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Xibo Tips

Setting Up

Getting Content To Your Displays: Layouts & Scheduling

Creating a Video Layout

The following is a step by step guide to setting up a layout in Xibo. A layout is a container for all your media items, and is the first step to getting content on your digital signs. In this example, we create a Video Layout, the most basic layout used in Xibo. We recommend using files that are rendered as mp4 (h.264) as they work best with our system. WMV files will work as well, but cannot be previewed without the appropriate decoder installed in your browser.

Step 1: Log into your CMS.
Step 2: Click on “Layouts” in the left hand navigation.
Step 3: Click “Add Layout” which is located on the top right.
Step 4: Name your Layout.
Step 5: Choose your resolution, click “OK”. Note: Xibo allows you to have one or multiple regions in a layout, all with different media items. For the purpose of a Video Layout, we will be using the default, full screen Region.
Step 7: To assign a media item to this Region’s timeline, double click on it. A new window appears.
Step 8: Click “Video” in the left hand navigation.
Step 9: Click “Add Files”.
Step 10: Navigate to the file of your choice and select it. Helpful Tip: Before you begin uploading this file, you will want to name your media. You can do so by typing it in the empty field before you start your upload. This is optional, however, we recommend naming your media the same as the name of the file you are uploading. This makes managing your content much easier.
Step 11: Once uploaded, click “Done”. You will be brought back to the Region’s Timeline. From here, you can click “Edit” to rename your item, set a playback duration,  scale your image. In addition, you can loop and mute your media item.
Step 12: Once everything is finalized, click “Save”. To preview your video, click “Preview” in the Actions tab.
Step 13:  Your content is now uploaded to the CMS and ready to be assigned to the Display of your choice within your CMS via the Scheduler. Scheduling your layout is the final step to delivering your content to your signs.

You can find instructions on Scheduling Your Layout on the Setting Up page, under Getting Started Tab. Look under Getting Content to your Displays: Layouts and Scheduling.

If you run into any problems, you can email us at support@digitalsignageresolutions.com or call us at (702) 485-2133 to setup Premium Support starting at $35/month per player. Premium Support is only available on Xibo Media Players, not 3rd Party Digital Media Players.

Scheduling Your Layout

This tutorial will take you step by step through the process of scheduling a layout that you have already created. Scheduling your content is the final step to pushing your content live on your screens.

Step 1: Log into your CMS. Click "Schedule" in the left navigation of your CMS.
Step 2: You will be brought to the Calendar. Select the Display you’d like to schedule by clicking on the Grey Drop Down Box next to the date. Click on the display name you’d like to schedule, and a “check mark” will appear. Important:  If you click multiple properties and multiple check marks appear, you will be sending your content to all selected displays. To deselect a display, simply click on it. When the “check mark” disappears, the display will no longer be selected.
Step 3: Click "Add Event”.
Step 4: A new window will appear called "Schedule Event". Under Event Type, Select "Campaign/Layout".
Step 5: Confirm the Display that is auto selected is correct. Under Dayparting, select "Custom".
Step 6: Enter the End date/end time.
Step 7: Select the layout you want to schedule from the drop down menu.
Step 8: Enter the display order in which you want the Layout to appear.
Step 9: You can add display order if you'd like, or set Priority playback for your item.
Step 10: Click "Run at CMS Time" if you'd like your schedules to follow the time zone set on your CMS, rather than your digital media player/Xibo.
Step 11: Click Save.
Step 12: You will now be returned to the calendar. You will see blue display graphics show up on the days you indicated within your schedule.This means you have scheduled your content, and it is being sent to the display.

If you are having issues, email us at support@digitalsignageresolutions.com or check out our Configuring Xibo: Best Practices and Common Errors. You can also sign up for a month to month or annual support starting at $35/month for an annual plan. Call (702) 485-2133 to get Premium Support today.

Configuring Xibo: Best Practices & Common Errors

Configuring Windows for Xibo On Demand

Click here to download a list of recommended modifications to apply to your Window’s based digital media players.

Configuring Android for Xibo On Demand

Here is a list of recommended modifications to apply to your Android  based digital media player:

    • Non-market Sources Xibo for Android is a non-market Android application, which means the device will need to be configured to allow the installation of applications from unknown sources. This setting is found in the "Security" section of the standard Android settings tab.This setting should be disabled after installation unless auto-update is required
    • Enable the Wireless Adaptor
    • Confirm that the date/time and time zone information are correctly set on the device. This information is used by Xibo for Android for time sensitive scheduling and for the 14 day trial. If the Date/Time is incorrect during installation your 14 day trial may expire sooner than it should.

Minimum requirements for 3rd-Party Windows Digital Media Players

Here is a list of recommended minimum requirements for your 3rd-Party Windows Digital Media Players when using Xibo On Demand

    • A network connection to the CMS (possibly over the Internet)
    • Microsoft Windows 7 or later
    • .NET Framework v4.5
    • Internet Explorer 8+ (recommended IE11 or higher) or Google Chrome (recommended)
    • Flash Player Version 9 or later (if Flash support is required)
    • Windows Media Player 11 or later
    • For PowerPoint support, Microsoft PowerPoint 2003 or later. PowerPoint viewer is not suitable.
    • Intel Celeron or better processor
    • 4gb Ram Minimum (2x2 recommended for best performance)
    • 120 GB HD

Minimum Requirements for 3rd-Party Android Digital Media Players

Run on any device with Android 4.4 or higher. Min 16 GB onboard or card storage. Minimum 2 USB Ports. HDMI out.

Need assistance? Let us help get you started! (702) 485-2133