Configuring Ads & the Playlist
Queue TV advertisements are configured from the Marketing module's configurables. MetahOS lets you run a single pair of ads (side + bottom) or a full ad playlist that rotates several ads with the queue screen shown between each one. Ads are configured per assigning authority, so each site can run its own promotions.
At a glance​
fa-plus | Add Ad | Here is what happens at this step.
fa-upload | URL or upload? | Here is what happens at this step.
fa-refresh | Convert to H.264 | Here is what happens at this step.
fa-film | Auto H.264 + AAC | Here is what happens at this step.
fa-desktop | Screen type | Here is what happens at this step.
fa-clock-o | Duration | Here is what happens at this step.
fa-picture-o | Per-ad layout | Here is what happens at this step.
fa-list | Ads in order | We place the order, like ordering food.
fa-tv | Queue screen between ads | Here is what happens at this step.
The ad playlist​
The Ad Playlist is the recommended way to manage Queue TV content. Ads play in order, with the doctor-queue screen shown between each ad.
Adding an ad​
- Open the Queue TV ad configuration in the Marketing configurables.
- Click Add Ad.
- Provide the ad media using either:
- URL — paste a direct link to the media file, or
- Upload File — upload a file directly. Uploaded files are automatically converted to a TV-compatible H.264 + AAC format.
- Choose the Screen Type (see below).
- Set a Duration (seconds) where required.
Screen types​
Each ad has a screen type that controls where it appears:
- Full Screen — the ad fills the display.
- Vertical (Side) — the ad runs down one side, queue beside it.
- Horizontal (Bottom) — the ad runs along the bottom, queue above it.
- V + H (Both) — a vertical ad and a horizontal ad at the same time. This type uses a second media file (URL 2 / second upload) for the horizontal ad, and a duration is always required.
Durations​
- For videos, the duration can usually be left blank — MetahOS uses the video's own length (shown as Auto).
- For images and GIFs, a duration is required, because still media has no inherent length.
- For V + H ads, a duration is required, because the two media files may end at different times.
Queue screen duration​
Set the Queue Screen Duration (seconds) to control how long the live queue board is shown between ads in the playlist.
GIF and image support​
Queue TV plays GIFs, JPG, PNG and WebP images as well as MP4, WebM, MOV, AVI, MKV and M4V video. Animated GIFs loop for their configured duration. When you use an image or GIF, remember to set a duration.
Converting videos for TV compatibility​
Smart-TV browsers are picky about video codecs. To avoid black screens or missing audio:
- When you upload a file, MetahOS converts it to H.264 + AAC automatically.
- When you paste a URL to a video, MetahOS offers a Convert to H.264 button. This downloads the video, converts it to H.264 + AAC, and re-hosts it on the server.
tip
If you are unsure whether a video will play on your TV, use Convert to H.264. It makes the file TV-compatible and ensures audio plays.
Per-ad layout adjustment​
Each ad row has a Layout button that opens a per-ad layout editor. Here you can preview the ad against a mock queue screen and fine-tune:
- Zoom (50–200%).
- Offset X / Offset Y to reposition the media.
- Vertical Panel Width (for vertical and V+H ads).
- Horizontal Panel Height (for horizontal and V+H ads).
These per-ad layout settings are saved against the ad so the positioning is remembered.
Disclaimer text​
You can configure a disclaimer that is shown on the Queue TV screen — useful for regulatory or privacy notices in the waiting area.