SONY BKM-W50 Facts and Answers
What is the BKM-FW50 Network Card
The BKM-FW50 Network Media Card is a sleek expansion card which is easily integrated into an expansion slot on all Sony LCD Commercial displays, providing network status and control, as well as streaming video and media to displays over an IP network.
Put simply, these small optional boards house five basic functionalities, including;
- A simple digital signage play-out from a Compact Flash media (optional) is the simplest operation
- Content can also be distributed via a network, then stored on the CF media and played out off-line
- Alternatively content can be streamed from a remote web server. For presentation/training purposes
- It can also display a PC desktop connected to the network
- Finally, it can control the monitor remotely via the network, for example to change display settings, instead of a serial cable connected to the RS-232C outlet
- The Network Media Card thus helps reduce expensive content creation and personnel costs associated with specially trained technicians, making it ideal for use by businesses looking to upgrade their professional display systems while lowering operating costs
How it Works?
Once integrated into the screen, the BKM-FW50 can play content from memory cards that are inserted into the unit. It may be connected to a Local Area Network from which it receives an IP address, which manages the board. Thanks to the embedded software, users can program such things as timing for the screen (on/off), transitions and background music via a standard browser on their PC.
Easy Content Creation
Users can now create content such as JPEG images and MPEG 2 video and have non-technical staff easily disseminate that content on displays. The content is created on their personal computer for use on the BKM-FW50 with industry standard development languages / applications such as HTML, Sony Vegas or Adobe PhotoShop®, Microsoft Movie Maker®, and other Microsoft Windows® applications.
Memory Slot
The BKM-FW50 also includes a CompactFlash memory slot inside the monitor, enabling JPEG images and MPEG movies to be displayed in slideshow mode, allowing for local playback for users who do not wish to stream content.
The usage of memory cards adds extra reliability compared to mechanical devices such as HDD for heavy duty usages, as well as an embedded OS which is more stable than a PC based OS.
Five ways to Display Content
