Synchronized playback (master / slave)

Most users don't need this page. Synchronized playback — video walls, or screens that must switch in perfect step — is an on-site, install-specific setup that impressBox configures and tests for you; it isn't something you switch on yourself. If your screens just need the same playlist (not frame-accurate timing), you don't need sync at all — simply publish the same playlist to all of them.

impressBox can play content on several screens in step with each other — a video wall, a row of screens running the same loop, or two displays that must change at the exact same moment. This is called sync mode.

How it works

• One screen is the master — it drives the timing.

• The other screens are slaves — they follow the master over the network and play in sync with it.

• The screens are grouped together, so the whole group switches content at the same instant.

When to use it

• Video walls — several panels forming one picture, or all showing the same loop together.

• Paired screens that must switch content simultaneously.

• Any install where screens being even a second out of step would look wrong.

If screens only need the same playlist but not frame-accurate timing, you don't need sync — just publish the same playlist to all of them.

Setting it up

Sync is an advanced, install-specific setup: the right screens, network and master/slave roles have to be configured and tested together on site. It isn't something you switch on yourself from the dashboard.

To set up synchronized playback, contact impressBox support. Tell us which screens should play together and where they are, and we'll configure and verify the sync group for you.

Good to know

• Whether a particular screen can join a sync group depends on the screen — when you set it up, support will confirm which of your screens can sync.