Asset: A number of content files, along with metadata covering that content.
Azimuth angle (of a satellite): The bearing angle, counted clockwise from the direction
to the north, toward a satellite.
Block: Often refers to a set of files that is defined by a playlist.
Channel: Just as in television, the content sent to the screen. In a store or other
location with digital signage, there might be several screens with different channels
or messages (message channels).
Content: Any kind of information used in digital signage systems. Content include
all kinds of video, audio, and text files as well as all other kinds of information
that may be of use in the shops.
Content distribution server: Another name for content management server, often used
in digital signage systems based on broadband networking.
Content management server: The heart of the digital signage system. The server is
responsible for storing and managing the content in the system. It may include authoring
and content creation as well as content gathering tools. It is also responsible for
administering the distribution of content to the edge servers and the media players,
as well as controlling the final playout on the screens.
Customer terminal: In this book, something between a conventional digital sign and
a kiosk. The customer terminal might be a touch screen device with a built-in media
player. The customer can decide what is going to be shown by choosing the playlist
and by moving to various locations inside a playlist.
Customer relations management (CRM): A system closely connected to the content management
server that handles the orders from customers and the billing of the system. The
CRM system also keeps track of what content is needed to provide the services to
the advertisers.
CVBS (Composite Video Blanking and Sync) (PAL or NTSC) interface: The common analog
video interface for the combined black-and-white and color TV signals.
Day parting: Dividing a day into smaller time segments, displaying different messages
and using different playlists. (See scheduling.)
Demultiplexer (demux): A device that splits a common digital stream that contains
several streams related to audio, video, or other data into its original components.
