NowSignage Remote Device Management (RDM)

This article explains how to use Remote Device Management (RDM) in NowSignage, including which platforms and app versions support each feature, what commands are available for each device type, how commands are processed, and how to interpret action log statuses. It also outlines any installation requirements, version dependencies, and platform-specific limitations, so you can understand what to expect before sending commands from the dashboard.

 

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• Overview of the Remote Device Management Dashboard

The Remote Device Management area of the NowSignage dashboard provides powerful tools for controlling, monitoring, and updating your digital signage devices remotely.

Within this interface (device-dependent), you can:

• Reboot a device

• Update to the latest NowSignage application

• Capture screenshots

• Set On/Off timers

• Adjust Volume and screen brightness

• Monitor command logs and statuses

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1. RDM Commands by Device/OS Type

Operating System	Previously Supported	New commands in v5.3.20+
Android	* Reboot device * App updates (rooted)	* Take screenshot (all devices including non-rooted)
LG webOS 6.0	* Reboot device * App updates	* Set volume * Set on/off timers * Take screenshot
Samsung Tizen 6.5, 7.0	* Reboot device	* Update app * Set brightness * Set volume * Set timers * Take a screenshot.
Samsung Tizen 4.0, 5.0	* Reboot device * on/off timers	* One-off display reboots on/off timers ⚠️ App updates are NOT supported. ⚠️
Windows	* Not previously supported	* Restart NowSignage app * Take a screenshot. * Upgrade app
macOS	* Not previously supported	* Restart NowSignage app * Take a screenshot. * Upgrade app
Linux	* Not previously supported	* Take screenshot
BrightSign 5	* Not previously supported	NS RDM commands not supported in this version
Sony Bravia	* on/off timers * Adjust volume * Mute/unmute * Reboot screen * Update NowSignage app	As Previous / No additional commands

 

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3. Unsupported Functionality Warning

If a device does not meet the required version or platform capabilities, the following message appears when accessing the Remote Device Management menu:

This occurs when:

• The device is online but running an older NowSignage version

• The device does not support RDM commands

• RDM is not yet enabled for that operating system

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4. RDM Command Processing Logic

Previous NowSignage RDM versions sent commands immediately.

NowSignage App Version 5.3.20+ introduces a queued system using a standard 5-minute polling interval.

How Commands Work:

1. You issue a supported command from the dashboard.

2. It enters Pending state.

3. The device checks in during its next poll (every 5 minutes).

   1. The interface will display a 5-minute counter – Next Content Poll In xx:xx)

4. The command becomes 'Acknowledged' once received.

 

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5. RDM Interface Overview

• To access RDM commands for a screen 
  • Click into the screen name from the main screen's area 
  • Select 'Monitoring' from the menu options
  • Select 'Remote Device Management' from the menu
    
    

This will open up the RDM interface and display the available RDM commands based on the operating system being used.

 

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6. Action Log

On the right side of the interface, you’ll find the full log of commands sent to the device.

 

Understanding Status Types

Action Log Status

The status of the action log is dynamically displayed based on the action performed and the result of the action.

✔ Acknowledged

This status confirms that the remote screen has successfully received and processed the requested action. This does not mean the action has been executed successfully on the device. Unlike the "Pending" status, once an action is "Acknowledged", it can no longer be cancelled from the platform, as the device has already applied it.

• The device has received the command and attempted to execute it.
• This does not guarantee the command was successfully completed on the hardware.
• Acknowledged commands cannot be cancelled.

⌛ Pending

This status indicates that an action (e.g., an app update, a reboot, or a configuration change) has been requested for the remote screen. However, the action has not yet been received or executed by the device. At this point, the action is in a queue and can still be cancelled if necessary.

• The command has been queued and is waiting for the next poll.
• Pending commands can be cancelled.

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7. RDM COMMANDS: (Based on Supported OS)

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• RDM Command: Reboot Device

• Action: Use this to remotely restart

• The physical device (Android, LG, Samsung Tizen)

• The NowSignage app only (Windows, macOS)

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• RDM Command: Update App

• Action: Triggers an update to the latest NowSignage version where supported.

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• RDM Command: Take Screenshot

• Action: Captures what’s currently displayed on the device.

Screenshots appear in the Screenshots panel, including timestamp and file size. Useful for confirming what is playing on the screen following an update.

You can:

• View full size

• Download

• Review historical screenshots

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• RDM Command: Set Brightness

• Action: Adjusts the display’s brightness remotely.

This command lets you increase or decrease the screen’s backlight level without needing physical access to the device.

Useful for:

• Reducing brightness in low-light environments

• Saving energy during off-peak hours

• Correcting screens that appear too dim or too bright

 

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• RDM Command: Set Volume

• Action: Controls the device’s audio output level.

This allows you to remotely increase, decrease, or mute audio being played through the device.

Common use cases:

• Ensuring content is audible in busy environments

• Lowering volume in quiet zones

• Resolving audio issues without dispatching staff

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• RDM Command: Set ON Timer:

• Action: Schedules a specific time for the device’s screen to automatically turn on each day.

This is a hardware-level timer (not a playlist feature), allowing full automation of daily screen activation.

Typical usage:

• Powering screens on at store opening

• Coordinating screen schedules across multiple locations

• Reducing manual intervention for daily startup

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• RDM Command: Set OFF Timer:

• Action: Schedules a daily time for the device’s screen to automatically turn off.

This helps extend hardware life and reduce power consumption.

Ideal for:

• Powering down after store closing

• Ensuring screens turn off overnight

• Preventing screens from running 24/7 when not required

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8. RDM Mass Management Commands:

As part of NowSignage mass-management tools, supported RDM commands can also be triggered in bulk from the main Screens menu. Simply select the required screens, click **RDM Actions**, and choose the command you want to apply. - Available actions will depend on the operating systems and RDM capabilities of the selected screens.

 

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Troubleshooting / QA

Q. - A user is unable to see the Project level RDM Monitoring area in the sidebar menu.

A. - Review and ensure the correct access permissions and User Access Tags have be applied. - Please Note: For security compliance, NowSignage is unable to amend user permissions. Please consult with the Account Owner for any required access permission reviews or changes.

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Q. - My NowSignage application version data is displaying as Unknown.

A. - NowSignage screen analytics is available on application version 5.2.60+ - Please update your hardware to the latest app version.

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Q. - The screenshot command is not taking a snapshot at the moment I triggered the command.

A. - The screenshot command will action in-line with the standard 5-minute polling window, not at the time the command was triggered.

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