At Cenareo, our player utilizes an intelligent detection system via the HDMI port. The purpose of this mechanism is specific: to ensure that your content is actually being displayed before it is recorded in your statistics.
While this system is reliable in over 90% of cases—particularly with professional monitors—detection relies on electronic protocols that depend on your hardware (screen type, cable quality, and power supply).
This article explains:
The technical inner workings of the detection system.
Various scenarios (standby mode, unplugged cables, etc.).
Why certain edge cases may prevent perfect detection.
Backup solutions that can be activated by our technical support team.
HDMI Detection: How It Works and Troubleshooting
While our automatic detection system is designed to be reliable in 90% of cases (especially when paired with our professional monitors), certain external factors—such as cables or screen types—can occasionally affect playback.
🔍 How does the detection work?
Our player analyzes whether an HDMI cable is connected to an active source.
HDMI Detected: Content is broadcast, and statistics (prints) are recorded.
No HDMI Detected: Playback stops automatically to prevent recording "ghost" impressions (displays that aren't actually visible).
Detection Scenarios
Here are the different scenarios you may encounter:
Situation | Detected | Active |
1. HDMI cable not plugged into the player | ❌ NO HDMI | NO |
2. HDMI cable connected to the player but unplugged at the screen. | ❌ NO HDMI | NO |
3. Connected to a display with no power or defective (unplugged from the mains). | ❌ NO HDMI | NO |
4. Connected to a display in standby mode or turned off (but still receiving power). | ✅ HDMI DETECTED | YES |
5. Connected to a powered-on display set to a different source (e.g., TV). * | ✅ HDMI DETECTED | YES |
6. Defective HDMI cable * | ⚠️ RANDOM | Variable |
Exceptions and the "Force Display" Option
Exceptions and the "Force Display" Option
In rare cases (less than 5%), a display may not be detected at all, even when everything appears to be set up correctly. This is generally not a fault of the player, but rather a configuration incompatibility between the HDMI protocol and the screen.
The "Force Display" Option
To address this, an option called "Force Display" is available in the administration panel.
What is it for? It forces content playback regardless of the detected state of the HDMI port.
Who can activate it? This option is managed exclusively by the Cenareo team.
How to identify it? If this option is active, a warning message will appear in the screen’s playback statistics:
"Playback on this screen is currently forced (Detection issue encountered). For more information, please contact support."
Common Misdiagnoses to Avoid
If you encounter a detection issue, replacing the hardware will not resolve the problem. This is typically a technical configuration matter involving the interaction between the cable, the display, and HDMI protocols rather than a hardware failure.