Daktronics

Layout Editor: How do I create an l-wrapper zoned layout with a Fullscreen look change in Venus Control Suite

Topic

A zoned layout that includes an L-wrapper is often utilized for displaying data feeds on an LCD screen. The advantage of this layout is its ability to show multiple content pieces simultaneously while keeping a standard 16:9 aspect ratio in the primary zone, ensuring that standard HD content, like 1920x1080, is displayed without distortion or quality loss.

This method necessitates the use of Layout Editor and Web Editor within the Venus Controls Suite. For an introduction to these applications, you can access training and guides through the following links:

Layout Editor: How do I add zones and create looks?
Venus Web Editor: How do I create a presentation using the Venus Control Suite?

Environment

  • Product: Venus Professional, Venus Enterprise
  • Components: Layout Editor
  • Control System: Venus Cloud-Based, Venus Local
my apps_layout editor3.jpg

Steps

  1. Log into Venus Control Suite.
  2. Click on the Apps Menu located at the top right corner of the VCS landing page and select the Layout Editor.

🔽Use the arrows to expand and collapse each section.

Create new layout
  1. To create a new layout, select 'Add New.'
  2. Name the layout and choose the screen size; most single LCD displays are 1920x1080 or have a 16:9 aspect ratio.
  3. Go to the 'Looks' tab and rename the Look by clicking the pencil icon under the menu. 
  4. Add a Main Content Zone by clicking the '+' icon. Then, click on the 'Properties' tab and, with the zone selected, choose 'Lock Aspect Ratio.' This ensures the main zone maintains a 16:9 aspect ratio. Resize the zone as needed; a common size is 1504x846, which allows ample space for bottom and side zones.

looks.png

 
 
  1. Add an additional zone in the Looks tab and adjust its size to align it along the bottom. Ensure that 'Lock Aspect Ratio' is disabled, and 'Snap Elements' is enabled to assist in positioning the zone beneath the Main Zone. Follow the same steps to create a side zone, taking care to avoid any overlap with the bottom zone. This side zone can be placed to the left or right of the screen, depending on your preference. An example is provided below:
  2. Note the zone sizes in the properties panel, this will be the ideal resolution to create content to for each zone.  In this example the bottom zone is 1920x234 px and the side zone is 416x846 px. 
  3. Save your layout.
Create the full screen layout in the Venus Layout Editor App.

This optional step enables the transition from an L-wrapper layout to a full screen layout.

  1. Go back to the Looks tab and select Add Look. Rename this look to 'Fullscreen'.
  2. Add a new zone, but this time choose the previously created Main Content Zone.
  3. Resize this zone by clicking and dragging the corner handles or use the Properties panel to set the Width and Height to your display's full resolution, typically 1920x1080 px for HD LCD displays.
  4. In the Settings tab, assign the Schedule Zone Control to the Main Content Zone. This zone will trigger the transitions between the L-wrapper and fullscreen layouts.
  5. If you wish, set this as the default look by clicking the House icon in the looks tab.
  6. Save your layout.
    Apply the layout to your display(s)
    1. Open the Venus Displays App from the Apps Menu, which is located at the top right of the VCS landing page. 
    2. Select a display from the Displays page.
    3. Under the Configuration tab, find the Layout section. Click on 'Add Layout', choose the L-wrapper Layout, and save the display.

    2023-12-07_12-15-06.png

     

    Legacy method- Apply the layout to your display(s) in Venus Control Suite.

    1. Navigate to the Displays in Venus Control Suite and click on the Display you want to edit.
    2. Select layouts from the menu and click Add Layout, select your L-wrapper Layout.
    3. Save the display.
    Create playlists in the Venus Scheduling App.

    For general details on scheduling, see:  Venus Scheduling: How do I schedule content in Venus Control Suite?

    1. Log into the Venus Scheduling app. 
    1. Create at least one playlist and target the bottom zone.  Remember to use content that is the same size as this zone.
    This may be a good place to add a data feed such as a news feed or social media feed. You can reference additional guides for these items.
    1. Create at least one playlist and target the side zone.  Remember to try and use content that is the same size as this zone.

    👉This is a good place to add a weather feed, date and time, company logo or other advertisement.  You can reference additional guide for these items.

    1. Under the Playlist Properties or individual Media Properties, set the Look Change to use one of the Looks created, In this example use either Zones or Fullscreen.  The default look will be selected but this can be set under the Look Changes drop down.

     

    KB ID: 000025521

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