NovoDS Studio Software

Overview:

NovoDS devices are used for Internal Digital Signage at each school. These instructions will help you:

Understand NovoDS terms and tips
Add DS Devices to your NovoDS Studio software
Use the NovoDS Studio Software to create playlists and schedules

Additional Resources:

YouTube web tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSEGu05psqU
Training from the vendors web site: https://www.vivitekusa.com/productdetail/NovoDS4k/

Note: This is not the same as the NovoPro that is in some classrooms

Understanding Terms and Ground Rules for Team SuccessSee More

TERMS

NovoDS a single network hardware device that connects to the interior signage display.
- Also called DS Device.
- The device is connected to a monitor or TV.
NovoDS Studio is the free software used to create and manage DS Playlists, DS Schedules, and DS Devices.
- Office staff may request the software install from your site support specialist.
- Multiple staff can have the software installed on their computer to manage the interior signage.
DS Playlist - You will create playlists to display on the signage. A playlist is a layout with one or more regions that display.
DS Schedules - when you schedule two or more DS playlists to rotate and display throughout the day.

TIPS & GROUND RULES

When you initially plug the device to the TV it will display an IP Address. Document this for your staff. You will need this when anyone adds the device to your computer software.
The software will not display PowerPoint presentations. Convert your existing PowerPoint file by using "Save As" to file type MP4.
- There are multiple options for various media file types.
All office staff can manage your school's playlists. For this to work, files must be located in a designated shared network storage location. DO NOT create playlists on a local desktop or home folder.
- Place all files in the root directory L:\class_projects\XXX_interior_signage\ (where XXX is the three-letter school abbreviation).
- When using the NovoDS Studio software and creating a Playlist, a subfolder with the playlist name will create a copy of the media files from the root folder into the playlist folder.
- Once you have files in that directory you can use the file path dropdown to select a file.

Add DS Device to your softwareSee More

NovoDS Studio will open to the DS Playlist tab. Choose 'Preferences' to set your playlist location - L:\class_projects\XXX_interior_signage\
Open the DS Devices tab.
Click + Devices' and then choose New
Label is the name of the Device. You can use a name that makes sense to you, it is for your use.
Description is not required, but you can use this to describe the location of the device
Enter the IP Address that you documented when you plugged the device in.
Group can be left empty.
If there are playlists already in your playlist location you will see them in the Playlist dropdown. If not you will need to create a playlist, then return to this spot to choose it.
Click OK. You'll see your device in the list now.

Using the NovoDS Studio SoftwareSee More

The first step is to create a Playlist. Click + Playlist.
Keep Model NovoDS checked.
Choose the Screen Orientation based on your TV setup.
Layout Preference - You can have your elements 'snap' to a grid or be flexible so you can drag anywhere on the screen.
Choose a layout with the number and location of regions you need. You can create a custom layout, or you can select from template layouts.
- Each region can have a unique file type link. Examples: media, image (or logo), web page, YouTube, scrolling text, static text, weather feed, twitter feed, RSS feed etc.
Save the playlist with a unique name. This will save the playlist to your playlist location.
Link each region to a unique file type, as listed above. NOTE: Save each region before moving to the next.
You can design multiple playlists and manually select each, when needing to change your signage.
- You will select the playlist that will play from the DS Device tab. (Step 8 from the Add DS Device to your software). Double click the Device and choose the playlist from the dropdown.
You can create a single playlist with timed rotational website pages as well.
Also, you have the optional ability to create a “DS Schedule” to rotate multiple playlists at a specific time of day.
NOTE: We have encountered challenges in management of the Playlist Schedules and editing mid-day. You may have to remove the playlist and re-add it and/or edit the starting time. Simply because playlists will not go backwards in time of day, but forward times are allowed.