Today, Anthias is the "go-to" for portable and single-screen setups because it doesn't require a cloud connection—the management interface runs on your local network Top 9 open source digital signage software solutions (2026)
is the leading open-source digital signage software for the Raspberry Pi . While it traditionally powers static displays like menu boards and retail screens, a growing community of creators is pushing its boundaries. Deploying a portable Screenly Anthias setup unlocks massive potential for mobile businesses, field researchers, and event organizers who need powerful visual displays on the move. What is Screenly Anthias?
Update menus on the fly. If an item sells out, use your phone to log into the Anthias dashboard via a hotspot and remove the item from the digital menu board instantly. Real Estate Open Houses
If you have a Raspberry Pi, an old computer, and a TV with an HDMI port, you have everything you need to build your own professional digital sign in minutes—without spending a penny on software.
Anthias is uniquely suited for mobile and temporary setups due to its lightweight architecture and offline capabilities.
Unlike many modern digital signage solutions that force you into a cloud subscription, Anthias runs entirely on your own hardware. It turns a Raspberry Pi or an old PC into a full‑featured digital sign that plays images, videos, and web pages in a scheduled slideshow. You manage everything through a simple web interface—no proprietary software to install, no monthly fees, and no vendor lock‑in.
Encode videos in H.264 MP4 format at 1080p. Avoid unnecessarily high bitrates to minimize CPU strain and battery drain.
Before leaving your home or office, pre-configure the Anthias Wi-Fi settings to connect to your smartphone's mobile hotspot.
Look for a power bank with Power Delivery (PD) capable of outputting at least 5V/3A for the Pi, and enough wattage to simultaneously power the screen if pass-through charging is used.
She stopped. She stepped down into the basement, her eyes fixed on the monitor. The sound of the storm filled the room, rich and immersive through the external speakers Elias had jury-rigged.
represents a powerful shift in how businesses, educators, and hobbyists deploy digital signage. Anthias, the open-source version of Screenly, has long been a favorite for turning a Raspberry Pi into a dedicated digital sign. Taking Anthias "portable" introduces a new paradigm: displaying dynamic content anywhere, completely free from the constraints of permanent wall mounts, fixed power outlets, and wired internet connections. What is Screenly Anthias?
The name “Anthias” was inspired during a team visit to an aquarium, where a fish with a similar color to the Screenly brand was spotted.
The project is not static. After a period of slower development, Anthias is with a major release (v2026.05.0) and a clear roadmap. Recent and upcoming improvements focus on a faster, more responsive user interface, smoother hardware-accelerated video playback, built-in portrait/landscape rotation, and effortless upgrades that preserve all your settings. This renewed focus is great news for the community, promising an even more robust and user-friendly platform in the future.
Optimized to run flawlessly on low-power single-board computers. Why Go Portable?
