How to keep the display on during audio/video playback (XAML)
Learn how to keep the display on while playing back local or streaming video by using the DisplayRequest class. Normally, a device running a Windows Runtime app will dim the display (and eventually turn it off) to save battery life when the user is away, but video apps need to keep the screen on so the user can see the video. The DisplayRequest class lets you tell Windows to keep the display turned on so the user can see the video.
To see this feature in action as part of a complete media-playback sample, see Media playback, start to finish.
What you need to know
Technologies
Prerequisites
- This topic shows how to add code to an existing multimedia app. In particular, your app should have code for the video player event handlers. For more info on creating audio and video apps, see Quickstart: video and audio and Streaming media to devices using Play To.
Instructions
Step 1: Create a DisplayRequest object
Create a global DisplayRequest variable. Initialize it to null.
Step 2: Activate the DisplayRequest just before starting video playback
Call requestActive to notify Windows that the app requires the display to remain on.
The following example activates the request before starting video playback:
Step 3: Deactivate the DisplayRequest when video playback stops or is paused
Call requestRelease to release the display request whenever video playback is stopped, paused, or interrupted by a playback error. When your app no longer has any active display requests, Windows will save battery life by dimming the display (and eventually turn it off) when the device is not being used.
The following example deactivates the request:
Remarks
You can also use this API to keep the screen on while giving directions in a GPS app. In this case, substitute navigation events for video playback events.
To see similar code in the context of functions, download the display power state sample.
Related topics