VSP-AD7 - Network Management Software SONY - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Network Management Software for Digital Signage
Brand	Sony
Model	VSP-AD7 (Software) / VSP-NS7 (Player)
Compatible Players	VSP-NS7 Digital Signage Players
System Requirements	Windows PC with Internet Explorer, network connection
Network Protocol	TCP/IP, UDP (port 2380 for detection), HTTP (port 4980 default)
Player Detection	Automatic detection via UDP2380, or manual via direct connection
Player Settings	Volume, time zone, daylight saving time, NTP, proxy, automatic content deletion
Display Control	RS-232C (1 display) and network (up to 4 displays per player)
Schedule Management	Playback schedules and content delivery via network
Data Backup	Backup of materials, schedules, and setup data to external storage
Player Time Synchronization	Via PC clock (port 123) or NTP server
Power Control	Scheduled on/off times for players
Security	Password and HTTP port configuration for player access
Maintenance	Regular backup recommended; manual time adjustment if NTP not used

Frequently Asked Questions - VSP-AD7 SONY

What is the first step to set up the VSPA-D7 software?

The first step is to check and modify Internet Explorer settings to ensure communication with players, especially if a proxy server is used. Then start the VSPA-D7 software to perform system setup.

How do I set a fixed IP address for a VSP-NS7 player?

Connect the player to the network, run automatic detection in VSPA-D7, select the player, click Network Settings, and enter the desired IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers.

What should I do if a player is not detected automatically?

If automatic detection fails (e.g., due to UDP port 2380 restrictions), connect the player directly to the computer or via a switching hub, then retry detection. Alternatively, manually add the player using its serial number.

How do I register a display device controlled via network?

In the VSP-NS7 Setup window, select the player, click Register Displays, then Add. Enter the display's name and IP address, click Check Connection, and confirm.

Can I apply different detailed settings to different players?

Yes. In the Detailed Settings window, save multiple setting files with different names (e.g., by location). Then select a player and apply the desired setting file using the Apply button.

How do I synchronize player clocks?

In the System Setup window, check Synchronize all VSP-NS7s' system time with this PC's to sync with the VSPA-D7 computer. Alternatively, in Detailed Settings, enable Adjust Time Using NTP and specify an NTP server.

What is the default HTTP port for player communication?

The default HTTP port is 4980. You can change it in the Detailed Settings window under Connection Settings.

How do I back up the VSPA-D7 data?

In the System Setup window, note the database folder (e.g., C:\...\VspaData). Copy the entire VspaData folder to an external hard drive or network location regularly.

What happens after sending settings to a player?

The player receives settings (operation time, basic settings, detailed settings) and automatically restarts to apply them. The sending status changes from 'Unsent' to 'Sent'.

Can I add a new player after initial setup?

Yes. Assign a network address to the new player, install it, make detailed settings, register any network display devices, send settings, and then add it to a group in the Group Settings window.

USER MANUAL VSP-AD7 SONY

Digital Signage Player

Setup Instructions

Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly and retain it for future reference.

VSP-NS7

VSPA-D7

NOTICE TO USERS

© 2007, 2008 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved. This manual or the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated or reduced to any machine readable form without prior written approval from Sony Corporation.

SONY CORPORATION PROVIDES NO WARRANTY WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE OR OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE OR SUCH OTHER INFORMATION. IN NO EVENT SHALL SONY CORPORATION BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON TORT, CONTRACT, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE OR OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN OR THE USE THEREOF.

Sony Corporation reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information contained herein at any time without notice. The software described herein may also be governed by the terms of a separate user license agreement.

Trademarks

• Microsoft, Windows, and Internet Explorer are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries/regions.
• Any other company and product names mentioned herein may be the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Furthermore, “TM” or “®” are not mentioned in each case.

Table of Contents

Introduction ......4

Flow of Installation and Setup Operations ... 4

Settings Required for System Introduction... 4

Settings Required Before Installation .....5

Internet Explorer Settings...... 5

Settings for the Entire System 6

Setting the Network Addresses for Players and Registering the Players with the VSPA-D7 Software....8

Installation ....11

Settings Required After Installation .....12

Making Player-Related Settings 12

Sending the Settings to the Players...... 16

Changing Settings After Starting Operation 17

Adding a Player 17

Deleting a Player.... 17

Changing a Player's Network Address..... 17

Changing Other Player-Related Settings.... 17

Data Backup....18

Backing Up Materials, Schedules and Setup Data 18

Using Backed Up Data 19

Reflecting the Settings of a Player .....19

Reflecting a Network Address Assigned for a Player.... 19

Specifying the Password and HTTP Port Number Used on a Player in the VSPA-D7 Software.... 20

Introduction

These Setup Instructions describe the installation and setup operations that are required when introducing a system that uses the VSP-NS7 Digital Signage Players. When installing the system, see also the VSP-NS7 Operating Instructions.

Flow of Installation and Setup Operations

The following figure shows the flow of installation and setup operations.

Note that some of the settings may have to be made before installing the VSP-NS7 player, depending on the installation environment.

graph TD
    A["Check and modify Internet Explorer settings (see page 5)"] --> B["Start VSPA-D7, and perform the system setup (see page 6)"]
    B --> C["Assign network address to VSP-NS7s, and register them (see page 8)"]
    C --> D["Install VSP-NS7s and make hardware connections (see page 11)"]
    D --> E["Perform setup related to VSP-NS7s (see page 12)<br>o Detailed settings<br>o Registration of display devices"]
    E --> F["Send the settings to VSP-NS7s (see page 16)"]
    F --> G["Create groups"]
    G --> H["Register VSP-NS7s in groups"]
    H --> I["Select the material to use, make any optional settings, and the standard display layout settings"]
    style A fill:#f9f,stroke:#333
    style I fill:#ccf,stroke:#333

Settings Required for System Introduction

The settings required for using the VSP-NS7 player (henceforth called the “player” in this manual) are all made on the computer on which the VSPA-D7 Digital Signage Player Management Software has been installed.

Note

Use the computer that will be used for routine operation for setup. When making the settings related to the players, the VSPA-D7 software stores the setup data required for its operation.

Make the following settings when introducing the system.

Checking and modifying the settings for Internet Explorer

The VSPA-D7 software communicates with each player via a network such as the Internet or a LAN, using the settings for Internet Explorer. If a proxy server is used on the network, make the setting that indicates the proxy server is not to be used for communication between the VSPA-D7 software and the players.

Settings on the VSPA-D7 software

The setup items appear in different windows, depending on their type. When the VSPA-D7 software is started for the first time after being installed, the items that are required for using the system appear automatically in successive windows, from the “System Setup” window to the “VSP-NS7 Setup” window. Make the required settings while referring to these Setup Instructions.

VSPA-D7 system settings

The “System Setup” window contains setup items related to the system as a whole. These include the storage location of content, schedules, and settings that the VSPA-D7 software manages, the times for turning the players used in the system on and off, and whether to always synchronize the players’ clocks with the computer that is running the VSPA-D7 software.

Player's network address and player registration

The player receives data such as content or playback schedules sent from the VSPA-D7 software via a network such as the Internet or a LAN. For this reason, a fixed IP address must be set for the player. When using multiple players, a different IP address must be set for each player. Then, each player's name and resolution should be registered with the VSPA-D7 software, together with the IP address assigned to the player.

Note

An automatic player detection function is supported to set IP addresses for the players and to register the players with the VSPA-D7 software. Note that, if the players will be connected to a different network (segment) from that of the computer where the VSPA-D7 software is operating, this function must be used before moving the players to their actual operating locations.

Player settings

After installing the players in their actual operating locations, you can adjust the volume, and set the time zone and daylight saving time of the installation location, using the “VSP-NS7 Setup” window.

When you use a display device that is controlled via a network, it is also registered and assigned to the player that controls it in this window.

Then, you can set data related to the player by sending the data from this window to the player.

Other settings

You can make the settings shown in gray in "Flow of Installation and Setup Operations" even after starting system operation.

For details about these setup operations, refer to the VSPA-D7 Operating Instructions.

Each setup window corresponds to one of the operation guide buttons on the left side of the VSPA-D7 main window. You can add or change these settings even after starting operation. If the buttons for the setup windows are not displayed, click to display them.

Settings Required Before Installation

Internet Explorer Settings

During communication with a player, both the VSPA-D7 and VSPA-M7 software use the web browser (Internet Explorer) settings. Set the following two items.

• Connecting the computer to the Internet using a LAN
• Make the setting that indicates a proxy server is not to be used for communication with the players

Note

The illustrations used in the following steps are those of Internet Explorer Version 7.0. The procedure is the same even if you are using another version of Internet Explorer.

1 Start the web browser (Internet Explorer).

The Internet Explorer window appears.

2 Click [Tools] on the menu bar, then click [Internet Options] from the pull down menu.

The "Internet Options" window appears.

3 Click the "Connections" tab.

The following window appears.

4 Click [LAN Settings].

The “Local Area Network (LAN) Settings” window appears.

5 Make the following settings in the "Local Area Network (LAN) Settings" window.

When a proxy server is not to be used on the network that is used during operation

Proceed to step 8 when the "Internet Options" window returns.

When a proxy server is to be used on the network that is used during operation

The "Proxy Settings" window appears.

6 Make the following settings in the "Proxy Settings" window.

①Enter all IP addresses for players in the "Do not use proxy server for addresses beginning with:" text box. Add a ; (semi colon) if multiple IP addresses are entered. Use an * (asterisk) as a wild card. In this example, "192.168.1.1" to "192.168.1.254" are specified.

7 Click [OK] in the "Local Area Network (LAN) Settings" window.

The "Internet Options" window returns.

8 Click [OK] in the "Internet Options" window.

Settings for the Entire System

Use the “System Setup” window to make the settings that relate to the system as a whole. These include the storage location of content, schedules, and settings that the VSPA-D7 software manages, the times for turning the players used in the system on and off, and whether to always synchronize the players’ clocks with the computer that is running the VSPA-D7 software.

The "System Setup" window appears automatically the first time that setup is performed after installation.

Start the VSPA-D7 software, by double-clicking the VSPA-D7 shortcut on the Windows desktop.

The VSPA-D7 main window appears as follows:

Setting procedure

The following figure shows the "System Setup" window that appears in the VSPA-D7 main window, first.

1 Change the settings as required.

For details about setup items, see "Setup items in the System Setup window" below.

2 Click [OK].

The “System Setup” window closes. When you have not yet made the setup in the “VSP-NS7 Setup” window, the window appears automatically.

Note

When you modify the “VSP-NS7 Operation Time” and/or “VSP-NS7 Time Adjustment” settings, you have to send the settings to the player.

See "Sending the Settings to the Players" on page 16 and send the settings from the "VSP-NS7 Setup" window.

Setup items in the System Setup window

VSPA-D7 Database Folder

This item specifies the folder that stores materials, playback schedules, and setup data. Data are stored separately by type in the VspaData folder, which is automatically created in the folder that is specified here. Normally, you do not need to change this setting.

VSP-NS7 Operation Time

The “Start Time” and “End Time” specify the daily operating time for the players.

Set them according to the time slot in which you want to perform scheduled playback and the time slot in which data is delivered from the VSPA-D7 software.

The player automatically starts earlier than the specified time so that the operation can be started at the specified time; however, specify the “Start Time” even earlier if the player cannot finish its startup in time.

VSP-NS7 Time Adjustment: Synchronize all VSP-NS7s' system time with this PC's

Place a check mark in this check box to automatically synchronize the clocks of all players within the system with the computer that is running the VSPA-D7 software. If you want to synchronize the player times individually with an NTP server, do not place a check mark in this check box. Instead, specify the NTP server in “Detailed Settings” of the “VSP-NS7 Setup” window.

Note

When operating players with their clocks synchronized to the computer that is running the VSPA-D7 software, set a fixed IP address for that computer. The players access the computer via port 123 to adjust the time. So, if the computer has a fire wall, permission must be given to receive data via port 123. Also, do not power off the computer while the players are operating, and make sure that the computer will not go in the standby (power-saving) mode.

Further, to ensure that the system operates according to an accurate time, the computer time must be synchronized with the NTP server or manually adjusted on a regular basis. To manually adjust the time, double-click the “Date and Time” icon on the Windows Control Panel and make the settings in the “Properties” window of “Date and Time.”

Avoid manually adjust the computer time while the player are operating. Players adjust their clocks upon startup. But once they have started, they can only adjust their clocks in very small steps.

Setting the Network Addresses for Players and Registering the Players with the VSPA-D7 Software

Connect the players one by one to the network on which the computer that is running the VSPA-D7 software is connected, set the network addresses, then register their names, resolution, and IP addresses with the VSPA-D7 software.

Note that, when the players will be used at distant places and connected to different networks, this setting should be done before moving the players in their actual operating locations.

Procedure

Connections

The VSPA-D7 software detects the players on the network automatically, using the UDP2380 port. Connect the players one by one, to the network on which the computer that is running the VSPA-D7 software is connected.

Also, connect a display device to the connector on the player using an RGB cable, connect the power cord to the player, and turn it on.

The player is turned on automatically when the power is supplied.

Notes

• The default IP address set at the factory for all players is "192.168.0.1."
  For this reason, if there is a device whose IP address is "192.168.0.1" on the network, it may not operate correctly. Power that device off while you set the network addresses to the players.
• Connect a display device to the player using an RGB cable to set up the player.

Setting the network address

Notes

• Set a different network address for each player.
• In a system configuration where data is sent and received between the players and a computer that is running the VSPA-D7 software via the Internet, a global IP address must be used for each player.
  If the computer and players are connected by a LAN only, you may use a private IP address.
  For details about the network addresses that you can use, ask your network administrator.

1 When the "VSP-NS7 Setup" window is not shown, click the button in the operation guide area on the left of the VSPA-D7 main window.

The following window appears.

2 Click [Yes].

The VSPA-D7 software starts detecting the player on the network. The detected player will be named from its serial number automatically, and shown in the "VSP-NS7 Setup" window.

Note

No player will be detected if communication using the UDP2380 port is not possible on the network. In such a case, set a network address for each player by connecting the players, one by one, to the computer that is running the VSPA-D7 software.

See "If a player is not detected in automatic player detection" on page 10 for details.

3 Select the detected player on the list, then click [Network Settings].

The "Network Settings" window appears.

4 Enter the IP address to be set for the player in the "IP address" text box in the "Use the following IP address" group, and if necessary, enter the appropriate subnet mask in the corresponding text box.
5 Enter the address of the default gateway, which will be used by the player in its actual operating location, in the corresponding text box.
6 When using DNS servers, enter the IP addresses of the DNS servers that are set in the network that is connected during operation in the “Preferred DNS server” and “Alternative DNS server” text boxes, then click [OK].

When not using a DNS server, leave the text boxes in the "Use the following DNS Server addresses" group cleared, and click [OK].

You can leave them cleared if you do not use web page material for playout.

The specified addresses are specified for the player, and its IP address is shown in the "VSP-NS7 Setup" window.

The following image shows an example when "192.168.1.1" was specified for the player "NS7-10001."

Note

At the end of this process, the player may restart automatically. Read the message shown by the VSPA-D7 software.

Hint

Clicking [Show previous settings] in the “Network Settings” window shows the settings for the player that was specified last in the window. This is helpful when you are specifying a series of IP addresses for the players, for example.

Registering the player with the VSPA-D7 software Next, register the name of the player, IP address you have just set to it, and the resolution used on the player with the VSPA-D7 software.

1 Select the player to which you have just assigned a network address in the "VSP-NS7 Setup" window, and click [Basic Settings].

The “VSP-NS7 Basic Settings” window for the player appears.

2 Click [Check Connection].

The connection to the selected player is checked and a message appears.

3 Select the display resolution with the "Resolution" drop-down list box, then click [OK].

Hint

You can modify the name of the player in this window. To modify the name, edit the name in the "Name" text box before clicking [OK]. Do NOT modify the IP address for the player, however, in this window.

The “VSP-NS7 Basic Settings” window closes, and the player is registered in the VSPA-D7 software. Information on the registered player appears in black in the “VSP-NS7 Setup” window.

4 To move the player, press the power button on the player to power it off, and disconnect it from the network.
5 Repeat the steps from "Connections" on page 8 for all other players.

For the second player and later, click [Detect VSP-NS7s] to start automatic player detection, after you connect the player to the network.

Then, install the players in their actual operating locations, and continue setup operations.

See “Installation” on page 11 for details on installation of the players, and “Settings Required After Installation” on page 12 for details on the setup operations after installation.

If a player is not detected in automatic player detection

If communication using the UDP2380 port is not allowed on the network between the VSPA-D7 software running on a computer and a player, the player will not be detected in the automatic player detection process. In such a case, connect the computer and the player using either of the following two methods, and retry the procedures described in “Setting the network address” on page 8 and “Registering the player with the VSPA-D7 software” on page 9.

Notes

• Connect a display device to the Connector of the player using an RGB cable to set up the player.
• If a message asking whether you would like to start automatic player detection does not appear when you click the button to open the "VSP-NS7 Setup" window, click [Detect VSP-NS7s] in the window.

To connect the player and computer directly

To connect the player and computer via a switching hub

graph TD
    A["Player"] --> B["Switching hub"]
    B --> C["Computer"]
    B --> D["Network cable (straight cable)"]
    style A fill:#f9f,stroke:#333
    style B fill:#ccf,stroke:#333
    style C fill:#cfc,stroke:#333
    style D fill:#fcc,stroke:#333

Note

When connecting multiple players in turn to perform the setup, some switching hubs may not recognize a connected player. If this happens, turn the power of the hub off once and then turn the power on again.

Installation

After setting a network address for all the players and registering the players with the VSPA-D7 software, install each player in its actual operating location and connect them as shown in the figure below.

For details such as how to install rubber feet on a player and how to install a player onto the back of a professional display device, refer to the player's Operating Instructions.

graph TD
    A["Computer (Running the VSPA-D7 Management Software)"] --> B["Network (Internet/intranet)"]
    B --> C["VSP-NS7 Digital Signage Player"]
    C --> D["RS-232C connector"]
    C --> E["Analog RGB connector"]
    C --> F["Speaker Display device Speaker"]
    D --> G["Monitor 1"]

Notes

• Connect a display device to the connector of each player with an RGB cable. If a player is not connected to a display device, it cannot start operation.

• The figure above shows an example of controlling the display device using an RS-232C connection. A display device can be controlled from a player via a network, depending on the model of the display device.
  In such a case, the connection between the [ΦIO] connector and the RS-232C connector of the display device is not required. Instead, connect the display device to the network.

• Be sure to use the upper IDI# the serial connector for the player that you want to connect to the display device.
  This connector is a dedicated connector for controlling display devices in this system. Be careful that if a non-supported device is connected to it and data is sent to the connector, it may result in a malfunction.

Settings Required After Installation

After installing the players, make the detailed settings related to the player, and send the settings to the players.

Note

Players are specified to be powered off automatically at GMT 18:00 as the default. If a player goes off during the setup process, power it on again and continue the setup.

Making Player-Related Settings

Check the volume and the time zone of the installation location, and modify the settings, if necessary, and send the data to the player. And register the display device(s) to be controlled by each player via the network, if any.

Flow of player-related setup

graph TD
    A["Power each player on, start the VSPA-D7 software, and open the "VSP-NS7 Setup" window"] --> B["Check the volume and time zone settings in the "Detailed Settings" window, and modify the settings, if necessary"]
    B --> C["Register display devices controlled by the selected player via the network, if any"]
    C --> D["Send the settings to the players (see page 16)"]
    D --> E["Repeat for as many players as you are using"]

Setting procedure

1 Select one of the players listed in the "VSP-NS7 Setup" window, and click [Detailed Settings] in the "Optional Settings" group.

The “Detailed Settings” window for the selected player appears.

2 If you are applying the same set of detailed settings to all the players in the system, check that "Common" is selected in the "Setting Name" drop-down list box, change the other settings in the window as required, then click the button.

Clicking this button overwrites the setting file named "Common."

Then, click [Close] to close the "Detailed Settings" window, and proceed to step 4.

See “Setup items in the Detailed Settings window” on page 13 for details on the setup items.

If you want to apply a different detailed setting file to the players, according to the installation locations, for example, select the name for the setting file to be applied to the selected player in the "Setting Name" drop-down list box, then click [Apply].

Note that you have to make the desired setting file and name and save it in advance.

See "Saving player-related detailed settings" on page 14 for details on this procedure.

3 Repeat steps 1 and 2 for all players in the system.

4 If you use display devices connected to the network and controlled by a player via the network connection, register the display devices.

See “Registering display devices” on page 15 for details on how to register display devices controlled via the network.

This step is not necessary when you only use display devices controlled via RS-232C connections. After making the settings related to the players, send the settings to the players.

See “Sending the Settings to the Players” on page 16 for details.

Setup items in the Detailed Settings window

The “Detailed Settings” window provides the following items:

Toolbar

There are the following buttons on the “Detailed Settings” window toolbar.

Button	Description
	Overwrites the setting file selected in the “Setting Name” drop-down list box with the modified settings.
	Saves the displayed settings with a new name. Clicking this button opens the window used for specifying the name for the setting file.
	Deletes the setting file selected in the “Setting Name” drop-down list box.
	Opens a window for modifying the name of the setting file.

Setting Name

This item shows the name for the currently displayed set of settings in the window. Selecting another name in the drop-down list box shows the corresponding setting file saved with that name.

When no user-defined detailed setting file is saved, the setting file named "Common" is shown here. The VSPA-D7 software applies the "Common" settings to the players unless you apply any other detailed setting file to them.

System: Volume

This item sets the default volume of the player sound that is output.

System: Time Zone

This item sets the time zone in which the player is used.

System: Daylight Saving Time

When daylight saving time starts, place a check mark here, then send the settings to the player. And when daylight saving time ends, clear the check mark here, and send the settings to the player.

The daylight saving time mark appears for the player set in daylight saving time in the “VSP-NS7 Setup” window.

Note

Players do not put daylight saving time into effect automatically. Modify this setting and send the settings to the players at the start and end of the period.

See also “Changing Other Player-Related Settings” on page 17.

Adjust Time Using NTP

When the “System Setup” window has been set to synchronize all the player times with the time of the computer that is running the VSPA-D7 software, you do not need to change this setting.

If the “Synchronize all VSP-NS7s” system time with this PC’s” check box is cleared in the “System Setup” window, the following settings must be made.

To always keep the players' times correct, place a check mark in the "Adjust Time Using NTP" check box and enter the IP address of the computer (NTP server) to be used as the standard in the "NTP Server Address" text box.

Clear the check box if you don't have to keep the players' times correct.

Note

The players use an internal system clock to perform scheduled playback. Like any other clock, this internal system clock may become inaccurate over time.

If you do not use the “Adjust Time Using NTP” setting, check the time of each player with the VSPA-D7 maintenance window periodically, and adjust it if necessary.

For details about the VSPA-D7 maintenance window, refer to the VSPA-D7 Operating Instructions.

Connection Settings

To change the password and HTTP port number, which are required for the player to allow connection during communication, enter the password and port number that you want in the corresponding text boxes.

Notes

• The players are set with a default password and HTTP port number. The default port number is 4980.
  If the password and HTTP (port number) fields are blank after you change the settings, the default settings are applied.
• We recommend changing the password if you are connecting the player to an external network such as the Internet.
• If you change the password or port number, keep a record of the new password or port number. If the computer that is running the VSPA-D7 software malfunctions and you do not know the password or port number, you may not be able to use the player.

Use Proxy Server for URL

This item sets whether or not to use a proxy server when displaying a Web page as material in content playback using the player.

When using a proxy server, place a check mark in the “Use Proxy Server for URL” check box and enter an IP address and port for the proxy server in the corresponding text boxes.

In addition, when using a site that is accessed without going via the proxy server, enter its address here.

Note

For details about the proxy server, ask your network administrator.

Automatic Content Deletion: Enable deletion on VSP-NS7

Place a check mark in this check box to remove materials from the players after they are used and prevent them from accumulating and using up all the memory. Content such as materials are automatically removed when the player is started 30 days after the scheduled playback finishes. If this check box is cleared to disable the automatic deletion, you will need to check the contents of each player individually and perform manual removal.

Apply button

This button applies the settings saved with the name shown in the “Setting Name” drop-down list box to the selected player.

Close button

This button closes the "Detailed Settings" window.

Saving player-related detailed settings

The settings for the items in the “Detailed Settings” window can be saved as a file in the VSPA-D7 software. This feature is useful to manage more than one set of detailed settings.

You can apply the desired setting file by selecting its name and clicking [Apply] to a player. The setting file stored with the name "Common" will be applied to the players for which you do not expressly apply any setting file.

The following procedure saves a detailed setting file.

1 Select one of the players listed in the "VSP-NS7 Setup" window, and click [Detailed Settings] in the "Optional Settings" group.

The “Detailed Settings” window for the selected player appears.

2 Specify the settings in the "Detailed Settings" window, as desired.

See "Setup items in the Detailed Settings window" on page 13 for details on the setup items.

3 Click the button on the "Detailed Settings" window toolbar.

The "Edit Name" window appears.

4 Enter the name for the currently displayed set of detailed setting into the "Name" text box, and click [OK].

This saves the settings as a file with the entered name. The name automatically appears in the "Setting Name" drop-down list box in the "Detailed Settings" window.

5 If you want to apply the setting file you have saved just now to the player selected in step 1, click [Apply].

6 Click [Close] to close the "Detailed Settings" window.

Modifying a set of detailed settings saved previously

Selecting the name of the detailed setting file in the "Setting Name" drop-down list box recalls the settings saved in the window. Modify the items as desired, then click the button on the toolbar.

Deleting a set of detailed settings saved previously

Select the name of the detailed setting file to be deleted in the "Setting Name" drop-down list box to recall the settings, then click the button on the toolbar.

A confirmation message is displayed, then the selected detailed setting file is deleted. The “Detailed Settings” window shows the “Common” settings.

Modifying the name of a set of detailed settings saved previously

Select the name of the detailed setting file in the "Setting Name" drop-down list box to recall the settings, then click the button on the toolbar. Edit the name in the newly opened "Edit Name" window, then click [OK].

Registering display devices

Each player can manage a single display device via an RS-232C connection and up to four via the network. To use display devices controlled via the network, you have to register them and then associate them with the players that control them.

1 Select a player that controls display device(s) via the network in the "VSP-NS7 Setup" window, and click [Register Displays] in the "Optional Settings" group.

The “Register Displays” window for the selected player appears.

2 Click [Add].

The "Display Settings" window appears.

3 Enter the name and IP address already specified on the display device that should be controlled by the selected player via the network in the corresponding text boxes, and click [Check Connection].

The connection to the display device is checked and a message appears.

4 Click [OK].

The "Display Settings" window closes, and the

registered display device appears in the “Register Displays” window.

5 Repeat steps 2 to 4 to register another display device to be controlled by the same player via the network, if any. If there are no more display devices to be associated with the selected player, click [Close] to close the "Register Displays" window.

6 Repeat steps 1 to 5 to register and associate all display devices controlled via the network with the corresponding players respectively.

Hint

Checking the “Show all displays” check box in the “Register Displays” window shows all the players that have been registered. The display devices associated with the currently selected player are shown in black, and the others are shown in gray.

You can check whether you have registered all the display devices.

The “Register Displays” window enables you to modify the name and/or IP address of a display device stored in the VSPA-D7 software, or delete the registration, provided the display device is shown in black. To modify the name and/or IP address, select the desired display device, and click [Change]. To delete the registration, select the display device to be deleted, and click [Delete].

If checking connection to the display device fails If checking of the connection to the display device fails in step 3 in the procedure above, the “Port No.” text box will appear in the “Display Settings” window with a message, as follows:

The number shown in the “Port No.” text box is the port number used by the player when it tries to communicate with the display device.

If a different port number used for communication is specified on the display device, enter that number in the 'Port No." text box and retry checking the connection. If this is not the case, check the IP address specified on the display device.

Sending the Settings to the Players

After making the settings related to the players, send the settings to the players.

1 In the "VSP-NS7 Setup" window, select the players for which "Unsent" is shown in the "Sending Status" column, then click [Send Settings].

To select more than one player, hold down the "Ctrl" key and click the desired players in turn. To select all the players in a range, hold down the "Shift" key and click the first and last players in the range.

The “VSP-NS7 Operation Time” and “VSP-NS7 Time Adjustment” settings in the “System Setup” window, the name and resolution of the player in the “VSP-NS7 Basic Settings” window, and all the settings in the “Detailed Settings” window are sent to each player. A message appears after the data is sent, and the status of data sending is shown on the list. Each player restarts automatically when it receives the settings.

2 After sending the settings to the players, click [Close] in the "VSP-NS7 Setup" window.

The "VSP-NS7 Setup" window closes.

Changing Settings After Starting Operation

To change the settings after starting operation, for example, to add or remove players from the system, use the following procedures.

Adding a Player

1 Set network addresses for the players that you want to add, and register the players with the VSPA-D7 software.

See “Setting the Network Addresses for Players and Registering the Players with the VSPA-D7 Software” (page 8) for details.

2 Install the players whose network addresses you have set.

See "Installation" (page 11) for details.

3 Make the detailed settings for the players to be added, and register the display device(s) controlled by them via the network, if any.

See “Making Player-Related Settings” (page 12) for details.

4 Send the settings to the new players.

See “Sending the Settings to the Players” (page 16) for details.

5 Click the button.

The “Group Settings” window appears.

6 Register the new players in one of the groups. Or, create a new group and register the new players in it.

For details about group operations, refer to the VSPA-D7 Operating Instructions.

Deleting a Player

1 Click the button in the VSPA-D7 software to display the setup buttons, then click the VSP-NS7 Setup button.

The "VSP-NS7 Setup" window appears.

2 Select the player that you want to delete, and click [Delete] in the "Manual Settings" group.

Changing a Player's Network Address

See also “Setting the Network Addresses for Players and Registering the Players with the VSPA-D7 Software” (page 8) for details on the “Network Settings” window.

1 Click the button in the VSPA-D7 software to display the setup buttons, then click the VSP-NS7 Setup button.

The “VSP-NS7 Setup” window appears.

2 Select the player with the address you want to change, and click [Network Settings].

The “Network Settings” window for the selected player appears.

3 In the "IP Address" text box under "Use the following IP address," enter the new address.

4 Edit or enter the subnet mask, IP address of the default gateway, and the DNS servers to be used in the corresponding text box, as necessary, then click [OK].

The entered IP address is specified on the selected player, and the address appears in the “VSP-NS7 Setup” window.

Changing Other Player-Related Settings

When you modify the following setting(s), you have to send the modified settings to the player.

• The “VSP-NS7 Operation Time” and “VSP-NS7 Time Adjustment” settings in the “System Setup” window
• The name and resolution of the player in the “VSP-NS7 Basic Settings” window
• Any of the settings in the “Detailed Settings” window
• Display device information in the “Register Displays” window.

1 Click the button on the VSPA-D7 software to display the setup buttons.

2 Click the button that corresponds to the setup item that you want to modify to display the corresponding setting window.
3 Modify the settings for the items as required.
4 Send the new settings to the player.

For details on sending the settings, see "Sending the Settings to the Players" (page 16).

Data Backup

You can back up the materials, schedules, and setup data that are used in the system to a separate location. We recommend that you make regular backups to guard against hard disk failures or if you are preparing to replace your computer.

Backing Up Materials, Schedules and Setup Data

The VSPA-D7 software saves all data in the VspaData folder. This is the database folder that is set in the "System Setup" window.

Use the following procedure to check the folder and copy the data.

1 Click the button on the VSPA-D7 software to display the setup buttons.

2 Click the button.

The "System Setup" window appears.

3 Check the folder in the "VSPA-D7 Database Folder" field.

4 Copy the VspaData folder in the specified folder to the storage medium you are using for backup.

For example, if "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents" is displayed in the folder field, use Windows explorer to copy the VspaData folder that is in the "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents" folder to an external hard disk or a network drive.

Using Backed Up Data

If you are changing the computer that is running the VSPA-D7 software to a different computer or replacing the hard disk, you can copy the backed up materials, schedules and setup data to continue operation.

When saving created data and settings on the internal hard disk of a computer

Copy the backed up VspaData folder to the folder specified in “VSPA-D7 Database Folder.”

For example, if the database folder in the "System Setup" window is "C:\Documents and Settings\All

Users\Documents," use Windows explorer to copy the VspaData folder to the "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents" folder.

When you start the VSPA-D7 software, you can operate the system as before.

Hint

You can also copy the backed up VspaData folder to the desired location, then specify that location as the "VSPA-D7 Database Folder" using the procedure described in

"When saving created data and settings on a server," below.

When saving created data and settings on a server

If you want to operate the system by saving materials, schedules or setup data on a network device, such as a server, use the backed up data by following the procedure below.

1 Start the VSPA-D7 software.

2 If the "System Setup" window does not appear, click the button to display the setup buttons and click the button up

The "System Setup" window appears.

3 Click [Browse] in the "VSPA-D7 Database Folder" and specify the location of the VspaData folder.

Each item in the “System Setup” window is set to the same setting value as before.

4 Click [OK] in the "System Setup" window.

The "System Setup" window closes.

This completes the process and you can now operate the system as before.

Reflecting the Settings of a Player

This section describes how to modify the settings saved in the VSPA-D7 software when they are not identical to those specified on a player.

This may happen when the computer used for making the player-related settings becomes unavailable, and you have to use another computer for the VSPA-D7 software operation.

With this exception, the operations described in this section are not necessary.

Reflecting a Network Address Assigned for a Player

Normally, the VSPA-D7 software is used to specify a network address for a player, and the player is registered in the VSPA-D7 software at that time.

When the VSPA-D7 software cannot communicate with a player because the IP address specified on the player is not stored in the VSPA-D7 software, you can register the player and its IP address using the following operation.

1 Check the connections of the player and turn on the power. Click the button in the VSPA-D7 software to display the setup buttons, then click the VSP-NS7 Setup button.

The "VSP-NS7 Setup" window appears.

2 Click [Add] in the “Manual Settings” group.

The “VSP-NS7 Basic Settings” window appears.

3 Enter the name and the IP address specified on the player in the corresponding text boxes, and click [Check Connection].

The connection to the player is checked and a message appears.

4 Select the display resolution with the "Resolution" drop-down list box, then click [OK].

The “VSP-NS7 Basic Settings” window closes, and the added player appears in the “VSP-NS7 Setup” window.

5 Repeat steps 2 to 4 to register all players to be added.

6 Check the items in the "System Setup" window, and modify the "VSP-NS7 Operation Time" and "VSP-NS7 Time Adjustment" settings, if necessary.

7 Check the player-related items, and modify the settings, if necessary.

See "Making Player-Related Settings" (page 12) for details.

8 Send the settings to the player.

See "Sending the Settings to the Players" (page 16) for details.

Specifying the Password and HTTP Port Number Used on a Player in the VSPA-D7 Software

Normally, the VSPA-D7 software is used to specify the password and HTTP port number used for communication on a player, so that they are also stored in the VSPA-D7 software at the same time, and the VSPA-D7 software can communicate with the player using them.

When the VSPA-D7 software cannot communicate with a player because of mismatched password and/or HTTP port number, you can specify these items on the player in the VSPA-D7 software using the following operation.

Note

Note that this operation does not obtain the password and HTTP port number from a player. It does not specify them on a player, either

1 Click the button in the VSPA-D7

software to display the setup buttons, then click the button. VSP-NS7 Setup

The "VSP-NS7 Setup" window appears.

2 Right-click the desired player, then select [Connection Settings] on the popup menu.

The “Connection Settings” window for the selected player appears.

3 Enter the password and the HTTP port number used for communication on the selected player in the corresponding text boxes, and click [OK]. Or, click [Use Default Settings].

The "Connection Settings" window closes in either case.

When you enter the password and the HTTP port number, they are stored in the VSPA-D7 software to be used for communication with the selected player. When you click [Use Default Settings], the default password and the HTTP port number that were specified on every player at the factory are stored in the VSPA-D7 software.

4 Repeat steps 2 and 3 to store the password and HTTP port number specified on each player in the VSPA-D7 software.