Digital Signage Installation Guide
v1.0 - 7.25.2011
| 2QUESTIONS? CALL US AT 1-800-460-4653 DIGITAL SIGNAGE INSTALLATION GUIDE
Installing Works24 Digital SignageWhile Works24 digital signage is designed to be as simple and easy as
possible, it is still a relatively complicated multimedia installation. These
instructions are designed to help installers complete installations in a timely
manner with a minimum of problems.
Because each installation is unique and equipment is changing rapidly, this
is not a detailed set of instructions to use in every case, but a guide to the
most commonly encountered installation scenarios and problems.
Below is a connection diagram showing a typical installation with three
HDMI screens. This installation is common, but you might have more or
fewer screens, component video, external video, drive-up lanes, a mix of
video types, etc.
For example, if you have a simple, single-screen installation, consider
locating the player at the screen if possible. This will eliminate almost
all video distribution issues (interference, etc.) and greatly simplify your
installation.
Screen 3: Waiting Area
Screen 2: Teller LineScreen 1: LobbyPlayer PC
Transmit Balun
Multiple Screens
Server Room/Wiring Closet
HDMI CableCat 6/5e Cable
This sample shows three HDMI screens, and represents the most typical install scenario.
S
S
S
SR
R
R R
Send Balun
Receive Balun
Splitter/ Distribution Amp
IMPORTANT: This diagram represents a typical installation scenario. However, each installation is unique. Yours may be different.
HDMI Video The current standard for digital HD video. The ends of these cables look like fat USB cables.
Component Video Analog HD video, composed of three separate RCA cables, usually colored red, green and blue. A fourth and fifth cable (usually red and white), carry audio.
Composite Video These classic TV video cables are yellow (video), red and white (audio).
DEFINITIONS
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Video Over Cat6/5eIf your player will be located separately from the screen(s), such as in a server room or wiring closet, you
will need to run network cabling to carry the video to the screen(s). We use special converter boxes
called baluns (BALancer/ UNbalancer) to convert the video signal to an analog signal for the cable run.
You will run one set of cables from the player location to EACH screen you wish to support.
Balun Examples (yours may not look exactly like these)
Wiring DiagramsBelow are the basic wiring diagrams for the baluns we ship. As a general rule, HDMI baluns require two
cables per screen, and component or composite baluns require one cable. All new installations of VXP
since 2010 are HDMI. All HDMI baluns, and some component baluns include power supplies, either one or
two depending on the brand. Follow the instructions that came with your baluns to be sure the power is
connected correctly.
RECEIVERTRANSMITTER
HDMI Wiring Diagram
HDMI Cable to TV
HDMI Cable to PC or Splitter
Up to 100' (with shielded cat6)
SIGNAL PATH
BA
BA
Single Balun Shown. For multiple screens, each screen is similar.
RECEIVERTRANSMITTER
HDMI Wiring Diagram
HDMI Cable to TV
HDMI Cable to PC or Splitter
Up to 100' (with shielded cat6)
SIGNAL PATH
BA
BA
Single Balun Shown. For multiple screens, each screen is similar.
RECEIVERTRANSMITTER
HDMI Wiring Diagram
HDMI Cable to TV
HDMI Cable to PC or Splitter
Up to 100' (with shielded cat6)
SIGNAL PATH
BA
BA
Single Balun shown. For multiple screens, each screen is similar.
Component Balun (CE Labs)
HDMI Balun (Xantech)
HDMI Balun (Knoll)
RECEIVERTRANSMITTER
Component Wiring DiagramComponent Cable to TV
Up to 200' (with shielded cat6)
RGBA
RGBA
1/8" stereo from PC to RCA (Red/White), White connected to Audio In,
Red not used.
Single RCA Male to 2 RCA Female Splitter, connected
to Audio In on TVSIGNAL PATH
Single Balun shown. For multiple screens, each screen is similar.
Component Cable from PC/Splitter/DA
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Cabling Do’s and Don’ts
Use high-quality cable and terminate it properly (either 568A/B). BEST - Shielded Cat 6 cable GOOD - Cat 6 cable MINIMUM - Cat 5e cable
Minimize the number of terminations over
the run, the fewer the better. Directly out
of the wall and into the balun at each end
(a straight cable run from transmitter to
receiver) is preferred.
Double-check the termination of your cable.
Correct wire pairs and polarity are critical.
Read the instructions that came with your
baluns. We use several suppliers for video
distribution equipment, and there are slight
differences between brands.
Be sure that the “send” (transmitter) baluns
are located at the player PC, and “receive”
(receiver) baluns are located at each
screen.
DO NOT run cable within 12 inches of
sources of electrical interference. These
include but are not limited to fluorescent
lights, transformers, power boxes and
conduit.
DO NOT exceed the maximum cable
run distance for the baluns. 100 feet is
about the limit for HDMI, and 200 feet for
component, and if you are close to that
you will most likely need to run shielded
Cat6 cable. Check the instructions that
came with the baluns for specifics.
DO NOT run cable through any kind of IP
switching equipment or network hardware.
The video cabling is used “as a wire” and is
not carrying any kind of network traffic.
DO NOT mix brands of baluns over a
single run. The brand and model of the
transmitter MUST match that of the receiver.
When using HDMI baluns with two cables DO NOT cross the cable connections at
each end. The converters are marked
and each cable must run to its matching
connection on the other end.
DO NOT split the cables or attempt to drive
more than one receiver per transmitter. A
transmitter can support only one receiver.
DO
DO NOT
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Distribution AmplifiersIf your player will be driving multiple screens, you will be provided with a
distribution amplifier, to be located at the player PC. There are several
issues that can crop up with connecting multiple screens via HDMI DA;
we’ve addressed the most common below.
HDMI is two-wayHDMI uses digital two-way communication between the player device
and the screen to negotiate resolution, refresh rate, etc. Because a splitter
must drive more than one screen, only one of its ports will be two-way.
THIS PORT MUST ALWAYS BE CONNECTED FOR ANY OF THE SCREENS TO GET
A SIGNAL. This is usually port 1 or A, but check the instructions that came
with your device.
When installing multiple screens, first get one screen up and running, connected through port 1 (or whichever port is the two-way port) on the DA, then connect the other screens.
BEST PRACTICE
Sample HDMI DA (CE Labs, yours may be different)
Sample Component DA (CE Labs, yours may be different)
Screen 3: Waiting Area
Screen 2: Teller LineScreen 1: LobbyPlayer PC
Transmit Balun
Multiple Screens
Server Room/Wiring Closet
HDMI CableCat 6/5e Cable
This sample shows three HDMI screens, and represents the most typical install scenario.
S
S
S
SR
R
R R
Send Balun
Receive Balun
Splitter/ Distribution Amp
IMPORTANT: This diagram represents a typical installation scenario. However, each installation is unique. Yours may be different.
| 6QUESTIONS? CALL US AT 1-800-460-4653 DIGITAL SIGNAGE INSTALLATION GUIDE
Composite Video Conversion (Drive-up)If you have a drive-up system or other video display device that requires
a composite (standard) video connection, we will include a device that
converts the high-definition (HDMI or composite) signal to a standard video
signal.
Examples of two of the devices we ship are shown below. Video is run to
the display connection as normal, then the device is used to downsample
(resize) the picture for standard video.
IMPORTANT: Because we are resizing HD (1280x720) video to SD (640x480),
content with small text can be hard to read.
HDMI to Composite Scaler Component Scaler
Screen 3: Drive-up system
Screen 2: Teller LineScreen 1: LobbyPlayer PC
Transmit Balun
Multiple Screens + Drive-Up
Server Room/Wiring Closet
HDMI CableCat 6/5e Cable
This sample shows two HDMI screens and a drive-through (composite video) connection.
S
S
S
SR
R
R
Send Balun
Receive Balun
HD to SD Scaler(HDMI or Component)
RCA/BNC adapter
R
Splitter/ Distribution Amp
IMPORTANT: This diagram represents a typical installation scenario. However, each installation is unique. Yours may be different..
Composite Cable
Drive-up connection box (Aux or Adv. In)
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External Video CaptureWe strongly recommend against running external content on your
displays for the following reasons:
• Risk of displaying competitors’ ads on your screen to your
customers
• Risk of offensive/inappropriate content
• Distracts from your marketing message
However, our system does include the ability to display standard-
definition external video as part of the playlist if requested.
External video limitations
• Video must be standard-definition, analog cable on coax or a composite signal on RCA or S-Video
coming from a cable or satellite box.
• The built-in tuner can tune standard channels from 2 to 125. It cannot tune digital, HD or encrypted
(pay) channels.
Run a separate cable/satellite signal directly to the televisions outside of the VXP service. That way, in the case of inclement weather, sporting event, community event, etc., you can switch the television directly to regular TV temporarily.
BEST PRACTICE
Player PC
Transmit Balun
External Video
Server Room/Wiring Closet
HDMI CableCat 6/5e Cable
This sample shows a cable/satellite box used for external input. Composite output from cable/satellite box is connected to capture card on player.
S
S
S
S Send Balun
Splitter/ Distribution Amp
Cable/Satellite Box
Composite Cable
IMPORTANT: This diagram represents a typical installation scenario. However, each installation is unique. Yours may be different.
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Player PC Connections
The mini PC is HDMI only and does not support external video capture. It includes a mounting bracket
and can be mounted to the back of the television.
Standard PC – HDMI
Mini PC – What’s included
Standard PC – Component(the standard PC is REQUIRED for external video)
Mini PC – HDMI
Screen 1: Lobby
Player PC
Transmit Balun
Single Screen
Server/Wiring ClosetHDMI CableCat 6/5e Cable
Scenario 1: Player located in server room/wiring closet.
S
SR
R
Send Balun
Receive Balun
IMPORTANT: This diagram represents a typical installation scenario. However, each installation is unique. Yours may be different.
Scenario 2: Player located at screen.
Screen 1: Lobby
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Troubleshooting Balun/Video Issues
Problem:
HDMI or Component — TV showing “no signal” or black screen (HDMI and Component)
Check first (and double-check!):
✔ Power “On” on PC (check lights)
✔ Power “On” on TV (check lights)
✔ TV tuned to correct input source, usually HDMI 1 or 2 or Component/CMP 1 or 2
✔ All wiring connected correctly (wires not crossed, no loose cables)
✔ Power LED lit on powered baluns (see manufacturer’s instructions)
✔ Read manufacturer’s instructions included with baluns. Most HDMI baluns, and some component
baluns, have adjustments for gain/impedance, etc. Follow those directions to test different
settings. ✔ Before continuing to “next steps,” call Sharon or Jason at Works24 support, 800-460-4653.
Next steps:
✔ Either bring PC to screen or screen to PC (pick one screen for multi-screen installations). Connect
HDMI/Component directly from screen to PC, power on PC and screen.
✔ Double-check all connections, TV tuned to correct input source
If you have a picture when connected directly to the TV, it’s an issue with the baluns/DAs/cable runs.
Check:
✔ Check house cabling again, use a cable tester if possible
✔ Check connections again
✔ Test baluns with short patch cables (bypass cable run through building)
If it works with short cable run (patch cables), the issue is with the installed cabling.
Check:
✔ Cabling not run over 100 feet for HDMI, 200 feet for component
✔ Cabling not run over fluorescent lights or other sources of electrical interference
✔ Check wiring with cable tester
✔ Check connections on HDMI baluns are not crossed ✔ If still no picture, call Sharon or Jason at Works24 support, 800-460-4653.
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Troubleshooting Balun/Video Issues cont’d.
Problem:
HDMI only — TV intermittently losing signal (such as between clips) OR “Sparklies” on screen or distorted/
pixelated picture
This usually indicates the signal is “borderline.” The signal is weak, causing the TV to stop detecting the
presence of the player, usually when the screen goes black between clips.
Check:
✔ Cabling not run over 65 feet
✔ Cabling not run over fluorescent lights or other sources of electrical interference
✔ Check wiring with cable tester
Solutions:
✔ Replace wiring with shielded Cat6
✔ Move PC closer to screen(s)
✔ If the problem is not solved, call Sharon or Jason at Works24 support, 800-460-4653.
Problem:
Component only — Black/white or tinted picture (colors off)
✔ This usually indicates one of the three component cables (red, green, blue) is crossed somewhere
along the signal path.
Check:
✔ Red audio cable and red video cable not switched
✔ Cable colors match at every connection (all baluns, DA, and PC)
✔ Correct adapter used from PC to component video
✔ If the problem is not solved, call Sharon or Jason at Works24 support, 800-460-4653.