NEC BlueFire VC Digital Signage Controller

NEC Updated: 2008-04-18 RSS
NEC BlueFire VC Digital Signage Controller

The VC Digital Signage Controller is a compact, easy-to-implement network appliance that enables centralized control, scheduling and delivery of multimedia content for digital signage such as Plasma Display Panels (PDPs) and Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) through IP/Ethernet networks. When used with NEC LCDs and PDPs and NEC data networking solutions, a total digital signage solution can be implemented with the assurance of NEC quality, performance and reliability.

Because the VC Digital Signage Controller is built on open standards, it supports a wide variety of other vendors' PDPs, LCDs and projectors and it integrates with a multi-vendor networking environment. A wireless option is available for locations where a wiring infrastructure is not available for network connectivity.

The VC Digital Signage Controller can control digital signage in a wide array of applications for hotels, restaurants, retail stores, arenas, stadiums, transportation centers, schools, financial institutions and manufacturing.

Networking Digital Signage
The BlueFire® VC facilitates the networking of digital signage display devices within an Ethernet/IP environment. It functions as an IP-addressable client so that it can be connected locally through a LAN or remotely through traditional router/switch IP network WANs.

Wireless Option
Co-located with the liquid crystal or plasma display unit, the BlueFire VC can be linked to the network via a wireless connection or through standard Ethernet cabling. This wireless option enables easy deployment in display areas that may be difficult to reach through a wired infrastructure. The VC connects to the display unit with a standard RGB cable.

Small Form Factor for Easy Mounting
The BlueFire VC was designed with a thin form factor (46 mm height) to facilitate mounting onto the back of the display unit making installation easy and potential “tampering” difficult. The VC can also be located just adjacent to the LCD or PDP or in a kiosk or other mounting structure.

Multiple Resolution Support
Pre-installed with WVGA and WXGA drivers, the BlueFire VC can manage a broad variety of LCDs, PDPs, CRTs and projectors with a wide array of screen resolutions (up to 1365 x 768) and aspects from top display vendors including NEC, NEC-Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Pioneer and Sony.

High Performance
The BlueFire VC incorporates an Intel Celeron 2.0GHz processor (Northwood core with 128 kilobyte secondary cache) for smooth program execution. The 256 Megabyte base memory is expandable to a full Gigabyte and the unit comes with a standard 80 GB hard drive for program storage.

Convenient Package Options
The BlueFire VC is available in two basic package options: 1) standalone hardware unit with Windows XPe, and 2) hardware unit with Windows XPe and Scala Infochannel 3 Player client application software. Additional Scala packages for control and content generation are also available.

Bluefire VC Digital Signage Controller Features

* The BlueFire® VC is a network appliance for controlling LCDs, PDPs, monitors, projectors and more
* Real time content distribution or stored information/content playback
* IP/Ethernet addressable for WAN or LAN environment
* Wireless option available
* Controls NEC or other vendors’ standard displays
* Supports multiple resolutions and aspect ratios
* Compact and thin for easy installation behind display unit
* 100 Mbps network connection (RJ-45)
* Standard RGB connection to display unit
* 80 MB hard drive for program storage
* Multiple applications: hospitality, retail, recreation, transportation, education, finance, manufacturing, government, call centers and more
* Two packaging options: 1) standalone with Microsoft® Windows® XPe, 2) with XPe and player software
* Optional feature to distribute content to multiple display devices