Sequence schedules

A sequence schedule automatically switches between different sequences based on the date and time.

Unlike regular date/time based conditions, a sequence schedule will automatically stop playing a long inner sequence loop when a scheduled time block finishes. This makes it easier keep to a schedule.

A sequence schedule contains a single stack of items. Each item represents a time block and references another sequence to play during the time block.

By default, media items will play until completion which may cause a delay starting the next time block. To ensure the next time block starts on time, items can be configured to allow them to finish early. 

Create a sequence schedule

• Click the add sequence button
• Select Schedule from the Type drop down list.
• Provide a label/name.
• Click Save.

A new sequence schedule will be created:

Setup a schedule

• Click the Setup button
• Select the schedule type
  
• Click Apply.

The sequence will display as a stack of items. Each item is used to reference another sequence. Each sequence will play during the time block.

A sequence schedule can refer to another sequence schedule to divide into progressively smaller time blocks. For example the main sequence could link to a weekly schedule. Each day of the week could then link to an hourly schedule, finally each hour could link to a regular sequence of content to play (and loop) during the hour. This hierarchical approach means repetition, by referring to the same inner sequences, is quick and easily to create complex 24/7 schedules.

Adjustments to maintain schedule accuracy

Sequence schedule conditions are evaluated when transitioning between items in inner sequences. This allows looping inner sequences to finish before loop completion.

All items play for their configured duration by default and this may delay progressing to the next scheduled inner sequence.

Enable Finish playing early if interrupted by an outer sequence schedule to allow the player to dynamically change an items duration to maintain schedule timing accuracy. All items should also have a duration less than 1 hour.

Recommendation for unreliable networks

To minimize the possibility of a black screen during network failure, it is recommended that each inner sequence contains some common items that are reused across multiple time blocks.

In the event of a failure to stream or download new items, the common items should still display. This is because reusing common items increases the chances of the media being available in the local cache and therefore play without needing a working network connection.

Resilient setup example 

Every 1 hour time block could contain 1 hour of new scheduled items followed by a reference to a common inner sequence of items.

When there are no connectivity issues, the 1 hour of new scheduled items play as expected.

However, if connectivity issues occur, the unavailable scheduled items will be skipped and eventually progress to the common inner sequence of items that are more likely to be cached on the local device.

Please review the caching options when using SignageNode on unreliable networks.

Software requirements

Software recommended for sequence schedules:

• signagenode-2022-11-20.apk +
• android-player-28.0.apk +

Please note, earlier player software does not support finishing looping inner sequences before loop completion.