Raspberry Pi Digital Signage: Yodeck vs Screenly Setup Guide

Last year I deployed twelve digital signage screens across a manufacturing facility. The quote from commercial vendors started at $400 per screen, plus monthly fees. We built the entire system using Raspberry Pi units for under $100 each, and the content management runs smoother than enterprise systems I’ve worked with costing ten times more.

Whether you need menu boards for a restaurant, information displays for a lobby, or promotional screens for retail, a raspberry pi kiosk setup delivers professional results at a fraction of commercial pricing. This guide compares the two leading platforms, yodeck raspberry pi and Screenly (Anthias), with complete setup instructions for both.

Why Raspberry Pi for Digital Signage?

The Raspberry Pi has become the go-to hardware for budget-conscious digital signage deployments. Its combination of low power consumption, small form factor, and capable graphics output makes it ideal for driving displays in virtually any environment.

Raspberry Pi Digital Signage Advantages

Advantage	Description
Cost	$35-80 per player vs $300-800 for commercial players
Power Consumption	5-15W vs 50-100W for PC-based solutions
Form Factor	Mounts behind any display, invisible installation
Flexibility	Open platform supports multiple software options
Scalability	Easy to replicate and deploy at scale
No Licensing	Hardware cost only, no per-device fees

Recommended Raspberry Pi Models for Digital Signage

Model	Resolution Support	RAM	Best For
Raspberry Pi 5	Dual 4K60	4GB/8GB	Multi-screen, complex layouts
Raspberry Pi 4	Dual 4K30	2GB/4GB/8GB	Most deployments (recommended)
Raspberry Pi 400	Dual 4K30	4GB	Keyboard-integrated setups
Raspberry Pi 3B+	1080p60	1GB	Budget single-screen
Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W	1080p60	512MB	Basic static content

For most raspberry pi kiosk applications, the Raspberry Pi 4 with 2GB RAM provides the best balance of capability and cost. The Pi 5 becomes worthwhile when running complex web dashboards or multiple displays.

Yodeck vs Screenly (Anthias): Platform Comparison

Both platforms transform a Raspberry Pi into a capable digital signage player, but they take fundamentally different approaches.

Feature Comparison

Feature	Yodeck	Screenly/Anthias
Pricing Model	Free (1 screen), Paid plans	Free and open source
Cloud Management	Yes, required	Optional (local or cloud)
Content Templates	200+ professional templates	None (bring your own)
Stock Media	Yes, included	No
Offline Playback	Yes, with caching	Yes, full local storage
Multi-screen Sync	Yes, native	Manual configuration
API Access	Yes, paid plans	Yes, open API
White Label	Enterprise plans	Yes, open source
Technical Skill Required	Low	Medium

Pricing Breakdown

Tier	Yodeck	Screenly Pro	Anthias (OSE)
1 Screen	Free forever	$20/month	Free
5 Screens	$39/month	$100/month	Free
10 Screens	$67/month	$200/month	Free
50 Screens	$279/month	Custom	Free
Enterprise	Custom	Custom	Free (self-hosted)

Yodeck wins for non-technical users who want plug-and-play simplicity with one free screen. Anthias (formerly Screenly OSE) wins for technical users managing multiple screens who want zero recurring costs.

Setting Up Yodeck Raspberry Pi Digital Signage

The yodeck raspberry pi setup prioritizes simplicity. Most users can have their first screen running within 15 minutes.

Yodeck Hardware Requirements

Component	Minimum	Recommended
Raspberry Pi	Pi 3B+ (1GB)	Pi 4 (2GB or 4GB)
SD Card	8GB Class 10	16GB+ Class 10
Power Supply	2.5A	3A (official)
Display	HDMI compatible	1080p or 4K
Network	WiFi or Ethernet	Ethernet preferred

Yodeck Installation Steps

Step 1: Create Yodeck Account

Visit yodeck.com and create a free account. The free tier supports one screen indefinitely with full features.

Step 2: Download Yodeck Image

From your Yodeck dashboard, navigate to Downloads and get the latest Raspberry Pi image for your model.

Step 3: Flash SD Card

Use Raspberry Pi Imager or Balena Etcher to write the image:

1. Insert SD card into computer
2. Open imaging software
3. Select downloaded Yodeck image
4. Select target SD card
5. Write image (takes 5-10 minutes)

Step 4: Configure Network (Optional)

For WiFi deployment, edit SETTINGS.txt on the boot partition:

wifi_network=YourSSID

wifi_password=YourPassword

wifi_country=US

Step 5: First Boot

1. Insert SD card into Raspberry Pi
2. Connect HDMI to display
3. Connect Ethernet (or use WiFi configured above)
4. Apply power

The screen displays a registration code after 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Register Player

In your Yodeck dashboard:

1. Click “Add Screen”
2. Enter the registration code shown on display
3. Name your screen
4. Assign content

Yodeck Content Management

Content Type	Supported Formats
Images	JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP
Video	MP4, MOV, AVI, WebM
Documents	PDF, PowerPoint
Web Content	URLs, HTML5, Dashboards
Apps	Weather, Social, News, Clock
Streaming	YouTube, Vimeo

Yodeck’s template library provides pre-designed layouts for common use cases including menu boards, corporate communications, retail promotions, and wayfinding displays.

Setting Up Screenly (Anthias) Digital Signage

Anthias, formerly Screenly OSE, is the most popular open-source raspberry pi kiosk solution. It requires more technical setup but offers complete control and zero ongoing costs.

Anthias Hardware Requirements

Component	Minimum	Recommended
Raspberry Pi	Pi 3B (1GB)	Pi 4 or Pi 5
SD Card	8GB	32GB+
Power Supply	Model-appropriate	Official supply
Display	HDMI compatible	1080p+
Network	WiFi or Ethernet	Ethernet

Anthias Installation Method 1: Pre-built Image

The easiest installation uses Raspberry Pi Imager:

Step 1: Download and install Raspberry Pi Imager

Step 2: Launch Imager and select:

• Device: Your Raspberry Pi model
• OS: Other specific-purpose OS → Digital Signage and Kiosks → Anthias

Step 3: Configure settings (gear icon):

• Set hostname
• Enable SSH
• Configure WiFi credentials
• Set username and password

Step 4: Write to SD card

Step 5: Boot Raspberry Pi

The initial boot takes 5-10 minutes as Anthias configures itself. The screen will display the IP address when ready.

Anthias Installation Method 2: Script Installation

For existing Raspberry Pi OS installations:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

bash <(curl -sL https://install-anthias.srly.io)

Follow the prompts to complete installation. This method takes 20-30 minutes.

Accessing Anthias Web Interface

Once booted, access the management interface:

1. Note the IP address shown on screen
2. Open browser on any networked device
3. Navigate to http://[IP-ADDRESS]:9000

The dashboard provides content management, scheduling, and system settings.

Adding Content in Anthias

Method	Use Case
URL	Live web pages, dashboards, YouTube
Upload	Images, videos, local files
Scheduling	Time-based content rotation
Duration	Per-asset display time

Adding a URL Asset:

1. Click “Add Asset”
2. Select “URL” tab
3. Enter web address
4. Set display duration
5. Configure active dates/times
6. Save

Uploading Local Files:

1. Click “Add Asset”
2. Select “Upload” tab
3. Drag files or browse
4. Configure duration and schedule
5. Save

DIY Raspberry Pi Kiosk Mode Setup

For custom raspberry pi kiosk deployments without dedicated signage software, Chromium’s kiosk mode provides a lightweight solution.

Basic Kiosk Configuration

Step 1: Install Raspberry Pi OS Desktop

Step 2: Update system:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 3: Install required packages:

sudo apt install -y unclutter xdotool

Step 4: Create kiosk script:

nano ~/kiosk.sh

Add the following content:

#!/bin/bash

xset s noblank

xset s off

xset -dpms

unclutter -idle 0.5 -root &

sed -i ‘s/”exited_cleanly”:false/”exited_cleanly”:true/’ ~/.config/chromium/Default/Preferences

sed -i ‘s/”exit_type”:”Crashed”/”exit_type”:”Normal”/’ ~/.config/chromium/Default/Preferences

/usr/bin/chromium-browser –noerrdialogs –disable-infobars –kiosk https://your-url-here.com

Step 5: Make executable:

chmod +x ~/kiosk.sh

Step 6: Configure autostart:

mkdir -p ~/.config/autostart

nano ~/.config/autostart/kiosk.desktop

Add:

[Desktop Entry]

Type=Application

Name=Kiosk

Exec=/home/pi/kiosk.sh

Step 7: Enable autologin via raspi-config:

sudo raspi-config

Navigate to System Options → Boot / Auto Login → Desktop Autologin

Chromium Kiosk Options

Option	Function
–kiosk	Full-screen, no UI elements
–noerrdialogs	Suppress error popups
–disable-infobars	Hide information bars
–incognito	No history or cache persistence
–start-maximized	Maximize window
–disable-translate	No translation prompts

Deployment Best Practices

Hardware Considerations

Factor	Recommendation
Cooling	Use heatsinks for 24/7 operation
Power	UPS or quality power supply
Storage	Industrial-grade SD cards
Mounting	VESA mount or behind-display case
Network	Wired Ethernet where possible

Content Optimization

Resolution	File Size Target	Frame Rate
720p	Under 50MB	30fps
1080p	Under 100MB	30fps
4K	Under 200MB	30fps

Optimize video files before upload. The Pi 4 handles H.264 video efficiently but struggles with H.265/HEVC.

Security Considerations

Measure	Implementation
Change Defaults	New SSH password immediately
Network Isolation	Separate VLAN for signage
Remote Access	VPN or Tailscale, not port forwarding
Updates	Regular security patches
Physical	Locked enclosures in public areas

Useful Resources

Resource	URL	Description
Yodeck	yodeck.com	Official platform
Anthias GitHub	github.com/Screenly/Anthias	Open source project
Screenly Pro	screenly.io	Commercial Screenly
PiSignage	pisignage.com	Alternative platform
Info-Beamer	info-beamer.com	Developer-focused option
Raspberry Pi Imager	raspberrypi.com/software	Official imaging tool
FullPageOS	github.com/guysoft/FullPageOS	Kiosk-focused OS

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for beginners, Yodeck or Screenly?

For complete beginners, yodeck raspberry pi offers the smoothest experience. The free tier provides one screen with full features, professional templates, and cloud management without any technical configuration. Screenly’s open-source version (Anthias) requires more Linux knowledge but costs nothing regardless of screen count. Choose Yodeck to get running quickly, Anthias to learn more and save money long-term.

Can Raspberry Pi handle 4K digital signage content?

Yes, but with limitations. The Raspberry Pi 4 and Pi 5 support 4K output, but 4K video playback stresses the hardware. For smooth performance, use 1080p video content even on 4K displays, or keep 4K content to static images and simple animations. The Pi 5 handles 4K video better than the Pi 4, but 1080p remains the practical sweet spot for most digital signage deployments.

How reliable is Raspberry Pi for 24/7 digital signage operation?

With proper setup, Raspberry Pi systems run reliably for years. Key factors include using quality power supplies (not cheap phone chargers), industrial-grade SD cards, adequate cooling, and watchdog timers to auto-recover from crashes. I’ve deployed Pi-based signage running continuously for over three years. Both Yodeck and Anthias include watchdog functionality to restart automatically if problems occur.

Can I manage multiple screens from one location?

Yes. Yodeck provides centralized cloud management where you can control hundreds of screens from any browser. Content can be pushed to all screens simultaneously or customized per location. Anthias requires either manual configuration of each unit or setting up your own synchronization system, though the commercial Screenly Pro adds cloud management to the open-source foundation.

What happens if the network goes down?

Both platforms cache content locally, so screens continue displaying the last-loaded content during network outages. Yodeck pre-downloads all scheduled content to the SD card. Anthias stores assets locally by default. Video files play from local storage rather than streaming. When connectivity returns, players automatically reconnect and sync any updated content without manual intervention.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Display Problems

Issue	Cause	Solution
No video output	Wrong HDMI port	Use HDMI0 (nearest USB-C on Pi 4)
Black borders	Overscan enabled	Disable overscan in raspi-config
Wrong resolution	Auto-detect failure	Force resolution in config.txt
Screen tearing	Compositor issue	Enable VSync in display settings

Network Issues

Issue	Cause	Solution
Cannot register	Firewall blocking	Allow outbound HTTPS (port 443)
Content not updating	DNS issues	Use static DNS (8.8.8.8)
Intermittent drops	WiFi interference	Switch to Ethernet
Slow loading	Bandwidth limited	Reduce content resolution

Performance Optimization

For smooth raspberry pi kiosk operation:

# Add to /boot/config.txt for better performance

gpu_mem=256

disable_overscan=1

hdmi_force_hotplug=1

Restart after changes:

sudo reboot

Content Not Displaying

Symptom	Check	Fix
Video won’t play	Codec support	Convert to H.264 MP4
Images stretched	Aspect ratio	Match content to screen ratio
Web page blank	JavaScript errors	Check browser console
Playlist stuck	Scheduling conflict	Verify date/time settings

Alternative Digital Signage Platforms

Beyond Yodeck and Anthias, several other platforms support Raspberry Pi:

Platform	Cost	Highlights
PiSignage	$25/year	Affordable, good for small deployments
Info-Beamer	€9.90/month	Developer-focused, powerful API
FullPageOS	Free	Single URL display, minimal features
DAKboard	Free tier	Calendar and widget focused
Xibo	Free (self-hosted)	Enterprise features, complex setup

Each platform serves different use cases. PiSignage offers the best value for small businesses. Info-Beamer appeals to developers wanting programmatic control. FullPageOS works for simple single-page displays.

Choosing Your Digital Signage Platform

For a single raspberry pi kiosk display with minimal hassle, Yodeck’s free tier delivers professional results immediately. The templates and stock media library save hours of content creation time.

For technical users deploying multiple screens, Anthias eliminates recurring costs while providing full control over the system. The learning curve pays dividends in flexibility and independence from vendor lock-in.

Either approach costs a fraction of commercial alternatives while delivering comparable functionality. The Raspberry Pi’s combination of low cost, low power, and capable graphics has made it the default choice for budget-conscious digital signage deployments worldwide.

Start with one screen to validate your content strategy, then scale confidently knowing the platform handles hundreds of displays as easily as one.

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