Video Mate Pro as slim client
The DSS System consists of :
a Central Control Software called VM Centra, which is the
central control software,
Client units in the remote field (superstore, public locations,
etc.), which can combinations of any of the following HW units,
now called "Channels" :
Video Mate Pro (VMP) and middleware clients (HDTV,
MPEG-1/2/4, WMV-9), or
NC 370 all-in-1 Set Top PCs (SDTV, MPEG-1/2/4), or
NC 8621 all-in-1 Set Top PCs (HDTV, MPEG-1/2/4/WMV-9)
a server or server cluster of video and multimedia files and
SQL-like video base system
All remote units are remotely connected to the VM Centra via ADSL
modem and internet. Each remote unit is called a "Channel" to the VM Centra.
The VM Centra can download to the remote units MPEG-1/2/4 and WMV-9 multimedia clips (ads, commercials, product and company presentations), together with a video play list. Downloaded videos are stored onto the local hard disk that comes with every channel unit.
The play list is a data base listing all the videos to be played in sequence, with optional date and time stamps. Each Channel unit will playback all the assigned and downloaded videos on the list. At the retail front, end users can also control the Channel by IR Remote control, and select the videos from the Master Play List, and play his own favorite clips instead.
This is most suited for information kiosk, whereby the tourist or user can select his favorite video clips, such as gourmet kitchen presentations, or tourist attractions and shopping centers, without viewing all video clips in sequence.
Through VM Centra, the administrator can program the Channels to dial up every few hours, everyday, or every few days for new play list updates, or for insertion of new ads or new video clips.
Each Channel is accessible via its IP address and can be individually controlled. A Group Update function can allow the administrator to update a particular group of Channel units in the field. For example, a Chain Store operator can simultaneously stream public viewing clips (such as product promotion, ads, sales messages) to all Channel units at his chain stores, but selectively stream other videos (such as corporate meetings, staff training, executive briefings) to other non-store corporate or internal users.
Each Channel unit has it own Unit ID, IP address, and serial number, as well as individual username and passwords, so that the Administrator can selectively control individual or a group of Channel units.
The results are, a cost effective and super efficient corporate communications and marketing communications tool that are easy to install and operate, and super easy on the budget. All that is needed is a broadband access, and standard PC and server equipment.
In the field, Video Mate does not require any maintenance nor operator intervention. The whole system is designed for automatic running and auto dial-ups.
