NowSignage is compatible with BrightSign devices and includes a cutting-edge installation and update process that streamlines the initial app setup and seamlessly implements updates as they become available from NowSignage.
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Compatibility:
NowSignage is compatible with the following BrightSign players:
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Series 4
- Series 5
⚠️ Support for Series 2 and 3 players is limited, and some app features may not be available. - Please consult your NowSignage representative for more information.
For more information on BrightSign Media players, please see the information on the below link.
IMPORTANT:
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SD Card Guidance: Use SD cards with a minimum of 16GB to run NowSignage, as image and video content will download and cache locally. Choose an SD card with sufficient storage for your display content.
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Note: Most BrightSign media players do not have a built-in WiFi module; the device in this case must be connected to a network via Ethernet cable to connect to the internet.
Video Codec Guidance:
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For Series 4 and Series 5 BrightSign players, configure your project to use the VP9 video codec.
knowledgebase.nowsignage.com/multi-codec-support-within-projects
NowSignage App Installation Guide:
There are two supported methods for installing NowSignage on your compatible BrightSign player: manually loading the required files onto the SD card or using the BSN.cloud platform for a more streamlined, remote installation. Both options are outlined below.
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Method 1 - SD Card (recommended)
Please note: When run, the NowSignage loader will remove any files from the SD card that are not required for the NowSignage application.
To install NowSignage on your BrightSign device, follow the instructions below:
Based on the series of your BrightSign player, download the appropriate NowSignage loader file (autorun.brs) from the relevant URL below:
BrightSign Series 4:
https://cdn.nowsignage.com/player/brightsign/autorun.brsBrightSign Series 5:
https://cdn.nowsignage.com/brightsign/5.3.20/autorun.brs
⚠️ NowSignage supports the following BS players but may have limited app functionality. Please review the compatibility information listed at the top of the article before proceeding.
BrightSign Series 2:
https://cdn.nowsignage.com/player/brightsign-series2/autorun.brsBrightSign Series 3:
https://cdn.nowsignage.com/player/brightsign/autorun.brs-
Installation Steps:
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Open a text editor on your computer:
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Windows: open Notepad: click Start Menu and type "Notepad" in the Start Menu search box.
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Mac OS: open TextEdit: Press Command + Space and type "TextEdit". Once TextEdit opens, click "Format" on the menu bar and then click "Make Plain Text".
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Enter the screen PIN found in your NowSignage account. Save that file as pin.txt.
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Copy both autorun.brs and pin.txt to an SD card, then insert the SD card into your BrightSign device.
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Reboot the BrightSign device. It may take a short time for the player to fully initialise.
The updater will launch once the BrightSign is fully loaded, and you'll see the NowSignage downloader installing the signage player.
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IMPORTANT:
- To ensure the integrity of your data, it is crucial not to remove the SD card while NowSignage is actively running on your BrightSign device.
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Method 2 - BSN.cloud:
Note: The following guidance assumes that you have setup a BS cloud account and registered your device - Please consult with BS support should you require any account setup support - https://docs.brightsign.biz/
Series 4 (Partner Application):
Please follow the guidance from BrightSign and set up your player with 'NowSignage' as the partner application:
Once you have set up NowSignage on your BrightSign player, you will see the PIN entry screen once the app is loaded. Now, to load your PIN, follow the steps below:
Open a text editor on your computer:
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Windows: open Notepad: click Start Menu and type "Notepad" in the Start Menu search box.
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Mac OS: open TextEdit: Press Command + Space and type "TextEdit". Once TextEdit opens, click "Format" on the menu bar and then click "Make Plain Text".
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Enter the screen PIN found in your NowSignage account. Save that file as pin.txt.
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In BSN.cloud > click the 'cog' icon next to your player to remotely access it
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Click into the 'SD' tab and upload the pin.txt file to the SD card of your player
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Once successfully uploaded, click into the 'Control' tab and then 'Reboot' your player
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Your player will now reboot, automatically launch NowSignage and your PIN from the .txt file will auto boot up and start displaying your scheduled content.
Series 5 (App URL):
The Series 5 application is not currently listed as a partner application; however, you can still use the setup method shown above to set up the device in the BSN Cloud.
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Install via the 'App URL' method and enter the URL below:
BS Series 5:
https://cdn.nowsignage.com/brightsign/5.3.20/autorun.zip
For more information on CMS Partner Setup please refer to the following guidance on the BrightSign support page: docs.brightsign.biz/how-tos/partner-cms
NowSignage App Troubleshooting
Issue: 'ENCOUNTERED AN UNKNOWN ERROR COMMUNICATING WITH NOWSIGNAGE'
Possible Causes: (in order of relevance)
1. There is no internet or network connection to the device.
2. Date/time is incorrectly set on the device.
3. The app could not communicate with the NowSignage API.
4. The PIN code is not associated with a Screen
Solutions:
1. Ensure the device has a working internet connection, use the device's web browser or other internet-based apps to confirm connectivity.
2. Go into the date/time settings and set it to the current correct date/time.
3. Ensure the requests are not being blocked by a corporate firewall. Please see our firewall rules guidance.
4. Ensure the correct PIN code has been added by verifying within the NowSignage platform. (check for additional character spaces entered in error.)