Raspberry Pi digital signage player

Setup steps

1. Install Raspberry Pi OS with the desktop on the Raspberry Pi and connect it to the network; use a wired connection if you can.
2. Prepare a launch command that opens Chromium in kiosk mode at the MIA Player address on your server.
3. Add this command to start-up so it runs automatically when the desktop session opens.
4. Turn off screen blanking and power saving.
5. Enter the 6-character code shown on screen on the Screens page in the panel, give the screen a location and program, and deploy the change.

Pairing

Pairing works as with every other player. You enter the code once; after that, content, program, tags and settings are managed in the panel. A keyboard and mouse are only needed for the first setup, and your IT team can also connect remotely with the Linux tools they already know.

What happens during an outage?

As long as Chromium stays open, the player keeps the last program in memory and local storage, and playback continues when the network or server drops. After the device restarts, it may need to reach the server to open the page. Time rules run on the device using the server's clock, so scenes change on time even if the device clock is wrong.

Good to know

Video performance depends on the Raspberry Pi model, the resolution and the video encoding. Test high-resolution or multi-zone video layouts on your device before going live. Use a reliable power adapter and a good-quality memory card; sudden power cuts can damage the card. If you want a low-maintenance player that starts on boot and even starts without the server after a power cut, an Android box is the better fit.

Where it works well

For screens built mainly from images, text and widgets, such as a cafeteria menu, a notice board or a waiting room, Raspberry Pi offers a good balance. It takes up little space, runs silently and fits easily behind the screen. For video-heavy screens, we recommend trying one device before rolling out.