Add an image to a layout

Applies to: Pearl-2, Pearl Mini, Pearl Nexus, Pearl Nano

You can add images to a layout using the custom layout editor. Use images to create a background for your source, to add your corporate logo, or to add relevant information about the event you're streaming.

The device supports .PNG and .JPEG images up to a maximum size of 4096×2160. For many applications like a background, you will want your image to have the same aspect ratio as the channel in which the image appears. The device supports images of all different shapes, such as 16×16 pixels; however, we recommended that you upload exactly the size you need and avoid scaling the image using the custom layout editor.

Images can be uploaded in advance from the Media page. Otherwise, you can drag and drop to upload an image using the custom layout editor. Note that no warning is displayed if the image is too large or if an image exists with the same name using drag and drop. The file will be replaced with the new image you upload.

Any image without the proper file extension appears in the layout editor but doesn't display in the actual video output. For instance, a .PNG image with the file extension .bmp or an invalid file extension such as .png2 are examples of improper file extensions.

If your uploaded image does not appear in the list, ensure it doesn't exceed the maximum image size of 4096×2160. No warning or error message is displayed if your image is too large.

Add an image to a layout using the Admin panel's custom layout editor

• Log in to the Admin panel as admin.
• From the Channel(s) menu, select the channel and click Layout(s). The custom layout editor opens.
• Click Add new item and choose Picture from the drop down. The picture settings appears.
• Select an image from the Use picture drop-down menu. To upload the image, drag and drop it from your desktop to the gray Please select picture area. For best results, keep the Keep aspect ratio when scaling check box selected (default).

For best results, check Keep aspect ratio when scaling in the Source settings.

• Your picture appears in the Picture settings preview and is added to the layout area.
• In the layout area, use the mouse, the keyboard or the manual position value fields to position and resize your image. For background images, click and drag to fill the full layout area.
• Re-order the items in your layout by clicking and dragging items in the item list.

To layer items over top of each other, like for background images or a transparent logo, you can click and drag elements that appear in the item list beneath Add new item and change their order. Items that are higher up the list appear over top items that are lower down the list.

• Click Save.

Add a video file to a layout

You can add a video to a layout using the custom layout editor. Use a video file to create a motion background for your layout, to add a pre-roll and post-roll video to your channel, or to play back a pre-recorded video in a channel without needing to use a computer connected to the HDMI input on the device to play back video.

The device supports H.264 encoded .MP4 video files up to a maximum size of 250 MB.

If you want your video file to play continuously when you switch layouts, you need to do two things. First, you need to include the video file in every layout that you use. Second, you need to uncheck the option Restart on layout switch in the video file settings. This way, your video file will not restart or stop when you switch between layouts.

Add a video file to a layout using the Admin panel's custom layout editor

• Log in to the Admin panel as admin.
• From the Channel(s) menu, select the channel and click Layout(s). The custom layout editor opens.
• Click Add new item and choose Video file from the drop down. The video file settings appears.
• Select a video file from the Use video file drop-down menu. To upload the video file, drag and drop it from your desktop to the gray Please select a video file area. For best results, keep the Keep aspect ratio when scaling check box selected (default).

For best results, check Keep aspect ratio when scaling in the Source settings.

• Your video file added to the layout area and a preview of first frame is shown.
• In the layout area, use the mouse, the keyboard or the manual position value fields to position and resize your image. Click and drag to fill the full layout area.
• Re-order the items in your layout by clicking and dragging items in the item list.
• Click Save.

Device differences

• Pearl Nano: does not support adding video files to a layout.