Linux

The Linux Player installs on a PC plugged into one or more screens. It keeps its content on disk, keeps playing without Internet and updates itself.

For a Raspberry Pi, use the ready-made image instead: see Raspberry Pi.

RequirementsCopy Anchor Link

• An x86_64 PC running Debian 13 or Ubuntu 24.04.
• The WebKitGTK 4.1 and GTK 3 display libraries, and GStreamer with gst-libav to play H.264 videos.
• For kiosk mode: the cage package (sudo apt-get install cage).
• Administrator access (sudo).
• An Internet connection for pairing and the first content download.

The Player comes as a package (.tar archive). Download it from the download page, also linked in the app when you add a screen.

Choose the display modeCopy Anchor Link

Install the PlayerCopy Anchor Link

1. Copy the package to the PC and extract it into a folder.

2. Open a terminal in this folder.

3. Run the installation:

   • in kiosk mode:

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     sudo ./install.sh --kiosk

   • in a desktop session:

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     sudo ./install.sh

4. Desktop session only: set up automatic sign-in of the pixlova account in your display manager (for example GDM’s AutomaticLogin option).

5. Restart the PC.

The installation creates the pixlova system account, installs the Player and its services, then turns on automatic time sync (NTP) if none is already running. A clock that runs late delays new schedules by the same amount: if the PC’s time is managed some other way, add the --no-time-sync option.

By default, the Player connects to the Pixlova server. Only use the --api-url option if Pixlova tells you to.

Link the PC to a screenCopy Anchor Link

After the restart, each video output shows its own pairing code in the XXXX-XXXX format, valid for 5 minutes and renewed on its own.

1. In Pixlova, open Screens › All screens, click + Add a screen, then enter the code in Code shown on the screen (see Screens).
2. Schedule content for this screen.

The screen stays bound to the output whose code you entered. With several screens, repeat for each one.

As long as the Pixlova server cannot be reached, the Player shows “Connecting to the Pixlova server…” with the device name and its IP addresses, instead of a code.

LanguageCopy Anchor Link

The Player’s information screens (connection, pairing) follow the system language, set in /etc/locale.conf or /etc/default/locale.

UpdatesCopy Anchor Link

The Player checks every hour whether a new version has been published and installs it on its own. If it does not start properly, the Player goes back to the previous version. You can also trigger the update from the Player version card on its page in Pixlova (see Players).

DiagnosticsCopy Anchor Link

For a technician, these commands give the Player’s state:

sudo -u pixlova /var/lib/pixlova/versions/active/pixlova-agent diagnose   # report without secrets
journalctl -u pixlova-launcher -f                                         # Player logs

The Player’s content and identity are kept in /var/lib/pixlova.

If something goes wrongCopy Anchor Link

See the Troubleshooting page.