In almost every AxisTV presentation or training session someone asks
about Flash® animation -and so they should. Flash® is an extremely
powerful, yet simple tool that helps communicators add an element of
motion that would otherwise require a more in-depth knowledge of video
editing applications.
Visix applications use Flash®-based content in presentations to create a
more captivating visual experience. At the most basic level, adding
animation to text elements within a bulletin can draw viewers' attention
to the display to ensure your message is read.
Bulletin Header
You can select a standard background and add text animation as an
introductory header. Once the Flash® file is completed, it can be placed
in your playlist in front of a still image of the same background that
has text added via the AxisTV interface or populated from another
source, such as our UPI data feeds.
Animate
“Today’s News Headlines” to fly into the upper right corner
Save and
import the Flash® file into AxisTV
Next, create a
news bulletin in AxisTV using the same background
In the layout,
add the words “Today’s News Headlines” in the same style and
position in the upper right corner and schedule to the same playlist
that includes the Flash® header you've just created
Ensure the
Flash® file is positioned in the playlist in front of your news
bulletin
When the
sequence plays through the Channel Player you will see your
background with animated text. Once the animation is complete, the
news bulletin appears with the same look, but with news content
Display Header
For a more compelling and stylized layout, users can create a display
header that includes subtle movement. To create a layout header you must
first build a Flash® file to fill the header area across the top of your
display. The file should be sized the entire width of your display (1024
pixels, most commonly), with a height between 75-100 pixels.
Once you create and import the Flash® header, schedule it to a unique
playlist that includes no other items. Under Current Settings, create a
content block that matches the size of your Flash® header (Example:
0:0:1024:75) and assign the playlist that includes the header to the
content block.
You now have an attractive header to your display that can add visual
style and motion, convey important information, or support your
established identity style themes. Display headers that include Flash®
can have a powerful impact on the overall look of your communications if
they are scheduled within a number of pre-determined layouts.
PowerPoint®
Animations
You can create Flash® files from PowerPoint® when imported into
AxisTV. Simply import your PowerPoint® file and select “create
Flash®.” The resulting file will include all of your animated text and
graphic elements.
4.
Getting Started
To help get you started, we have provided links to two different text
animator products below. Both products are inexpensive, but can
dramatically improve the look of your visual message delivery.
Text-Osterone by Vertical Moon
A cost effective text animator that requires no knowledge of
ActionScript®. The downloadable application includes more than 200 text
effects, support for TrueType and Postscript fonts and the ability to
support multiple lines of text. The Text-Osterone user interface is
clean and easy to understand. Simply type your text, pick a background
and select the desired effect. Users can download a limited trial and
the purchase price is $39.95.
This easy-to-use text animator requires no Flash® development
knowledge. The product includes more than 160 text effects and 40
background effects. Users can download a free trial and the purchase
price is only $39.95. This application is a great tool for adding simple
motion effects to your messages.
You
should remember the following when using Flash® with AxisTV:
Each Channel Player must be licensed by
Visix to support Flash®
The Flash® file cannot include any
“interactive” elements
The Flash® file cannot be set to
“loop”. AxisTV will replay the file without hesitation, but a loop
cannot be scheduled to turn on and off since it appears to AxisTV to
never end
Digital signage content that includes Flash®
can have a powerful impact on the overall look of your communications if
they are scheduled within a number of pre-determined layouts.
