| Signage system runs Windows XP Embedded |
Oct. 01, 2007
 System-builder DT Research and embedded software specialist Bsquare Corp. have jointly announced a digital signage system that's powered by Windows XP Embedded. The WebDT Signage System allows the use of existing applications as content for digital signs or kiosks, according to the companies.
(Click here for a larger view of the WebDT Signage System)
The companies describe the WebDT Signage System as a "comprehensive system" that integrates content management software and device management software. For hardware, the purchaser selects either a "signage appliance" that can be connected to any display, or one of two "integrated computing displays" that run Windows XP Embedded.
Software
DT Research's WebDT Content Manager is web-based server software that provides central management of the company's WebDT digital signage hardware products -- dubbed "media players." Messages to be "played" are assembled, scheduled, and delivered for dynamic playback over one or more displays using standard file formats and protocols, according to the company.
WebDT Content Manager
Advanced functions of the WebDT Content Manager are said to include:- Device grouping
- Multimedia file setup and import
- Media playlists
- Single line ticker functions
- Urgent notification broadcasts
- Email notifications
- Advanced billing reports
- Overall system management administrator functions
According to DT Research, a network of media players can be segmented into groups for easier player scheduling. Auto-discovery makes this easy by locating all players on a network, the company adds.
The companion WebDT Device Manager is described as a tool for remotely managing networked WebDT hardware clients. It uses a web browser as a front end to a SQL database management system, designed to inventory, organize, control, and update an ensemble of WebDT clients, no matter where they are located.
According to DT Research, each WebDT client runs an "agent application" that "advertises itself" to the central manager. The WebDT Device Manager utilizes "push and pull" technology with the software agents, allowing system administrators to:- Determine an inventory of available hardware
- Update applications and registry entries
- Shutdown/reboot/wake devices, update system BIOSes and operating systems
- Logging and schedule events
Hardware
While the client software can run on a variety of devices, newly announced are DT Research's 537 and 547 Integrated Computing Displays, with 37- and 47-inch screens, respectively. Each is said to include a passively-cooled embedded computer with Windows XP Embedded and an "optimal x86 processor."
Additionally, DT Research claims its model 547 represents "largest industrial-grade computing display with optional integrated infrared (IR) touch, facilitating simultaneous digital sign and kiosk functionality"
Touted hardware specifications include:- Processor -- unspecified, but said to be "optimal"
- Memory -- 512 MB or 1 GB DRAM, plus 1, 4, or 8 GB flash
- Display:
- 37-inch 1366 x 768 resolution screen
- 47-inch, 1920 x 1080 resolution screen
- 500 cd/m2 brightness
- VESA-compatible, supporting wall, ceiling, or stand mounting
- Optional IR touchscreen with anti-reflection glass
- Networking -- optional integrated mini-PCI 802.11 a/b/g adapter
According to DT Research, a wide variety of media types can be displayed. These include image, audio, video, Adobe Flash, and Microsoft PowerPoint.
"We chose the Windows XP Embedded operating system based on its compatibility with the majority of applications and devices on the market today," said DT Research president Daw Tsai in a statement. DT Research partnered with Bsquare based on "their expertise in Windows XP Embedded systems and their ability to deliver toolkits and licenses as well as engineering services, products, training, and support," Tsai explained.
Brian Crowley, CEO and president of Bsquare, said, "Retail stores, hotels, restaurants and other businesses that run applications on Windows XP Embedded now have the option of using existing applications as digital signage and/or kiosk content," potentially saving them both time and money.
Although pricing and availability details were not released, the WebDT Digital Signage System appears to be available now.
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