Frequently Asked Questions

To flesh out some information about our employee and emergency communication platform, our plans and packages, and technical support, we have already answered some questions you might possibly have. If your question is not listed, we would love to hear from you!

Platform

What is a communication platform?

A communication platform is a software platform that offers organizations several communication tools, unique features, and nifty integrations to communicate with employees wherever they are.

What is emergency communication?

Emergency communication is a way to communicate with individuals and groups during disasters, catastrophes, cyberattacks, and other crisis situations.

How do you communicate during an emergency?

During an emergency, you set up a single source of truth, include everyone, and ensure business continuity. Stay ahead of the rumors and make sure your employees get important information from inside the organization first. Send notifications via multiple channels to ensure everyone will be notified and informed.

What is employee communication?

Employee communication is any form of communication between managers of an organization and employees and vice versa. Employee communication can happen electronically via various mediums, such as digital signage, mobile apps, email, the intranet, or collaboration tools. It can also happen verbally.

Why is employee communication important?

Employee communication is important because it can help keep employees informed, engaged, productive, and safe. It can create an open culture, boost engagement and commitment, and increase trust, morale, productivity, and teamwork.

How can you use collaboration tools to improve team communication?

Collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams create efficient two-way communication between employees and managers and vice versa, especially while working remotely. Integrating these tools with a communication platform that displays the tool’s messages to digital signage screens or screensavers enables employees without access to these collaboration tools also to see important messages.

What are communication tools?

Communication tools are used for internal and external communication. Examples of communication tools are email, messaging apps, videoconferencing, social media, digital signage, desktop alerts, SMS notifications, et cetera.

Corporate Screensaver

What is a Corporate Screensaver?

A Corporate Screensaver is a powerful communication tool to easily deliver targeted and eye-catching visual communications to the computers of employees. The Corporate Screensaver of Netpresenter transforms idle computer screens into an interactive communication channel and effectively makes employees, whether they work in the office or at home, aware of key corporate messages without disturbing them unnecessarily. 

Is it easy to deploy the Corporate Screensaver on computers?

Definitely! The Corporate Screensaver works on existing networks and can be deployed easily via Group Policy (as MSI package) on every computer.

Does the Corporate Screensaver work without an internet connection?

Yes, it does. Our Corporate Screensaver has an intelligent, self-cleaning buffer (cache) that ensures your presentation is always active, even when the network connection is disrupted.

What types of media can be displayed with the Corporate Screensaver?

You can display images, GIFS, and (streaming) video in all major formats, such as MP4, WMV, AVI, MPG, and YouTube.

How about the CPU and bandwidth usage of the Corporate Screensaver?

The Corporate Screensaver is designed to run on existing corporate infrastructure and has a low CPU/ network bandwidth usage due to minimal local cache.

What are the system requirements of the Corporate Screensaver?

Visit our support center to download the system requirements and other tech sheets.

Digital Signage

What is digital signage?

Digital signage refers to display technologies such as TV screens or LED Walls to distribute information to reach predefined target groups. It can be used to communicate text and graphics with customers and visitors or employees. It usually concerns information for a particular target group, in contrast to, for example, a television broadcast that reaches as large a group as possible.

How does digital signage software work?

Digital signage allows you to display information for a specific target group on digital screens. A small computer receives the content from the Content Management System (CMS) or another external source (like a USB stick) and sends it to the screen.

What is a digital signage player?

A Digital Signage Player is a small piece of playback software installed on the PCs (Corporate Screensaver with pop-up functionality) and TVs (Digital Signage) on which you wish to display your content.

What hardware or screens do you recommend?

Download our guide ’How to get started with digital signage’ for tips on choosing the right hardware and optimal screen sizes.

What are the system requirements of your Digital Signage solution?

Visit our support center to download the system requirements and other tech sheets.

Is it possible to display different content per screen?

Definitely! You can target specific content to an individual screen or group of screens. By defining separate channels (e.g. reception, office or canteen) you can easily share different content on different screens.

Do you also have tips for Digital Signage content?

Of course we do! Download our free infographic ’14 clever ideas to use digital signage for’ with smart ways to use Digital Signage.

Do you use templates? If yes, which templates do you have?

Yes, Netpresenter uses templates to display content (in your own corporate identity) on any screen. Check out our template guide for an overview of all the templates we offer.

Do you also offer screens or other hardware?

No. Netpresenter is completely software oriented.

Mobile App

Which operating systems are supported for the Mobile app?

The Mobile app is available for Apple (iOS) and Android devices.

Where can I download the Mobile app?

You can download our Mobile app for iOS in the App store. The version for Android is available via Google Play.   

Is it possible to apply our corporate branding in the app?

Yes, it’s possible to use your own logo and corporate colors within our app (template).

Do you also offer a white-label app?

No, we do not offer a ‘white-label’ option for our app.

Do you support Mobile Device Management (MDM)?

Yes, our Mobile app can also be deployed via MDM applications.

Desktop App

Is it possible to apply custom branding within the Desktop App?

Yes, it is possible to customize the look and feel of the Desktop App. You can apply your own company logo and corporate colors.

Which operating systems are supported for the Desktop App?

Our Desktop App is compatible with Windows and MacOS.

Can the Desktop App be used in combination with the Corporate Screensaver?

Yes, we even recommend this! Both tools have their own unique functionalities. When used simultaneously, they reinforce each other.

What information can users customize in their user profile?

Users can edit their profile picture, name, biography, phone number(s), and email address in the profile. The email address and phone numbers can be hidden from other users.

Desktop Alerts

What is Netpresenter Desktop Alert?

A Netpresenter Desktop Alert is a notification that appears on your desktop when your organization shares breaking company news, emergency alerts, or important employee updates to everyone at any location and any time.

Can Desktop Alerts be blocked by pop-up or ad blockers?

No. Desktop Alerts cannot be blocked or stopped by pop-up blockers. This means the alerts cannot be ignored or missed.

Is it also possible to embed an alarm or siren sound?

Yes, that is possible! To draw even more attention to your alerts, it is possible to add a flashing red border, alarm, or voice message to your alerts.

Can I schedule Desktop Alerts?

Yes, this is possible. You can schedule a Desktop Alert to appear at a specific date or time. This allows you to, for example, schedule IT-related updates, such as server maintenance, in advance and make timely announcements.

Can a pop-up be published or shown in different sizes?

Yes, a Desktop Alert can have different levels. High-level alerts will be displayed full screen, medium level alerts will be displayed at 50% of the screen, and low-level alerts can be displayed as a small notification (25% of the screen) in the bottom right corner of a screen.

What are the system requirements for your Desktop Alert solution?

Visit our support center to download the system requirements and other tech sheets.

Corporate Lock Screen

What is a corporate lock screen?

A Corporate Lock Screen is a security feature on a computer that locks the device and prevents unauthorized access. It is also the first thing people see when starting their computer, guaranteeing exposure to your message in a streamlined fashion without interrupting your staff’s workflow.

Is it easy to deploy the Corporate Lock Screens on computers?

Definitely! The Corporate Lock Screen works on existing networks and can be deployed easily via Group Policy (as MSI package) on every computer.

Does a user have to be logged in for the Corporate Lock Screen to work?

Yes, as soon as someone logs in, the Lock Screen will be in place. The content will also be personalized for that specific user.

Is the Corporate Lock Screen compatible with the Corporate Screensaver?

No, both tools have their unique functionalities and cannot be used simultaneously. We recommend choosing between one of these tools.

How can you publish or edit messages on the Corporate Lock Screen?

With Netpresenter, you can easily create new messages and publish them on the lock screen of every computer. Want to know precisely how our platform works? Visit our How it works page for more details

Corporate Wallpaper

What is a corporate wallpaper?

A Corporate Wallpaper is a desktop background image that easily highlights important or urgent messages for employees.

Is it easy to deploy the Corporate Wallpaper on computers?

Definitely! The Corporate Wallpaper works on existing networks and can be deployed easily via Group Policy (as MSI package) on every computer.

Can users customize the Corporate Wallpaper or overwrite it with their own background?

No, by using Group Policies, the Corporate Wallpaper cannot be overwritten by a user.

Can the Corporate Wallpaper be used on any screen or with any resolution?

Yes, the Corporate Wallpaper automatically adapts to the display settings of a computer.

How can you publish or edit messages on the Corporate Wallpaper?

With Netpresenter, you can easily create new messages and publish them on the wallpaper of every computer. Want to know precisely how our platform works? Visit our How it works page for more details.

SMS Notifications

What is an SMS Notification?

An SMS notification is a short text message that can be sent to employees when the employer wishes to convey an important message that employees must be aware of immediately. It is often used to inform people about news or updates, but it is also very useful in case of emergencies.

What is the difference between SMS and push notifications?

Push notifications redirect people to a mobile app, while SMS notifications can include any text link redirecting people to a webpage.

Is an SMS bundle required to send SMS Notifications?

Yes. We use prepaid SMS bundles for sending SMS Notifications. Please contact our sales department for more information.

Is it possible to set a custom sender name for the SMS Notifications?

Yes, you can choose the sender of the messages. Choose your name, a company name, or phone number. Please note! This feature is not supported in every country or by every provider.

How can we manage the recipients for SMS Notifications?

You can easily upload a list (.CSV) with phone numbers to our platform and manage this list from there (remove recipients, link to groups, etc.).

Is there a maximum of SMS Notifications that we can send out?

No, the maximum only depends on the credits of your SMS bundle.

Is there a character limitation for the SMS notifications?

The character limit is 160 characters.

Plans

What are your plans based on?

Our plans are user-based and depend on the number of employees you want to reach with Netpresenter.

Is there a minimum number of users required for your plans?

All our plans start from 250 users. We also have suitable plans for organizations with less than 250 users. Contact sales for more details.

Is technical support included in your plans?

Yes. All our plans come with premium tech support. Our support agents will gladly assist you with any possible issue you might have and will not rest until you are completely satisfied.

Which package is best for us or how do I decide which package to choose?

We would love to help you choose! Just fill in this form and one of our consultants will contact you to discuss your specific challenges, goals, and requirements. Together we will find the right solution for your organization.

Is it possible to switch between packages or to add additional functionality?

Yes that is possible. You can expand or upgrade the package of your choice at any time. And of course, you only pay for what you need.

Do you offer high-volume discounts or is non-profit pricing available?

Yes, volume discounts apply from 1000+ users. Non-profit and education pricing is also available. Contact sales for more information.

Do you also have packages for just Digital Signage?

Yes, we have those packages as well. Contact sales for more information.

Technical

What are the server/client requirements?

How do I upload (a) template(s)?

Templates are distributed as .zip files and can be imported into the Message Server one by one or as a group.
To do this, follow these steps:

  • Log in on the Message Server as Administrator.
  • Open the Settings.
  • Click Templates in the left menu.
  • Click New Template.
  • Click Import Template.
  • Select the .zip file(s).

The template will now be available for assigning to the relevant Sites.

Alternatively, you can update templates that are in use now. This will help prevent duplicates.
To do this, follow these steps:

  • Log in on the Message Server as Administrator.
  • Open the Settings.
  • Click Templates in the left menu.
  • Click the template name.
  • Click Update Template.
  • Select the .zip file.
  • Click Save.

Please note that templates that have been uploaded still require to be assigned to the Sites they will be used in.
To do this, follow these steps:

  • Log in on the Message Server as Administrator.
  • Open the Settings.
  • Click Templates in the left menu.
  • Click the template name.
  • Scroll down to Linked Sites.
  • Click Add.
  • Select the relevant Sites for this Template.
  • Click Add.

The templates will now be available for use in the Sites they were assigned to.

How do I create a user?

To create a user, you can execute the following steps

  • Log in to the Message Server as Administrator.
  • Open the Settings menu in the top right corner.
  • Click on Users in the left-hand menu.
  • Click on the New User.
  • Fill in all the necessary information such as name, username, password, etc…
  • Click next.
  • If you have created a publisher account, you will need to subscribe this user to a specific set of sites.
  • Click Save.

 

How do I create a new site?

To create a site, you can execute the following steps

  • Log in to the Message Server as Administrator.
  • Open the Settings menu in the top right corner.
  • Click on Sites in the left-hand menu.
  • Click the New site.
  • Fill in the name of this new site.
  • Click Save.

What are external sites?

External sites are used to create a link between the Message Server and channel files created by the Media Server.

The Media Server can create channel files from Facebook data, Twitter, Sharepoint, … These channel files are not directly connected to the Message Server, so they will need to be added through the External sites.

How do I create a Color Theme?

Only a Netpresenter Administrator can create a completely new color theme. They can do this by executing the following steps:

  • Log in to the Message Server as Administrator.
  • Open the Settings menu in the top right corner.
  • Click on Color Themes in the left-hand menu.
  • Click on the New color theme button.
  • Click Create new.

The window you see before you has a lot of information. In the bottom right, you can see a preview of the current color theme (which is completely white).
Select a template with which you would like to preview your color theme.

Now you can select colors in the left-hand column for specific parts of your template such as a title, title background, … You will need to do this for all possible parts of your template.

Note: Not all parts are named as the title and body are because not all templates use all available parts. That is why it is important to select the template for which you wish to edit your color theme to have all the correct parts available to edit.

After selecting all your colors, grant your color theme a suitable name, and click Save.

 

 

How do I change the logo?

You can only change the template logo that is used in your messages as a Netpresenter administrator.

The administrator can change the logo on 3 different levels!

Domain level:

  • Log in to the Message Server as Administrator.
  • Open the Settings menu in the top right corner.
  • Click on Settings/Configuration in the left-hand menu.
  • Scroll a little to find Default template logo.
  • Upload your company logo here.
  • Scroll to the bottom and click Save.

Site level:

  • Log in to the Message Server as Administrator.
  • Open the Settings menu in the top right corner.
  • Click on Sites in the left-hand menu.
  • Select a site where you wish to change the logo.
  • Scroll a little to find Default template logo.
  • Upload your company logo here.
  • Scroll to the bottom and click Save.

Template level:

  • Log in to the Message Server as Administrator.
  • Open the Settings menu in the top right corner.
  • Click on Templates in the left-hand menu.
  • Select a site where you wish to change the logo.
  • Scroll a little to find template logo.
  • Upload your company logo here.
  • Scroll to the bottom and click Save.

How do I use the Netpresenter app?

When Netpresenter has configured the app for you, you can input the received App code into the Netpresenter app. This app code is most likely your company name or any other app code predefined before configuration of the app. The user that is logged in can view all messages that have been published to the app. If required, additional authentication can be configured.

User

Authentication on user level can be configured. This means that the user will need to verify themselves with their Email address (Private or work). These addresses then need to be approved by the system either manually or through approval rules. The administrator can navigate to Settings > Client users to see a list of all applied mail addresses.

The slide button on their entries will indicate if they’re approved or declined.
By navigating to Settings > Auto approval rules, the admin can create rules based on a part of the (or complete) mail address. For example, if a mail address ends on [CompanyName].com

Azure

If you have already set up a connection with your Azure environment, you can select the Azure Active Directory authentication method. After providing the App code, you will need to log in with your Azure credentials.

How much bandwidth does the Netpresenter Player use?

The Netpresenter Player uses a local directory to store information. This self-cleaning cache directory is used to play information so no network connections are needed when the Player is running. Even when the server is offline (or not reachable e.g. notebook) the Player will continue to play.

Netpresenter regularly polls a server location for news. Only if new content is available on the server will Netpresenter download it (so-called scheduled pull). This update creates a network load that is equal to a “one-page” web view (20-30Kb). Netpresenter will intelligently detect whether the whole presentation has changed or just elements. If only text changes and no images are added or changed, the update load is less than 10 KB, because only the script file needs to be downloaded.

What do I do if I can no longer log in?

Have you received an error that the username and password are incorrect? In that case, you can contact your Netpresenter administrator. The admin can change the password for you:

  • Open the Settings menu.
  • Click on Users in the left-hand menu.
  • Select the user which password needs to be changed.
  • Fill in a new password.
  • Click Save.

If you are the admin and have lost your login credentials, please contact Netpresenter Techsupport so we can help recuperate the password.

How do I configure SSO (Single Sign-on)?

Would you like to activate SSO via Azure in the cloud or on-premise? Follow the steps in the correct link to connect with Azure in your environment first.

As soon as you have followed all steps from any of the above documents, you can log in to the Message Server by clicking the Single-Sign on option (The button Use Office 365 / Azure AD).

You will be asked for your domain name. This domain name is the one we have created for your cloud environment, not your Azure domain name. If you do not know this domain name, you can contact Netpresenter Techsupport and we will be able to grant you the correct domain name.

After filling in the correct domain name, your single sign-on is activated.

How do I make my Digital Signage TVs shut down at the end of day?

Netpresenter does not have this function built-in.

Most TVs have a timer function that you can configure to turn on your TV at the start of the day and turn off at the end of the day. For instance, you can have it turn on at 8 AM and turn off at 6 PM. If you’re using Intel compute sticks or NUC’s, they will go into sleep mode depending on the HDMI settings of the devices.

What if my video will not play?

The Netpresenter Player/Screensaver needs specific codecs to be able to play MP4 videos by default. Please install the necessary codes on the client machine to view the videos correctly.

Codec packs are mostly free of charge. We recommend the K-Lite codec pack, you can download it here:
https://files3.codecguide.com/K-Lite_Codec_Pack_1544_Standard.exe

What if I upload a video but it doesn’t show a thumbnail?

This can be an issue in an on-premise solution that does not have the MP4 codecs installed on the server itself. Like the player, the server needs to be able to read the video file to create the thumbnail. You will need to install the MP4 Codecs on the server and (if possible) make sure Desktop Experience is enabled.

Codec packs are mostly free of charge. We recommend the K-Lite codec pack; you can download it here:
https://files3.codecguide.com/K-Lite_Codec_Pack_1544_Standard.exe

What if my YouTube videos do not import?

If it’s no longer possible to add youtube videos to your Netpresenter, you’ll most likely have to update a script on your server. Every now and again, YouTube makes changes to their player that forces us to update our server. You can download the latest script here:

https://support.netpresenter.com/software/messageserver/latest/YT/

The file youtube-dl needs to be downloaded and copied to this location: C:\Program Files (x86)\NpMsgServer\scripts\com

As a precaution, it is advised to first rename youtube-dl to youtube-dl.old

After the file has been put in the correct location you will be able to add videos again.

How can I add Vimeo videos to a message?

Go to the page of the Vimeo video you would like to add and choose Share. In the pop-up that appears, go to the Embed section and click + Show options. Here you should select Autoplay this video and optionally Loop this video.

Afterward, you can copy the src part of the embed code, for example, https://player.vimeo.com/video/299285301?autoplay=1&loop=1

You can use this link for the Web page URL (via Media > Web page) when creating a message.

Does Netpresenter work in Windows IoT?

Windows 10 IoT Core > Netpresenter Player/Screensaver does not work!
Windows 10 IoT Mobile (Enterprise) > Netpresenter Player/Screensaver does not work!
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise > Netpresenter Player/Screensaver works!