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CastNET 10 Documentation
Table of Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 1
Goals ........................................................................................................................... 1
Roadmap ..................................................................................................................... 1
Key Information............................................................................................................ 1
Universal Menu Systems ............................................................................................. 2
Dashboard....................................................................................................................... 3
Changing Password ........................................................................................................ 4
Messages ........................................................................................................................ 5
View Messages............................................................................................................ 5
Organization Listing: ................................................................................................ 5
Message Status: ...................................................................................................... 6
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Message Listing: ...................................................................................................... 7
Additional Functions: .............................................................................................. 10
Creating Messages .................................................................................................... 10
Destinations Tab: ................................................................................................... 11
Video Tab:.............................................................................................................. 13
Scheduling Tab: ..................................................................................................... 17
Author / Owner Tab: ............................................................................................... 20
Video Preview Tab: ................................................................................................ 20
Message Completion: ............................................................................................ 21
Editing Messages ...................................................................................................... 22
Approving Messages ................................................................................................. 22
Approval Process Overview: .................................................................................. 23
Approval Process 1: ............................................................................................... 24
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Approval Process 2: ............................................................................................... 24
Approval Process 3: ............................................................................................... 25
Content Management .................................................................................................... 26
Video Management.................................................................................................... 26
Adding Videos to CastNET .................................................................................... 26
Importing Videos into CastNET .............................................................................. 29
Managing Video Assets ......................................................................................... 31
Managing Scripts ....................................................................................................... 33
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Table of Contents
Adding Scripts to CastNET .................................................................................... 34
Managing Scripts ................................................................................................... 36
Scheduling System........................................................................................................ 39
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Manage Generated Shows ........................................................................................ 39
Creating a Show..................................................................................................... 40
Manage User Defined Shows .................................................................................... 41
How it Works .......................................................................................................... 42
Managing Schedules ................................................................................................. 50
The New CastNET Scheduling System.................................................................. 51
Publishing Content ........................................................................................................ 59
Reviewing the Publishing Console............................................................................. 60
Filter Criteria........................................................................................................... 60
Schedules .............................................................................................................. 61
Content Shows ....................................................................................................... 61
Executing a Publish................................................................................................ 62
Maintenance.................................................................................................................. 64
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Organizations............................................................................................................. 64
Templates .................................................................................................................. 66
Destinations ............................................................................................................... 67
Users ......................................................................................................................... 68
Roles ......................................................................................................................... 70
Languages ................................................................................................................. 73
Glossary ........................................................................................................................ 75
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Introduction
CastNET 10 represents the latest evolution in web based digital signage management
solutions. Produced by Alpha Video & Audio Incorporated's Digital Display Group,
CastNET 10 represents fifteen years of experience in the market place, and a
knowledge base built on experience and user response. Alpha Video is excited to
present the latest revision to CastNET, our premier enterprise grade digital signage
solution. User's of previous revisions on CastNET will immediately notice changes in the
product interface, but upon further inspection users will discover significantly faster
performance, intuitive menus, and additional functionality never seen in previous
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revisions of the product.
Goals
After three years of innovation, and a reformulation of the code base that drives the
product, Alpha Video presents a leap forward in functionality, performance, and user
control. Previous users of the CastNET product line will be relieved to know that the
product retains much of the functionality that you know and love. By preserving the most
successful components of the product's previous interface, Alpha Video has been able
to capitalize on a solution design that has demonstrated success in providing users with
an effective and simple to use system for managing their digital signage network.
In order to properly introduce new and existing CastNET users to the system most
efficiently, this document will work through the primary navigation bar located on the left
side of the screen after login. The goal of this document is to be both informational for
new users, and functional for users who are actively working with the product.
Roadmap
This document is intended to offer a direct one-to-one guide of product features and
functionality, while also illustrating a path for the successful completion of the most
commonly used portions of the system.
CastNET 10 is a purpose built solution designed to simplify the process of maintaining
an enterprise grade digital signage network. Every user is different but due to the
inherent nature of the product, many users will need to same sets of information and
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workable processes in order to successfully perform their roles within the product. Alpha
Video encourages all readers to invest a few moments to read the portions of this
document that apply to your role within the management of the solution. We also
encourage users to explore this document to discover more information on the
management and administration of the system.
Key Information
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Many portions of the new CastNET interface are now dynamic and offer drag and drop
functionality, or click to activate forms. When using CastNET 10 it is important that the
user to remember that to interact with media assets, modify information assigned to a
piece of content, or create a dynamic show schedule, one simply has to be prepared to
click on the name of the assets or show component, and enter text into the activated
form. Most assets in CastNET 10 can be moved and rearranged within the system
using simple drag and drop tools that are built into nearly every scheduling and show
building console. To become versed with the new interface design it is recommended
that the user familiarize themselves with CastNET 10 by interacting with the various
functional components of the interface.
Universal Menu Systems
It is important to note that many consoles within CastNET system use similar console
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fields, drop down menus, and other configuration options. This was a conscious
decision of the CastNET development team to make the system as simple to interact
with as possible, enabling users to intuitively understand how the system works based
on their prior experience in other sections of the product.
Many of the universal menus and fields allow for the specification of authorizations for
use of content and permissions for user access to schedule assets. If the reader
requires additional clarification of any field, drop down menu, or other function within the
CastNET interface that is not defined within the section your are reading, please refer to
the glossary. There you will find definitions for every field and tab that is used for
creating and authorizing assets within the CastNET system.
If you happen to discover an item within this document that is not clearly defined within
the glossary, we encourage users to submit a request for information to our support
team at ddgsupport@alphavideo.com. All requests will be used a reference material for
adding additional value and information to our documentation for the CastNET solution.
Dashboard
Upon completion of a successful login to the CastNET 10 web interface users will be
deposited to the Dashboard screen. This is a landing page that all users see once
they've logged into the system, and it can be customized to present users with a
message once they have logged into the system. At this time this page does not offer
any additional functionality, but over time the development team at Alpha Video plans to
incorporate more functionality into this landing page in order to provide users additional
information at a glance.
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To customize the message users see when they first log in to the system you will need
to have administrative rights within the system. If you have the proper permissions to
manage maintenance options in CastNET you will see a "Maintenance" group in the
Navigation Bar on the left side of the screen. Please be aware that not all users will
have access rights to manage this feature.
For additional information on the process of changing this message please visit the
System Configuration Options section of this document.
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Changing Password
Changing your user password after successful login is very simple. After completion of
a successful login to the CastNET system, simply click the "Change Password" link on
the navigation bar, and you will be presented with the following screen.
This interface allows users to modify their existing password stored in the CastNET
system for access to their account within the system. Simply follow these simply steps:
1. Enter your current CastNET password used to login under, "Old Password".
2. Type the selected new password in to the "New Password" field.
3. Confirm your selection by retyping the same text into the "Confirm Password"
field.
4. Upon successful completion of this form simply click the "Save" button at the top
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of the page.
If at any time you would like to cancel this process simply click "Cancel". This eliminate
any information entered into the form and no changes will be made.
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Messages
View Messages
From the Navigation Menu on the left side of the frame, click Messages >> View/Edit
Messages. This screen provides a heads up display of all currently active messages in
the system and how they are grouped.
Different users will invariably have different sets of rights within the system for
managing and interacting with active messages. A user's ability to interact with
messages within CastNET is defined by their user group, and permissions assigned to
their account. Administrators will have access to significantly more portions of the
interface than an average user. Due to the degree of control CastNET grants
administrators within the system to manage user permissions, an average user may be
assigned access to only a specific set of messages or all messages. This is all
dependant on how the system has been setup for your particular organization. Access
and permissions are controlled based on an architectural conceit which lies within the
CastNET interface called "Organizations".
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Organization Listing:
The heart of the CastNET system functions around a philosophy of message
management that reflects how your company is segmented into various business units,
departments, or service areas. The concept of "Organizations" has been a part of the
CastNET solution since its creation, and continues to be the primary means by which
users manage the content in their CastNET digital signage networks.
Below you will see a sample set of organizations that provide an example of how the
system is intended to be used. In our sample we have four organizations that represent
four areas with a sample company. Each of these business units have an interest in
displaying content on the digital signage screens throughout the facility. These
organizations are as follows:
Company Wide News
Employee Information
Marketing
Promotions
Each of these organizations can be uniquely managed and used by different individuals
within the sample company. Users can be setup and assigned permissions to see all or
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only one of the organizations we've created. In the sample below, there are no
messages currently available within the system, but this does not preclude a new user
from learning an important portion of the interface and how it functions.
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Message Status:
From the "View/Edit Messages" screen one can survey all active organizations that
have been set up in CastNET. This console also displays the status of all current
messages stored in the system. Message status is based on where a given message is
currently in the creation, approval, and publishing process. The current status of a
message can be broken into six different states:
In Process
o Color Code: Orange
o Message is actively being worked on by another user, or was left open in
the system and auto-saved for future completion.
Submitted
o Color Code: Yellow
o Message has been submitted for approval and is currently awaiting review
by an administrator.
Being Approved
o Color Code: Purple
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o Administrator is actively reviewing the message. Message state has
changed to notify creator that message is progressing through the
approval process.
Not Approved
o Color Code: Red
o Message has been reviewed by an administrator and has been rejected,
or denied publishing pending further review.
Approved
o Color Code: Green
o Message has been approved and is currently active in the system.
Archived
o Color Code: Blue
Messages
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Message was previously approved and either its schedule has expired or
the message has been archived for later use and is not currently active on
any players.
o
There are a number of advantages to using this color coded status system for tracking
message states:
Users can easily see where their messages are in the approval process.
Reduces navigation required to see current state of the system.
Administrators never have to wonder if there is active content in the system.
They can see it from this console.
Reduces confusion between multiple users tracking their specific organizations
content and activity.
Once you have determined where all the active messages are in the CastNET system,
and you are prepared to actively view the content, and review messages simply click on
the organization that contains the messages you are interested in viewing. From here
you are presented with a new console.
Message Listing:
Message status, and organizations within CastNET are geared towards the
management of active messages stored within the CastNET system. Once you have
navigated into an organization that contains active messages, the intent behind this
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interface model begins to reveal itself. In the previous section a user could see the
overall layout of the system, and the allocation of current messages in the system
through the Organizations Console. From the message console, within a specific
organization, the user can see more specific details about each message, and review
the content assigned to those messages.
In the below screen shot you can see the standard "Message List" mode of the
Messages Console. In this mode all messages within the organization are listed simply
by their title, and the number of channels the message is assigned to run on.
Much like the Organization List, the user can immediately see which messages are
currently active or pending approval. All messages are color coded, and grouped based
on their current status. From this console the user can perform a variety of
maintenance tasks to all the messages displayed. More importantly, the user can
change how the content is displayed. At the top of the Message Console there are a
series of radio buttons that change the active display mode of the content within the
organization. The following display modes are available for simplified management of
messages within a given organization:
Message List
o The default viewing mode for messages within an organization. In this
mode the only information displayed is the message title and the channel
count. (Shown Above.)
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Thumbnail View
o An optional view for the message list within an organization. In this mode
all messages are displayed only by a thumbnail snapshot of the message.
All messages are still grouped and color coded based on their current
state in the system.
Messages
Sequencing Mode
o A special viewing mode within all organizations that allows the user to sort
message order for playback. When sequencing is complete, the user is
given the option to save the new sort order. In addition to any other
message level scheduling applied to each individual message, when an
organization is added to a loop schedule for playback the sequencing will
determine playback order of all content within an on.
List View
o The options available under list view provides the you user with the ability
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to control how much information is displayed in the condensed display
system for each message in the organization.
Simple: In the "Simple View" only the Message ID Number, Title,
and Channel Count are displayed.
Extended: In the "Extended View" all the standard details are
provided, plus additional information such as: External ID,
Category, Content Owner, and Video Name (when applicable).
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Additional Functions:
From the Message List console there are a number of functions a user can perform to
manage messages currently listed within an organizations. The following functions
relate to specific messages states, and can be performed individually or in groups by
using the check boxes located next to each message.
Archive
o By checking the box next to a currently active message and clicking the
"Archive" button, the message will be moved into the open archive within
that organization and its color will change from green to blue.
Re-Activate
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o By checking the box next to a currently archived message and clicking the
"Re-Activate" button, the message will be moved to the "Active" group of
messages, and its color will change from blue to green.
Delete
o By checking the box next to any message within an organization and
clicking the "Delete" button, the message will be completely removed from
the system. You will be given the chance to validate the action, but once
a message has been deleted it is permanently removed from the system.
o There is currently no "Un-Delete" functionality built into CastNET.
Creating Messages
Messages
Creating new messages within the CastNET system has never been easier. Simply
follow the same navigation path outlined in the previous section on "Viewing
Messages".
Messages >> View/Edit Messages >> [YOUR ORGANIZATION] >> "Create New
Message"
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Select the Organization that you would like to create a new message in. Once you have
navigated to the Message List console for that organization, simply click the "Create
New Message" button located in the action bar across the top of the page.
When the "Create New Message" button is clicked, you will be taken into the message
creation console. Here you can begin to leverage the the templates and content library
available within your CastNET Server to start creating content to be display on your
CastNET Player network.
Destinations Tab:
Within the message creation console, there are a number of factors to address
immediately. The first step in this process is the "Destination" tab. In this first step the
user must provide a title for their new message.
Title: The title will be the information displayed in the Message List in both the
Simple and Extended View of the message list. It is recommended that the title
you supply is verbose enough to capture the intent of the message being
created.
Once the message has been assigned a title, the user must then determine where the
message should be played, or it's destination. In the sample outlined below, you can
see that two of the available three locations have been checked.
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Location: The destination where the a new message will be displayed after it
has been published. Location usually refers to placement of a given display
within a client property. In the sample below, the locations selected are verbose
enough to allow the user to choose screens that make sense for their content.
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Additional options can also be set from this tab that will effect the long term use of the
message being created.
Classification: Refers to the group class of a given message for playback. This
information is useful when wanting to provide additional information on the
content type of a particular message. Classifications can be defined under the
Maintenance options that will be covered in a later section.
Secondary Organization: Any message can be assigned one or multiple
secondary organizations. If you have a need to create a single version of a
message then duplicate it across multiple organizations this feature allows the
user to define additional organizations where a message should also reside.
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o This feature can be very useful in situations where a client has
organizations setup for multiple cities, properties, or buildings at the same
site, but each location is has very tight security restrictions assigned to
content playing on the screens. Be selecting a secondary organization the
user can provide access to content in restricted organizations without
having to recreate the message multiple times in multiple organizations.
o For additional clarification on why this feature can be beneficial to your
implementation of CastNET please review the Organizations section of
this document.
Drag & Drop Interface: It should be noted that the entire CastNET 10 interface
uses drag & drop functionality to manage many features within the product. This
is new to CastNET 10 and worth mentioning because, once a secondary
organization has been added on the "Destinations" tab, they can be removed
from the list simply by dragging that element to the "trash bin" icon located below
the list. This functionality was introduced to simplify the management of the
solution.
Messages
Video Tab:
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The Video Tab represents the primary console from which users create and compile
content for their messages in the CastNET system. This console uses one of the
primary functions of CastNET that is a foundational element of the solution that has
been present since the inception of the product.
CastNET operates on the assumption that users are interested in the most direct route
to creating and publishing content to their digital signage network. Based on this
premise, the message creation process is driven primarily by the use of templates that
combines pre-formulated layouts that leverage assets defined by the user. To illustrate
how this approach to message creation works, we will walk through the form on the
"Video" tab.
*** One should note that throughout the entire message creation process the user will
always have access to the message title, and may change the title at any time, from any
tab.
Template Details:
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Template Style: CastNET leverages a number of template formats that
represent collectively a theme of design look and feel. When selecting a specific
template style, the user is selecting what type of content they would like to work
with in a given message. (E.g. Static graphics, video, text with graphics, simple
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text, or more dynamic content.)
o Once a style has been selected the user has the option to select which
template they want to use within that group.
o Specific sets of templates can be assigned to organizations from the
Organization Management Console. Template styles can be limited to a
certain group of or style of templates, or a given organization can be
granted access to all templates available within the system.
Template: A template represents a specific pre-formatted layout for displaying
content on a CastNET player. A standard CastNET server comes with a
collection of templates out of the box.
o Within a given style there are many template formats to choose between.
Select a layout that best meets the needs for the message your are
actively creating.
Image Style: Most standard templates leverage a graphical or video back-drop.
This content is broken up into style groups that allow user's to select what type
of graphical layout they would like to use for a given message.
o Based on the image style selected a new collection of Background Image
assets will become available.
Background Image: The background image is the back-drop used by the
template that shows up behind the text and other graphical content selected by
the user as they create their message.
o A collection of background images are provided for CastNET users out of
the box.
o Users are not limited to only using the graphical assets that come with
CastNET out of the box. This collection can be modified or added to by
the user.
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Messages
Template Data:
Headline: A headline is the text that will be display during playback of a
message at the top of the screen in large bold letters that identify the content
within the body of your message.
Body Text: This field is used to provide the text based information the user
would like to communicate to their audience. This field supports the use of line
breaks, punctuation, and all standard text characters.
o All fields in the "Video" tab support the use of most language character
sets.
o To use non-English character sets please consult your trainer or support
contact to ensure that the proper language packs are installed on the
server.
o With limited setup users can create and publish message in their native
language for display on screens internationally.
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*** The above illustration demonstrates a completed video tab form.
Photoclip: Graphical assets can be used on some templates in addition to the
background defined in the previous section. These graphics are intended to be
complimentary to the text of the message and are displayed as part of the
primary message layer displayed on the digital signage player screens.
o Note that upon clicking the, "Click Here to Choose and Image" icon a
window will pop-up that includes images already in the image library.
Messages
If none of the existing images in the library suit your need, simply click the
"Upload" button, and proceed with using your own graphic.
o
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Photo Subtitle: Captions can be entered for most Photoclips added to a
message. The Subtitle field is used for entered captions.
Scheduling Tab:
There are multiple levels of scheduling that can be managed within the system, but for
the purpose of this section of the document we will be focusing only on message
specific scheduling. At this level, scheduling only applies to the time frame in which you
would like a specific message to be able to playback on the screens.
Please Note: The scheduling information assigned to a single message only applies to
the message you are actively editing. There are additional scheduling options available
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for scheduling a larger collection of messages including scheduling whole organizations,
this will be covered later in the User Defined Schedules section of this document.
Scheduling of individual messages can allow a user to create simple to manage
schedules for specific messages within an organization only run during certain times of
the day, or certain days of the week. In the current example, the message we are
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working with is intended to show "January Weekday Office Hours" for a fictional
company. In this example, the scheduling goal for this message is to have it run during
the work week, only for the month of January, and only at certain times of day.
Using the scheduling tab options, we can specify a great number of details so that the
message conforms to only running during authorized days and times. Let's review the
tabs functional components.
Channel Type: Refers to the location the message is approved to play. In the
release version of CastNET 10 the system only supports playback of content on
a CastNET player. In a later release, users will have the option to display their
messages on a dedicated website for sharing signage messages on the web.
For most users the "Channel Type" will usually remain on "Video Channel".
Start Date: This refers to the first day that a given message is authorized to
playback on your CastNET system.
Messages
End Date: This refers to the last day that a given message is authorized to
playback on your CastNET system.
Daily Start Time: Defines the time at which a message is authorized to
playback.
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Daily End Time: Defines the time at which a message is no longer authorized for
playback.
Days of the Week: Defines the days of the week that a message is authorized to
playback.
ADD TO SCHEDULE: This button will add the currently defined parameters to
the "Created Schedules" listing at the bottom section of the scheduling tab.
NOTE: A single message can have multiple schedules assigned to it. This
allows a single messages to be authorized for playback at multiple times or days
without having to recreate a message simply to add additional scheduling
information. This "one-stop" scheduling approach allows greater flexibility for
scheduling individual messages.
IMPORTANT: If no scheduling information is added for a given message,
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the system assumes that the message is authorized for playback at any
time, for an indefinite period of time into the future.
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This functionality can be useful in allowing users to create messages
quickly without worrying about specific schedules for certain types of
content that are always approved for playback as "filler" for the system to
loop when other content is not scheduled for playback.
o We encourage users to create messages within the system that are
approved for the above type of playback.
o
Please be aware that CastNET 10 allows for full drag and drop functionality of
many components of the system. If at any time a certain component of the
schedule need to be changed or deleted the user can simply drag a schedule to
the trash bin.
Author / Owner Tab:
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The information on this tab is auto-populated based on the information of the user who
is actively logged in and creating the message. An alternate Owner's contact
information can be provided in the place of the user who creates a message, but by
default the system will draw on the currently active user's information.
Author Informations:
Below is a sample screen shot of an auto-populated form containing sample user data:
Video Preview Tab:
Messages
This tab is intended to provide the user responsible for creating a message an active
preview of what each screen of the message will look like when it is played back on a
CastNET player. These previews are not full motion preview, but the do provide
complete demonstrations of what the fully composed content will look like during
playback.
In the sample provided below of the "January Weekday Office Hours" message, you
can see that there are three preview pages that can be viewed by clicking through the
time-line on the left for display on the right. Each of these icons represents a slide in
the message that will be played back on the CastNET player.
Preview Summary:
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The preview summary is intended to provide the user with an overview of all the
selections made during the course of the message creation process. Included here you
will be information on destinations where the message will be player, the schedule
which the message will follow for playback, and information about where the message is
housed in the CastNET system.
Message Completion:
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The final steps of the message creation process of defined by what level of user
permissions a creator's account has assigned to it in the CastNET system. The
following is an overview of the various steps a user can take, combined with the
average user groups that user will belong to in order to perform that task.
Save / Cancel / Delete: These functions are available to all users of all
permission groups within CastNET. Each of these options are also fairly self
explanatory.
o Save: When a message is saved it will be sent back to the organization
and flagged as "In Progress." until the message is either submitted for
approval, or approved by an administrator.
Archive: This functionality is usually reserved for mid-level administrators, but
can be assigned to regular users. When clicked this will save the messages
current options and change the messages status to "Archived" within its parent
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organization.
o This option is very similar to "Save" except that is changes the message
state to archived, where "Save" leaves the message flagged as "In
Progress."
Submit for Approval: This functionality is available to users of all levels, and for
most users is the only option available upon completion of the message creation
process. This option is the first line of defense in the message approval process
that exists within the CastNET system. When a message is submitted for
approval it goes into a queue and an administrator is notified of pending
approvals awaiting their review.
Approve: This functionality is only available to users assigned to a permissions
group with mid-level administrator rights or higher. By clicking this button the
user is by-passing the approval process and immediately placing a message into
the queue for publishing and pushing the new message out to the players it is
assigned to for playback.
Editing Messages
Editing existing message within the CastNET system does not require a great deal of
additional documentation as this functionality is covered effectively under the "Creating
Messages" portion of this document.
Any currently active message in the system can be deleted, archived, or modified at any
time by users with the proper permissions. Rather than clicking the "Create New"
button within an organization, simply click on the title of a message that requires
modification or revision. At this point the message console will pop-up for the message
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being revised. From this console the user can modify any existing component of the
message following the same procedure one would use to create a new message.
Approving Messages
Messages
The approval process built into CastNET uses a multi-tiered submission, approval, and
publishing process that works to eliminate erroneous content from appearing on client
screens. This process is built into CastNET out of the box, and is intended to protect
client companies, and their digital signage networks from being misused by a single
user.
Because the CastNET solution is designed for use in a wide variety of business
verticals, and client use models, the product is highly adaptable to client work processes
and management infrastructure available among the client staff members. There is no
one "right way" to use CastNET. There are many ways to get from message creation to
content publishing within the CastNET System, and Alpha Video encourages clients to
profile their use of the system, and our staff will assist you in building an approval
process that meets your needs.
Approval Process Overview:
The basic summary of the approval process includes four major components that can
be demonstrated as a simple process guide.
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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
User creates new message in an organization and submits for approval.
Mid-level Admin reviews message on the "Pending Approval" page.
Mid-level Admin either approves message or rejects pending further revision.
Message changes state from "Submitted" to "Active" or "Not Approved".
Active messages go into the queue to be published to the players.
Not approved messages return to the organization marked for revision.
Top-level Admin is notified that new content is ready for publishing to the player.
Top-level Admin completes a publish, content is pushed out to players.
*** There are some cases where the same mid-level administrator that approves
messages can also publish messages out to the players. This is a common use of
roles.
A simplified flow process of the above steps can be reduced to the following steps:
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CastNET 10 Documentation
User Creates Message >> Submit for Approval >> Reviewed by Admin >>
Approved >> Published >> Complete
The following section of this document will provide a short scope based on sample
business sizes, and how existing clients have leveraged the approval process to their
benefit. In each of these models some configuration is required within the system
maintenance settings to ensure that the proper buttons and functionality are available to
the proper users within CastNET.
Approval Process 1:
In this sample we are assuming that there is a single user responsible for managing the
CastNET system, and that individual has responsible for everything from message
creation to publishing content out to players with little to no outside oversight over the
management of the system.
As the sole person responsible for the management of the CastNET system, our
technicians would work with you to setup your User account as follows:
User account is created as a "Super User" with access to all portions of the
CastNET system.
User will be responsible for creating messages, reviewing them at the time of
creation, and simply will be responsible for clicking the "Approve" button when
they come to the preview tab during the message creation process.
Once a message has been approved during the creation process its status is
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changed in its organization to "Active"
The Publish Content page in CastNET will now display that new content is ready
for publishing to the players.
The same Super User will be responsible for publishing all new messages and
schedules out to the CastNET Player Network.
Approval Process 2:
In this sample we are assuming that there are two users responsible for managing the
CastNET system. Usually in this model the client has one individual who acts as the
Technical Administrator of the system. The second user is the Creative Administrator.
In this model the two users act as oversight for one another, but only one person has
the permissions in the system to publish.
Both user accounts are mid-level administrators with rights to approve
messages.
Creative Administrator is responsible for creating and approving content.
Once a message has been approved during the creation process its status is
changed in its organization to "Active"
The Publish Content page in CastNET will now display that new content is ready
for publishing to the players.
Messages
Technical Administrator is responsible for reviewing approved content and
publishing it out to the players.
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Approval Process 3:
In the third process there is an expectation that the organization leveraging CastNET
has three or more people managing different portions of the approval process, and
thereby filling different roles within the system.
The three major user types into this model will work together to manage the system by
using their portion of CastNET.
Basic low level user account holder is responsible for the creation of messages
within the organizations. When a new message has been completed this user
will "Submit For Approval".
Mid-level Creative Administrator will review messages submitted for approval by
low-level user. Mid-level administrator is responsible for reviewing all content
and approving it for final publishing out to the players.
Once a message has been approved during the review process its status is
changed in its organization to "Active"
The Publish Content page in CastNET will now display new content is ready for
publishing to the players.
Top-level Technical Administrator is responsible for performing a final review and
publish of new content out to CastNET player network.
As part of the initial setup of a client CastNET server, the technician and trainer will
assist the user with the process of selecting on of the above models for managing the
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approval process based on the resources available to the client. This is a one time
setup that usually does not require modification, but can be revised if team members
are added or lost at the client site.
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Content Management
Video Management
Digital media asset management is a key component to any digital signage solution,
and CastNET's approach to managing video is both powerful and easy to use.
Uploading files into the CastNET system can be done a number of ways based on
which model is most effective to meet your organizations needs. There are two primary
models for adding media into the CastNET system, and each can be understood by
remembering two simple concepts: Upload and Import.
Adding Videos to CastNET
Uploading videos to your CastNET server has never been easier that with CastNET 10.
Within the uploading system there are two options for how to get video files into the
system. Both will be reviewed here in order to ensure user understanding of how the
system in intended to function.
Standard Upload:
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Content Management
In the "Standard" upload process, the client simply clicks the "Upload Standard" button
located on the right of the Manage Videos console. When this button is clicked the
"Upload Management" window pops up. From this console the user can follow the
follow process to add a video asset to the library:
Authorization:
The authorization frame is intended to allow the user to specify where certain video
assets are eligible to be used within the CastNET system.
By selecting a category or organization in the authorization frame the user is
selecting to limit access to the files being uploaded to the selected organization.
If the video is to be used across multiple organization it is recommended that
these options be left set to the default option of, "No Restriction". This setting
allows the video to be used in messages created under every organization.
Selecting Assets:
Clicking the "Select" button will bring up a file browser window for the local computer.
The user now has the option to select a video file, and return to the primary upload
console. By default users can upload three files at a time. By clicking the "add" button,
the system creates another "Select" field for the user to add additional video files for
upload into the system.
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Using the "Standard Upload" the user can upload files from their local computer
to the CastNET server over the web.
Uploading Assets:
When the user has completed video selection for upload, simply click the "Start Upload
Now" button to initiate the upload of the files. While videos are being uploaded the user
will be shown a status window that provides an estimate of when the upload should
complete.
Limitations:
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Please note that the web portal upload has certain limitations to it that can effect
performance and file sizes. This is not true for all upload methods available in
CastNET. Please be aware of the following limitations to the "Standard Upload"
functionality:
Each individual file uploaded cannot exceed 2 Gigabytes.
This file limit has to do with the limitations built into IIS, and cannot be
changed by Alpha Video.
Files that exceed this size limit can be added into the system by using the
"Upload Linked" feature.
Please be aware that the speed of uploads is dependant entirely on the
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speed of the local client network, or internet connection between the user
and the CastNET server.
Linked Upload:
Linked file uploads are intended to overcome the 2 Gigabyte file limit to the standard
upload system has imposed on it by Windows. Please note that the process for
uploading linked videos is very similar to the standard process, but requires additional
steps in order to complete an upload.
Linked uploads require that the file being upload already be located on the server. This
is accomplished by copying the file to the CastNET server by navigating to a shared
folder on the CastNET server. This shared folder can be setup for the user to access
using the standard windows network file sharing protocol. Requirements are as
follows:
Using this upload method requires that the user uploading files into CastNET
must be on the same local area network (LAN) with the CastNET box.
User computer must be able to access the CastNET server using standard file
sharing protocols to access a shared folder on the server for depositing large
files.
Once files have been deposited into the shared folder, the user can log in to
CastNET and go to the "Manage Videos" section of the system.
By clicking on the "Upload Linked" button, the user can then select the videos
that were deposited into the shared folder on the CastNET server.
The files will then be added to the CastNET Video Library for use in messages.
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By copying the video files directly to the CastNET server video share folder, the user
bypasses the 2 Gb file limit, and can upload larger files into the system with less delay.
It is recommended that users managing large video files, in excess of 2 Gb, use this
method of uploading to expedite their upload process and bypass the limits of standard
uploads.
Authorization:
The authorization frame is intended to allow the user to specify where certain video
assets are eligible to be used within the CastNET system.
Content Management
By selecting a category or organization in the authorization frame the user is
selecting to limit access to the files being uploaded to the selected organization.
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If the video is to be used across multiple organization it is recommended that
these options be left set to the default option of, "No Restriction". This setting
allows the video to be used in messages created under every organization.
Selecting Assets:
Clicking the "Select" button will bring up a file browser window for the the user to
browse to the share folder on the server where the user copied video files for addition to
the CastNET Video Library. The user will have the option to select a video file, and
return to the primary upload console. By default users can upload three files at a time.
By clicking the "add" button, the system creates another "Select" field for the user to
add additional video files for upload into the system.
Uploading Assets:
When the user has completed video selection for upload, simply click the "Start Upload
Now" button to initiate the upload of the files. While videos are being uploaded the user
will be shown a status window that provides an estimate of when the upload should
complete.
Limitations:
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Please be aware that using this method for upload is a two step process that requires
the user to be on a computer located on the same network as the server in order to
copy files to a share folder before the upload can be initiated from the web.
Importing Videos into CastNET
Importing videos into the CastNET system is very similar process as what is described
above in the uploading linked video. Much like the upload process, importing videos
into CastNET has two unique approaches to adding files into the system. Importing
linked videos versus importing uploaded files is simply a matter of how the content is
positioned prior to trigger the button that launches each process.
Importing Uploaded Videos
The function of this option simplifies the process of importing videos by automatically
polling a folder location on the CastNET server's file system. Any files located in this
folder are automatically added to the CastNET Video library using the parameters
defined by the user under the Authorization section of the "Import Uploaded" console.
See the empty sample console below.
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When files are present in the upload folder the frame on the left side of the above
console will be populated with files names.
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If files are being copied into the folder when this console is triggered it will not
automatically update and populate file names. The user must trigger a refresh
using the "Refresh List" button at the top right of the frame to refresh the console.
Authorization settings follow the same rules that govern all videos added to the
CastNET video library. Details are as follows:
Authorization:
The authorization frame is intended to allow the user to specify where certain video
assets are eligible to be used within the CastNET system.
By selecting a category or organization in the authorization frame the user is
selecting to limit access to the files being uploaded to the selected organization.
If the video is to be used across multiple organization it is recommended that
these options be left set to the default option of, "No Restriction". This setting
allows the video to be used in messages created under every organization.
Importing Linked Videos
The "Import Linked" button on the Manage Videos console is a silently executed button
that functions to import items already added to the system using the "Upload Linked"
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feature outlined in the previous section. Once the linked videos have been uploaded to
the system, the "Import Linked" button triggers the files addition to the system.
Due to the fact that this button performs a silent function, additional documentation is
required. Should this change in the future this section will be revised to outline
additional functionality and options as they are added.
Content Management
Managing Video Assets
Once a video file has been added to the CastNET system there are some additional
steps that can be completed to further manage and define those assets for future use
within the system. The first step to interacting with videos once they are added into
CastNET it to understand how to find the files you're looking for by using the "Filter
Criteria" function within the Manage Videos console.
Once the user has filtered their library to identify a video file that they want to interact
with for the purpose of defining more information for that asset, simply click on the video
name in the window display to the left of the filter options shown above.
Managing Video Asset Information
When a video is selected that will trigger the "Information" tab below the library with all
the existing data that is stored in CastNET for that asset. Under the Information tab you
will be a series of data points that are important for the user to be aware of when
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managing their video library.
Information Tab
Some fields show in the above graphic will not universally be active for every customer
system, but for the purposes of this document each item with be discuss in the following
component review.
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Video Name: The CastNET system does not limit the customer to only using the
file name to define a video asset. Simply click on the table where the current
video name is listed, and the file will become active for the user to modify the
information listed in this field.
Description: The user also has the option to provide a detailed description of the
content of every video added into the system. The field will activate for
modification when the user clicks in the text area.
Category: If the user does not define where a video should be authorized for use
once it is added to the system, this can be completed post upload by using this
field. As with the authorization information outlined in the upload section of this
document, if no category is defined the asset will be available in all areas of the
system.
Organization: If the user does not define where a video should be authorized for
use once it is added to the system, this can be completed post upload by using
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this field. As with the authorization information outlined in the upload section of
this document, if no category is defined the asset will be available in all areas of
the system.
Billing Code: This option is only active for customers who purchasing
AdCastNET with the billing subsystem for charging their advertisers for every
playback of a given advertisement on the CastNET system. Each asset can be
assigned a specific Billing grades that can then be used to generate play reports
with costs associated built into the report.
Delete After: This functionality is usually reserved for AdCastNET customers
who want to specify when a specific advertising element should be removed from
the system and no longer allowed to playback on the player system.
o This functionality usually relates to the billing cycle for advertisements to
ensure that when a given ad has expired, and the advertisers pre-paid
cycle has concluded, this will automatically ensure that the asset is no
longer played without the client paying for additional air time.
Duration: This field references the actual length of the video file itself so that the
user knows how long each video spot is. This is not a field that can be modified.
Bit Rate: This field references the actual bit rate of the video file itself so that the
user knows the quality of the video asset. This is not a field that can be modified.
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Content Management
*** Please note that under the video there is a red link, "Play Video" that enables users
to preview a video asset. When this link is clicked it will trigger an automated download
and launch of the appropriate video playback software. (e.g. Windows Media Player,
etc.)
Save your Work
After making changes to each video element within the CastNET Video Library, one
should make sure to save all changes by clicking the "Save" button at the top of the
console. You will be notified that a save is required to preserve your changes if you
attempt to browse away from the Manage Video console prior to completing a save.
This functionality is built into the CastNET product to ensure that users remember to
complete their processes and save their work so that repetition of labor is not required.
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Usage & History Tabs
These tabs are currently available in the system but do not have active functions
assigned to them. In a future release these tabs will display information on the usage of
video assets and the regularity of use of files within the system. At this time this
component is not active or functional, so further documentation for the component will
be added at a later date.
Managing Scripts
Digital media asset management is a key component to any digital signage solution,
and CastNET's approach to managing scripts is both powerful and easy to use.
Uploading custom script files into the CastNET system can be done using a simple web-
based form. Then each script asset can be individually managed with additional data
and use information.
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Adding Scripts to CastNET
Uploading scripts to your CastNET server has never been easier that with CastNET 10.
The
Standard Upload:
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In the "Standard" upload process, the client simply clicks the "Upload Standard" button
located on the right of the Manage Videos console. When this button is clicked the
"Upload Management" window pops up. From this console the user can follow the
follow process to add a video asset to the library:
Content Management
Authorization:
The authorization frame is intended to allow the user to specify where certain video
assets are eligible to be used within the CastNET system.
By selecting a category or organization in the authorization frame the user is
selecting to limit access to the files being uploaded to the selected organization.
If the video is to be used across multiple organization it is recommended that
these options be left set to the default option of, "No Restriction". This setting
allows the video to be used in messages created under every organization.
Selecting Assets:
Clicking the "Select" button will bring up a file browser window for the local computer.
The user now has the option to select a video file, and return to the primary upload
console. By default users can upload three files at a time. By clicking the "add" button,
the system creates another "Select" field for the user to add additional video files for
upload into the system.
Using the "Standard Upload" the user can upload files from their local computer
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to the CastNET server over the web.
Uploading Assets:
When the user has completed video selection for upload, simply click the "Start Upload
Now" button to initiate the upload of the files. While videos are being uploaded the user
will be shown a status window that provides an estimate of when the upload should
complete.
Limitations:
Please note that the web portal upload has certain limitations to it that can effect
performance and file sizes. This is not true for all upload methods available in
CastNET. Please be aware of the following limitations to the "Standard Upload"
functionality:
Each individual file uploaded cannot exceed 2 Gigabytes.
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CastNET 10 Documentation
This file limit has to do with the limitations built into IIS, and cannot be
changed by Alpha Video.
Files that exceed this size limit can be added into the system by using the
"Upload Linked" feature.
Please be aware that the speed of uploads is dependant entirely on the
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speed of the local client network, or internet connection between the user
and the CastNET server.
Managing Scripts
Once a video file has been added to the CastNET system there are some additional
steps that can be completed to further manage and define those assets for future use
within the system. The first step to interacting with videos once they are added into
CastNET it to understand how to find the files you're looking for by using the "Filter
Criteria" function within the Manage Videos console.
Once the user has filtered their library to identify a video file that they want to interact
with for the purpose of defining more information for that asset, simply click on the script
name in the window to the left of the filter options shown above.
Managing Script Information
When a script is selected that will trigger the "Information" tab below the library with all
the existing data that is stored in CastNET for that asset. Under the Information tab you
will be a series of data points that are important for the user to be aware of when
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managing their video library.
Content Management
Information Tab
Some fields show in the above graphic will not universally be active for every customer
system, but for the purposes of this document each item with be discuss in the following
component review.
Script Name: The CastNET system does not limit the customer to only using the
file name to define a script file. Simply click on the table where the current script
name is listed, and the file will become active for the user to modify the
information listed in this field.
Description: The user also has the option to provide a detailed description of the
content of every script added into the system. The field will activate for
modification when the user clicks in the text area.
Category: If the user does not define where a script should be authorized for use
once it is added to the system, this can be completed post upload by using this
field. As with the authorization information outlined in the upload section of this
document, if no category is defined the asset will be available in all areas of the
system.
Organization: If the user does not define where a script should be authorized for
use once it is added to the system, this can be completed post upload by using
this field. As with the authorization information outlined in the upload section of
this document, if no category is defined the asset will be available in all areas of
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the system.
Script Usage: Can be defined for each script added to the system. Usage refers
to the function a particular script serves within the system. Because CastNET
scripts can be used to perform a variety of functions in addition to simply displays
content, this definable field is important.
Delete After: This functionality is usually reserved for AdCastNET customers
who want to specify when a specific advertising element should be removed from
the system and no longer allowed to playback on the player system.
o This functionality usually relates to the billing cycle for advertisements to
ensure that when a given ad has expired, and the advertisers pre-paid
cycle has concluded, this will automatically ensure that the asset is no
longer played without the client paying for additional air time.
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Save your Work
After making changes to each script element within the CastNET Script Library, one
should make sure to save all changes by clicking the "Save" button at the top of the
console. You will be notified that a save is required to preserve your changes if you
attempt to browse away from the Manage Scripts console prior to completing a save.
This functionality is built into the CastNET product to ensure that users remember to
complete their processes and save their work so that repetition of labor is not required.
Usage & History Tabs
These tabs are currently available in the system but do not have active functions
assigned to them. In a future release these tabs will display information on the usage of
video assets and the regularity of use of files within the system. At this time this
component is not active or functional, so further documentation for the component will
be added at a later date.
Scheduling System
Manage Generated Shows
There are two major types of CastNET shows that contribute to the scheduling system
in CastNET as a whole. The first of these two formats is the Generated Show system
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that can be accessed in the following path: Scheduling >> Managed Generated
Shows
This form of show can be created using the basic components that exist within the
CastNET system. In the example shown below the shows created are based on the
collections of messages in organizations. The purpose behind this type of show set is
to allow clients who leverage specialized extensible modules within CastNET to group
and publish sets of messages for special uses such as Video on Demand.
Generated shows are most commonly used by cable customers who have integrated
the solution into other systems within their channel, and use CastNET to create
collections of messages for playback on non-standard devices. This is not the exclusive
use of this type of show, but it is the most common.
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Creating a Show
The creation of a generated show is based on parameters defined in the "Information
Tab". To intiate the creation of a new show, simply click the "create" button on the
action bar along the top of the console. This will launch the creation form at the bottom
of the console window for entering information and references to media assets.
Scheduling System
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Information Tab
As one can see in the above graphic, the user is provided with a form to create a show
name, and description, followed by defining various aspects of the show.
Show Type: The options listed under this drop down will dictate the type of show
the user is creating.
o Multi-Selection: Refers to a show type that leverages multiple content
sources for more than one output format. This may include both VOD
media, and standard content.
o Organization Specific: Will allow the user to create a show that only
uses messages from a single organization for the show.
o VOD Only: For AdCastNET customers only, this leverages an output
format designed for playback on VOD encoding player systems.
Category: Organizations are collected under different categories for some
installations of CastNET to segment business units. Find the category that
applies to your message from this drop down.
Organization: Allows the user to select from any organization that currently
exists in the system.
Intro / Close Script: Both of these fields allow the user to define scripts that
playback at the beginning and end of a show. These are commonly used as
"titles" for VOD message shows, but can be used in other ways for non-cable
specific clients.
Send to VOD: By clicking this check box the user designates the show as being
intended for use on VOD player encoder systems only.
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Externally Referenced: Denotes when a show has been created for use on a
playback system other than CastNET. (VOD)
Support X and Y Variables: Checking this box will enable the support of X/Y
variables on the show.
Other Tabs
The other tabs on the creation console are intended for use to define additional
variables assigned to the show. They each work from very simple sets of data points
that can be discussed in brief
Selections: Determines what active fields are used in the show.
Sorts: Provides the user with the ability to define the key by which messages in
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the show are sorted.
Preview: Offers a heads up display of the content currently in the show, and the
order in which it will player.
Access: Grants the user responsible for creating a show to define what users
should have access to the show for use on player systems.
Manage User Defined Shows
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The User Defined Shows console represents one of the most significant leaps forward
in functionality that the CastNET solution offers to our customers in CastNET 10. In
previous revisions of CastNET this function was referred to as "Segment Building." In
CastNET 10, Alpha Video has changed the process of creating custom shows and
segments for content playback so dramatically that the new system bears little
resemblance to previous revisions of the product.
How it Works
In previous revisions of CastNET, users were allowed to create a loop schedule that
acted as the constant set of content that cycled through on the players. The Loop
Schedule was a self-contained portion of the CastNET scheduling system that users
could add different collections of media assets, scripts, and messages from
organizations. This functionality has been absorbed into the new User Generated
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Shows section of CastNET 10 by effectively taking the old process of segment building,
and combining it with the Loop Schedule system to provide a universal show creator.
Scheduling System
Filler Shows
This represents the core of the new scheduling system, and show programming
functionality in CastNET 10. As with previous revisions of CastNET, there is an
expectation that user will create a base group of content that acts as the constant
content set that cycles on the player system when there is no specific content that has
been scheduled for playback at a certain time or date. This content has always been a
part of the CastNET system under the Loop Schedule, but not in CastNET 10 these
shows are called "Filler Shows" that literally fill in the gaps between any content that has
been exact scheduled on the system to play back at specific times. To review, here is a
brief list of the function that Filler Shows serve:
Filler Shows loop constantly on player system when no other content is
scheduled for playback.
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These shows will include collections of messages from organizations that did not
have message level specific schedules assigned to them and are authorized to
play any time on any destination screen or player.
These shows do not require constant maintenance or revision by the user. Once
the are created they will play back at any time exact schedule content is not
super-ceding playback of content on the screens.
The hierarchy of scheduling and how each schedule impacts other scheduling
elements within the a given player's schedule are as follows from lowest level of
priority to highest:
o Filler Show Schedule // Message Level Schedule // Exact Scheduled
Show // Exact Schedule Media Item.
Filler shows are managed from the User Defined Shows Show console, but this is not
the only use of the User Defined Show console. Any type of segment of show can be
compiled from this interface using the same set of tools to create a variety of show
programming for your digital signage system.
Create a New Show
To initiate the show building process you will need to navigate to the Scheduling >>
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Manage User Defined Shows console. To start building a new show you will first need
to trigger the "Manage Shows" console:
Click the "Manage" button on the action bar at the top of this window.
By clicking the "Manage" button you are taken to a sub-section of the Show
Creation Console. Here you can create new show names in the system that you
will then later add content to. See the graphic below for an example of this
console:
Scheduling System
In the above graphic you should notice that the "Filler Shows" for each player
system already exist on in this console. These shows are automatically created
at the time of player creation. Filler shows can be managed from the same
console as custom shows.
For the purpose of this guide, we'll be creating a new show. To create a new
show, simply click the "Create" button on the action bar.
Once the "Create" button has been clicked the following console change will
occur, allowing the user to define the parameters of their new show.
From this new console the user can enter a name and description for their new
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show, then define parameters for authorization of content sources.
o NOTE: It is important to remember that most components within CastNET
allow for the specification of the same sets of authorizations and
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permissions. If the reader requires additional clarification of field functions
please refer to the glossary. There you will find definitions for every field
and tab that is used for creating and authorizing assets within the
CastNET system.
By not defining a specific Category or Organization the show will be able to
leverage more content within the system.
If the user wants the show they are creating to only allow content from a specific
source use these field to limit access to additional content.
Once the user has completed the creation and definition process for their new
show simply click "Save" on the action bar.
The new Show will become available within the system for adding content and
assets for playback.
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The Show Building Process
Once a new show has been create within the system, the user can then proceed to add
content, media items, and other assets into the show. These assets are drag and drop
resources that can be organized based on the order in which the user would like to see
each component playback during their show.
To add content to a show, simply select the show you would like to modify under the
"Playback Segment" drop-down menu. This menu contains a list of all available show
within the system. This will include any custom shows the user created on the
"Manage" console. Select the show you would like to modify.
After the show has been selected, the user
can proceed with selecting what type of
assets to add the show for playback during
the show. These options are listed under the
Scheduling System
"Entry Type" drop-down menu shown in the graphic to the left.
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Each asset type selected from this drop-down will determine what content pieces are
available in the frame to the right of these options.
The assets are displayed in a frame to the right of the drop-down. Any asset that is
available, and displayed within this frame, can be used as part of a show. To add an
asset to the show list, simply click on the asset and drag it into the Segment Sequence
at the bottom half on the console window.
The "Segment Sequence" sub-console is designed to provide the user with a heads-up
display of all currently active assets in a given show. When the user clicks on a show,
this frame willl populate with any currently active assets that are assigned to the show.
All assets can be managed within a show at any time simply by drag and drop using
the CastNET 10 clickable interface. Below is a sample of a Filler Show that has had
media assets added to the Segment Sequence console, and organized based on
desired playback options.
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As depicted in the graphic above, one can clearly see that a combination of video and
message assets have been added to the show. This degree of variety is a hallmark of
the CastNET system.
Scheduling and Recurrence Item Options
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Each of the unique content types within a show play list can be managed and scheduled
within the show individually to assign greater playback regularity for assets. The next
graphic depicts some of the additional parameters that can be assigned to an asset.
Scheduling System
The above expanded "Segment Sequence" sub-console depicts the "Edit" options
available for a single asset within the show play list. Each of the options under this sub-
menu can affect the regularity of playback of a given asset. The following outlines the
function of this menu:
o Increasing "Count" will result in the asset playing back with great penetration
over time. Meaning more repitition of a given asset.
o "Play Sequential" refers to the ordering of messages within an Organization.
Playing sequentially will result in the default order of message within an
organization being used for selection and playback of messages in the show.
o Timing simply refers to the length of a show.
o The "Restart" check box enables a show to playback multiple times within the
pre-defined time window. If this is not checked, the message will playback once
and move on the next asset in the show.
Another optional schedule settings can be assigned to assets added to a show play list.
Additional scheduling options are not available for all assets. When they are available
you will notice a "+" sign at the far left of the asset description in the Segment Sequence
sub-console. If this is present, the user can assign additional scheduling parameters to
that asset. The below graphic depicts a sub-schedule that has not yet had scheduling
data assigned to it.
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To add specific timing and scheduling limitation and specifications to a given asset
simple click the green plus sign located near the top of the scheduling expansion
module. "Add New Segment Schedule Entry" will only apply the selected schedule to
the assets that has been expanded. All other assets will play in sequence regardless of
time or date much like a "Filler Show". The difference is that once these segment
based shows have been created that can be scheduled to run on the exact scheduling
system for playback in a specific window of time, on a specific day, as a single
occurrence, or a repeating occurrence.
Save your Work
After making changes to each show within the CastNET Manage User Defined Shows
console, one should make sure to save all changes by clicking the "Save" button on the
action bar at the top of the console. You will not be notified that a save is required to
preserve your changes if you attempt to browse away from the show creation console
prior to completing a save. This functionality is slated to be added into the system to
duplicate other areas of the product where it already exists.
Summary of Show Creation
The process for creating, maCanaging, and deploying Filler Shows for player systems is
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the same process for creating custom shows. User created shows can include any
asset that exists w