Live vs test mode for displays

When you create a display, Lumicast asks How will you use it?: choose Live for live mode or Try it out for test mode. Both behave identically — the difference is cost and how long the display can be active.

Cost

• Test — free. Not billed.
• Live — uses one of the display licenses in your subscription.

How long the display can be active

• Test — active for 30 minutes from the moment the player opens the display. After that the player stops showing content and shows Test mode expired instead.
• Live — runs 24/7.

When test mode expires

"Test mode expired" after 30 minutes?

If a test display suddenly stops showing content and shows Test mode expired, it has hit the 30-minute test-mode limit. The timer starts when the player opens the display — not when you create it.

To keep the display running past 30 minutes, switch it to Live:

1. Go to Displays and open the display.
2. Open General and, under Mode, choose Live instead of Try it out.
3. Click Save. The player picks up the change and resumes playback.

A live display uses one of your subscription's display licenses. If none are left, Lumicast shows Display limit exceeded and you need to upgrade first. See Billing for pricing.

When to use test mode

Test mode is designed for short-lived checks:

• Previewing a playlist or page on real hardware before committing
• Demoing Lumicast to a colleague
• Verifying pairing, network, or player-install setup

For anything permanent — a wall-mounted display, a reception display, a menu board — use Live from the start so the display never stops unexpectedly.