IAdea players offer reliable video content delivery in a fanless, solid-state design that complements and enhances PC players located across a remotely-managed Scala network.

Yes, the current Scala Content Manager 5 Release 5 recognizes 4 new non-PC “media appliance” types: IAdea HD Player, IAdea SD Player, IAdea Photo Frame Player, and IAdea Audio-only Player. The hardware is available from IAdea and hardware partners such as Advantech, Mitsubishi, and ViewSonic, all designed specifically for signage network applications. IAdea works closely with Scala to develop the software and firmware solutions that enable IAdea's RISC-based hardware to connect seamlessly to a Scala network.

First you will need to update to Scala Content Manager 5 Release 5. Please contact your Scala Certified Reseller to update your Scala software and obtain IAdea SD/HD/Photo frame software licenses, then purchase the player hardware from ViewSonic, Mitsubishi, NEC, or IAdea Sales.

Yes, in both hardware and licensing choices. IAdea dedicated players are highly reliable dedicated designs for commercial signage use, with built-in watchdog timers, real-time clock, and error handling features. Other features you'll only find in customized high-end industrial grade computers include full metal enclosure, solid-state operation, built-in VESA mount, fanless 5-7 watt efficient operation, and and more. By stripping away excess functionality, Scala is able to offer a special player license model tailored to dedicated video playback devices.

In the new Scala Content Manager 5 Release 5, you can add 4 new types of players made by IAdea, from Full-HD video to music-only applications. IAdea players are limited to playing full screen video and audio only (with no transition effects). Other than that, most Scala network management features remain the same. You would manage an IAdea player the same way you have always managed your Scala players.

IAdea Scala-enabled appliances complement rather than compete with PC players, enabling you to mix and match different devices under one Scala network. For screens requiring full Scala Script support and dynamic content, Scala PC players are your best bet. But if the display consists mainly of videos or music, IAdea appliances offers the best possible presentation quality and value with powerful Scala playlist/administrative features support.

IAdea Media Appliances complement PC players by delivering high quality video on your Scala network. They behave like PCs on the same Scala system– Heart-beats, play-logs, smart play-lists, and content scheduling are handled using the same easy-to-use Scala Content Manager web-based user interface. Unlike general-purpose PC players, multiple zone (multiple channel), Adobe Flash, Scala-script, Scala Designer dynamic content, and multiple monitors are NOT supported on IAdea players. Instead, plan and publish these content types to neighboring Scala PC players to achieve a complementary/contrasting effect.

Feature support comparison chart

* Some hardware features matched only by customized high-end industrial PCs at much higher cost.

IAdea Digital Signboard (photo frame-type), is a family of enhanced photo frame products customized for commercial signage applications. It connects to Scala Content Manager in the same way as Scala PC players do, offering full frame-rate DVD quality video playback. The all-in-one design with built-in Wi-Fi allows easy placement on shelves and inside sealed display cases, requiring only a single power cord connection. More information available at www.IAdea.com/Scala

Please call or email IAdea sales staff to locate vendors and solution providers in your region.