Cabletime introduces improvements to its MediaStar Evolution MPEG-2/4 Decoder and Multimedia Player, the 760/xM.

The 760/xM is a video playout device that can deliver streaming MPEG-2/4 video and pre-recorded content at designated times to any location via Plasma screens, LCDs, and desktop PCs.  It can operate reliably on its own, or be networked to provide remote control, automated content download, and synchronised video playout with other 760/xM units. 

FEATURES:

• High quality video and audio
• Reliable Linux-based ‘maintenance free’  operation
• Standalone or networked versions
• Small physical size
• Future proof
• Suited for both small and large scale, distributed deployments.

The 760/xM unit recorder function consists of a High Definition video playout ‘engine’ with up to 8 Gbytes of on-board non-volatile ‘flash’ storage. Additionally, it can stream live TV or recorded content in MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 for playout independently of the recorded content.

A 100BaseT IP network interface, and additional connectors allow the unit to operate in interactive customer applications with Keyboards and Mouse, IR remote controls, contact closure inputs, and RS232 controls.

Standalone vs Networked Mode

In stand-alone mode, new playlists and video content are loaded by simply inserting a USB memory key.  When networked together with a central server , new playlists and video files can be periodically download for in-store playout.  Networking means new content can be delivered to store and prepared for use overnight, when existing shop network communications are not being used for till credit card transactions.

The MediaStar Evolution 760/xM can:

• Playout video from MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 formats
• Playout HTML (web pages), local s-video and composite video
• Deliver Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition (HD) resolutions
• Stream video and audio in MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 for viewing over an IP network

IPTV Multimedia Playlist

A playlist controls the pre-determined content, and sets the sequence of files to play, the time of day to play them, and it facilitates marking playout positions that get ‘jumped’ to when specific ‘triggers’ are received. When multiple units are used together, a shared trigger can make multiple units start playing out together, allowing media creation that shows visual elements moving from one screen to the next. HTML windows can also be overlaid on top of video clips or a HTML based ‘background’.

IPTV Multimedia Video Output Formats

Video is output in a wide variety of formats to ensure compatibility with all kinds of displays.  High definition is particularly useful where displays are close to the users and good resolution images are required.

• Composite
• S-Video
• VGA - WXGA
• RGB
• YPbPr
• DVI-D
• HDMI, at up 1080p resolutions.