Modern digital signage (DS) media players do not use typical PC architecture. This is an important distinction. Modern DS media players are essentially media appliances to the Internet. It is optimized with the right hardware and software for the task at hand.
Today's digital signage options include displays with integrated players, also known as SoC (system-on-a-chip). But SoC displays can't be compared to a strong DS media player. SoC-powered displays do not have the software and processing power to support advanced strategies.
It takes a lot of CPU power to combine and analyze data in real-time, which is a common feature on modern players. SoC displays lack the I/O ports necessary to capture this data. While SoC-powered displays are certainly useful, this article is not meant to be. However, digital signage networks that need more than an out-of-the box solution will be addressed.
These are additional considerations to make when looking for a new digital signage player. They will help you choose one that is both practical and future-proof.
The Connectivity Options in the Media Player are available.
Because they connect to your monitor for digital signs, the ports of the media player should be considered. Avoid players that only have VGA or DVI ports. These are indicators of older graphics chips with lower resolutions.
Standard HDMI ports should support native HD video resolutions of 1920x1080. The best DS media players support HDMI 2.0. This supports Ultra-HD (commonly called "4K") and is based upon a resolution 3840 x 2160 @ 60fps.
Although HDMI supports hi-def audio, it is still useful to have an audio port for distributed audio if this is required in your design. This can be done with either a 3.5mm or optical audio.
Another important port is the one for network connections. The ideal player will have built-in WiFi and multi-port GbEthernet. For wireless connections, choose the latest WiFi standard 802.11ac. This will ensure that you are connected to your content source at the fastest speed, reliability, security, and reliability.
A USB port is useful, but not always essential. You can use it to update firmware offline or to install a playlist, if you wish to run the player offline. It can also be used to integrate third-party devices.
Wireless interface support is essential if your digital signage network needs to engage customers. You can use Bluetooth, Beacons or NFC to integrate your digital signage network into a larger campaign. This support is built into the best digital signage players. However, some applications might require widgets to make it function for their specific needs. This is typically done via an API, which is supported by the entire industry.
Verify memory scaling
When shopping for a digital signage player, flexibility and memory type are often overlooked. However, a lack in available memory will quickly kill your media playlist. Modern DS media players are great for installations that require scalable memory. This is often due to the large amount of RAM-gobbling, high-resolution content (think 4K).
Because content is downloaded and stored locally, DS media players offer several memory options that are much more durable than SoC displays. It can even be expanded to meet your changing needs.
Avoid media players that use standard hard drives (HDD). Although they may be less expensive, they can quickly fail in the harsh environment of digital signage players. The main cause of field failures is the HDD. Opt for a modern player that uses either a solid-state drive or Flash memory, which are both widely available and durable.
Check out the Software and Formats Available
A digital signage media player should have the ability to run any version of all common operating systems.
- Windows 10 64bit
- Windows 8.1 64bit
- Windows 7 32bit/64bit
- Ubuntu 15.10
- Ubuntu 16.04 LTS
- Android 5.1
- Linux
All these platforms support third-party media engines. SMIL support or HTML5 support is recommended. This is the best way for players to access playlists from cloud-based servers. FTP is another option, but it's not as advanced and restricts your playlist options. The new digital signage player will support multiple third-party media playout engines. These engines can be either software-only or hardware-based. SMIL and HTML5 programming are the most reliable media engines, which require the least CPU power to run.
This is especially important for high-resolution videos. Digital signage playlists are made to match the display resolution so it is important to support the highest resolution possible. This will prevent ugly and unattractive pixelation on large screens.
Advanced graphics processor units (GPU) are used by the best DS players. They dedicate hardware to support MP4, H.264 and H.265 codecs. By saving a tremendous load on the CPU, advanced GPUs provide both glitch-free and reliable ultra-high-resolution playback. Although this hardware support can increase the cost of your computer, it also greatly improves video quality. In digital signage, this is even more important than just saving a few bucks. Digital signage media players that support Ultra-High Definition (UHD), HDMI 2.0 will be certified.
Define the cooling requirements
The location where the player will go is another important consideration. Mounting it near the display is a good option, but players cannot tolerate high heat or humidity for very long periods. It is worth taking the time to assess the situation before mounting the player permanently.
Nearly all players include a temperature and humidity range. Most players will work within the ranges specified. These features will allow you to increase flexibility in player mounting options. They all reduce heat load.
- Mobile chipsets
- Solid-state disk (SSD), Flash memory (no HHD)
- Instead of a fan, built-in metal cooling fins are used.
- Fanless design
- Below 65 watts (operating)
Prevention of Theft
It is rare for digital signage players to be tampered with. This is because they are often mounted close to or on the display which is unlikely to be accessible by Joe Public. But...
You will find that most new media players come with a Kensington Security Slot. This slot is useful for adding security to your installation, primarily because it is easily accessible. Make sure you use it! This universal locking system is effective in preventing most thefts.
There are many locking screws available on the market that can be used to secure your media player. Key-Rex will protect your media player from theft, even in the most vulnerable areas.
These are the main specifications and considerations to consider when purchasing the best digital signage media player for your company. There are likely to be others.
You can now choose the right one for you, knowing that you're up to date with all the latest technologies and trends in this dynamic landscape.
