Running one screen's content from another room
You have a lobby display, a menu board and a couple of screens in the warehouse. Walking a USB stick to each one every time a price or message changes gets old fast. AV Manager Network Version is Windows desktop software that lets you build content and schedules in one place and send them to the PCs driving your displays.
Quick facts
- Version: 9.0
- Platforms: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Vista, XP
- Pricing: one-time license, no monthly or annual subscription. The Network Version license with 1 AV Manager and 2 AV Scheduler licenses is listed at EUR 800.
- Trial: a free trial can be downloaded
Key features
Split one screen into several zones
A single display normally shows one thing at a time. With Multi-Zone, you split the screen into two or more partitions. Each zone has its own schedule of events and its own type of content, so a video, a scrolling ticker and a clock can run side by side. You can enter the pixel size and location of each zone by hand.
Play video, slides, web pages and live feeds
Supported content includes MP4, MOV, MPEG 1, MPEG 2, M2TS, F4V, MKV and DIVX video, pictures, websites, text, flicker-free scrolling text, RSS feeds, a digital clock, PowerPoint files, Flash files and TV or cable channels. It can also show a live broadcast from Microsoft Expression Encoder. PowerPoint playback needs the Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer installed.
Schedule with a step-by-step wizard
The Schedule Wizard walks you through creating a schedule without any programming syntax. Sequences group content into play-list order, and events run on the dates and times you set. A preview pane shows what the content and schedule will look like before you deploy.
Send schedules to remote displays over LAN or internet
You upload schedules and content to the display units immediately or at a time you choose. A Network Tree lets you lay out your locations and signs logically, and there is no stated limit on how many you can add. You can also push an ad-hoc text message or an emergency alert to the signs.
Start from 38 layout templates
Pick one of the 38 layout templates or create your own, and add a frame when you use a background image. Template files update to match your screen resolution.
Who it's for
It suits small and mid-size businesses, shops, schools and offices that manage a handful to a few dozen screens and want to pay once rather than rent a cloud service. Each display must be connected to a PC with its own fixed IP address. You also need to be comfortable setting up an FTP server for uploads, and the vendor publishes guides for that. An OEM license with a rebranded version is available for resellers.
Pros and cons
Pros
- One-time cost with no monthly or annual fee
- Multi-zone layouts and a wide range of content types
- Central control of many displays from one PC
- Quick start guide, FAQ and install videos are available
Cons
- Windows only, and every display needs a PC with a fixed IP address
- Each additional AV Scheduler (the player on each display PC) is an extra license
- MKV and DIVX playback needed a separate HD decoder plugin in earlier releases
- PowerPoint content on Windows 8 and Windows 10 has a limitation: it will not resize
FAQs
Is there a subscription?
No. The vendor describes it as a one-time cost solution, unlike cloud-based signage services.
What do I get in the Network Version license?
The 2-scheduler license includes 1 AV Manager and 2 AV Scheduler licenses. A larger one includes 1 AV Manager and 5 AV Scheduler licenses. More AV Scheduler licenses can be bought separately.
Can I try it first?
Yes, a free trial version is available.
Can I show PowerPoint files?
Yes, PPT and PPTX files work through the Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer.
Can I send an urgent message?
Yes. You can send an ad-hoc text message and emergency alerts to your displays.
System requirements
Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Vista or XP. Each display must be connected to a PC with an individual fixed IP address. PowerPoint content needs the Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer.