Understanding & Clearing Cache In NowSignage

Overview

The NowSignage player stores downloaded media and schedule data locally on the device. This local storage, or cache, ensures reliable playback, reduces bandwidth usage, and allows content to continue playing if network connectivity is lost. The player automatically manages cache in most cases, cleaning up unused assets after a period of inactivity. Manual cache clearing forces the device to rebuild its local storage from scratch and is primarily used for troubleshooting or maintenance.

Why Cache Exists

• Offline Playback: Cached content allows the player to continue running playlists even when the device is temporarily offline.

• Faster Performance: Reading assets from local storage reduces loading delays and buffering.

• Bandwidth Efficiency: Media is downloaded once and reused, avoiding repeated downloads.

• Schedule Reliability: The player periodically checks for updates but does not require constant connectivity to function.

What Clearing Cache Does

When the cache is cleared:

• All locally stored media and playback data are removed.

• The player re-downloads required media and playlists from the CMS.

• Playback resumes once the necessary content has been downloaded.

What Clearing Cache Does Not Do

• It does not remove the device from the platform or affect licences.

• It does not modify playlists or schedules stored in the CMS.

• It does not reset device settings or network configurations.

When to Clear Cache

Clearing the cache is recommended primarily for:

• Resolving content mismatches where old assets are still showing.

• Removing corrupted or incomplete local files.

• Freeing storage on devices with limited capacity.

• General troubleshooting before reinstalling the player or re-provisioning the device.

How Cache Clearing Is Typically Performed

The process varies depending on the device platform. Manual clearing removes locally stored media and metadata so the player will re-download content from the CMS on the next start.

• Windows Player

Manual cache removal involves deleting the local storage database:

After clearing, restart the player. It will reconnect to the CMS, re-download required content, and resume playback. Device configuration, licences, and schedules are unaffected.

• Android / FireOS Player

Cache can be cleared via device settings or remote management:

• Settings > Apps > NowSignage > Storage > Clear Cache

• Or trigger a cache clear remotely through the CMS.

After clearing, the player resynchronises with the CMS and downloads required media and playlists. Device pairing and schedules remain intact.

• Amino / Media Players

Manual cache clearing resets the local storage:

• Typically performed through the player’s system menu or remote management tools.

• Once cleared, the player reconnects to the CMS and rebuilds local content.

Configuration, PIN pairing, and schedules in the CMS are unaffected.

• HTML / Browser-Based Players

Cache clearing involves removing local browser storage:

• Clear browser cache or application-specific storage depending on the platform.

• The player reloads content from the CMS on next start.

Schedules and CMS data are unaffected; only locally cached files are removed.

Testing and Validation

Cache behaviour has been validated through:

• Offline Playback: Confirming content continues playing without network connectivity.

• Schedule Updates: Verifying the player downloads new content and updates playlists correctly.

• Manual Cache Clearing: Ensuring the player re-downloads content and resumes playback as expected.