How do you choose between random playback and sequential playback?

The choice between Random (R) and Sequential (S) playback modes is a structural decision that defines the user experience of your installation.

With the NanoPlayer Box, this choice is not made via a menu but directly through the naming of your folders and files on the SD card.

Here are the technical keys to choosing the mode best suited to your usage scenario.

Random Playback (Mode R or N)

This mode is ideal when the order of playback is not important or when you want to avoid monotony for the audience or on-site staff.

• Typical Use Cases: Background music in a store, natural sound effects in a museum, or varied promotional messages at a point of sale.
• Behavior (Letter R): The player randomly selects from all files in the folder and plays them in a loop.
• Behavior (Letter N - Folder 1 only): With each contact (pulse), the player selects and plays a single random file, then stops.
• Practical Advantage: File naming is completely free (e.g., birds.mp3, wind.wav). You do not need to number them.

Sequential Playback (Mode S or T)

This mode is essential as soon as you have a narrative logic, progression, or an ordered list of messages.

• Typical Use Cases: Information kiosks with a "Next" button, guided tours by steps, or numbered alert messages.
• Behavior (Letter S): The player strictly follows the numerical order of the files contained in the folder.
• Behavior (Letter T - Folder 1 only): With each contact, the player plays the next file in the list order, and only one.
• Naming Constraint: For the order to be respected, your file names must start with 3 digits (e.g., 001.mp3, 002.wav, 003.mp3). If you mix numbered and unnumbered files in sequential mode, only the numbered files will be played.

Comparative Table for Your Choice

Autonomy Advice

If you are hesitant, remember that 0R1 mode (Random with jump per contact) is often highly appreciated for musical backgrounds, as it allows you to manually change tracks without ever feeling like you are restarting the same list.

Conversely, for an interactive kiosk where a visitor must listen to a series of instructions, 0S1 mode is the absolute standard to ensure message consistency.

Technical Note: Remember that any mode change (changing the letter in the folder name) requires removing the SD card with the player powered off for the change to take effect at the next restart.