple locations, just as a TV channel can be viewed in many places simultaneously. The signal from each decoder channel is typically sent through a cable to each video monitor. The line-level audio signal can be provided directly to amplification equipment or signal processing equipment.
The software can control from one to sixteen channels of playback on a single machine. You will need the appropriate hardware decoders and storage bandwidth to accommodate the number of channels desired. Decoder cards are available in one and four channel configurations. Each system can accommodate up to four cards. You can add channels even after installation to allow for growth and changing demands.
Each playback channel requires at least 6 megabits per-second of storage bandwidth for good quality NTSC resolution playback, so a single 7200 RPM hard disk can typically support up to 16 simultaneous channels of playback within a single playback machine.
Online PC Technology can supply complete systems ready-to-go, or whatever hardware and software are required to meet your needs.
The number of machines required for a given installation is dependent upon the number of playback channels required and the cost of cable installation. There are other factors which might also need to be considered.
Please contact us for whatever assistance you need.