Last updated: April 18, 2024
Screenly requires three basic things to run:
- A TV or monitor that has an HDMI input. You can use nearly any 1080p HD TV or computer monitor on the market. If you think your screen may be unusual, submit a ticket with a link to the TV model's information page and we can check it out.
- An internet connection, wired or WiFi.
- You can read more about the exact network requirements here.
- Most networks already meet the above criteria. Those that do not can be modified easily by your ISP or Network Administrator.
- A Screenly Player connected to the Internet and your TV that runs the Screenly Software.
This can be either:
- A Screenly Player or Screenly Player Max: a ready-to-go device already loaded with our software. Just connect the HDMI cable and internet, and plug it in.
OR - Advanced users can turn any Raspberry Pi Model 4B with 2GB RAM or more (highly preferred - the more RAM, the better), Raspberry Pi Model 3B+, or Raspberry Pi Model 3B into a Screenly Player. While we still support the 3B+ and 3B, we do not recommend it or sell it. See the DIY section below for our hardware and setup recommendations.
- A Screenly Player or Screenly Player Max: a ready-to-go device already loaded with our software. Just connect the HDMI cable and internet, and plug it in.
Screenly Player or Screenly Player Max
The quickest way to get started with Screenly is to purchase a Screenly Player or Screenly Player Max. These players are ready to go out of the box and include everything needed to get started. These include a digital signage player that comes preloaded with Screenly digital signage management software. Also included are the necessary power and HDMI cables, SD card readers, and VESA mounting brackets and WiFi antenna if applicable.
D.I.Y.
The Screenly Player is a Raspberry Pi 4B preloaded with our software, and bundled with the necessary cables. Since the components are available off the shelf anyone can build their own Screenly Player. Building your own player offers the opportunity to tailor the components to your specific situation. You can find a list of official resellers here.
Note: Screenly is not responsible for the performance of custom-built hardware. We will do our best to provide support when possible, but proceed at your own risk.
Follow our build advice to create a reliable and long-lived Screenly Player:
- Supported Pi models: We require using the Raspberry Pi 4B models (2GB/4GB/8GB - the more RAM, the better). Screenly can also run on models 3B+ and 3B, but we do not recommend or sell those devices. We can also run on the CM3 on NEC commercial signage displays.
- Choose a case that has ventilation holes, or an aluminum heatsink case. Don't use the official plastic RPi foundation case as it doesn't have vent holes.
- Always fit aluminum heatsinks if not using a heatsink case.
- Fans are unreliable, noisy, and suck in dust. Passive cooling with a well-ventilated case and heatsinks, or a full heatsink case, is much better.
- Use a high-speed, 16 GB+, Class 10 microSD card. Preferably "MLC" or "SLC" type. We currently recommend buying SanDisk Industrial-grade cards 16GB or larger. Part Number: SDSDQAF3-016G.
- You will need a microSD card reader/writer.
- Use the official Raspberry Pi power supply. All power supplies are not created equal - cheap non-standard ones deliver inconsistent power and create strange performance issues and errors. Spend a little extra and save yourself a headache.
A note on the official Raspberry Pi power supply:
The Raspberry Pi foundation now has two different models of official power supply on the market, be sure to buy the type that corresponds to the model of Raspberry Pi you are using.
Want to use a HAT or POE (Power Over Ethernet)?
As of 2019, our software image does support the POE hat. We have tested with the official Raspberry Pi HAT here.
Next steps:
Once you have the Pi assembled you can follow these instructions to write the Screenly software onto your microSD card.