Volume
Introduction
Setting playback volume on different operating systems has its own limitations. Therefore, in this article, we describe in detail how to work with volume in the SmartPlayer platform.
Two types of volume
The SmartPlayer platform supports 2 types of volume, namely device volume and content volume. Below is the difference between them:
- Device volume - this volume level is set on the device. In operating systems such as Windows or Linux, you may encounter the concept of a "system volume level." This is the volume level that is set for the operating system as a whole and is prioritized over content volume.
- Content volume - this volume level is set when creating a broadcast/advertising campaign/announcement. This type of volume is a content setting and determines its playback volume level during playback.
An example for the Windows operating system is:
- Device volume - this is the volume slider that you set in the lower-right corner (system tray)
- Content volume - this is the volume level that you set in your browser or media player (for example, VLC)
Supported volume levels by operating system
| Operating system | Device volume | Content volume |
|---|---|---|
| TIZEN (SSSP 4/5/6/7/10) | Supported | Supported |
| ORSAY (SSSP 2/3) | Supported | Supported |
| WebOS SIGNAGE | Supported | Supported |
| WebOS PRO:CENTRIC | Unknown | Supported |
| ANDROID 5.0 or later | Supported | Supported |
| WINDOWS 7/8/10 | Supported | Supported |
| Ubuntu 18.04/22.04 LTS | Supported | Supported |
| Raspberry Pi 3/4 | Supported | Supported |
| BrightSign | Not supported | Supported |
Working with volume in the SmartPlayer platform
Volume at the device level
Device-level volume can be set in the "Devices" section. To set the volume at the device level, select a device and use the right toolbar to set the required value. Visual representation This volume level has the highest priority. If the device-level volume is set to 50% and the content volume in the broadcast is set to 100%, then the actual volume level at the playback point will be 50%, because device volume has the highest priority. It is recommended to set the device-level volume to 100% and then adjust the playback volume through content volume. Device volume can be used when you need to quickly mute/unmute the sound at the playback point in one click, or when you assign the same broadcast with identical content volume levels to several devices, and use this parameter to adjust the volume level for a specific device (for example, depending on speaker power).
Volume at the content level
Unlike device volume, this type of volume is set individually for each piece of content depending on the required playback volume level at the playback point. You can set the volume level for content that will be played in the zone, as well as for content that will be played at the audio track level when creating a broadcast. If a volume level is set in both entities, the player will honestly reproduce both volume levels, and the sounds will be mixed. You can observe similar behavior in your operating system (for example, Windows) by running two instances of a player simultaneously. SmartPlayer behaves in the same way. Usually, such broadcasts are not required as part of content playback implementation, i.e. one option is chosen: either a background audio track with sound or videos with sound in the zone. Visual representation This volume level cannot be higher than the device volume level. If a higher value is set than the device volume level, the average value relative to the device volume level will be calculated.
Setting the volume when the device starts by power-on timer
In the settings of the Tizen/Windows/Linux/Android operating systems, you can see a parameter called "Volume when the device is turned on." This parameter means that when the device is turned on by timer, the device volume level will be set to this value. Visual representation
Troubleshooting
Q: There is no sound at the playback point?
A: Check that the device volume level is set to 100%, and check that the content volume level in the broadcast is set to a value other than zero. Check that the speakers are not turned off on the device. If the connection is made via audio jack, make sure that it is inserted into the correct port on the playback device. Check the volume level on the speakers (if they are part of the playback chain).
