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Custom Resolutions and Image Dimensions Using Channels in ScreenCloud
Custom Resolutions and Image Dimensions Using Channels in ScreenCloud

This article covers using custom resolutions in ScreenCloud, plus tips on resizing images for optimal display on digital screens.

Updated over a month ago

Please note, custom resolutions can only be created or adjusted while using Channels. This feature cannot be used with single-items on a screen, or while using playlists. You can learn more about how to set up Channels in ScreenCloud by clicking here.



1. Overview of display resolution

Display resolution generally is known as a display mode for digital televisions, monitors and devices regarding the number of pixels in each dimension that can be displayed on the screen. This refers to the number of both vertical and horizontal pixels on a screen.

The more supported pixels that can be displayed on the screen, the more information is visible without needing to scroll. Screen resolutions have a specific pixel count, for example, 16:9 is the most common ratio TV screens support and if you use a 1600x900 pixel count, the screen can display 1,600 horizontal pixels and 900 vertical pixels respectively.

This is useful as a guideline for creating media (e.g. images, graphics, etc.) you'd like to display on your digital screens. ScreenCloud's digital signage software supports common 16:9 aspect ratios, such as:

  • 1024×576

  • 1152×648

  • 1280×720

  • 1366×768

  • 1600×900

  • 1920×1080

  • 2560×1440

Using Channels with ScreenCloud also supports a custom width x height setting, which means we can support virtually any screen size. For example, if you upload your content in one of the above resolutions, then it'll fit perfectly on your screen while using a single-zone layout, or you can adjust the resolution based on your screen.

2. What are the benefits of using custom resolutions?

Custom resolutions give you the ability to customize your resolution parameters. It provides the flexibility to add almost any resolution for your end-display digital signage device. Please note, that not all custom resolutions are supported for every device. For example, if you tried to create or use a custom resolution the end-device will perform a scan to make sure it's able to support or display the desired resolution and refresh rate. If the device does not support a specific customer resolution, the device will not be able to properly display this.

3. Setting up custom resolutions in ScreenCloud

3.1. Get started by visiting the Channels section of your ScreenCloud account.

3.2. Select any Channel you've created. Please note, this feature is only available using Channels. You can learn more about how to set up Channels in ScreenCloud by clicking here.

Screen_Shot_2020-02-17_at_1.30.03_PM.png

3.3. While viewing the channel preview, select Edit Channel in the upper right-hand corner.

Screen_Shot_2020-02-17_at_1.37.05_PM.png

3.4. While editing your channel, navigate to the right-hand Layout menu and select the Change option, next to your dimension measurements and underneath the zone layout being used on your screen.

Screen_Shot_2020-02-17_at_1.38.24_PM.png


3.5. From this menu, you can select all of our pre-set resolutions and create your custom resolution. Select from the drop-down menu available and click on Custom Size.

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3.6. Using the custom size option, you can adjust your measurements according to the resolution you'd like to display on your device(s) using this channel. Once you're done adjusting the custom sizing, click the yellow Confirm button and the custom resolution will be applied automatically to your screens.

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3.7. Once you submit your changes, you can view the custom resolution from your Channel Preview.

Screen_Shot_2020-02-17_at_1.45.42_PM.png

4. Are there any recommendations for resizing images to display best on the screen?

Below are general examples of zone layout dimensions that content that can be displayed in the exact size of the layout. For reference, you can hover over your zone layout selection at any time while viewing a Channel to view the exact dimension sizing for each section of your screen respectively. This is especially useful if you've created a custom or advanced zone layout with multiple sections for resizing images:

image.png

Please note, that the following examples are for the 16:9 screen ratio (which most TVs support):

i) Landscape orientation examples:

general_zone_layout.png

ii) Portrait orientation examples:

portrait_orientation.png

iii) Ipads (4:3 ratio) landscape orientation examples:

ipads_zone.png

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