MagicINFO Explained: Mastering Fallback Content for Digital Signage

Ensuring that your digital signage network is running smoothly involves a lot of strategic thinking and planning in advance. Developing a robust content strategy for your screens can often be a time-intensive process.

But what do you do when your external players are experiencing errors? How do you still ensure that your Samsung Smart Signage displays are not just showing the standard "No cable connected" message? 

This is where the Fallback feature comes into play. In today's article, we will take an in-depth look at this useful property. By the end of this piece, you will have mastered creating fallback content so your screens never have to go completely black even during unexpected errors. 

Keep reading to learn about: 

• What is the MagicINFO Fallback Feature? 
• How to Incorporate the Fallback Feature in Your Display Strategy
• 3 Reasons Why You Should Use Fallback Content
• Tips for Creating the Perfect Fallback Content Items
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  
  

What is the Fallback Feature? 

The Fallback feature in MagicINFO is a critical component designed to keep your digital signage running smoothly, even when things go awry. This key function works like a backup plan. It makes sure your screens keep showing useful information, even when your main content sources have problems.

Whether it is a network issue, a problem with the external media player or any other unforeseen error, backup content steps in to maintain the integrity of your display. 

How to Incorporate the Fallback Feature into Your Display Strategy 

How does it work? When MagicINFO detects that your primary content source has failed or is unavailable, this feature automatically triggers an alternative content piece you have pre-selected. Rather than having your screens go blank or show error messages, they will smoothly switch to backup content in the form of static images or videos. This ensures that your brand message, promotions or essential information keeps reaching your audience without any interruptions.

For more detailed instructions on how the Fallback content solution works in MagicINFO, you can watch the YouTube video below. Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, MagicInfo Services, if you have not already done so. We regularly upload content showing how to use MagicINFO to make the most out of your digital signage projects.

3 Reasons Why You Should Be Using the Fallback Feature 

Now that we have gone over what fallback content entails, here are three reasons why you should consider using it in your display advertising strategy. 

1. Minimising Downtime and Screen Disruptions 

One of the most significant advantages of the Fallback feature is its ability to minimise downtime and prevent display interruptions. When working with displays, even a few minutes of blank screens or error messages can hurt your brand's image and customer experience. Whether you are managing a network of displays in a retail environment, a corporate office or a public space, every moment that your screens are not showing content is a lost opportunity.

This feature ensures that your displays remain operational even when your primary content fails. By automatically switching to pre-determined backup content, you can maintain a seamless visual experience for your audience. This not only protects your brand’s reputation but also maximises the return on your digital signage investment. The last thing you want is for your displays to go dark during peak business hours or important events, and this property is your safeguard against such disruptions. 

2. Ensuring Consistent Audience Engagement

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining consistent audience engagement is crucial. Your digital signs are key for capturing attention, delivering messages and influencing behaviour. However, all of this depends on your screens displaying content without interruption. This is where fallback content proves invaluable.

Imagine a scenario where your primary content source encounters an issue—perhaps a network failure, a glitch in the media player or any other hardware. Without a backup plan, your screens would go blank, causing a sudden break in engagement. This not only affects the immediate impact of your messaging but also risks alienating your audience, who might perceive the interruption as a technical flaw or lack of professionalism.

By utilising this feature, you ensure that your audience remains engaged, even during unexpected technical difficulties. The transition to backup content is seamless, meaning that your viewers are likely unaware that any issue occurred. This continuity helps in maintaining a positive experience, keeping your audience engaged and your message intact.

3. Enhancing the Reliability of Digital Signage Networks 

Reliability is a cornerstone of any successful digital display network. Whether you are managing a few screens or hundreds, the ability to trust that your content will be delivered without fail is essential. The Fallback feature enhances the overall reliability of your digital signage by providing an additional layer of security against unexpected failures.

Please be aware that this feature is exclusively accessible through MagicINFO’s Remote Management capabilities. To fully utilise this functionality, ensure that your MagicINFO setup incorporates the Samsung Remote Management solution, which can be acquired either as an on-premise solution or via a cloud subscription. This investment is highly valuable, as it not only offers peace of mind but also boosts the overall resilience and reliability of your digital signage network. 

Recently, cloud-based subscriptions have been growing in popularity. Customers usually opt for the cloud because it removes the IT hassle while also providing a high level of security so you will never have to worry again about the reliability of your digital signage system.  If you are looking to invest in a cloud-based digital signage solution, give our expert guide a read. 

Tips for Creating Effective Fallback Content 

Creating effective fallback content requires careful consideration and strategic planning. Since this content is designed to be a safety net, it is crucial that it aligns seamlessly with your overall display strategy and maintains the same high standards as your primary content. 

Below are some essential tips to help you craft fallback content that not only keeps your screens active but also continues to engage and inform your audience effectively.

Best Practices for Visual and Message Consistency 

When it comes to backup content, consistency is key. Your fallback visuals and messages should be as close to your primary content as possible, ensuring a smooth transition that does not jar your audience or disrupt the viewing experience.

1. Maintain Brand Identity

Ensure that your fallback content adheres to your brand guidelines. This includes using the same colour schemes, fonts, logos, and imagery as your regular content. This content should feel like a natural extension of your primary material, maintaining a cohesive brand presence across all screens.

2. Simplify Your Message

Since fallback content typically serves as a temporary placeholder, it is best to keep the messaging clear, concise, and easy to understand. Use straightforward language and avoid cluttering the screen with too much text or overly complex visuals. This will ensure that your audience can quickly grasp the message, even during brief interruptions.

3. Prioritise Key Information

Your backup items should focus on the most important information you want to communicate. This could be a core brand message, contact details or a call to action. By prioritising key information, you ensure that your audience still receives valuable content, even if it is not the original message you intended to deliver.

4. Use High-Quality Visuals

Just because fallback content is a backup does not mean it should be of lower quality. Use high-resolution images and professional graphics that reflect the quality of your brand. Poorly designed fallback content can detract from your overall message and give the impression that your digital signage network is unreliable.

Ensuring Fallback Content Aligns with the Overall Display Strategy 

Your fallback content should not be an afterthought but an integral part of your overall display strategy. It needs to serve the same purpose as your primary content while ensuring that the transition between the two is as seamless as possible.

1. Consistency with Primary Content Items

Align this type of content with the themes and objectives of your primary content. For example, if your primary content focuses on promoting a specific product or service, your backup content should support that by highlighting related products, services or promotional messages. This keeps your display strategy focused and ensures that your audience remains engaged with the core message.

2. Regular Updates and Testing

Just like your primary content, backup content should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure it remains relevant and effective. Make sure that any updates to your primary content are reflected in this content type as well. Additionally, regularly test your fallback feature to ensure that it functions correctly and that the transition between primary and fallback content is smooth.

3. Tailor Content to Different Scenarios

Consider the different scenarios in which your backup content might be triggered, and tailor the content accordingly. For instance, if a network issue is a common trigger, your fallback content could include offline messages or local promotions that do not require internet connectivity. By anticipating potential issues, you can create content that is not only effective but also contextually relevant.

By following these tips, you can create fallback content that not only prevents screen downtime but also continues to engage your audience and reinforce your brand message. Remember, effective fallback content is about more than just filling in the gaps—it is about maintaining the same level of quality and consistency that your audience expects from your primary content.

Conclusion

The Fallback feature in MagicINFO is more than just a backup plan—it is an essential tool that ensures the continuity, reliability and effectiveness of your digital signage network. By minimising downtime, maintaining consistent audience engagement, and enhancing the overall reliability of your displays, this feature safeguards your investment and helps keep your brand message visible, even in the face of unexpected challenges.

Implementing the Fallback feature in your current MagicINFO setup is not just a smart move, it is a necessary one. Whether you are managing a single screen or a vast network, this feature provides peace of mind, knowing that your content will always be displayed as intended. By leveraging the power of Remote Management, you can ensure that your backup content is always up-to-date, relevant and aligned with your overall display strategy.

Start integrating the Fallback feature today, and take your digital signage strategy to the next level—because when it comes to keeping your displays active and engaging, there is no room for compromise.