Embedded Files
MicroPi as simultaneous server and
video source.
MicroPi as simultaneous server and
video source.
The MicroPi includes an HDMI video output port allowing it to display up to 1080p resolution video on a monitor or television receiver. Kiosk mode employs this feature as a means to promote content to potential users. During the video display, the MicroPi remains available to download material from its website. Such a device might be employed in the foyer of a church or school, or in the waiting room of a clinic or transportation hub.
Any video display which includes an HDMI input can be used as the display device. This includes modern TVs, video projectors, computer monitors as well as small screens especially designed for computer hobbyists. Audio will be played with the corresponding video if the display includes loudspeakers. Many modern televisions also include a USB port which can be employed to power the MicroPi during kiosk operation.
Playlist Options
Playlist Options
Kisok Mode creates an infinite video loop from two different playlists.
Content Playlist
Content Playlist
The Content Playlist is randomly generated from the videos offered for WiFi download. If matching .SRT subtitling files are available, the subtitling text contained in them will be shown with the corresponding video. Both starting and ending times can be selected, as can one of three possible overlays:
A custom text string
A logo chosen from a list.
QR Code providing URI of the video currently showing. Viewers can use a their phone's camera or a QR Code scanning app to directly download the video.
Only one of these choices is available at at time.
Promotional Video Playlist
Promotional Video Playlist
A second video list permits videos to play in their entirety without overlays. These promotional videos are not available for download through the download directories. These videos may be:
Videos demonstrating connection to the MicroPi and its operation.
Publicity videos which promote other material available for download from the device, i.e text and software files.
Advertisements of interest to the provider of the location.
To populate the Promo List, copy videos to: /home/pi/Kiosk/PromoVideos
Sample promotional videos are available on the MicroPi Google Drive.
Merging the Lists
Merging the Lists
The content list and the promotional list can be displayed in two ways.
Content playlist first, followed by all videos on the promotional list.
Content list shuffled with promo videos. A term on the playlist page will pick a given number of content videos, then a promotional video, followed by the same number of content videos followed by a promotional video, etc. A new promotional video will be chosen each cycle.
Cabling
Cabling
Kiosk mode requires an HDMI cable to connect the MicroPi to the monitor or TV receiver. The HDMI connector on the Raspberry Pi Zero W or Zero 2 W MicroPi is a female "mini HDMI" connector and thus requires a special cable or an adapter. Shown at left are mini to standard HDMI adapters and a mini to standard HDMI cable. These would be used with the RP Zero W or Zero 2 W based MicroPi to connect it to a standard TV receiver.
Note that both "mini" and "micro" HDMI connectors exist and these terms describe different, incompatible connectors. Be sure to purchase appropriate adapters for your device.
The Raspberry Pi 4 is equipped with micro HDMI connectors and will require a micro to standard HDMI cable or a micro to standard adapter as shown at left. These would be used with a Raspberry Pi 4 or 400 to connect to a standard TV receiver.
SD Card Performance
SD Card Performance
Note that video display performance depends greatly on the speed rating of the SD card. High resolution video display requires at least a Class 10 SD card. Look for one which claims read speeds in the 90-100MB/sec range.
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