Create content using PowerPoint!

MultiZone is the most powerful and cost-effective choice for PEG channels and digital signage applications ... for one simple reason:  all graphics content design and creation is done using PowerPoint.

You eliminate the learning curve associated with most proprietary systems, which means you're up and running on your cable channel or display immediately.  You can even use existing PPT presentations if you wish ... because this solution does it All!

We'll design your initial layout at no cost, using color and graphic elements from your Web site and existing publications.

Select one of our screen layout templates - or create your  own using the ZoneBuilder utility.

Each zone is a 'uniquely shaped' PowerPoint template with the background 'lifted' from your layout selection or design.  Create as many PowerPoint 'features' as you wish, appropriate for the size and shape of each zone.

Wider zones are good for pictures and more text ... while taller zones are ideal for calendars, events, etc.

If it's in the folder, it's On the Air!

When a feature is complete, just click the "Export Slides" button.  A sub-folder is created and placed in the ON-AIR folder for the target zone.  This sub-folder contains TIF images of all the slides in your feature presentation.  The feature is immediately added to the looping playback of all files in that zone ... with no interruption of playback!  Choose among 31 transition types with user-defined default transition times between images.

Scheduled Events ... Looping Events ... LIVE events

The default playlist for each zone 'loops' the contents of the ON-AIR folder 24/7 ... unless and until a scheduled 'exception' appears in the list - such as a City Council or P&Z meeting that often plays several times each week.  The Playlist Editor lets you schedule single events, recurring events, and LIVE events using a simple calendar.  Just drag-and-drop the file(s) you wish to play into the scheduled time slot.

MPEG Explained

Audio: Jukebox & External

MultiZone is an all-digital, file-based playout system.  The most efficient video file format is MPEG-2, providing the highest quality playback and the smallest file size.  Your MPEG files will generally come from two sources: a real-time MPEG encoder, and a nonlinear editing system capable of creating MPEG-2 files from their native editing format such as DV or QuickTime.

RUSHWORKS offers a complete line of real-time encoders with input and output configurations to meet your requirements.

When graphics and/or PowerPoints are displayed in the Video zone, use the Audio Jukebox feature to play randomly selected MP3 or WAV files in your AUDIO folder.  You can also connect an external audio source - such as a radio station, CD or satellite music service - to the Line In of the MultiZone server.  In each case, the program automatically fades the audio IN at the beginning of graphics or PowerPoint playback ... and fades the audio OUT just before a motion video begins to play.  This provides the 'look and feel' of a post-produced segment ... but it's totally automated!

Got DVDs?

Zone or Full Screen Display

Just copy the VOB files to the MultiZone server, name them appropriately, and they're ready to play.  VOB files are actually multiplexed MPEG-2 files that are universally compatible with Windows Media and other MPEG servers.

Any graphic or motion video file in the Video zone can be designated to play full screen simply by adding [F] to the file name, e.g. Council [F}.mpg.  You can also override the default display time for graphic files by appending the file name, e.g. Dog [8}.jpg.

Clock ... Crawls ... Logos

Remote Emergency Alerts

The OSD (On Screen Display) function in MultiZone lets you create a real-time clock - or graphic logo (bug) - or horizontal text crawl ... with user-defined font size, style, color and background color.  You can also program when they appear and fade out.

Using the included pcAnywhere remote access software, you have complete control of your channel .... even from your own home!  You can activate an Emergency override graphic with the touch of a button - displaying a text message that you create and update remotely.

THERE IS A WATER LINE BREAK AT THE

Real-time Web Streaming

Weather & Radar Updates

By adding an optional card to your MultiZone workstation, it becomes a streaming server that sends the audio/video output to a link on your Web site.  It's a plug-and-play solution that integrates all your electronic media presentations.

The AV input on the MultiZone server also has a cable TV tuner.  If your cable lineup includes a radar and/or forecast image, you can schedule that to display in the Video zone as often as you wish. 

You can also subscribe to the AccuWeather service for a nominal setup and monthly subscription fee.  Weather information can be localized to a specific zip code, city, or group of cities.

Windows Media File Compatibility

Start/Stop Date Scheduling
of Files and Folders

MultiZone plays virtually ALL media types that are compatible with Windows Media Player.  These include MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, AVI, QuickTime, BMP, JPG, TIF, GIF, TGA, RTF, PowerPoint and Flash.

You can specify the Start and End dates that you wish to play a file ... or folder ... by using standard Windows file-naming protocol.  Examples:

Spring Fling [04-01-05S].mpg (Start)
Spring Fling [04-02-05E].mpg (End)
Spring Fling [04-01-05_04-22-05].mpg (Start/End)

Call or email for the MultiZone Demo CD ... a narrated PowerPoint tutorial that includes everything you need to build your own layout and create content - even before you receive your MiniPEG Server!

MultiZone
MiniPEG
Server

• Windows XP Pro
• 512 MB DDR
• 160 GB HD
• 4 x USB
• 2 x 1394
• 1 x serial
• 1 x parallel
• DVD-ROM
• Keyboard/Mouse
  (no monitor)

from $5,990

Price includes 40 hours of MPEG-2 storage @ 8Mb/sec.  Upgrades include storage capacity, RAID 1 mirroring, VGA monitor, and video streaming.  Also available in a rack mount chassis.