Consider Anthias if…
You want free, self-hosted software to loop images, videos, and web pages on a device you already own.
A CLOSER LOOK
Zonecast vs. Anthias
Open-source signage for a Raspberry Pi or PC, formerly Screenly OSE, compared with multi-location audio programming.
What you’re choosing between.
Anthias, formerly Screenly OSE, documents free self-hosted signage for Raspberry Pi and x86 PCs. Its site describes images, videos, and web pages, start and end dates, asset duration, and a REST API. Its FAQ says managing many screens from one account is the separate Screenly product, and Anthias is for people comfortable managing individual devices. As of October 2026, that is a per-screen signage player, not music and timed announcements across audio zones. Sources below ↓
Zonecast manages your own audio catalogs, playlists, schedules, campaigns, and announcements across locations and audio zones. Run its MIT-licensed core for one account, or use the paid cloud for multiple accounts. The agent is in early access. AI-generated announcements and player apps are not available yet.
Consider Zonecast if…
You need one program for music, timed announcements, and audio zones across many locations, self-hosted or on Zonecast Cloud.
| What matters | Anthias | Zonecast |
|---|---|---|
| Primary job | Self-hosted signage on a Pi or PC | Location audio programming |
| Content | Images, videos, web pages, and live streams | Owned catalogs, playlists, campaigns, and announcements |
| Scheduling | Start and end dates, duration, and playlist order | Weekly music and exact local-time announcements |
| Scale | FAQ: individual devices; fleet accounts are the separate Screenly product | Many locations and zones in one account; multiple accounts in Cloud |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, GPLv2 | MIT-licensed core, or managed multi-account cloud |
Start with your real requirements.
List the locations, audio zones, and accounts you need to manage. Separate your need for music content from your need for scheduling software. Then confirm playback-device support and deployment responsibilities with the vendor.
Zonecast does not include a licensed music catalog. The self-hosted edition has no license fee for its MIT components, but you operate the infrastructure. The cloud edition is $1 per audio zone. Billing period to be confirmed. See the product before making your choice.
FAQ
Is Anthias the same as Screenly OSE?
Yes. Anthias’s FAQ says it is the project formerly called Screenly OSE, renamed in December 2022.
Does Anthias manage a fleet from one account?
Its FAQ says to choose Screenly for multi-screen management from a single account, and Anthias if you manage individual devices.
Sources & review date
Reviewed October 25, 2026, as of October 2026. Comparisons describe publicly documented capabilities, not a hands-on test. Plans and availability can change. Product names belong to their respective owners; no affiliation is implied.
THE OPEN PLATFORM
In-store media,
with the source open.
Music and announcements are ready to run. Get early access to the agent.