Screen synchronization occurs in a context of distribution of multimedia content on screens via software. It applies in particular whendigital signage screen installations and that's what will be the subject of this post. If you don't know the concept of digital signage, check out our article fully understand digital signage.
Although it has several meanings (each service provider appropriates the term “synchronization”), the term “screen synchronization“refers as a general rule to the ability to broadcast content on several screens that share a common time scale. The content can be the same or different depending on the needs. The contents are then broadcast at the same time thanks to a digital signage software smart. (in the context of more elaborate visual scenarios, the triggers of the broadcasts may differ). It is this definition that will be considered in the rest of the article.
Various installations make it possible to achieve the dissemination of synchronous content. However, each of them does not allow all types of screen synchronization to be carried out: the technical choice must therefore be made in accordance with the desired rendering objectives. The main ones sync types are listed below, and detailed later in the article, after a review of commonly installed devices.
Different screen installation techniques
The installations used are mainly summarized in the 4 cases illustrated below.
All screens are directly connected to the player. Although this solution is simple to install and only requires one player, most players have a limited number of video releases. They are also expensive.
All screens are connected to a “splitter”, itself connected to the player. The splitter duplicates the content of the player thanks to numerous video outputs and has the advantage of being able to be linked. They are also relatively inexpensive.
Tous The screens are chained together, and the first one is connected to the player. The screens should be the same and offer this functionality. The screens should also be close enough to avoid excessive cable length, which could decrease image quality.
Each screen Is connected to a different player. It is the players, by communicating with each other, who synchronize the content on the screens. This solution involves having as many players as screens, which can be expensive, depending on the players used.
→ Read the example of VanDB synchronizing 110 screens for the surprise announcement of its Music Festival!
Synchronization the same (cloned, replicated, duplicated...)
In this installation, the same content is replicated as many times as there are equipped screens. Each content is broadcast simultaneously on the equipped screens.
In the same way that a laptop can replicate its content identically on an additional screen, it is possible to replicate the same content on several screens located nearby. The screens configured in this way broadcast exactly the same content at the same time.
For optimal image quality, it is necessary that the resolution of the original content is equal to that of the screen offering the best resolution.
This configuration is of little use when used on a screen wall, since the content is repeated as many times as there are screens. On the other hand, its use is frequent in train stations and shopping centers where multi-sided totem poles are commonplace.
The faces of the totem pole (s), or even all the screens in an area, are synchronized identically and broadcast the same content at the same time, (for example, cash lines from a supermarket). This configuration provides The advantage of being able to share the broadcast player between several screens and thus increase the areas of expression without increasing the number of display players required.
The most common installations for this type of synchronization are:
- A player with numerous video outputs
- A splitter Who duplicates the signal
- A chain Of screens
- A player behind each screen
Extensive sync
In this installation, content is fragmented into as many parts as there are equipped screens. Each fragment of the content is broadcast simultaneously on the screens. All the screens reform the initial content. The layout of the screens therefore plays an important role.
In the same way that a laptop can expand its content onto an additional screen, it is possible to fragment content on several adjacent screens. The screens configured in this way broadcast some of the same content at exactly the same time..
For optimal image quality, it is necessary that the resolution of the original content is such that it is possible to “draw” distinct parts with a resolution at least equal to that of the screen that will broadcast the content fragment. (For 4 1080p displays, original 4K content is recommended) In addition, The screens should be close, and thenarrow inter-screen space for the result to be ideal.
This configuration is widely used for screen walls. The content is then broadcast over a large area, increasing its visibility. Games can be made with screens to match a setting or to make the best use of aspects of the video. This installation is often acclaimed by The gigantism of the images broadcast, The resulting animation of the place and The crowds it attracts.
The most common installations for this type of synchronization are:
- A player with numerous video outputs
- A chain Of screens
- A player behind each screen
Hybrid sync (multi-way)
In this installation, several different contents, generally of the same duration, are broadcast simultaneously on the equipped screens. It can be radically different content, content concerning the same theme or even parts of the same original content.
This configuration can be used for attract attention, using giant content displayed on all screens, which follow multiple contents, each displayed on a screen and which broadcasts other information. Used in stations, this device makes it possible to broadcast promotional or informational content on all screens (giant content), then, in a second step, the departure, arrival or delays of the next trains.
The most common installations for this type of synchronization are:
- a player with numerous video outputs
- A chain of screens
- A player behind each screen
Interactive sync
In this installation, screens broadcast content, synchronized or not, of the same duration or not. And on request (connected button, smartphone, URL call, API...), a content (replicated or fragmented) is broadcast on all or some of the equipped screens.
Perfect for attract attention thanks to the possibility of equipping screen walls, In addition, this installation makes it possible to involve an audience which, as an actor in triggering the broadcast, will be more receptive to the messages displayed. This installation allows you to use triggers (connected buttons, user smartphones via a QR Code for example) as a remote control. This remote control allows you to control the display of content on several screens and therefore to synchronize screens on request. In addition to the advantages of screen walls, this device adds the benefits ofinteractivity.
Discover Cenareo software for your multi-screen content
Cenareo offers an intuitive, scalable Saas solution and perfectly adapted to the needs of communication professionals in all sectors of activity: Points of sale, Internal communication, Hotels and restaurants but also DOOH.
Our Plug & Play digital signage player Allows you to Connect any screen in seconds, and the rest happens online. From a web interface, it is possible toadd images, videos or documents from your computer, create them using a content creation tool developed for the digital signage system. It is also possible tointegrate third party applications to broadcast external content in real time or not.
The interactive synchronization technology developed by Cenareo makes it possible to trigger, instantly and on demand, synchronized content on a screen wall. A temperature sensor, a connected button, or a QR Code scan can trigger the broadcast of content on a fleet of screens, in less than a few seconds...
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