Plugins: what they are and when you need them
A plugin runs in the background and interrupts regular content on an external signal, for example during an air raid alert. How it differs from a file and a widget.
Contents: 3
A plugin in Advision is a zip package with configuration and logic that is not scheduled but runs in the background on the screenA device running the Advision player that shows content; the cabinet calls it a media device.: it watches an external data source and, when an event occurs, interrupts regular content in its screenA device running the Advision player that shows content; the cabinet calls it a media device. zone and shows what it was built for. When the event ends, the screenA device running the Advision player that shows content; the cabinet calls it a media device. returns to its playlists. The best-known example is the air raid alert plugin, which puts a warning on screens as soon as an alert is declared in the chosen region and removes it when the alert is over.
How a plugin differs from a file and a widget
File or zip app | Widget | Plugin | |
|---|---|---|---|
When it shows | On the playlistA set of files with a playback schedule that is assigned to screens or networks. schedule, in turn | On the playlistA set of files with a playback schedule that is assigned to screens or networks. schedule or permanently in its windowA zone of the screen (A to G) with its own size, position and playlists. | Only during an event, on top of everything else |
Where the data comes from | Inside the file | From the internet, refreshed automatically | From an external API the plugin polls in the background |
Where it is added | To a playlistA set of files with a playback schedule that is assigned to screens or networks. | To a playlistA set of files with a playback schedule that is assigned to screens or networks. or a windowA zone of the screen (A to G) with its own size, position and playlists. | To the screenA device running the Advision player that shows content; the cabinet calls it a media device.'s «All-Day Content»; it cannot be added to a playlistA set of files with a playback schedule that is assigned to screens or networks. |
Who creates it | You, in any editor | You, on the «Widgets» tab | The Advision team for your task |
When you need a plugin
- Air raid alert: the screenA device running the Advision player that shows content; the cabinet calls it a media device. must warn people in the room and go back to the menu or ads after the all-clear.
- Any other event from an external source the screenA device running the Advision player that shows content; the cabinet calls it a media device. must react to instantly rather than on a schedule.
- If content simply has to change by time of day or weekday, no plugin is needed: the playlistA set of files with a playback schedule that is assigned to screens or networks. schedule does that.
How a plugin gets onto a screen
- The Advision team prepares a zip package for your region or event and hands it to you or uploads it to the cabinet directly.
- The package sits in Media like a regular file, see upload files.
- On the screenA device running the Advision player that shows content; the cabinet calls it a media device. page the plugin is added to «All-Day Content», see set all-day content. The cabinet reminds you: «Plugins can only be added to All-Day Content».
- Plugin parameters, such as the region, are set through «Set config» for this file on this screenA device running the Advision player that shows content; the cabinet calls it a media device..
New plugin types are created only together with the Advision team. If you need the screenA device running the Advision player that shows content; the cabinet calls it a media device. to react to an event that is not covered yet, write to support with a description of the data source and what the screenA device running the Advision player that shows content; the cabinet calls it a media device. should show.
Related articles
- How-to · 4 minUpload a zip app with HTMLHow to show an interactive menu or another HTML app packed as a zip on screen, and how to update it without changing playlists.
- How-to · 2 minSet an all-day filler (All-Day)The file in «All-Day Content» plays when no playlist is active: before opening, after closing and in schedule gaps.
- How-to · 2 minAdd a playlist to a screen on the «Content» tabOn the device page click «+» next to «Playlists», tick playlists in the dialog, click «Add» and «Save».
- How-to · 3 minAdd a widget: clock, weather, tickerHow to create a built-in widget with live data (clock, weather, exchange rates, timetable) and put it into a playlist.