Is there a way to combine a Layout with a Playlist?

[Marmustech]

CMS Version

Xibo 4.0.15

Player Type

Windows 10

Player Version

V4 R403.1

Issue

Is there a way to add a Layout to a Playlist? The closest thing I can find is to schedule both at the same time, which I don’t think will work for our uses, so if anyone knows of anything I’m missing or any solutions, I’m happy to hear.

[pitoco02]

Of course there is!
Xibo has a specific function for this called “Campaigns”.

I recommend that you read Xibo’s tutorials to find out what you can do with your system.

Here is the link to the documentation on how you can set up a campaign (basically a playlist of layouts)

Xibo | Open Source Digital Signage Software

[Marmustech]

I see that, but how do I then add a campaign to a playlist? My organization would probably use layouts 10% of the time, but would need to add them to a playlist (and making two separate schedules won’t work for them). Most of what we would be using Xibo for would be using playlists, so being able to manage everything from there would be ideal.

[signage]

I agree that the Image/Playlist/Campaign interaction is kind of redundant. There are legacy features and multiple ways to achieve the same thing, with none of them being all that straight forward. Here is how I would do it in version 4, although like I said, less than ideal:

1. Create a new playlist outside of the layout editor. Add all of your content to this playlist
2. Create a new layout and assign the Playlist module to the region. Under the Playlist properties > Configure, select the Playlist that you created in step 1 as the first option
3. Save and Publish
4. Create a new campaign and then add the new layout from 2 to the list
5. Schedule the campaign to your player
6. Repeat for remaining playlists

Why do we set it up this way? Well, the Campaign isn’t needed unless you want multiple playlists playing. Otherwise, you just need to schedule the Layout to the player.

Why do we use a Playlist in the layout? Well, rather than needing to check the layout out and put it in draft mode, make your changes, then re-publish… all you have to do is make your changes to the Playlists that you included inside the layout. Edit the Playlist itself and the changes will automatically be pulled into your layouts. Combine this with Dynamic groups based on tags or other descriptors plus expiration dates, and all you’d have to do is upload the Media to the system and tag it and you’re done.

I still think there are too many different ways to skin a cat for this, but it is what it is.