BrightSign Native Video Playback Setting Limitation and Use

BrightSigns have a unique Native Video Playback setting that can either resolve or cause issues

Written By Ed Kinne

Last updated 4 months ago

BrightSign Native Video Playback is an option available on Korbyt Media Players for scenarios where video performance is the primary concern.

While it can improve playback smoothness by bypassing the Chrome rendering engine and leveraging BrightSign’s built-in hardware decoder, it also introduces important limitations.

When to Use BrightSign Native Video Playback

Warning: BrightSign Native Video Playback should only be used for simple use cases where video performance is the highest priority. Other advanced features may not work correctly when native playback is enabled.

This mode is best thought of as a last resort option—for situations where a BrightSign device cannot handle content demands through normal (Chrome-based) playback methods.

How Native Playback Works

Normally, Chrome is responsible for loading the video into the DOM. During this process, a background may be shown until the video content is fully loaded, and the delay varies depending on the device’s processing power.

By contrast, Native Playback bypasses Chrome entirely, handing video playback over to the BrightSign hardware decoder and streaming directly from device storage. This results in a seamless transition, eliminating DOM-based delays.

Tradeoffs and Impacts

Enabling BrightSign Native Video Playback comes with significant trade-offs. The following features may not work or have limited functionality:

  • Layouts – Not supported

  • Playlists – Limited functionality, no Clever Rules, Interrupt, or Data-based behavior

  • Content Transitions – Not supported, no CSS support

  • Validity Dates – Limited functionality

  • Content Backgrounds – May cause delays in loading foreground content

Because of these constraints, Native Playback should be reserved for highly specific use cases where smooth video playback outweighs feature availability.

Summary

  • Native Video Playback can improve video smoothness and transition times.

  • However, it disables or restricts many advanced features in Korbyt.

  • Use only when standard playback cannot meet requirements due to BrightSign hardware limitations.

Additional Resources