What options do you have when managing the playback of content in multiple locations from a single source? Until recently, the answer would have been to create a matrix of routers, cables, media servers, and controllers to accomplish what should be fairly straightforward. Patch Player, by ExtraPro LLC, is a new content playback application that lets users control content playing in various locations from a single source. Created by developer/owner Ted Mizrahi, Patch Player promises to simplify control and setup for presentations, tradeshows and other types of multi-show environments via any Android OS device.
Hardware Specs
Patch Player is plug and play, with software and hardware that can play 2K, 4K and 1080p content, and the control software can be used on any Android device. Mizrahi showed this to me using his phone and a wireless router with a variety of hardware Patch Players and tablets. The magic of this is that you can decide what type of player suits your budget and your needs. This also means that the cost is very affordable.
Software Specs
The control software makes it very easy to connect devices, program zones, create a playlist and start playing videos. You begin adding players in the Control User Interface. Once a player (similar to a media server) has been created, with auto plug and play, then each server (called a Player) connected to the same LAN Ethernet, or Wi-Fi in 2.4ghz or 5.8ghz network can be patched to a player using its Mac IP address. Up to 255 players per router can be added, and there is no limitation of the number of routers that can be patched to a player and set to a zone. Players can be patched and multi-patched to an unlimited amount of zones with latest take precedence action.
Once the players are patched to a zone, users then create a unique video playlist on each zone on the primary control device (referred to as the Controller). Then, when a list of content is sent from the Controller, the command information for that list of content is sent to each Player of each zone. Each Player then plays the corresponding pieces of content in a loop that is stored locally on that player device. At any time, the content can be overridden in real time and then returned to its playlists automatically. Lastly, the Player can also then be connected to external display devices like monitors, LED walls, projectors via HDMI, Optical or Composite.
Once the Controller has initiated the start of a list of content, it can be disconnected, and the players will continue to play in stand alone mode — a boon for its use at retail, restaurants, or other non-entertainment applications.
Playback
Since content is stored locally on each player, only the trigger for a piece of content is being broadcast by the Controller. This means each device handles its own processing, making playback fast and real time responsive.
Avoiding Media Server Overkill
Mizrahi says the idea behind ExtraPro’s Patch Player is for a simplified version of a content player that could be used to connect multiple players remotely, much like a computer media player or digital DVD player. This need became apparent to him as he specified some of the best media servers in our industry on tradeshows and conferences and found them to be overkill for applications where content playback was simply playing a piece of content. So his first goal for Patch Player was to greatly simplify the content playback control system with wireless or fewer cables without the need of highly skilled video technicians.
Mizrahi also saw how complex it is in these types of environments to connect multiple media servers in different locations, and he recognized that creating a matrix of communication was not easy. Patch Player changes that.
Patch Player is well suited to any situation where video playback is needed, but dropping long runs of cable, setting up lots of gear, and hiring a large crew to manage it all is not desirable. This includes managing content in multiple booths at trade shows, installing content control in nightclubs without cables, and providing content for break out rooms at conferences. Along with the reduction in cable and crew, the Patch Player can scale up to meet the needs of a larger project by adding more players. The Patch Player Control application runs on any Android 4.2+ OS handheld or tablet device, making it an extremely flexible media control system. You get to choose your own control devices used to run the application; there is no difference in the software.
Patching zones can be accomplished from the controller or from the players. Zoned playlists can be created ahead of time, to reduce the need for onsite programming.
Players in multiple locations can be controlled from a single location wirelessly or with Ethernet for secure connection in heavy wireless environments. Patch Player is an easy and fast way to control content, and additional content can be added easily to each device onsite without requiring additional programming.
Because the players store content locally, when a new piece of content is to be used in the presentation or show, it will need to be uploaded to each player device on the network. Currently, content can be easily uploaded to each device via FTP, USB, or SD card. In the future though, Patch Player will have an upload button on the controller and will become Internet friendly. Users will be able to use the Internet to work Patch Player for programming or updating content from anywhere to anywhere.
As this product is brand new, Internet features are still being implemented and may not be fully functional until a later release this year. While this doesn’t affect the application’s primary media player control purpose, I am looking forward to gaining access to the upcoming Calendar Scheduler, Voice Pager, and Text Features.
Patch Player’s Control user interface is also being prepared for Art-Net control. Content files and Zones are assigned a unique number between 000 and 255 in order to be compatible with triggering via Art-Net as well as the content players themselves. Not functional just yet, but again, this feature opens the door to allowing a lighting console to trigger content playback in a very direct and simplified ways.
At a Glance
A Single Source Solution for Content Playback
ExtraPro’s Patch Player hardware and software control package lets users control video content playing in various locations from a single source. Trimming the need for lots of cable, equipment, or people, it’s also designed for scalability — simply add more players.
ExtraPro Patch Player
Pros: Patch Player promises to reduce labor and costs for multi-show environments. Users can decide what type of player suits their budget and needs, and expand as needed. The system is designed for fast playback.
Cons: No upload button for programming or updating content from anywhere to anywhere yet, although this functionality is expected to be developed soon.
Price (MSRP):
- Patch Player Control Application: $1,499
- Patch Player Hardware: $1,199
- Patch Player License: $999
Manufacturer: ExtraPro
More Info: www.extrapro.net
