Harris Corporation Raises the Bar for Digital Signage Networks with InfoCaster 3.0 and Network Manager 3.0

Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS) is setting new standards for creating and managing attention-grabbing digital signage displays with the introduction of InfoCaster™ 3.0 and Network Manager 3.0 at InfoComm ’07, being held June 19-21 in Anaheim, California.

InfoCaster™ 3.0 is the latest software version for the popular InfoCaster™ digital signage solution, while Network Manager 3.0 is an option that provides InfoCaster™ operators with exceptional control and flexibility over a digital signage network.

The new products address the challenges that users face when dealing with the administration of large, complex presentation networks, such as making modifications on the fly and controlling localized players. InfoCaster™ 3.0 and Network Manager 3.0 address these issues with new features that help maximize a network user’s command and control capabilities. InfoCaster™ multihead output is a cost-effective solution for the display of multiple, independent Video Graphics Array/Digital Visual Interface (VGA/DVI) signals from a single InfoCaster™ player. Network Manager 3.0 introduces “localization” features that allow operators to control specific devices with targeted messaging throughout a large-scale InfoCaster™ network that can feature hundreds of playback devices.

“The proliferation of digital signage networks in retail, business and entertainment environments has developed beyond the point of simple, point-to-point graphics,” said Tim Thorsteinson, president of Harris Broadcast Communications Division. “As these networks grow in size and complexity, operators faced with the challenge of managing them require a more comprehensive toolkit for creating, scheduling and delivering visual displays. The integration of InfoCaster™ and Network Manager provides a flexible, cost-effective, point-to-multipoint digital display solution for organizations that require a reliable messaging platform with the exceptional video quality that is the hallmark of Harris.”

Among InfoCaster™ 3.0’s advanced features is Schedule Manager, a utility for viewing, editing and scheduling InfoCast sequences. A graphical user interface provides the ability to view a timeline and forecast the output of sequences to enable them to be displayed at the exact preferred time. Schedule Manager also allows for previews of scheduled sequences, and editing of all sequence settings, including playback dates and times, durations and transitions.

Other InfoCaster™ 3.0 features include:

Popback, for resizing and restoring presentation images at the push of a button.

Play from folder functionality, for selecting and manipulating stored clips, stills and animations (with audio control).

A new ODBC editor for incorporating dynamic, streaming data into a presentation.

RS-232 device control.
In addition to controlling displays across an InfoCaster™ network, Network Manager 3.0 includes:

A mapping system that provides network operators a bird’s-eye view of every InfoCaster™ player on the network, allowing for improved network management.

A function for triggering alerts, warnings and time-critical messages via TCP/IP for immediate priority display on specific players.
Three versions of InfoCaster™ 3.0 are available: InfoCaster™, for the ultimate in high-impact, multimedia communications; InfoCaster SE™, for moderately demanding presentations that require sophisticated graphics, networking and scheduling; and InfoCaster LE™, for applications with modest graphics needs but advanced networking and scheduling requirements.