Scala and IAdea have introduced a low-cost, high-definition digital signage media appliance with upgraded Scala-supported software. The combined offering is said to enable the advanced functionality of a sophisticated digital signage network at an entry-level price point.
The new IAdea XMP-320/330 full-HD media appliance is a small, palm-sized unit that is 100% solid state, fanless and low power. It is capable of playing back 1080p content using a dedicated hardware-based video decoder for full-HD H.264 graphics. The XMP-330 unit also features Wi-Fi connectivity, which the companies say reduces installation costs.
In addition to the new hardware, Version 2.0 of the IAdea Bridge Server software is now available. The major new features of Version 2.0 include multi-zone support (requires HD appliance); simple RSS crawls (requires HD appliance); playback of Scala Designer content as a sequence of still images; support for Scala templates (as snapshot) for simplified template messages; Scala Ad Manager support (requires HD appliance or digital signboard/photo frame); portrait mode layout for images and crawls; and automatic time synchronisation.
“The video performance of the new IAdea HD player is stunning and now includes support for multi-zone layouts and simple RSS crawls,” said Jeff Porter, executive vice president, Scala. “For about the same price as an ultra low-cost PC, you can now get drop-dead gorgeous 1080p playback.”
“IAdea is determined to deliver the most dependable hardware technology for digital signage,” said Rex Chen, executive vice president, IAdea. “The new XMP-320 full-HD media appliance lets the system integrator with limited budget do more than ever before.”
