Basically,

I have 5 plasma TV's.

I want to be able to interrupt the live/normal TV that's playing automatically, or manually if that's the only option.

Then I want to play a ten minute advert either from CD or from a local video file.

Then, once the advert is finished the TV should automatically come back on.

Is there a way to do this? I've seen it at dentists and other clinics so it can't be all that difficult.

Thanks. I thought maybe a VGA cable coming out of each PC and going into a hub and the hub being connected to a central server of some kind. If anyone has any further knowledge on this, I'd appreciate it.

Hi Amtech,
I've marked your thread as Open to encourage a response from the Techs.. The answer to this is out there somewhere

Thanks. So basically I envisage this setup:


[TV1] [TV2] [TV3] [TV4] [TV5]
....I........I.........I........I.........I....
....I........I.........I........I.........I....
....I........I.........I........I.........I....
[ Video Hub / Central Server ]

The main thing is to get the video to automatically change from whatever's on TV to the advert automatically and then to switch back to TV when the advert is finished.

I said video cables is the way to go but I was told you could also do this via wireless internet?

Thanks.

Friend Amtech, You sure like to get yourself in a spot...

Let me see if I remember how that trick works. For the most part those ads at the Doctors office are on a video player that has an intrival timer. The timer counts down to say 30 minutes then switches on, plays the add the switches off. The timer resets. The ad video is usualy on a loop. Some of the newer systems rely on a broadcast signal from the networks that signals a break for commercials. I'm even sure some are using computers to control the process but that is out of my knowhow. I can speculate but my guess would be poor at best. Sorry...

LC

Thanks Lord Chance! I know, I was originally asked to build PC's for a new dentist and then it turned into this (and tons of other stuff, but that I can do).

I found this:

Kits

Basically the 'Master' device would go into the DVD player and then each of the five 'slave' devices would pick it up. Also, I think most TV's automatically switch to scart whenever its active.

It says Ethernet powered, which seems like a strange way to power it. They sell a kit with its own Ethernet switch...seems a bit expensive and I think I could use my own. Also, each TV is in a completely separate room so I might subsititute Ethernet Homeplugs.

So I think I have the signal aspect sorted with that. They even have another analog Scart hub but it only supports four devices. Also it would involve routing cables through walls and ceilings. But would probably end up cheaper.

I'm interested now in the timer aspect of it...is that feature built into the DVD player or is it a timed power socket? I had thought about buying a DVD player (the adverts are bought on CD's) with disc changing but that would need to be timed.

I even thought about buying five DVD players (or one for each different advert) and putting them on timed plug sockets but that seems a bit OTT.

Also, I need a DVD player that just plays the disc and doesn't have a welcome screen that you see on most DVD players. You know, where it says 'Sony' or whatever the brand is.

So...any ideas on how to time the adverts? I have the outputting of the display sorted I think.

Sorry for the essay

Friend Amtech,

As for the timing for starts of the Ads, I would say on the hour and half hour to make it blend with on air video. As for how is a bit tougher. A question first. Do you remember the old VHS players? These could be set by internal timer to come on then shut down at given intervals. Since my knowledge is very out of date I could not advise you beyond that. A little creative electronics work, a serial cable and a little programming hoodoo would vet you a way to use the PC to switch the DVD players on at given times. Alas, I can not help you on the code...

LC

Hmm guess I'll look into it more. I've seen a similar product but which transmits S-Video displays. Not sure about those though as I've heard S-Video is low quality (never actually seen it myself).

Programmable DVD player seems like the way to go but I want it to play the DVD/CD automatically and not show any sort of menu screen or branding.

Well, I have until Friday to finish working out the kinks lol.

Thanks for your advice.