LWS DigitalSignage version 7

Introduction

LeftClick DigitalSignage was launched in 2004 and has already undergone some changes since then. On 12-12-2016 a first major step was made towards the new portal that you are still using today. In the background we have continued to completely renew the DigitalSignage application. The new version 7 has therefore a completely new interface but retains the familiar elements.

On this page we will take you through the changes and improvements that are coming in this version.

Content management layouts

When adding/inserting a slide via a template you used to get an overview of the available templates; this overview has received a complete overhaul. You can now mark specific templates that you use a lot as favorite (we have already marked some for you). The templates are also divided into categories so that you can quickly find the right one. By clicking in the search bar you can adjust the filter.

All templates also have a (larger) thumbnail so that you can quickly and accurately see which template you will use.

Content management layouts
Content slide creation

Content slide creation

The interface (or form) for creating a slide remained mostly the same but there are subtle differences:

  • Group selection is no longer a macro. You schedule content on a group which is created elsewhere. When changing the channels that are linked to this group, the content will also change automatically.
  • You can create multiple time schedules with dates. For example, you can schedule one slide over multiple periods with adjusted daily time schedules.
  • The preview can be enlarged to a full screen view.
  • All commonly used browsers are supported (Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Safari).
  • Pasting text in text blocks has been improved.
  • More style-related element attributes can be unlocked, for example the animation type of a piece of text or the position of an image.
  • A standard image can be set if no image is selected.

❗ Please note that Internet Explorer 11 or lower will no longer be supported.

Content overview

The old table overview of the slides has been replaced by a representation with a new graphic design. Through the search bar you can easily search for a title, channel or group (s). By default we show you the active and scheduled slides. Expired slides can be made visible by changing the filter when needed. By clicking on the image you can view the preview larger and / or make quick adjustments including:

  • Make slide visible/invisible
  • Delete slide

You will also see who created the slide and the corresponding planning settings.

Content overview
Media managment

Media managment

A new application will be introduced called "Resource". This application will become your media library where you can store all kinds of information. PowerPoint files, images, videos but also YouTube or Vimeo for some you need an add-on license. PDF support has been added so that you can also add it in your slide. Your organization can pre-load certain media so that you can easily choose from the already available media files. This way you can build up a database together with your colleagues for the frequently used media files.

Managemant

The information below is meant for system administrators.

Channel management instead of player management

Channel management instead of player management

A new layer has been introduced called "Channels". Channels replace the role of players in content management. Players continue to exist, but you will no longer schedule any content on them. This change makes it possible to exchange players more easily without having to reschedule all content and update settings. Channels are also smarter and do not contain player-specific settings. When you switch from a LC5102 to a newer LC7102 model and the connected screen supports 4K, the system will automatically switch your content to the 4K resolution. Channels are permanent while players are not. By introducing this constant factor it makes easier to keep the same settings easier over the years.

Player information

Information about the quality and expected lifetime will be visible in the overview of the player information. This expected lifetime is expressed as a percentage so that you or your reseller can coordinate a replacement plan to prevent unwanted downtime.

The overview of player information has received more changes: * The detailed information will be immediately visible once it is returned by the player. * There is a registration of warnings such as, a temperature overrun, incorrect shutdown, poor Wi-Fi reception, etc. * It is possible to view screenshots up to 2 weeks back. * There is a direct link to created tickets on the player; * There is now time zone support for all regions.

Player information
Channels and time schedules

Channels and time schedules

You can now create a time schedule globally and assign it to multiple channels. For example, when changing the timetable you only need to make a single adjustment and all linked channels will adopt the updated timetable.

Channel groups

Using channel groups you can bundle related channels but also channel groups. This way you can create a tree structure for easy management.

For example:

                          LeftClick
                              |
                     /------------------\
                  Helmond           Amsterdam
                     |
                     |
                     |
    /----------------|-------------\
Software          Hardware       Sales

In each channel group you can link channels to combine your desired channel groups. If you schedule a slide on the Helmond group, all channels and groups that are linked to it will display this content. In the example above this slide will be shown on all channels of Software, Hardware and Sales. Mutations within a group will also adjust the slides on the channels.

Player RS232

Player RS232

A new component "Displays" is added to the system where you can indicate which screen is connected to your channel. The linked player to the channel will automatically load the correct RS232 settings of the the screen to turn it on and off. This way you don't have to worry about switching the screen on and off. Future feedback from the screen will also be visible in the CMS (depending on the screen) so that you can see if the screen is actually on or off.

Summary

All these adjustments would not have been possible without the feedback from you and our other customers. If you still have suggestions, we would like to hear them through a ticket in the portal. You can create a ticket via this link.

If you do not yet see your submitted suggestion in this release and the ticket is not yet closed, it will be included in the upcoming iterations.

We understand that all changes will take some time to used to, so we are happy to help you with this. There will be an updated tutorial available after the release. In case you want a personal training, please create a ticket for online training course; the support personal will give you information about the available options.