How do digital signage software widgets like YouTube and Vimeo work?

Digital signage widgets, such as the YouTube widget and Webpage widget, function to display dynamic content. The core mechanism involves the Content Management System (CMS) integrating and rendering these external content feeds on designated screen zones.

Although YouTube and webpage widgets are clearly mentioned, Vimeo is not listed by name. However, the features provided by the webpage widget and live streaming options can still support platforms like Vimeo.

Here is an explanation of how these widgets work within the digital signage software:

1. YouTube Widget Functionality

The YouTube widget is categorized as a Live Data Widget and streams YouTube videos directly onto digital signage screens.

• Integration: The YouTube widget allows users to incorporate live video content into their digital display.

• Placement: The content is typically deployed within a dedicated area on the screen using the Custom Layout Builder with Zone Flexibility.

• Content Type: By utilizing this widget, the signage system streams the specified YouTube content (likely via embedding or API) to the screen, providing a dynamic visual experience.

2. Webpage Widget Functionality (Covering Vimeo and Other URLs)

Vimeo is not explicitly listed as a widget, but platforms like it would typically be integrated using the Webpage widget or a Live Stream feature.

• Webpage Widget: The Webpage widget (also referred to as Web Urls and pages) is part of the Widgets Suite for Enterprise Use. This widget enables the rendering and display of live web pages and dashboards.

  • Simple Use Case: If Vimeo allows video embedding via a standard URL (like an iframe or video page link), the user would copy and paste the Vimeo video URL into the Webpage widget. The CMS then instructs the player application on the screen to load and display that live web content, showing the Vimeo video within the designated zone.

• Live Stream Integration: Wilyer's CMS also supports Live Streams using various protocols like RTMP, RTSP, and HLS Video Playback.

  • Alternative Use Case: If a user needs to stream a live Vimeo event or a self-hosted video feed that utilizes these standard protocols, they would use the Live Streams feature.

3. Basic Mechanism: Copy/Paste and Zone Deployment

Your assumption regarding the copy/paste functionality is supported by the existence of these URL-based widgets and the fundamental operation of the CMS:

1. Selection: A user accesses the Library Management system.

2. Widget Activation: The user selects a relevant dynamic content widget, such as YouTube or Webpage.

3. URL Input (Copy/Paste): The user provides the necessary URL or identifier (e.g., the YouTube video link or the Vimeo webpage link).

4. Layout Integration: The widget is placed into a specific area (a zone) using the Custom Layout Builder. This allows the dynamic video content to run simultaneously alongside other media, like static text or images.

5. Publishing: The content is then scheduled and deployed to the screen. The player application running on the display fetches and streams the content directly from the external source (like YouTube or the URL provided).