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JTECH CMS - Getting Started

How to Organize Content Using One Playlist

Overview

To avoid common issues such as:

  • Content not showing
  • Scheduling conflicts
  • Blank screens
  • Incorrect media playback
  • Media playing at the wrong time
  • Confusing playlist behavior


We strongly recommend using one single playlist per screen instead of multiple playlists. This method is easier to manage, easier to understand, and much more reliable.

Why This Matters

Using multiple playlists on the same screen can create:

  • Overlapping schedules
  • Playlist priority conflicts
  • Content overrides
  • Unexpected blank screens
  • Confusing playback behavior
  • Difficult troubleshooting


Using one playlist only gives you:

  • Full control in one place
  • Clear visibility of all scheduled media
  • Easier updates
  • Better playback stability
  • Simpler troubleshooting
  • Less risk of human error

Recommended Setup (Simple Method)

Think of the playlist as the main timeline for that screen, not as a folder.

All media for that screen should be placed inside one playlist, and each media item should have its own schedule if needed.

Then, on the screen/device assignment, you select that one playlist only.

You do not need to create or assign multiple playlists for the same screen if all content is already inside that single playlist.

This keeps the setup clean, predictable, and easier to maintain.

Step 1 – Create One Playlist
  • Create only one playlist per screen/device
  • Example:
    • Main Screen Playlist
    • Lobby Screen Playlist
    • Drive-Thru Screen Playlist

Important:
If one display is showing all content for that location, then that display should normally use just one playlist.

Step 2 – Add All Media to That Playlist

Upload all content that should appear on that screen, such as:

  • Images
  • Videos
  • Promotions
  • Menus
  • Announcements
  • Seasonal content


Add everything into the same playlist.

Important:
Do not separate content into different playlists just because it plays at different times of day.
That timing should be controlled by the media schedule inside the playlist, not by creating extra playlists.

Step 3 – Schedule Each Media Item Individually

Instead of scheduling playlists and screens, schedule each media file inside the playlist.

For each media item, define:

  • Start date
  • End date
  • Days of the week
  • Time of day

This gives you better control and avoids conflicts.

Example:

Inside one playlist, you can have:

  • Breakfast Menu
    • Monday to Sunday
    • 6:00 AM to 10:59 AM
  • Lunch Menu
    • Monday to Friday
    • 11:00 AM to 3:59 PM
  • Dinner Menu
    • Monday to Sunday
    • 4:00 PM to 11:59 PM
  • Weekend Promotion
    • Saturday to Sunday
    • All day


Everything stays inside the same playlist, but each item appears only at the correct time.

 Step 4 – Name the Screen Clearly (Very Important)

When creating or editing a screen (display), always use a name that clearly describes where the physical display is located.

Examples of good screen names:

  • Host Area Screen
  • Bar Display
  • Restroom Hallway Screen
  • Drive-Thru Screen
  • Kitchen Display
  • Entrance Screen


Avoid generic names like:

  • Screen 1
  • Display A
  • TV 3


Why this matters:

  • Makes it easy to identify the correct screen in the system
  • Avoids assigning the wrong playlist to the wrong device
  • Helps faster troubleshooting
  • Helps support teams understand your setup without confusion

Step 5 – Confirm the Device Is Ready

Before testing playback, confirm the following:

  • The device is online
  • The screen is assigned to the correct playlist
  • The device date and time are correct
  • The device time zone is correct
  • The published content is up to date
  • The playlist contains valid media
  • The media schedule matches the current local time


Example of Correct Setup
Screen (Device Name):

Host Area Screen

Assigned Playlist:
Host Area Playlist

Media

Days

Schedule

Breakfast Menu.png

Monday to Sunday

6:00 AM to 10:59 AM

Lunch Menu.png

Monday to Friday

11:00 AM to 3:59 PM

Dinner Menu.mp4

Monday to Sunday

4:00 PM to 11:59 PM

Promo Video / Images

Saturday to Sunday

All day

✔ Everything is controlled in one playlist
✔ The screen is assigned to that one playlist only
✔ No playlist conflicts
✔ Easier to update
✔ Easier to troubleshoot

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Multiple Playlists Assigned to One Screen

Example:

  • Playlist A = Morning
  • Playlist B = Afternoon
  • Playlist C = Promotions


This can cause:

  • Conflicts
  • Overrides
  • Unclear priority behavior
  • Blank screens between schedules


Scheduling Playlists Instead of Media

This makes the setup harder to follow and easier to break.
It can lead to:

  • Overlapping schedules
  • Missed content
  • Blank playback periods
  • Difficult troubleshooting


Scheduling Both the Playlist and the Screen

If media is already scheduled inside the playlist, adding more schedule rules at the screen level can create conflicts.

This is one of the most common causes of content not appearing when expected.

Wrong Device Time or Time Zone

Even if the schedule looks correct in CMS, the content may not play correctly if the media player has:

  • Wrong time
  • Wrong date
  • Wrong time zone

This can cause:

  • Blank screens
  • Late playback
  • Early playback
  • Content never appearing


Forgetting to Publish or Sync Changes

After updating media or schedules, make sure changes are published and the device has received the latest update.

If not, the screen may continue playing the old version.

Best Practice Summary

For most setups, the safest and simplest method is:

  • One screen
  • One playlist
  • All content inside that playlist
  • Each media item scheduled individually
  • The screen assigned to that one playlist only


This method reduces problems and makes support much easier.

Simple Rule to Remember:
Do not use multiple playlists to control time-based content on one screen. Use one playlist, put all content inside it, schedule each media item there, and assign only that playlist to the screen.

Mixing Time Zones or Incorrect Device Time

This can cause content not to appear even if scheduled correctly

If Content Is Not Showing

Before troubleshooting, check:

  1. Playlist is assigned to device
  2. Device is online
  3. Time zone is correct
  4. Media schedule is active

 

Related Troubleshooting Guides

If issues continue, refer to: