An Introduction to AIScreen: How to Use AIScreen for Digital Signage

Welcome to AIScreen! This guide will help you get started with an overview and step-by-step instructions on how to use AIScreen’s digital signage platform as a new user.

1. Select Your Hardware

Our top recommendation is our very own AIScreen OS-powered hardware, which is the perfect pairing for an AIScreen display. Designed with enterprise IT teams in mind, AIScreen OS devices provide seamless performance, reliability, and ease of use. Each AIScreen OS device is available for just $128, making it an affordable yet powerful solution for your digital signage needs.

Please find more information about the product here, and a link to the store where you can purchase a device here.

Alternatively, AIScreen works seamlessly on most consumer hardware, offering a flexible and convenient solution for showcasing your digital signage. We support a variety of popular media devices, smart TVs, tablets, and more. Please visit this page to browse through our supported devices.

If you have any questions about supported hardware or operating systems, or if your device isn’t listed in our hardware selector, please reach out to our support team so we can help verify whether your device is compatible with AIScreen.

2. Download the AIScreen App on Your Device

2.1. Once you have purchased your hardware, you can download the AIScreen app directly on your device to reveal a pairing code, which you can use to add a screen to your account.

2.2. If you are working with an AIScreen OS device, simply connecting it to your internet will reveal the pairing code. Please see this guide to learn how to connect your AIScreen OS device to your network.

2.3. For a third-party device, please click here to view instructions on how to download and install the AIScreen player on your respective device.

You can also try out AIScreen using your PC, macOS computer, or tablet:

• Windows OS: Download the AIScreen desktop player here
  
• macOS: Download the AIScreen desktop player here
  
• Android OS: Download the AIScreen app from the Google Play Store

2.4. After downloading the AIScreen app on your device, open the app to reveal a 4-character pairing code that will be used to sync your screen with your account in your account’s screens section. A QR code is also provided, which you can scan to log in or sign up to AIScreen and use the provided pairing code to link the screen. Continue to the next steps to see how to pair a screen to your account. Access your screen management section here.

3. Add Screens

After downloading the AIScreen app on your device, the next step is to add a screen and use the pairing code displayed on your screen.

3.1. As a new user to AIScreen, you can either sign up for AIScreen or accept your user invite by email and create your profile in your AIScreen organization. Once complete, and as you access your AIScreen Studio account for the first time, you will be greeted with a pop-up that informs you of the different features and tools in your account. Please note, that you do not need to have a physical television display to start testing or using AIScreen and can use your web browser or computer. Access your screens section here.

3.2. To pair your first new screen, click the Add Screen button. You can also scan the QR code of the AIScreen player app on the device you prepared earlier to start the screen pairing process and automatically input the pairing code. Make sure you are first logged in to AIScreen Manager before scanning the QR code.

3.3. After clicking Add Screen, enter the 4-character pairing code exactly as it appears on the AIScreen player app on your screen.

3.4. After entering the pairing code, click Continue to proceed. If the pairing code is correct, your screen will be added to your account. If the code is incorrect, you will see an error message. Double-check the code and try again. If issues persist, please contact support@aiscreen.io for assistance.

3.5. Give your newly added screen a name so that you can identify it in your account.

3.6. Menu Functions: When you right-click on a screen or click the three dots at the far right of the screen entry, a menu will appear with the following options:

Settings: Opens the detailed information view for the screen, allowing you to manage and view all settings and properties related to the selected screen.

Set Reboot Interval: Allows you to schedule automatic reboots for the screen. This can be used to ensure consistent performance by restarting the screen at specified times.

Edit Tags: Enables you to add or modify tags assigned to the screen. Tags can be used to group screens and organize them for easier management.

Refresh: Reloads the content being displayed on the screen. This is useful for applying updates or ensuring that the latest content is showing without waiting for automatic synchronization.

Clear Cache: Deletes cached data on the screen, which can resolve issues or ensure that new content is displayed without interference from old data.

Select: Marks the screen for bulk actions, such as editing or deleting multiple screens at once.

Transfer to Another Space: Moves the screen to a different space

Delete: Removes the screen from your account.

These options provide comprehensive control over your screens, enabling efficient management and troubleshooting.

3.7. Screen Groups: Organizing screens into groups is simple with AIScreen’s flexible tagging system. To assign a screen to a group or create a new group:

Option 1: Right-click on the screen you want to assign to a group. This will open a menu where you can select Edit Tags. This option allows you to either create a new group tag or assign the screen to an existing group.

Option 2: Click on the three dots located at the far right of the screen entry. A pop-up menu will appear at the bottom of the screen, where you can select Edit Tags to create a new group tag or assign the screen to an existing group.

Using the Edit Tags feature, you can easily manage and organize screens based on locations, departments, or other custom criteria. AIScreen’s advanced filtering system located at the top of the page enables you to quickly locate specific screens by tags, locations, or other parameters, ensuring efficient screen management.

3.8. Preview Feature: With AIScreen’s preview functionality, you can see exactly what is being displayed on your device’s screen in real-time. To access this feature, simply click on the screen you want to preview in your screen list. This will open a detailed information view about the selected screen. In the center of this view, a small preview window will display the content currently showing on your device.

• Live Screens: If the screen is functioning properly, the preview window will show the live content playing on your device, allowing you to verify that everything is working as expected.

• Offline Screens: If the screen is offline or not displaying content, the preview window will display a notification indicating that the screen is not functioning or showing content. This helps you quickly identify and troubleshoot issues.

By using this feature, you can monitor the status of your screens and ensure that the correct content is being displayed. It’s a helpful tool for managing multiple devices across different locations.

3.9. Operation Hours: Use the Operation Hours feature to automate your screen’s on and off times. Navigate to the Operation Hours setting for a selected space and configure the schedule by toggling days and entering the desired times. This helps save energy and ensures your screens operate only when needed. Please note that this feature is available exclusively with AIScreen OS devices. Learn more about AIScreen OS here.

3.10. If you click on Screens from the left-hand navigation, you’ll be able to view a full list of all your screens connected to your account.

3.11. Next, you can get started using AIScreen’s features for organizing and uploading content in your Media Library.

4. Media Library

The Media Library is where all your content is stored and organized, making it easy to manage and use.

4.1 Uploading Content: To upload files to your media library, go to the Media tab on the left sidebar and click on it. Once inside, click on the Upload Media button in the upper right corner. Once uploaded, your content will be ready to use.

4.2. View Options: You can switch between List View and Grid View in the upper-right corner to choose how you want to view your files. These options allow you to customize your Media Library for better navigation and usability.

4.3. Organizing with Folders: To keep your content organized, you can create folders. Click the New Folder button in the upper-right corner, name the folder, and start dragging and dropping your media into it. Alternatively, click on the vertical three dots to the right of any file and choose the Move to option to organize content into folders.

4.4. Media Options: Hover over a piece of content and click the vertical three dots to access the following options:

• Set to Screen: Instantly display a piece of content on one or more screens. After selecting this option, you’ll be prompted to choose the screens where the content will be displayed. Confirm your selection, and the content will immediately appear on the chosen screens.
  
• Download: Download any file in your Media Library to your device.
  
• Move to: Move a file into a specific folder within your Media Library for better organization.
  
• Share to Another Space: Share a piece of media with a different Space in your account.
  
• Delete: Remove unwanted files from your library by selecting the Delete option.

4.5. Viewing File Information: Click on any media file to view its details, such as:

• File name and the option to rename it.
  
• File type and size.
  
• The user who uploaded the file.
  
• The Space it is located in.
  
• The date it was added to your Media Library.

4.6. Filtering Content: Use the filters at the top of the Media Library (as shown in the second image) to sort and organize your content. You can filter files by:

• Name: Sort files alphabetically or reverse alphabetically.
  
• Type: View only images, videos, or other specific file types.
  
• Date: Arrange files based on the date they were uploaded, from newest to oldest or vice versa.

These filters help you quickly locate the content you need, making the Media Library highly efficient for managing large amounts of media.

4.7. Notification Bell: The notification bell in the top-right corner allows you to track your file uploads.

Here, you can:

• View Upload Progress: Monitor the status of ongoing uploads in real-time.
  
• Review Errors: Check for any issues or errors that occurred during the upload process.
  
• Clear Notifications: Clear all completed or unnecessary notifications for a clean workspace.

The Media Library’s design ensures that your content is easy to upload, organize, and access, providing seamless integration into your AIScreen workflow.

5. Add Apps

Browse and search through our diverse app store to start showcasing unique content on your digital screens. Most apps come with an app guide that provides detailed instructions on setup and usage. Explore our apps and guides here.

5.1. Access the Apps Tab: In the left-hand sidebar of your AIScreen Manager, you’ll see the Apps tab. Click here to access your stored apps and explore available integrations. Go to Apps in Manager.

5.2. Explore the App Store: From the Apps tab, you can visit the App Store by clicking the Open Apps Store button. This will show you all the apps and integrations available, tailored to help you create engaging content for your digital screens.

5.3. Add an App: To add an app, simply click on the app you’re interested in and press the Go to App button. This will add the app to your App Library, ready for configuration.

5.4. Configure and Name Your App: After adding the app, give it a unique name to easily locate it in your Media Library. Configure the app’s settings as needed, such as adjusting preferences or inputting required details. Once complete, click the Save button to finalize your app setup.

5.5. Manage Installed Apps: The app will now be available in your installed apps section. AIScreen allows you to add an unlimited number of apps, and you can also create multiple instances of the same app to customize its usage across different screens or projects.

Using apps from our store enables you to expand the functionality of your digital signage, delivering unique and impactful content tailored to your needs.

6. Add Live URLs

The Live URL feature in AIScreen allows you to share or track content in real time, ensuring your audience has immediate access to the latest updates without manual refreshes. This is ideal for broadcasting real-time updates, product information, or promotional content, keeping your displays engaging and up-to-date.

6.1. Access the Live URLs Section: In the left-hand sidebar, click on the Live URLs tab to open the Live URL management section.

6.2. Create a New Link: Click on the Create Link button. This action will open a new page where you can configure your Live URL.

6.3. Paste Your URL: In the Write URL field, paste the public URL of the content you wish to broadcast. The content from this URL will be displayed to your audience in real time.

6.4. Name and Save Your URL:

• Assign a Name: Provide a descriptive name for your Live URL, such as “Social Wall Display,” “Main Lobby Screen,” or “Weekly Dashboard.” This makes it easy to identify and manage later.
  
• Save the Link: Click the Save button to finalize your setup and deploy the Live URL.

With these simple steps, your Live URL will be ready for use on your AIScreen displays. If you need additional help or have questions, feel free to contact our support team at support@aiscreen.com.

7. Create and Manage Playlists

Playlists in AIScreen allow you to organize and schedule content for seamless playback on your digital displays. You can include media files, apps, and widgets, and even divide your screen into multiple zones for dynamic content distribution.

7.1. Access the Playlists Section

In the left-hand sidebar of your AIScreen Manager, click on the Playlists tab. This will open the Playlists section, where you can view existing playlists or create new ones.

7.2. Create a New Playlist

To start building a new playlist:

• Click the Create Playlist button located at the top-right corner of the screen.
  
• A new playlist editor will open, allowing you to customize your playlist with various content types.

7.3. Add Content to Your Playlist

1. Organize Content into Zones

• Playlists can be split into zones, allowing you to display multiple pieces of content simultaneously.
  
• To select a zone layout, click on Change Layout in the top-right corner of the playlist editor.
  
• Choose a layout template (e.g., single zone, split-screen, or multi-zone) from the available options.

2. Upload Media

• Click on the Upload button to add images, videos, or other media files.
  
• Alternatively, drag and drop files directly into the playlist area.

3. Add Apps and Widgets

• Navigate to the Apps tab to browse and add apps such as clocks, weather widgets, or YouTube.
  
• Simply click on the app you want to add, and it will appear in your

4. Switch Between Zones

• To add or edit content in a specific zone, use the zone selector.
  
• The zone selector is located at the top of the playlist editor or on the right-hand side of the screen.
  
• Click on the desired zone name (e.g., Zone 1, Zone 2) to switch and manage its content.

7.4. Adjust Content Duration and Order

1. Reorder Items

• Use drag-and-drop to move playlist items up or down and set the playback order.

2. Set Playback Duration

• Click on the duration field next to a content item.
  
• Enter the desired playback time (e.g., 00:10 for 10 seconds).

7.5. Preview Your Playlist

Once you’ve added content, click on the Preview button to view your playlist in real-time.

• Ensure that all content appears as expected, including layout, duration, and order.
  
• Make adjustments as needed by switching between zones or modifying content placement.

7.6. Save and Name Your Playlist

When satisfied with your playlist:

• Click the Save button.
  
• Assign a unique name to the playlist for easy identification.
  
• Finalize by clicking Create and Publish to deploy the playlist.

7.7. Assign Your Playlist to a Device

To display your playlist on a screen:

• Open the device list on the right-hand side of the playlist editor.
  
• Select the device(s) you want to assign the playlist to.
  
• Click on Set to Device to broadcast your playlist.

By following these steps, you can create dynamic playlists that enhance your digital signage experience. Playlists with zones provide greater flexibility, enabling you to broadcast multiple types of content simultaneously and ensure your audience stays engaged. For further assistance, feel free to contact our support team at support@aiscreen.com.

8. Customizing Your Canvas

AIScreen’s Canvas feature provides a versatile editor for creating fully customizable digital signage designs. With tools for adding media, text, and dynamic elements, Canvas empowers you to create unique and impactful content for your screens.

8.1. Navigating to Canvas

1.Access Canvas:

• In the left menu, click on Canvas to open the template management section.

2. Explore Your Options:

• Browse your existing canvases or create a new one by clicking “Create New Template”.
  
• You can also explore and modify templates from the AIScreen Template Library if needed.

8.2. Adding Media to Canvas

1. Add Media Files:

• Navigate to the Media section in the left-hand panel.
  
• Choose previously uploaded media or upload new files.
  
• Drag and drop files onto the canvas to add them to your design.

2. Resize and Rotate Media:

• Resize: Drag the white corner markers of the media to adjust its size.
  
• Rotate: Use the circular marker above the media to rotate it left or right.

3. Set a Background Color:

• Click “Background” in the toolbar.
  
• Choose a color using the color picker or select from preset swatches.

4. Add and Customize Text:

• Click “Add Text” in the toolbar to create a text box.
  
• Double-click the text box to edit the content.
  
• Use formatting options to adjust font, size, color, and alignment

5. Position and Layer Text or Media:

• Use the Position button to bring elements forward, send them backward, or flip them horizontally or vertically.

6. Adjust Text Opacity:

• Click the Opacity button and adjust the slider to control the transparency of the text.

8.3. Fine-Tuning and Saving Your Canvas

1. Name Your Canvas:

• Assign a clear and descriptive name to your canvas (e.g., “Holiday Promotions,” “Employee Dashboard,” etc.).

2. Save and Deploy:

• Click “Save” to finalize your design.
  
• Deploy the canvas to your screens by selecting devices from the device list and clicking “Set to Screen.”.

9. Create and Manage Schedules

The Schedule feature in AIScreen allows you to plan and automate the display of content on your screens. Whether you want to display content at specific times or across multiple devices, the scheduling tool ensures your playlists are broadcasted seamlessly.

9.1. Navigate to the Schedule Section

1. Access the Schedule Tab:

• From the left-hand menu, click on the “Schedule” tab.
  
• This will open the scheduling section, where you can view or create schedules.

9.2. Create a New Schedule

1. Click the “Create Schedule” button at the top-right corner of the screen.

2. A new schedule editor will open, allowing you to define the time, playlists, and devices for your content.

3. Choose the screen to broadcast the Schedule

9.3. Assign Playlists to Your Schedule

1. Open the Schedule Timeline:

• In the schedule editor, click on the desired time slot in the timeline to assign a playlist.

2. Set Time and Duration:

• Define the start date, time, and duration for the playlist.
  
• Confirm your selection to lock in the time slot.

3. Add a Playlist:

• Click “Add Playlist” in the scheduling window.
  
• Select the desired playlist from the list of available playlists.

9.4. Assign Screens to Your Schedule

• Once the playlist is added to the schedule, click “Add Screens”.
  
• Select the screen or player you want to assign the schedule to from the screen list.
  
• Confirm your selection to ensure the schedule is applied to the chosen screen(s).

9.5. Review and Save Your Schedule

1. Double-Check Your Schedule:

• Verify that all time slots, playlists, and devices are correctly assigned.
  
• Ensure that content durations and start times align with your goals.

2. Save the Schedule:

• Click “Save” to finalize your schedule.
  
• The scheduled content will now automatically play on the assigned devices at the specified times.

10. Assign Content to Your Screens

AIScreen provides multiple ways to assign content to your screens, ensuring seamless and dynamic digital signage. Whether you’re working with playlists, canvases, or schedules, the “Set to Screen” feature simplifies the process of pushing content live.

10.1. Use “Set to Screen” to Display Individual Content Instantly

1. Navigate to the Media, Apps, or Canvas section in the left-hand menu.

2. Hover over the content you’d like to display, such as a media file, app, or canvas.

3. Click the “Set to Screen” option from the dropdown menu.

4. Select the screen(s) you want the content to appear on.

• The content will immediately display on the selected screens.

This method is perfect for showcasing individual files or apps quickly without the need for playlists or schedules

10.2. Assign a Playlist to a Screen

1. Go to the Playlists section from the left-hand menu.

2. Select the playlist you’d like to assign.

3. Click the “Set to Screen” button in the playlist editor.

4. Choose the screen(s) you want to display the playlist on.

• The playlist will start playing on the assigned screens in the predefined order and duration.

10.3. Assign Content Using the Schedule Feature

1. Navigate to the Schedule tab.

2. Create a new schedule or select an existing one.

3. Add your desired playlist or content to the schedule’s timeline by selecting the appropriate time slot.

4. Assign the schedule to your screens:

• Click Add Screens in the scheduling window and select the desired screens.

5. Save the schedule to deploy the content at the specified times.

By using the Set to Screen feature alongside playlists, canvases, and schedules, AIScreen ensures your content is deployed effectively, giving you complete control over your digital signage. For additional support, contact us at support@aiscreen.com.