Scala Launches Release 5 Digital Signage Software
New design and content management software aimed at SMBs with low-cost, “low-barrier” solutions.
Scala, a provider of solutions for the digital signage and advertising management markets, has launched its Scala Release 5 software.
Release 5 comprises new versions of the entire Scala product line, including Content Manager, Ad Manager, Designer, Player, and various EX Modules.
Robert Koolen, president of Scala, says Release 5 offers an increased number of hardware choices, from low-end photo frames to the top-of-the-line PCs “Scala lowers the barriers to entry for customers by offering solutions at virtually every price point,” he says.
Release 5 contains a package of improvements that specifically geared toward enabling ultra low-cost PCs (ULCPCs). In a press release, Scala calls ULCPCs “a major new trend in hardware.”
Release 5’s advanced Player playback software runs on a wide range of commodity Windows-based PCs at various price points. The company’s goal, says Scala, was to address the needs of those customers seeking a simpler and more affordable solution. As such, Release 5 supports wireless photo frames, as well as high-definition and standard-definition MPEG players.
With Release 5, Scala has also announced that it now supports audio-only channels, which can be used for background music or in-store audio. Scala will also offer an audio-only license at a lower cost for those who do not require a video license.
“Scala hasn’t offered audio playlist management before,” says Peter Cherna, the company’s vice president of research and development. “So, this is a new opportunity that is free with every existing Scala Player.
Other new major features of Scala Release 5 include:
- Transitions–Giving end users the ability to create more dynamic content.
- Web Services–Enables a wider variety of integrated solutions.
- Playlists–Allows for more sophisticated applications, such as kiosks, to be managed solely from Content Manager.
- Playback Audit Reporting–Provides advanced and refined selection of which media and players to report on.
- Approval Workflow–Content Manager Approvals’ workflow now includes e-mail approval notifications and media item approvals.
- Broadcasting Control–Improved automation provides easier use of broadcast distribution.
- IPv6 Standard Support–Scala functionality now runs over this new network addressing system.
- Reporting and Filtering–Reservations that have not played the expected number of times can be easily located.
- Demographics–Demographic data can be integrated with report data †to provide a clearer view of ad sales and effectiveness.
- Ad Manager Mapping–Offers users visual tools that make managing their business simpler and easier to understand.
