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How to set up Screen Sync in the NowSignage CMS

Sync content across your screens

What Is Screen Sync?

Screen Sync is a NowSignage feature that allows multiple digital signage devices to display content at the exact same time. It is ideal for video walls, multi-screen installations, and any environment where synchronised playback creates a seamless viewing experience.

Screen Sync is included as part of the platform at no additional cost. 

If the Screen Sync app is not listed in the App Store, please raise a support ticket.

OS and Hardware Compatibility

NowSignage Screen Sync is supported on:

  • Android
  • BrightSign Series 5 Plus
  • Samsung Tizen 4.0, 5.0, 6.5, and 7.0
  • Windows

⚠️ Testing is recommended on any supported operating system before deploying to a live environment. For complete NowSignage testing validation, please contact the support team.

How Screen Sync Works

Within a Sync Group, one screen acts as the Master device. The Master serves as the timekeeper, while all other screens in the group adjust their playback timing to match it. This ensures content remains aligned across the group.

Screen Sync works automatically over the local network, helping deliver smooth, reliable synchronisation without the need for additional external hardware.

Benefits of Screen Sync

Users can create synchronised content experiences by grouping screens together within the NowSignage platform. Once the required screens are added to a Sync Group and the devices are rebooted, Screen Sync manages the rest.

Screen Sync is ideal for:

  • Multi-screen video displays
  • Retail environments requiring unified visual messaging
  • Corporate or event spaces with coordinated screens

 

⚠️ Important Information for App Version 5.3.31 and Above

Before configuring a screen sync group, please take a moment to familiarise yourself with targeted tagging.

For customers using app version 5.3.31 or above, this is the recommended best practice for Screen Sync.

In version 5.3.31, Screen Sync support was extended to multizone layouts. The recommended approach is to use a single playlist combined with the platform’s tagging functionality so the correct content is delivered to the correct screens without needing separate playlists per screen.

Recommended setup

  1. Create a single playlist containing all content required across your synced screens
  2. Use Tag Manager to tag the relevant content items and screens
  3. Add the screens to a Sync Group within the Screen Sync app
  4. Reboot all devices to activate synchronisation

Tag Manager guide: https://knowledgebase.nowsignage.com/tag-manager-setting-up-targeted-tags

 

How to Set Up Screen Sync

1. Install the Screen Sync App

In your project:

  1. Navigate to the App Store
    Screenshot 2026-06-29 at 11.43.52
  2. Click the Screen Sync app
    Screenshot 2026-06-29 at 11.19.05
  3. Select Install App
    Screenshot 2026-06-29 at 11.45.19
  4. Confirm the installation

2. Create a Sync Group

Once the app is installed:

  1. Click Add Sync Group
    Screenshot 2026-06-29 at 11.36.21
  2. In the WebSocket Server Address field, enter the IP address retrieved from the media player, followed by :8081

Example: 192.168.1.10:8081

  1. Click Create New to save the group
  2. Add the master screen first using the device whose IP address was entered - click the '+' next to a screen to include it in the sync group.
    Screenshot 2026-06-29 at 11.48.41


  3. Add the remaining screens to the group
    Screenshot 2026-06-29 at 11.50.25


  4. Click update to confirm the group selection process is complete.

3. Reboot All Devices

Once all screens have been added, reboot all devices.

This reboot is only required once when the group is first created.

 

🚨Important Requirements

Screen Sync requires at least two assets in a playlist

Screen Sync requires a minimum of two assets in a playlist.

If a screen has only one playlist item, the sync server may stall, causing playback to drift out of sync. To avoid this, duplicate the content item and rename it in the CMS, for example:

  • Video
  • Video(2)

 

Master device behaviour

The first screen added to the sync group automatically becomes the master.

The Master issues internal playback commands to all other child screens, whose clocks are paused and driven by the Master’s instructions.

Please note that the Master role is separate from the WebSocket server host. The WebSocket server can run on any device in the group and does not need to be hosted on the Master device.

Firewall and Network Requirements

Correct firewall and network configuration is essential for NowSignage to function properly.

A full list of required domains and ports can be found here:

 

Operating System-Specific Guides

For platform-specific guidance, see:

 

 

FAQ and Troubleshooting

I cannot see the feature flag in my account

Please contact Support and request that the feature is added to your account.

I have installed as per this guide, but my screens are not in sync despite being configured correctly

First, confirm the following:

  • You are using app version 5.3.31 or above
  • Your content is set up using the recommended method
  • You are using a single playlist where appropriate

If needed, review the important information section above.

Do all screens in a Sync Group need to have identical content?

No. However, Screen Sync only works when every screen in the Sync Group has an identical asset playlist duration.

This includes:

  • The exact same number of assets
  • The same individual asset durations
  • The same overall playlist duration

If any screen has different content timing, the devices will fall out of sync.


Do I need to choose a specific screen as the Master device?

In most cases, any screen can act as the Master and playback will still synchronise correctly.

However, for best performance and stability, we recommend selecting a screen with:

  • The most reliable network connection
  • A hard-wired Ethernet connection where possible
  • Stable hardware in a central or suitable deployment position

Choosing a strong, stable Master device helps maintain consistent synchronisation across the group.

Troubleshooting Checks

My screens are not staying in sync

Check the following:

  • All screens in the group have the same playlist structure
  • Asset durations match exactly
  • Total playlist duration is identical across all devices
  • No screen has additional or missing assets
  • The designated Master screen has a strong and stable network connection
  • Screens are assigned to the correct Sync Group
  • Date and time settings are consistent across all media players and System on Chip (SoC) screens

Some screens sync, but others do not

This typically means the non-syncing screens have one of the following issues:

  • Different playlist timings
  • A different number of assets
  • A network issue causing sync drift
  • They were added to the wrong Sync Group

If only certain screens should sync together, create a separate Sync Group for those devices.

Important Deployment Considerations

Before launching Screen Sync in a live environment, please keep the following in mind:

  1. Test before deployment
    Screen Sync performance may vary depending on the hardware in use. Thorough testing is strongly recommended before going live.
  2. Reboot after adding screens
    Once screens are added to a Sync Group, a reboot is required. After restarting, the NowSignage app will automatically synchronise the displays. This reboot is only required once when new screens are added to a Sync Group.
  3. Check content dimensions
    Content dimensions play an important role in maintaining accurate synchronisation. If content does not follow the recommended specifications, synchronisation may be affected.

For more information, see the content guidance article: https://knowledgebase.nowsignage.com/why-your-content-dimension-sizes-matter?