Core Features

The following features are available in the stacks platform:

Advanced web-based user interface

There is a fully featured, web-based user interface for uploading content, managing sequences, and maintaining screens. Multi-user support and scalable design allow bulk management of thousands of screens. Uses all modern HTML5 standards and compatible with all recent web browsers.

Programmatic sequences

Stack multiple display candidates and control when they are displayed using conditions and dynamic data to target specific audiences.

Base sequences

Control which slots in a base sequence can be overridden by another user and build complex stacked sequences merging international, national, regional, local, and screen specific content. Control of each layer can be given to different users.

Inner sequences

Use inner sequences to break a long sequence into smaller parts. This enables you to delegate the administration of inner sequences to other users.

Composite items and sequence frames

Multiple images and videos can be positioned and displayed at the same time. Each sequence can be framed to overlay and position branding and other items.

Playback synchronisation

Synchronise multiple screens on the local network to play slots at the same time. Configure video walls  using shared base sequences or screen specific, conditional logic for timing.

Smart display pacing

Apply a date range and a target play count to an item to control when and how often it is played.

Advanced interactivity

Define custom events to trigger actions such as playing another sequence or collecting an email address. HTML5 interactive content is also supported.

Access control lists

Grant one or more users or groups access to specific screens, sequences, library items, or other users and groups.

Display reports

A record can be created for every time an item is displayed on a screen. Each device automatically synchronises records with the server when a connection is available.

Efficient network use

Videos and images are downloaded once and stored locally to avoid streaming and repeat downloads. All network speeds are supported, from 64 Kbps up to 1 Gbps, and playback is not affected by intermittent network failure and slowdowns.

Offline operation

All conditional logic is evaluated locally on the device and so doesn't require an Internet connection. Multimedia is stored locally for gapless playback with no buffering delays.

Worldwide resiliance and scalability

Servers in Europe, America, and Asia use asynchronous replication with eventual consistency to provide  low latency connections, scalability, and resilience worldwide.

Continuous software deployment

All software components can be updated. Server updates do not result in any downtime and device updates typically take less than 10 seconds. There is a library of previous versions to support instant rollbacks in the event of hardware compatibility issues.

Streamlined software updates

DS Loader provides a software base to enable dynamic code loading. This makes it easy to update player software and run custom player implementations in seconds without installation. This functionality does not require a rooted device.

Security

Secure connections use the latest encryption standards. Data that is shared via public CDNs and peer-to-peer transfers is checked for data integrity before use.

Instant data updates

DS Loader uses UDP to facilitate making instant updates. This lightweight solution avoids maintaining an open TCP connection per screen or opening inbound ports in a firewall.

Data sharing

Images and videos are shared between devices on the local network using peer-to-peer when the same content is required. This can massively reduce internet traffic.

Data integrity checking

All data is digitally signed and verified to prevent corruption and man-in-the-middle attacks.

White labelled custom domains

Create cloud configurations and associate them with domains mapped by CNAME to add branding and other customisations.

Audience analytics

Use face analysis for gender, age, and emotion detection from a camera feed. Use data in conditions to target viewers and collect statistical data for analysis. Powered by 3DiVi Seemetrix (custom player extension). 

GPS tracking

Track moving screens and include the GPS data on display reports. This is ideal for screens on taxis and buses.

RS232 input and output

Control HDMI switches, TVs, and other devices using USB to RS-232 adaptors. RS-232 input is also supported to remotely trigger actions.

Crashproof operation

Multiple watchdog alarms are used to recover after a software crash. DS Loader supports automatically starting when the device is turned on.

Offline notifications

Configure email notifications to notify users if there are hardware or connectivity issues for one or more screens in a group.

Zero downtime

Since deployment in 2014, there has never been any platform downtime. Servers are added and removed from service automatically using health checks. Players can operate for up to 30 days without a connection to a server.

Device compatibility

99.9% of Android devices are supported. The software is compatible with Android Gingerbread 2.3 and above. There is support for all screen resolutions (including partial screen use).

Unrestricted media support

Devices will play any media supported by Android. This can include extremely high resolution 4K and high frame rate videos. Custom resolutions are supported at any aspect ratio.

Powerful APIs

Five APIs are available for direct integration to the platform. The APIs allow the automation of any administrative action. APIs also support directly triggering prepared content on any screen.

Email import interface

Email media directly to a sequence.

QRCodes, Barcodes, Beacons, and NFC

Direct customers to further information with integration to various technologies.

VAST integration

Ads can be imported using Video Ad Serving Templates (VAST). Impression and tracking data will be sent directly to ad servers.

Custom advertising interface

An alternative web interface to allow advertisers to upload new media to a sequence without user registration is available. This interface automates advertising on unmanaged networks.

HTML5 widgets

Add HTML5 widgets to display rich, dynamic content on screens. The native Android WebView is used with all advanced browser features available.