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DSN - How Digital Signage Network works
A Digital Signage Network manages and distributes contents to remote monitors, directly from one’s local office. There are several different procedures to obtain this effect, each depending on the specific type of network available. It is important to understand the differences between the various systems and the characteristics pertaining to each. DSN with satellite distribution of contents In this kind of network, the connection between the point of distribution and the remote one employs a satellite channel to transmit the media created and, on the local point of vision, it uses a satellite dish to receive the contents. Every player receives the contents and starts playing them until the next transmission. This kind of system is a good solution when the media to be transmitted are heavy; it is used in combination with old video compressing systems. PRO: - Great data transfer capacity CONS: - Heavy costs of management and of installation in the points of visualisation - It is not possible to verify the status of the players unless they are also connected to the network via internet DSN with internet distribution of contents In this case players are updated of new contents through the usual internet xDSL broadband lines. Computers configured for the task (or other devices specifically made) can act as players in this situation. Contents can be reproduced through a video streaming or, for better results, through a rendering in real time. PRO: - Very low costs of installation and management - Easy and quick implementation of the network - Great flexibility - Use of very well established and reliable technologies - Possibility to check and control the status of the network and of the players CONS: - Capacity of data transfer limited to the quality of the connection available There are also some web based systems. Web based systems are normally considered DSN, but they are not: they are only computers visualizing a dynamic web page specifically designed. PRO: - It is an extremely inexpensive solution CONS: - Scarce flexibility - Scarce integrating ability - Constant connection required in order to work - No possibility to control or check the system - Hardware not specifically designed (a pc is supposed to have an operator constantly in front of it and it communicates through visual messages flashing on the screen which will inevitably appear over the images) - Poor interfacing with the monitors commonly available on the market - Necessity of active interventions of an operator on the remote system |
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