• Can I connect the RPi directly to RCA?

    It is perfectly possible to connect the RPi directly to RCA.

    To get the composite output, you need a special cable (https://www.adafruit.com/product/2881) – this is not a “hard to find” cable, in the sense that you can probably find something like that locally or from one of your suppliers. You just need to test it first and ensure that it works as properly. Even if the connectors are correct, the cable that you find may not work correctly (polarities on the plug may be different).

    We have the “hdmi_force_hotplug” directive set to active by default since 99% of cases use HDMI. 

    So, the last thing you need to do in order to make this work is to follow these steps:

    1. Log into the Xandadeck portal.
    2. Go to “Monitors” and click edit on the Monitor that you want connect 
    3. Go to the “Advanced” tab
    4. Enable the “Allow Raspberry config.txt Override” toggle button
    5. In the “Raspberry config.txt Override Directives” text area, you will have to insert the following:
      hdmi_force_hotplug=0
    6. Click “Save”.
  • Can I use the Composite output instead of the HDMI?

    Yes you can.

    First, make sure that you have written the Xandadeck SD card image onto an SD card.

    Then, do the following steps, in the exact order specified:

    1. Power off your Pi.
    2. Put the SD card into your PC and open the file called:   config.txt
    3. Delete all content and paste only the following:

      bootcode_delay=3
      disable_overscan=1
      gpu_mem_1024=128
      gpu_mem_256=64
      gpu_mem_512=128
      hdmi_force_hotplug=0
      initramfs Xandadeck_initramfs.img 0x01000000
    4. Log into Xandadeck portal.
    5. Go to “Monitors” and edit the Monitor in question
    6. Go to “Advanced” tab
    7. Enable the “Allow Raspberry config.txt Override” toggle button
    8. In the “Raspberry config.txt Override Directives” textarea, you will have to insert the following:

      hdmi_force_hotplug=0
    9. Click “Save”.
    10. Boot your Raspberry Pi and proceed with registering it in your account.

    You should now see output on the composite port of your Pi.

  • Does Xandadeck support outdoor LED billboards?

    Yes. We have already deployed production-grade LED billboards using Xandadeck.

    This way, customers have a great way to manage their content on really weird resolutions, while using the same system for both normal Digital Signage screens and LED billboards.

    Here is more tech info. Or contact us for more details.

  • Changing the screen resolution

    The Xandabox (based on Raspberry Pi) automatically detects on start-up the “preferred” resolution of the connected monitor (usually, its native resolution). Sometimes, the resolution might not be detected properly. This might happen if you power up your Playbox without a screen connected, or if after a power failure the Playbox starts before the screen has the time to power up and report properly. In this case, the standard VGA resolution of 640×480 is used.

    Try rebooting your Playbox, it might be just fine. Also, you can follow this guide here to select the desired resolution of your player automatically on boot.

    For Advanced, Custom and 4K resolutions we strongly recommend reading this article first.

  • Can I use an HDMI-to-VGA adapter for VGA monitors?

    Yes you can. But be careful!

    First, you have to use an active adapter. That is, an adapter that converts the digital signal of HDMI to an analog signal of VGA.

    Second, your HDMI-VGA adapter needs to be externally powered. We have conducted tests with several HDMI-to-VGA adapters. Adapters that are not powered by some other power source besides the HDMI port, behave erratically on the Xandabox (or Raspberry Pi). They either don’t work at all, or work for a while and then go on and off constantly. This is because the HDMI port on the Raspberry Pi does not provide enough power to the adapter. Adapters that are externally powered work fine.

    For example, this adapter type does not work properly, but powered adapters have been tested and work. If you are having trouble, try powering the adapter on its own PSU and not from the Xandabox (or Raspberry Pi) or the TV set. Note that we have not tested this type of hardware thoroughly and we do not have any recommendations.

  • Audio does not work, I have no sound from videos

    If you have a Xandabox (or a Raspberry Pi), then probably your Player thinks your monitor does not support audio. Sound is sent to the analog mini-jack instead.

    First, make sure that you check the following:

    • Your monitor does support sound. PC monitors do not support sound, while TV almost always support sound.
    • If you use an HDMI-to-DVI adapter or cable, then you cannot get sound. DVI does not allow audio signals to go though. You should be able to use the analog mini-jack to get audio.
    • Make sure your TV is not muted, and that the volume is on high.
    • If you have a second HDMI cable, try replacing it. Some very cheap HDMI cables do not work properly.

    If you are sure your monitor supports audio and it is not automatically detected, do the following to force audio to go through the HDMI cable:

    • Go to “Monitors
    • Go to the details of the monitor with the issue
    • Click on the tab “Advanced
    • Activate “overwrite raspberry configuration
    • In the “raspberry configuration file” field, enter ONE the following lines (one should work) :

    hdmi_drive=2

    hdmi_force_edid_audio=1

    • Click the “Save” button. After a while, your Raspberry will reboot.

    If the above does not work (any of the two lines suggested), try getting another HDMI cable.

  • What is better to use with Xandadeck, a PC monitor or a TV set?

    Let’s see some pros and cons.

    TV Sets

    Pros

    • TVs come in large sizes. It is relatively cheap to get a 32″-55″ sized TV set.
    • Almost all TVs have HDMI inputs, so it is easy to connect them to a Xandabox (or any other type of player).
    • TVs also have speakers, so you can also use audio.

    Cons

    • TVs (up to 24″) are generally more expensive than computer monitors.
    • TVs cannot be powered off simply by deactivating the display port (HDMI/VGA/DVI port).
    • Some TVs (e.g. LG) cannot be powered off at all, even via HDMI-CEC. So, you cannot power them off easily. See the HDMI-CEC vendor compatibility matrix.
    • TVs have remotes. In case you want to leave them unattended, you must deactivate the remote receiver, or a prankster might use a remote to fool around.

    Computer Monitors

    Pros

    • Computer monitors are cheap, cheaper than TV sets, especially below the 24″ size range.
    • Most units tend to be lighter than TV sets.
    • There are no remotes, so it is not easy for someone to play around with the monitor.
    • All computer monitors support power on/off.

    Cons

    • Computer monitors generally do not have speakers.
    • Computer monitors larger than 24″ are usually more expensive than TV sets. And more rare. It is difficult to find a computer monitor larger than 32″, and if you do, it is insanely expensive.
    • Not all computer monitors have HDMI inputs. So, you might need a HDMI-to-DVI adapter to connect a Xandabox to them. (VGA-only monitors are now rare, so let’s skip them)

    Conclusion


    If you have a new installation, then we suggest:

    • Computer monitors, if you need up to 24″ in size (with or without speakers, depending on your needs)
    • TV sets, if you need panels larger than 24″, but make sure that the vendors supports Power On/Off via HDMI-CEC. See the HDMI-CEC vendor compatibility matrix.  
  • What TVs or monitors does Xandadeck support?

    Xandadeck supports any type of monitor, of any resolution (Full-HD, HD-Ready, or any other). The service was designed based on the primary resolution of 1920×1080 (dubbed “Full HD” or “1080p” in the TV industry). The content is automatically adapted during playback for any resolution and any monitor, even non-widescreen monitors. And you can specify alternative layouts to match different monitors and orientations.

    For resolutions supported by our Xandabox, check out this article.


    If you want Xandadeck to power-on and power-off your monitor, then there are two options:

    • Deactivating HDMI Port: this option is supported on the Xandabox (Raspberry Pi), but this usually works only on computer monitors (not TV sets)
    • HDMI-CEC Signaling: this option is supported on the Xandabox (Raspberry Pi), but this usually works only on TV sets (not computer monitors) (compatibility chart)

    Xandadeck uses both methods when trying to power on/off your monitor. The combination that likely causes trouble is when you are using a PC connected to a TV set. So, make sure that your installation does not use this combination, or else the power on/off feature will not work (TV will stay on showing its own “No Signal” message).

  • QSR + Digital Signage Displays = The Ultimate Happy Meal

    Walking into a quick-service restaurant these days often means seeing a row of digital signage displays behind the counter, as LCD screens rapidly replace static back-lit posters.
    With an estimated 50 to 70 percent of QSR sales occurring in the drive-thru, taking digital menu boards outdoors is the next logical evolution for the industry. A report by Futuresource Consulting in 2014 suggested that only 1 percent of the potential market for outdoor displays had so far been tapped.

    As a reminder of why the drive-thru is important, much of Australia’s eastern seaboard recently copped an unseasonal lashing from the weather gods. As the rain pelted down, the number of drive-thru QSR customers surged as they avoided the drenching that comes from the 100-meter parking lot dash.

    The drive-thru customer experience is all about speed and convenience. Having the right menu and message at the right time is important. In the past, business owners had two choices: Display all menu items — breakfast, lunch and dinner — on the one menu board all day long, or use two-sided menu boards that could be flipped during the day. Talk about overwhelming the customer.

    The National Restaurant Association’s 2015 Industry Forecast showed 41 percent of the critical 18- to 34-year-old target demographic says technology is an important factor when they choose a restaurant, and the next age bracket — 35 to 44 years — wasn’t far behind at 39 percent. The NRA’s research found that technology improves speed and convenience for consumers.The restaurant is filled with digital signage advertising machine – playing your product more able to attract your customers.

  • The function of Outdoor lcd digital signage

    Digital signage is a part and parcel of the modern advertising. The sophisticated silver casting works as an interactive medium for the public since it showcases the multimedia content that needs mass attention. No one can negate the importance of digital signage for effective marketing. Serious business ventures use digital signage as their triumph card to outclass competitors. We take pride in announcing our unmatched service in the field of the LCD display. We master the industry norms thoroughly.

    Robust advertising via outdoor digital Signage

    From pixel range to physical makeup of the signage every bit count to make the marketing strategy successful. Researchers suggest that good visuals and aesthetics play a vital role in converting potential customers to actual customers. So, the vital statistics of screens definitely play an essential part. Panel brand, its display size coupled with display ratio, viewing angle and resolution are the core pillars of an extraordinary display. Further enhancements are done via viewing angle and adjusting contrast, color, and brightness. LED backlit is great for energy conservation. Since outdoor digital signage needs to be continually run energy efficient mechanism to run the digital signage is the foremost prerequisite.

    Effective operation

    Operation and execution of our digital signage are efficient and reliable. Offering connection to the network along with touch screen, infrared touch screen touch ways, and touch dots. Android 4.2 version is embedded that is upgradable. Power, voltage, and stability are other parameters that make this outdoor digital signage incredible and versatile product. Our product works well with the 3G/4G network.

    Weather resistant

    Our digital signage work equally well in extreme sunny, windy or rainy seasons. The surface comprises of aluminum alloy or tempered glass to instil more durability and resistance. The galvanized steel sheet measures 1.0-1.5mm in thickness.

    Customization

    We owe a list of loyal customers that prefer us for our customization expertise. Besides conventional white, silver or black colors we customize the digital signage in any color or theme our vendors demand. We also take immense care of packing by ensuring the product remains waterproof, dust-proof and anti-dazzle.

    Quality assurance

    Outdoor digital signage and all other products are duly certified in accordance with the protocols of CE, ROHS, FCC, ISO, and IP65.

    We require a small time span of 15-30 days to complete the delivery. We feel great to respond your queries so if any question pops in your mind feel free to contact us anytime.