4.7 Firmware Available

BrightSign firmware version 4.7.96 is available on the Software Downloads page. The firmware download section is located below the BrightAuthor download section.

This firmware is compatible with the following models: HD120, HD220, HD1020, XD230, XD1030, and XD1230. Note that the update files for XD and HD players are different. Make sure to use the download link that corresponds to your player model.

Because the list of new features and fixes in this release is extensive, only the highlights are detailed below. For a more comprehensive list of new features, improvements, and bug fixes, please view the release notes, which are located on the Software Downloads page and contained in each .zip download file.

New Features

Improvements to HTML5 (XD only)

The speed and fluidity of HTML5 rendering has been substantially improved. Numerous transforms and transitions like rotate, move, and skew—which either failed to render or did not render well in previous versions—now work smoothly. Furthermore, the speed of canvas redrawing and the look of transparency fades have been improved.

The functionality of <video> elements has also been expanded: These elements can now be dynamically rotated; they integrate more smoothly with other HTML5 zones/layers; and they can play back video input from the RF Tuner (XD1230 only).

The HTML5 Best Practices guide has been updated to reflect these changes, including the expanded functionality of <video> elements. 

Upscaling to 4K (XD only)

Combined with the new 3.7.0.34 version of BrightAuthor, you can use XD players to upscale 1080p videos to 4K (3840x2160x30/29.97/25/24p). This is not the same as decoding true 4K content, but it does allow you to display compatible content on a 4K monitor while true decoding devices are hard to find.

IP Video Streaming

Players now support HLS, HTTP, UDP, and RTP video streaming playback. RTSP streaming is not fully supported as of yet: Currently, only RTSP streams that use MPEG2-TS encapsulation are compatible. See the Video Streaming FAQ for more details.

Gesture Touchscreen Support

Players are now compatible with numerous gesture/multi-touch models (see the revamped Touchscreen FAQ for details). Note that gesture support is only available through HTML5 pages. This means that, even though the HD1020 is compatible with the new touchscreen models listed in the release notes, there is currently no way to utilize gestures with this player. A new calibration script for 4.7 firmware is available on the Software Downloads page beneath the download link for this firmware.

Javascript Objects for BrightScript (XD Only)

These objects enable connecting events and data from the hardware (e.g. UDP, GPIO, device information) to HTML5 pages, allowing these pages to be almost as interactive as BrightAuthor presentations. See the Javascript Objects for BrightScript tech note for more details.

Background Image Zone Bug Fix

This version includes a fix for the Background Image zone flickering bug, which was detailed in a post on the Support Homepage last month.