"This document is intended to be a on going working document. If you have tips and tricks that you would like submitted to the document please email info@mediasignpro.com"

 

Always start the systems with a clean install of the operating system. 

 

Standardize on a single version of the OS and stick with it. 

 

Only update the OS once you had a chance to test the OS with Media Sign Pro extensively.

 

Only update the OS if there is a significant feature or improvement that would improve the workflow or stability of the sign.

 

Running the sign "Live" make sure that there aren't any other applications running on the system.

 

If you have multiple signs. Make sure that the hardware (Mac Mini's) is of like kind, down to the RAM (if possible). This will aid in making troubleshooting easier if needed.

 

If third party RAM (non Apple RAM) is installed in the system. Make sure that you use the same brand of RAM in each system. Third party RAM is not recommended by Media Sign Pro. We only recommend that you use Apple branded RAM. I f you decide to install 3rd party RAM you are taking a chance with the overall stability of the system.

 

Remove all unnecessary applications located in the /Applications folder. This includes default applications. 

3rd party application can have issues with memory that might interfere with the continuous play that a digital sign requires.

 

If you have multiple systems it's very important to setup and configure one system exactly the way that you want it configured. Once the one system is setup. Use disk utility to create a master disc image of the main system. You can use then use this master disc image to setup additional systems with the same exact OS and preferences. This method will assure that each system is setup exactly the same. 

 

Please see article below for instructions on imaging:

http://www.afp548.com/article.php?story=20040726230142403

 

 

When you install the OS (Snow Leopard only) do a custom install and only select the base OS. Extra printer drivers and Xcode should not be installed. 

 

Make sure that all your system are using time.apple.com for it's time services. You can check this in:

Preferences>Date&Time

Make sure that "set date automatically" is checked.

 

Disable spotlight. Spotlight is not needed for a dedicated digital signage system. Spotlight will on occasion index your drive. Indexing the drive could cause interruption during playback. It's recommended that you disable spotlight to ensure non-stop 24/7 operation. 

 

1. Launch Terminal and type the following:

   sudo nano /etc/hostconfig

2. Navigate using the arrow keys down the following entry:

   SPOTLIGHT=-YES-

3. Change

   SPOTLIGHT=-YES-

   to

   SPOTLIGHT=-NO-

4. Save /etc/hostconfig by hitting Control-O and the return key, next hit Control-X to exit the nano editor

5  Next, you’ll want to disable the index by typing the following in the Terminal:

mdutil -i off /

6. And to erase the current Spotlight index, type:

   mdutil -E /

 

That’s pretty much it, on your next reboot, Spotlight will be completely disabled.

 

Disabling spotlight should help improve the performance of the dedicated digital signage system.

 

Make sure that "file vault" is not enabled on the system (10.6.x only enabling file vault in 10.7 should be fine).

 

Do not enable TimeMachine. This is a feature in the operation that could potential disrupt the desired non-stop 24/7 operation of the digital sign.

 

System Preferences> Displays make sure that your display is detected properly by the system 

 

Display Calibration. Make sure that the display is calibrated properly. Select the calibration option in the display preferences and follow the steps to calibrate the the monitor. 

 

Disconnect any unnecessary peripherals such as keyboards, mice, USB thumb drives.

 

Power:

If at all possible make sure that the machines (Mac Mini's) are connected to a clean power source.   

 

UPS power back system is highly recommended.

 

Energy Saver preferences. Make sure that "Put the hard disk to sleep when possible" preference is NOT selected. You never want the hard disk to go to sleep. 

 

Bluetooth. Only enable bluetooth if absolutely needed. If Bluetooth needs to be enabled make sure that after you connect your peripherals that you disable "Discoverable" in preferences. 

 

Make sure that software update is not set to check for updates automatically. 

 

Flash. If you install Flash make sure that check for updates in the flash preferences is disabled. 

 

Remote Access:

If you are unable to communicate with an application through ARD you can send a kill command through ARD to stop the application or process.

 

Using ARD send a UNIX command to the remote system

type:  top 

In the "send command" window

Locate the process ID of the application or process that you will like to disable.

now type  kill xxxx  (replaces the xxxx with the process ID)

This should stop the process or the application. 

 

Reopening the application from the commandline instruction:

The open command can open up a certain file in its associated application or it can launch a specific application. To launch an application, use the -a option to tell Mac OS X to look in the Applications folder. For example, open -a ichat will launch iChat no matter what directory you're in. 

 

 

"This document is intended to be a on going working document. If you have tips and tricks that you would like submitted to the document please email info@mediasignpro.com"