Glossary A–ZLetter R
Remote restart
A remote restart is a command from the management software that restarts a player or its playback app without anyone being on site.
A distinction is made between restarting the app and restarting the whole device.
If playback has hung, a restart is often the quickest way back to normal operation and saves a trip. Some operators also schedule a regular restart, say once a night, so that slowly growing problems such as filling memory do not build up. The command reaches the device over its existing connection to the management software, usually with the next poll.
A restart treats symptoms, not causes; if the problem recurs, the log and software version should be examined. It only works as long as the device still has contact; the command cannot reach a device that has crashed completely or has no power. Watchdogs, Wake-on-LAN or switchable sockets exist for that. After a restart, the device should return to playback on its own, which can be tested before the rollout. A browser-based player generally cannot restart the computer it runs on.