FAQS
How it works
How does the system work?
The FitboxVirtual system is very simple. It consists of the FitboxVirtual Scheduler - an online scheduling application and the FitboxVirtual Player - a small HD unit that plays out the classes. The FitboxVirtual Player is installed in, or close to, your studio and is connected to your video projector, audio system and the internet. All the classes are stored on the FitboxVirtual Player and play out automatically when they are scheduled to do so. The classes are scheduled via the FitboxVirtual Scheduler, a secure website, which is accessed on the internet. It enables you to select the classes you would like to play and when.
Are the videos streamed over the internet?
No, the videos are downloaded over the internet to the FitboxVirtual Player and stored on the internal hard drive. This means that playback is not reliant on an internet connection.
Hardware
What equipment is provided?
You will be sent a FitboxVirtual Player (a small HD video player) to playback the virtual classes. Also you will receive a Welcome email detailing your account and login information for access to the FitboxVirtual Scheduler.
What additional audio visual equipment is required?
To present the virtual classes, you will need an HD video projector, an audio system (amplifier and speakers) and a broadband connection. The projector screen should be located in a suitable place where it can display the class videos to everyone in the studio/club area. The audio system should be of a reasonable quality to deliver a good clear sound with obvious bass.
Is there a warranty on the hardware?
Yes, the FitboxVirtual® Player is covered by a 24 month warranty. In the event it fails we will provide a hot-swap replacement Player despatched to you within two working days, in exchange for the failed Player.
What if I don't have the required audiovisual equipment?
We can recommend an audio visual installation company to you, who will be able to provide and install all the required video and sound equipment. Alternatively, you can source the required equipment from your existing audio visual installation company. We can supply recommended minimum technical specifications.
Does the Player need to be switched on all the time?
It is recommended that the FitboxVirtual® Player is left switched on at all times. This will ensure that you receive any pending updates and that it is ready to play classes 24/7.
Does the Player need to be authenticated to play content?
Yes, when the FitboxVirtual® Player connects to the FitboxVirtual® Scheduler it is authenticated and updated with a valid subscription key. If the FitboxVirtual® Player is disconnected from the internet and unable to authenticate with the server for an extended period of time, it will become automatically disabled. No classes will be played until the FitboxVirtual® Player is authenticated again.
Scheduling website
How many classes can I schedule?
There is no limit to the number of classes that can be scheduled within the system. The only restriction is that classes cannot be scheduled to start whilst another is already playing i.e. classes cannot overlap.
Can I schedule a class to run on a specific date?
Yes, you can schedule specific classes to run on specific dates - for example on Bank Holidays or Open Days when a different schedule is required. However, the usual way is to set up a weekly Timetable to play out the same classes each week.
Can I manage multiple studios from one log-in?
Yes, the schedule of one or more FitboxVirtual Players within the same fitness centre can be controlled from one log-in.
Can I manage multiple sites from one log-in?
Currently the system requires a log-in per site, however we are currently developing the facility to manage multiple sites with a single login. If you require this option, please contact us.
Can I 'connect' it to my existing studio scheduling systems?
Yes, this can be achieved via the FitboxVirtual® API facility. If you require this option, please contact us.
How can I tell what's being scheduled?
Each time a class is played the FitboxVirtual® Player logs the date and time it occurred and sends the information back to the central servers. A reporting tool within the FitboxVirtual® Scheduler system is currently being developed that will analyse this data and provide usage information. Please contact us for more information.
Do I need to install any software?
No, the FitboxVirtual® Scheduler is entirely hosted on the internet and provided as a service. Therefore all updates, back-ups and maintenance are carried out by us. There is no need to install any software or provide any servers to use this facility.
Which internet browser software is required?
The FitboxVirtual® Scheduler uses up-to-date browser technology to provide a simple, easy to use interface. Therefore it relies on the latest internet browsers to work correctly. These browsers are Firefox v28.0+, Internet Explorer v9.0+ and Chrome v34.x+. If you use an older browser, you may experience a few issues with the layout and functionality.
Training & Support
What staff training is required?
Not much training is required. The FitboxVirtual® Scheduler is designed to be very easy and quick to use. A short training video shows how to use the FitboxVirtual® Scheduler. No other training should be required.
What happens if it doesn't work?
In the unlikely event that the system stops working, you can call the FitboxVirtual® support desk, either by phone or email. The details are as follows:
Support Desk hotline: 0845 873 8180
Email: support@fitboxvirtual.com
The support desk will run through some simple checks with you to diagnose the issue. The team can 'dial' into the FitboxVirtual® Player and resolve the issue if necessary. If the diagnosis is a fault with the FitboxVirtual® Player itself, we can despatch its replacement within two working days.
Content
How often are new virtual classes received?
The class content is updated on a quarterly basis. As long as the FitboxVirtual® Player is connected to the internet, the new releases will be automatically downloaded and stored on the FitboxVirtual® Player ready to appear in your Timetable. Where you have set up your Timetable to always play the latest release of a class, then you won't need to do any further scheduling, the FitboxVirtual® Player will simply play the latest release automatically. If for any reason the FitboxVirtual® Player is disconnected from the internet, the automatic updates will not happen until it is reconnected.
Are older classes also available?
Yes, you will have access to certain previous releases of the virtual classes depending on the type of package you have subscribed to. You can schedule the classes available to play out as you wish.