Monthly Archives: March 2017

Planning to attend DSE 2017?

Are you planning to attend the Digital Signage Expo (DSE) 2017 in Las Vegas?

Digital Signage Expo

I will be hanging out at the Navori booth (#1413) on March 29 and 30.

DSE is always a great opportunity to catch up with colleagues and customers.  It’s also a great way to discover new products and see what’s coming down the pipe.  There is always a lot to see and experience at this show.

I also plan to take some time to make the rounds of  the floor to check out the latest in DS technologies for the North American market.  Should be a great show.

Hope to see you there.

Navori releases new software prior to DSE

Navori Labs is releasing a new software version just in time for the Digital Signage Expo in Las Vegas.

Navori QL 2.0 new software interface

The new Navori QL new software interface

QL 2.0 builds on Navori’s previous digital signage CMS and adds many new features that are sure to be popular with new and existing customers:

  • QL 2.0 features a new revamped HTML5 user interface that can be accessed with any web browser, on any OS.
  • Content preview mode. All content uploaded into the CMS can now be previewed within the QL user interface.  Videos can also be played out inside the UI.
  • Media can now be swapped out.  No need to create new content entries in the software when you update your assets.  Simply swap out the file referenced in the content library.
  • Enhanced data feed support.  Navori has implemented Facebook, Twitter and Google Calendar APIs to bring programming-free support for social media feeds. No additional software is required.
  • Enhanced preview in the software’s template and ticker design tools.  See actual data in place in your designs.  No need to push content out to players so you can review your layouts.
  • Extensive meta-tag support for programming content.  Tags can be inclusive or exclusive and multiple tags are also supported.  There is an infinite number of scenarios that can be achieved using the new meta-tagging feature.
  • Support for system on chip (SoC) displays from EloTouch, Panasonic and Philips.  Support for Samsung displays running Tizen will be added soon.

Navori is exhibiting at DSE March 29 – 30, 2017,  booth 1431.  There will be Navori representatives from around the world available to answer your questions, and show off the new product.  Many features will be demonstrated during the show with video walls, data driven content and more.  Be sure to come on over and say, Hi to the team!

Picking the best digital signage software

A balanced approach

How do you find the best digital signage software?  Well, you can start by googling “digital signage”, and take your pick.  Trust me, this will be a long read.  There are currently hundreds, if not thousands of products to choose from, with more solutions released every year.  It’s enough to make your head spin.

In my opinion, the best digital signage software is the one that people will actually use.  I’ve heard folks say “ease of use” is less important today and that we should rely more on automation.  They think rule based programming is the only way to go.

You also have traditionalists who think playlists and schedules are fine.  They like to be hand’s on and feel in control.

I think the answer is somewhere in the middle… Today’s digital signage software should let people work in a manner that fits their needs.  I’ve always felt software should adapt to the user, and not the other way around.

Not everyone runs a 500 display network, but those who do should have access to the features they need, like automated updates, real-time monitoring, meta tag support, content validity rules, and others…

We also have folks running smaller networks with fewer displays.  These people need a reliable digital signage solution that’s easy to use.  A solution with groups, playlists and scheduling grids.

This doesn’t mean the same product can’t be used for both applications.  You can find a balance.

Navori QL 2.0

I have used many digital signage CMS products, and I find there are few that really stand out.  One of my prefered solution is a product from Swiss-based software developer, Navori SA.  The company is known for its QL CMS platform which has been around for many years.  Recently, Navori launched the new generation of their QL digital signage software and it walks the fine line between ease of use and automation.

The QL software platform is composed of 3 components.

  • An efficient and highly scalable CMS back-end
  • A user-friendly web-based UI
  • A reliable multi-OS media player software.

The first generation of the company’s QL (quantum leap) software required the Microsoft Silverlight plug-in for its web dashboard.  It was quite successful and garnered a good following.

Recently, web browsers began to block plug-ins which meant Silverlight’s days were numbered.  That’s when Navori decided to move their UI to an open platform.

The result is Navori QL version 2.0, which features a UI completely re-written in HTML5.

next generation digital signage software

QL 2.0 benefits

  • The Microsoft Silverlight plugin is no longer required so you can use any modern web browser, on any OS.
  • More features:
    • Content previews, including a full-screen mode.
    • A fresh, modern UI that still provides a great user experience.
    • Live data is now displayed in the software’s template and ticker designers.
    • There is enhanced support for social media feeds via APIs (Google Calendar, Facebook, Twitter…)
    • You can now perform remote player software reset and PC/device reboots from the UI.

QL 2.0 is compatible with Microsoft Azure content delivery networks (CDN) making it an ideal choice for very large networks.  You may not need this feature now, but it’s good to know there are no limits as your network expands.

QL 2.0’s media player support now includes System-on-Chip (SOC) displays from Philips, Panasonic, ELO Touch.  Support for Samsung’s Tizen OS is coming soon.

In conclusion…

I use QL 2.0, and I have found it to be a solid performer.  The software is really easy to deploy, and a joy to use.  I think people should take a look at QL and see what makes it a solid contender.

Navori is exhibiting at the Digital Signage Expo late March (booth 1413).

Disclaimer: I am a long time Navori software user and partner.  I provide consulting, support, and training services for Navori software products.