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Looping Multiple Motion Graphic Sequences on a Plasma Screen
Hi Everyone
I’m a freelance Graphic Designer who specialises mainly in the print realm. I really enjoy AE, and been playing around with it for a few years, but only in short bursts – nothing serious, just a few quick tutorials to achieve some effects, or mock title sequences, and rendering them as QuickTime files to show friends, or just for my own enjoyment.
That said, I know how to go about making some nice motion graphics, but not sure how to handle this request from a client… He needs some motion graphic sequences to run on a screen in his commercial location. There will be different sequences and each one will run for about 30 seconds to a minute. Some may have a short lifespan (that is, he will only want them to run for a month, or a week or so) and others may be needed for longer. New ones will come and old ones may not be required, although archived and perhaps used again in the future.
A similar scenario… you know how you go into the foyer at the cinema and you’re lining up for popcorn. There’s a big plasma screen above the counter showing the latest releases, or films coming soon. Some run for a week then, because they’re no longer showing are no longer needed, and others are still needed.
Are all these sequences collated and burned to a DVD on a daily basis? Or perhaps the screen is connected to some sort of server that holds QuickTime files (or equivalent) and runs through them in a loop? I am pretty environmentally conscious and feel that burning a DVD off every time a sequence is no longer needed is pretty irresponsible so I don’t want to go via that route.
If the DVD is the only answer, a question arises: how do I go about making a DVD with the sequences collated together and have them loop? Do I use something like Adobe Encore? Can I use a DVD-RW?
I would appreciate any advice on how I can go about making this project a success. I am very much looking forward to this…!!
Thanks to all in advance.
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Clayton. -
4 Replies
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i think the best option is DVD … to run quicktimes off a server is getting a lot more complicated and expensive …
you would need some sort of authoring software, like DVD Studio Pro or Encore, and just set that track to repeat when it gets to the end … you can make your animation seamless so that the repeat isn’t visible…
you could use DVD RW so long as the DVD player can play them ..
you could make a menu and put a number of different videos on the same disk
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Terrific! Thanks for your advice, duffbeer911.
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CL8’N -
DVD is one way. But IMHO most of such solutions are called Digital Signage. Google for it and you will get a $ range of solutions and methods. Most are based on a playlist and dedicated hardware with ethernet as the link from server to the nodes.
For a basic freeware Digital Signage software (uses your own pc), look up https://www.digitalrecall.com.au/Digital/default.asp limited to 800×600 resolution. Add $50 for option to up the res.
Another option is a no-moving-parts-lasts-a-lifetime compact flash player with scripting to control the player and the playlist. Have a look at https://www.rokulabs.com for their BrightSign Looper Solid-State Media Player (available 2008) or their Brightsign HD600 and HD2000.
Thomas Leong
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Thomas – thank you so much. This is some great information… it seems for one to venture into this type of job they should be armed with this knowledge at bare minimum.
As a result I’m well informed and feel confident in meeting up with my client to offer all kinds of solutions… and sound like a professional!
Thanks again.
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CL8’N
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