How It Works
Each WATCHPAX unit is a solid-state media player that has been performance-optimized for WATCHOUT shows. To use the unit, you start by building your show — including still images, animations, graphics or video — in WATCHOUT and then connect to a WATCHPAX for each intended display device (LCD screens, projectors, LED screens, etc.).
The WATCHOUT unit can play the show elements back, either independently or while connected to other players via an Ethernet network. Along with the ability to work as part of a network, the players can be remotely managed from a single location, onsite or even elsewhere in the world, if required.
Each WATCHPAX player can handle accelerated video playback using the H.264 codec and can output at resolutions up to 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA) via the built-in Mini Display port. For audio playback, each player provides a 3.5mm stereo audio in and out.
In terms of hardware specs, each WATCHPAX unit comes with a 64GB SSD with an AMD Fusion T56N, 1.6 GHz processor and 4 GB RAM. And the box is small — only 5 by 6 inches by 1 inch in size — so in addition to being highly portable, the player can be discreetly tucked away behind a display device.
Each WATCHPAX comes with a full WATCHOUT license, and the WATCHOUT software is already installed. The onboard software is accessible via TCP/IP and is easily configured via WATCHOUT’s graphical user interface.
Setup is minimal — a few settings must be configured onboard the WATCHPAX for use with WATCHOUT, including the IP address of each device on the network and the resolution of the display device that the player will be connected to.
Other than that, the WATCHPAX is ready to either receive show information from the software or begin playing any content that has already been stored on the device. Once content is on the WATCHPAX unit, you can operate the device independently of the original computer that you used to create your WATCHOUT show. This independent operation can be achieved with an on-board “startup script” or via an external control system, including MIDI (via USB), DMX In and Out (via Art-Net), TCP/IP or SMPTE/EBU Timecode via the line level audio in port.
In terms of compatibility, WATCHPAX requires WATCHOUT version 5.5 or later, and the computer running WATCHOUT should have at least a Windows 7 operating system for full functionality.
Test Drive
I like the size and ease of configuration of the WATCHPAX unit. I was not an experienced user of the WATCHOUT system when I sat down with the WATCHPAX, but I did not find that to be an obstacle for setting up a simple playback configuration using one unit. I am impressed with the power and scalability of the product, and I would imagine that these types of standalone media players have a huge advantage over using dedicated display computers in the digital signage and trade show markets.
WATCHPAX software makes stand-alone video playback extremely easy. I can easily see WATCHPAX being used in AV setups at conventions and trade show kiosks because of its flexibility and ease of setup.
This type of hardware configuration can also be particularly useful for large-scale events, multi-room displays, and even installations. Because the media server hardware stays close to the display device, the potential for loss of signal quality over long runs of video cables is reduced, as well as the amount of time spent running cables and setting up equipment.
Combined with the ability to remotely access WATCHPAX via a network, the content and software on each device can be upgraded easily and efficiently, making it particularly well suited for installations like airports, retail, and outdoor billboards.
At a Glance
Keeping it Simple
WATCHPAX units are solid-state media players designed to work in conjunction with Dataton’s WATCHOUT networked multi-display software. They promise to eliminate the need for computers to be located at display devices along with long runs of video cables between display devices.
Designed to be operated either in standalone mode or via external control, they can work in tandem with the WATCHOUT system’s unlimited scalability. If you need to add more display devices to your booth or show, simply add another WATCHPAX for each unit.
Pros: Your client can add more screens, monitors or kiosks, and you won’t need to panic. Just add another WATCHPAX.
Cons: Display computers with WATCHOUT license keys can feed media to up to six separate display units; the WATCHPAX ratio is one-to-one.
MSRP: $2,249
