MagicINFO Explained: Ensure 24/7 Screen Uptime with Advanced Backup Play

Imagine your digital signage screen suddenly goes blank. It could be due to a power failure, a lost connection, or a hardware issue. Whatever the cause, your audience is left staring at nothing. That’s where MagicINFO’s advanced backup play comes in. This feature ensures your content keeps running by automatically switching to a backup screen when the primary one encounters a problem.

With advanced backup play, you don’t have to worry about interruptions. Whether you’re managing screens in a retail store, an airport, or a corporate office, this feature keeps your digital signage up and running without a hitch.

Let’s dive in. 

• What is advanced backup play in MagicINFO? 
• Why your organisation should use advanced backup play 
• How to set up advanced backup play in your MagicINFO environment 
• Display malfunction best practices and tips 
• Frequently asked questions

What is advanced backup play in MagicINFO?

Previously, backup screens replaced the main display only when it experienced issues like a lost signal or an error. Now, with MagicINFO’s advanced backup play, users have much more control. This feature allows you to designate displays as either primary or backup based on the importance of the content, ensuring a seamless content experience.

What makes this feature truly powerful is its flexibility. Depending on your settings, the backup screen can either mirror the main content or display its own designated content when needed. This means that even if a primary screen fails, the backup display seamlessly takes over to ensure the right information is always visible. No more blank screens—just uninterrupted content delivery when it matters most.

Why your organisation should use advanced backup play 

A strong digital signage solution goes beyond simply showing content—it ensures your screens remain active at all times. That’s why advanced backup play is such a valuable feature. 

1. Keep your content live, always

A blank screen is bad for business. Whether it’s a restaurant menu, a departure board at an airport, or an ad display in a shopping mall, keeping your content visible is crucial for effective communication. Advanced backup play ensures there’s always something on the screen.

2. Build trust and professionalism

When people see screens that are always up and running, it reinforces trust in your brand. No one wants to see an error message or a black screen where an important message should be. This feature helps keep your signage looking professional at all times.

3. Reduce the need for constant monitoring

Without a backup system, every screen failure means someone has to intervene manually. advanced backup play takes that stress away by automatically switching to a backup screen, so your team can focus on more important tasks.

4. Critical for high-impact environments

Critical environments like hospitals, transport hubs and financial institutions depend on real-time digital signage. Screen downtime can lead to confusion and operational disruptions. Implementing a backup system ensures the continuous flow of important information.

How to set up advanced backup play in your MagicINFO environment 

Setting up advanced backup play in MagicINFO is straightforward, and you don’t need to be a technical expert to do it. Follow these steps to ensure your backup screens are ready to take over when needed.

Step 1: Log into your MagicINFO server

• Open your MagicINFO dashboard and enter your login credentials.
• Navigate to the System Settings section where device configurations are managed.
• Once you are there, go to Server Management, then click on Server Settings.
  
  

Step 2: Enable advanced backup play

• Locate the Backup Play option in the settings menu.
• Toggle the feature to activate the backup functionality.

Step 3: head over to the device tab 

• Now you can go to the Device Menu and choose Device Group. 

IMPORTANT: Make sure to have at least 2 devices in one group. 

• Assign a Tag to each device. 
  
  

Step 4: Assign backup and primary screens

• Select the display you want to serve as the primary screen.
• Choose a backup display that will take over if the primary screen fails.
• Confirm that both screens are connected and properly configured within MagicINFO.

Step 5: Set content priorities

• Define whether the backup screen should mirror the primary content or display alternative content when activated.
• Ensure that your most critical content is prioritised so that essential information is always visible.

Step 6: Test the backup system

• Simulate a failure on your primary display by temporarily disconnecting it.
• Watch to ensure the backup screen seamlessly takes over without interruptions.
• Make adjustments if necessary to refine your setup.

Following these steps will help you integrate advanced backup play into your MagicINFO digital signage system, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted content delivery.

Want more tips and tricks? Check out our YouTube channel, where we regularly share videos to help you get the most out of MagicINFO. 

Display malfunction best practices and tips 

To get the most out of your digital signage solution and avoid unexpected issues, follow these best practices.

1. Schedule routine maintenance

Regularly check your screens and backup configurations to identify any potential issues before they disrupt your displays. Keeping an eye on device health ensures everything runs smoothly.

2. Use high-quality hardware

Investing in reliable digital signage screens and media players reduces the risk of unexpected failures. Higher-quality hardware is often more durable and better suited for long-term operation.

3. Keep software up to date

Running the latest version of MagicINFO ensures your system benefits from performance enhancements, bug fixes and new features. Regular updates help maintain efficiency and security.

4. Train your team on troubleshooting

Ensure that your staff understands how to monitor and troubleshoot minor display issues. A well-trained team can quickly address problems and minimise downtime.

5. Test your backup system regularly

Even if advanced backup play is enabled, conducting periodic tests will confirm that your backup displays function as expected. Simulate a failure scenario to ensure a seamless transition between primary and backup screens.

By following these tips, you can rest assured your displays are running smoothly at all times.

Conclusion 

It's essential to keep your digital signage running smoothly, and advanced backup play in MagicINFO makes that easy. With this feature, you don’t have to worry about blank screens or unexpected interruptions—your content stays live, your brand remains professional, and your operations continue without a hitch. 

Whether you’re in retail, corporate, or transportation, setting up a reliable backup system ensures your messages always reach the right audience. Take the time to configure and test your backup displays, and you’ll have a fail-safe solution that keeps your digital signage performing at its best.