Pi-Player

A simple remotely controlled video and image player for a linux based computer. Currently working on Ubuntu 22.04. Not currently working in Raspbian.

Setup

Run setup script:

sudo ./setup.sh
# OR Ansible playbook, with your own inventory file:
ansible-playbook -i ansible/inventory.yml ansible/playbook.yaml

Logout or restart.

Test project:

systemctl --user start pi-player
# Check the status of the running service:
systemctl --user status pi-player
# You might have to update the config file at ~/.config/pi-player/config.json

Access the server from a browser to make sure it's running properly. Use the following address:.http://<device-ip-address>:8080/control

Reboot the PC and make sure that the program still runs on boot correctly.

A black screen should be displayed once the Pi has booted and you should have control from the webpage <ip-address>:8080/control

Preferences that can't be set with gsettings:

• Set bluetooth off.
• Set Privacy/Connectivity checking to disabled.
• Sound Settings:
  • Set System volume to 100%.
• Power Settings:
  • Set Power mode to Performance (Some machines don't have this).
• Set Displays/refresh rate to 50Hz.

Setup Samba shares if required:

sudo apt install samba
# setup user account. Note: this user has to already exist locally.
sudo smbpasswd -a sandtonvisuals
# enter password for this user. It can be the same password as the local user.

# creat directory that will be shared.
mkdir -p ~/Documents/media
# edit the samba configuration file.
sudo vim /etc/samba/smb.conf

At the bottom of the file, add the following:

[media]
    comment = Twinkle 2 media
    path = /home/sandtonvisuals/documents/media
    read only = no
    browsable = yes

# restart the samba service
sudo systemctl restart smbd