Hi,
I am new to this forum and after searching for a professional digital signage solution for a while, I am considering to give Media Signage a try.
Before i spend my valuable time downloading, installing and trying the software, maybe someone here can tell me whether MS is worth to be considered by me.
I am building a network of Screens in retail stores throughout germany. Most screens will be 42" in diameter.
I want to be able to update them in groups, e.g. there's a program for all screens in one city or for all screens in record stores. It would be most useful if a screen can be in two groups at the same time ("Munich" and "shoe stores"). This is not mandatory, but it would be nice.
I want to playback Flash files, Videos (conversion to flv is no problem), and text from internet databases (mysql or xml).
Displaying graphics from databases (e.g. cd covers, photos) would be a plus.
I want to be able to ping each shop display to check whether it is running. Remote screenshot would be great. Remote shutdown/start would be a plus. Maybe these features can be had with additional software which is running in the background...?
Right now we are looking at expensive solutions, and we are willing to spend some dough, but after testing the solution which seemed best, I discovered so many little annoying flaws that I am hesitating to buy it. It is running on proprietary hardware which I have to buy so thet is a very high risk.
I think that a win- or linux-pc-based player might be a good ide because I can switch to a different software if needed.
What do you think?
