# The Player

![Lumicast player pairing screen](/img/screenshots/player.png)

The **Lumicast Player** is the app that runs on your physical screens. It connects to your workspace, receives the content you've assigned, and displays it.

You don't need to manage the player directly — once it's connected, everything is controlled from [app.lumicast.com](https://app.lumicast.com). But this page explains what it is and how it works, so you know what to expect.

## What runs on your screen

The player runs on the device connected to your screen. Once it's open and connected to your workspace, it:
- Receives the content assigned to that display
- Plays playlists in order, looping continuously
- Shows campaign content when one is active
- Updates automatically when you make changes in Lumicast

## Browser vs native app

**Browser** — Open [player.lumicast.com](https://player.lumicast.com) in any modern browser. This is the quickest way to get started and works on any device. No installation required.

**Native apps** — For permanent installations, use the dedicated native player for your hardware. Native apps offer:
- Automatic startup when the device powers on
- Remote reboot and reboot scheduling from Lumicast
- Better performance and reliability
- Kiosk mode (locks the device to the player)

Download the native app for your platform from [lumicast.com/downloads](https://lumicast.com/downloads).

## Supported platforms

| Platform | Notes |
|---|---|
| **Web** | Any modern browser at player.lumicast.com |
| **Windows** | Native app, supports x64, 32-bit, and ARM |
| **macOS** | Native app, supports Intel and Apple Silicon |
| **Linux** | Native app, supports x86_64, armv7l, and arm64 |
| **Raspberry Pi** | Dedicated OS image |
| **Android TV** | Available on Google Play or direct APK |
| **Amazon FireTV** | Available on Amazon Appstore |
| **Samsung Tizen** | For Samsung commercial displays |
| **LG WebOS** | For LG commercial displays |

## Offline playback

The player caches content locally on the device. If the screen loses internet connection, it keeps playing whatever was last received. When connectivity returns, it syncs and resumes normal operation.

This means brief internet outages won't cause your screens to go blank.

## Keeping the player running

For best results:
- Keep the browser tab or app in the foreground (not minimized)
- Disable screensavers and sleep mode on the display device
- Ensure the device has a stable internet connection
- Use a wired connection where possible for reliability

## Updates

The player updates when it restarts. To get the latest version, reboot the device or restart the player app. You can trigger a remote reboot from the display detail page in Lumicast if you're using a native app.

## Accessing the service menu

On the player screen, press the **M** key (or the **OK** button on a remote) to open the service menu.

![Player service menu](/img/screenshots/player-service-menu.png)

The service menu shows:
- Local time on the device
- Player version
- Device and browser information
- Internet and WebSocket connection status

It also has actions to **Refresh** the player, **Clear cache**, **Configure Wi-Fi** (on supported hardware), and **Disconnect** the display from its workspace. Useful for on-site troubleshooting without needing remote access.