Scala, HP Combine on Signage Players
Scala, which makes software for digital signage networks, announced a new release of its QuickStart configuration and network management software that will run on a new line of signage players coming from Hewlett-Packard.
HP SignagePlayers with Scala QuickStart
Scala, which makes software for digital signage networks, announced a new release of its QuickStart configuration and network management software that will run on a new line of signage players coming from Hewlett-Packard.
HP’s SignagePlayers will come out in December, according to the technology giant. The QuickStart service touts a zero-configuration way for even first-time digital signage users to easily set up and manage a Scala digital signage network, Scala officials said.
“The new system we created for setting up these QuickStart players is simple,” said Jeff Porter, Scala’s executive vice president, in a statement. “Just plug it in, turn it on, and enter a code that shows up on the screen. That’s it. No mouse or keyboard is required in most cases. You’ll be up and running in minutes.”
In an interview with PRO AV, Porter said QuickStart had prelaunched in Europe earlier this year, but that version required distributors to pre-configure the box before sending it out to customers. The new version doesn’t, which Porter said will help distributors of the new HP systems to ramp up their sales more quickly.
“This is the first time Scala has made something so easy a distributor can sell it,” he said.
QuickStart remotely configures a full-featured version of Scala Player installed on the HP SignagePlayers, then for $45 per month per player, the server-hosted software handles all content management, scheduling, and other functions.
The HP SignagePlayer and Scala solution has a locked-down Microsoft Windows Embedded operating system and preconfigured Scala Player software for displaying videos, pictures, crawls, interactive Adobe Flash, and ScalaScripts with dynamic text or graphics in any combination up to 1080p.
The HP systems will come in two versions: the SignagePlayer mp8000s and HP SignagePlayer mp8000r.
“The new HP SignagePlayer mp8000s and HP SignagePlayer mp8000r enable businesses to quickly and affordably deploy full-featured digital signage solutions,” said Bob Rosenberry, manager of visual solutions in HP’s Retail Solutions Global Business Unit, in a separate statement.
For businesses with space limitations, the HP SignagePlayer mp8000s supports content up to 720p in a small device design that can be mounted behind a display. The HP SignagePlayer mp8000r features an nVidia discrete graphic processor for most demanding 1080p content requirements.
According to HP, list pricing in the United States is $1,119 for the HP SignagePlayer mp8000s and $1,079 for the HP SignagePlayer mp8000r.
Scala’s Porter said his company continues to partner with other player manufacturers in integrating Scala Player software with their devices. He expects to see QuickStart-enabled systems from additional vendors in Q1 2011.
