The Adaptables Media Timer is an open-source media player designed to make complex multimedia scheduling simple and accessible. It supports all the standard audio-visual formats while also being capable of running dynamic formats like web applications and generative coding outputs.

The Media Timer was developed after noticing that existing media playback devices weren’t very suitable for modern media requirements. Too often, people were stuck with restrictive, basic scheduling limitations or had to convert rich interactive work into simplified video formats. The Media Timer offers a more flexible approach for exhibitions and installations.

The open-source software lets you easily synchronise your media across an unlimited number of schedules for each day of the week, accepting a much broader range of file types including Processing and Pure Data executables, P5.JS sketches and Python scripts. Built from refurbished hardware, the Media Timers help reduce tech waste while utilising the low power capabilities of single board computers to offer a carbon efficient, environmentally friendly alternative.

The Media Timer’s custom operating system “AdaptableOS” is built on Debian Linux. The configuration and initialisation software are built using Rust and offer accurate scheduling of media to the second (~10ms). The Media Timer software relies on systemd as the service manager. Acceptable media formats are audio, video, image, slideshow, web applications and executables. Getting started and technical example guides can be found here.

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All Adaptables kits are made by hand in Glasgow, UK. Our small team crafts each element of every Media Timer, developing our custom operating system and open source software, refurbishing devices and creating multifunctional recyclable cases and packaging.