Fax: 520-544-0800
Email: gholman@netmedia.com
September 25, 2000
SitePlayer is a web server
coprocessor that handles web protocols and Ethernet packets independently of
the device processor. Web traffic does
not effect the device processor, which also adds a measure of security. Communications between SitePlayer and the
device is accomplished through objects sent through a standard two wire serial
port. No TCP/IP or network code is
required.
SitePlayer can also be used in some
applications in a “stand alone” mode where simple I/O can be performed. SitePlayer has 8 configurable I/O pins which
can also be used as four 8 bit PWMs or DACs, frequency generators, or event
counters. These functions are available
to a device processor also.
SitePlayer contains a powerful object system called
SiteObjects™ which allow graphical images, text, music, links, radio buttons or
checkboxes to change based on live data from the device processor without the
need for CGI scripts or Java programming.
A web page can contain a graphical knob rotated to a position, a switch
can be toggled up or down, or a link can change based on a variable in the
device processor.
Standard web authoring tools are used to make the
pages for SitePlayer. Web pages are
downloaded to SitePlayer’s flash memory over the Internet. SitePlayer firmware updates are also
downloadable keeping SitePlayer current.
A library of graphical knobs, switches, LEDs and other user interface
tools are provided for web page development.
“NetMedia created SitePlayer to bring the Internet
into places it could never go before due to cost or size restrictions. For the first time, it is now affordable to
provide any microprocessor-based device with a worldwide user interface. SitePlayer can eliminate expensive physical
interfaces such as LCDs, knobs and switches, thus paying for itself”, says Jack
Schoof, President of NetMedia, Inc. Mr.
Schoof added, “SitePlayer is easy to install and browse for the end user, and
program for the developer. No special
networking hardware or protocols are required to use SitePlayer, just standard
Ethernet, hubs, routers, and browsers.
Ethernet is now found everywhere from industrial plants, to offices, and
homes with ISDN, DSL, wireless, and Cable modems. Even if a product does not need world wide access, SitePlayer
allows control of devices over private Ethernet networks, such as home or
industrial control applications”.
Pricing for the SitePlayer developer kit is
$99.95. The kit includes a host board
with LEDs and switches, temperature sensor, and a SitePlayer module. A DB9 serial connector and cable is provided
to connect a device processor, or for a PC to simulate a device processor. Demonstration examples include a web enabled
thermostat, and audio receiver. Example
source code, web pages, and documentation are provided on a CDROM. SitePlayer modules are $39.95 each in 10
pieces, $29.95 each in 100 pieces and $19.95 each in 100,000 pieces, with
software licensing fees included. For
high volume or surface mount applications, SitePlayer chip sets are available.
NetMedia, Inc. was
founded in 1993 by Jack Schoof, also founder of Artisoft (NASDAQ: ASFT), and
the author of LANtastic the most popular peer to peer network operating system
with over 10,000,000 copies sold. NetMedia,
Inc. engineers, manufactures and markets innovative electronics and computer
products including video, security, access control, home automation, embedded
control systems and embedded web servers.
More information on SitePlayer is available by contacting NetMedia, Inc.
at 10940 N. Stallard Place, Tucson, Arizona, 85737, 520-544-4567, Fax at
520-544-0800, e-mail at sales@siteplayer.com
or by visiting the SitePlayer website at www.siteplayer.com.