1. Introduction

This getting started guide describes the procedure for installing DC Media Desktop edition and it is recommended that you read this document in full as it covers several important program features that ensure correct software operation.

2. Software Installation

DC Media installs using three separate installation modules, these modules are:

  • DC Media Scheduler
  • DC Media Network Manager
  • DC Media Player 

Review the diagram below to gain a better understanding of how these three modules interact to form a typical digital signage network and where each module should be installed. It is recommended that you start by installing the DC Media Scheduler software.



Note for Evaluation users:
The 15 day evaluation of DC Media only provides a DC Media Scheduler installation and license key. The Network Manager and Player are available for evaluation and these modules can be obtained simply by emailing support@dcmediads.com.



Important: You may need install the software using a user account with Administrator privileges, don’t be concerned if you are unsure as the installer will detect the required privileges level and inform you if they are insufficient.



2.1 Installing the Scheduler Software

The DC Media Scheduler software provides you with application features to manage a multimedia library, create and manage playlists and if you are running the network edition of the product, the ability to distribute playlists to players running on a network.

Where should this software be installed
This software should be installed on the computer that you will use as your primary Digital Signage workstation.  This software can be installed on a computer running Windows Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10.

Additional software installed by the Scheduler
DC Media Digital Sign Creator
DC Media Player (without the DS Agent)


2.2 Installing the Network Manager Software

The DC Media Network Manager software is the application that you will use to create and manage your Digital Signage network. 

Where should this software be installed
Install the Network Manager on the same computer as the Scheduler. It is possible to run the Network Manager on a separate computer however the configuration of the database settings must be adjusted to allow this, please consult the user manual for additional information on this topic.


2.3 Installing the Player Software

The DC Media Player provides full screen playback of Playlists created using the DC Media Scheduler.

Where should this software be installed
The DC Media Player software must be installed on the computer that you will use for playback on your LCD or Plasma display. This software runs in full screen unattended mode with several support functions enabled to ensure constant playback - please consult the notes further down to gain a full understanding of these features and how to gain access to the player PC when the DC Media Player software is running.

Additional software installed with the Player
The Digital Signage Network Manager Agent (DS Agent)

Notes:
  1. Both the DC Media Player software and the DS Agent software are configured by the installer to run using Start Up shortcuts; this means the software will automatically start when the Player computer is rebooted. 
  2. The Player software starts up as the top most application window and maintains this position on the desktop, this means that any other application running on the player will not appear over the Player window. To close the Player and gain access to the computer, press Esc or press Alt-F4 on the keyboard. Depending on the content formats being played, the content itself may take the keyboard focus from the Player application and in the event that Alt-F4 or Esc does not work, please Alt-Tab until the DC Media Player icon is selected and then press Alt-F4.
  3. Important - The DS Agent software is designed to monitor the Player and ensure that the Player is always running. If the Player is shut down the DS Agent will restart it after 15 seconds unless keyboard or mouse activity is detected. You may continue to work on the Player PC however a break in activity for longer than 15 seconds will cause the DS Agent to start the Player application again.
  4. Important - Ensure that the Windows Firewall is either disabled, or an exception is created for the following TCP ports: 8448 (for file transfer) 9000 (for network monitoring).


3. Activating the Software

The DC Media Scheduler, DC Media Network Manager and the DC Media Player applications require software activation in order to operate. Software activation must be done using an Internet connection.


4. Network Manager first time configuration

The Network Manager application is used to configure and manage your Digital Signage network. The Scheduler and the Network Manager share the same database for configuration data relating to the network of Digital Signage players.


In the screenshot above, the left hand side of the application window lists your locations. To create a new location, right click in the left window pane and select Insert. Enter the name of your location and click OK. You don’t have to store your players in separate locations, you can configure them under the All Locations grouping. If you click on a location, the right hand window lists the players in that location, if you click on All Locations, the right hand window lists all the players in your network.


Adding a new Player


To add a new player to the network configuration, right click in the right window pane and select Insert Device.


General

Under the General tab, enter a unique name for your player. This name is for display purposes only and does not need to match any network address or hostname.

Networking

Under the Networking tab, enter the network address as an IP address or computer name. If you have changed the DFT file transfer host user name and password in the DS Agent configuration then enter the user name and password in this window.



Monitoring

If you have changed the security password in the DS Agent, then click on the Monitoring tab in the Device Properties window and enter the password as shown below:


Click OK to store your new player. The player will be listed in your network manager under the location currently selected.



Managing a Player

Right click on the player and select Request Screenshot. The Network Manager will attempt to retrieve a screenshot from the player.



During the screenshot retrieval operation you will see the updated status of the operation at the bottom of the network manager:



If the operation succeeds you will see the message ‘Operation completed successfully’ and you can click on the Screenshots tab to see the latest image.

If the operation fails, the error message will be displayed. The most common causes of failure are:


·  Incorrect password

·  Incorrect network address

·  The Windows Firewall is enabled without an exception for port 9000

·  The DS Agent is not running on the remote player


To further manage the player, right click and select Action and you will see a list of operations that can be performed on the player:



Consult the user manual for more information on managing players. The user manual is located in the DC Media installation folder and is called usermanual.pdf



5. Player first time configuration

By default the Player software does not require many configuration changes and will function correctly without any configuration changes. To view the player configuration, run the Playerconfig.exe application. This guide will only cover the minimum configuration changes, for all other settings please consult the DC Media operations manual.


Zip Code

If you intend display weather information for your location, enter your zip code in the field provided under the General tab: 




Display number

By default DC Media will display all content on the first display, if you have multiple monitors click on the Display tab and select the display number that you want to DC Media to use.


Video walls

If you are display content over multiple monitors for a video wall, enter the video wall dimensions in the Span across and Span down fields.





6. Using the DC Media Scheduler

Here is a brief video showing you how to create a playlist using the DC Media Scheduler:






End of getting started guide