Current digital signage (DS) media players are not built on the traditional PC architecture. This is a significant distinction. Current DS media players are primarily multimedia gadgets with an Internet connection. They only have gear and software specialized for that function. Click here to know smd screen price in Pakistan.
Of course, there are now SoC displays in digital signs that have a reader (System on a Chip). SoC displays, on the other hand, cannot be compared to a powerful DS media player; SoC-based displays lack the processing power and software features required to take advantage of advanced tactics.
Real-time data fusion and analysis, for example, which are regular aspects of modern players, necessitate a significant amount of processing power. Typically, SoC-based displays lack the multiple I/O ports required to collect this data. This article, on the other hand, focuses on digital signage networks that demand more than a basic out-of-the-box solution.
Here are some other factors to consider when buying a new digital signage media player. This will not only help you choose a gadget that matches your immediate demands, but it will also help you “future-proof” your purchase.
CHECK THE CONNECTION OPTIONS OF YOUR MEDIA PLAYER
The media player’s connection is critical because it will be connected to the digital signage display. Players with only VGA or DVI connectors should be avoided because they both suggest an outdated graphics chip with a reduced resolution.
Look for a conventional HDMI connector that allows high-definition video with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. Better even, the top DS media players feature HDMI 2.0, which supports Ultra-HD, sometimes known as “4K,” with a resolution of 38402160@60fps.
Although HDMI provides high-definition audio, if your project requires it, a separate audio connection for distributed audio, such as a 3.5mm connector or an optical audio jack, may be necessary.
Another crucial port is available for network connections. It should ideally include both multi-port Ethernet and built-in WiFi. To connect to content sources with the best speed, reliability, and security, use 802.11ac, the most recent WiFi standard.
A USB connection (ideally V3.0) is also advantageous but not always required. If the player has to work offline, it can be used to update the firmware or create playlists. It can also be used to combine devices made by other companies.
When the digital signage network needs to connect with the client in some way, support for wireless interfaces goes from “nice to have” to “must have.” Bluetooth, beacons, NFC, or RS-232 (serial interface) can all be utilized to smoothly integrate into a bigger campaign. Each of these components could be necessary for real-time interaction with sensors and cell phones. Although the top digital signage players provide support for these elements, your application may require pre-programmed widgets to satisfy your specific requirements. This is typically accomplished through the use of industry-wide standardized APIs.
VERIFY MEMORY SCALABILITY
When selecting a media player for digital signage, memory type, and flexibility are frequently disregarded, but nothing may damage a media player faster than a lack of available memory. Current DS media players are suited for installations that require expandable memory and use a lot of high-resolution content (e.g., 4K).
DS media players have a storage architecture that is significantly more resilient than SoC displays for downloading and storing content locally. It can even be adapted to meet changing requirements.
Nevertheless, avoid media players with ordinary hard disk drives (HDDs)! They may be less expensive, but they tend to fail rapidly in the demanding environment of a digital signage player. HDDs are one of the most common causes of failure. Choose a modern player with a solid-state drive (SSD) or flash memory instead.
VERIFICATION OF SOFTWARE AND SUPPORTED FORMATS
Preferably, your Digital Signage Media Player should support all major operating system versions, including.
64-bit Windows 10
Windows 8.1 64bit, as well as Windows 7 32bit/64bit
Android 5.1 Linux Ubuntu 15.10 Ubuntu 16.04 LTS
Third-party multimedia engines are supported by all of these platforms. However, care must be taken to ensure that SMIL and HTML5 are supported, as these are the most advanced methods of accessing playlists from cloud servers; other methods, such as FTP, are also permitted, but this approach is obsolete and drastically limits the number of playlists available. Modern digital signage players with multicore processors will very certainly support a variety of third-party media playback engines, which could be software-only or hardware-based. The most robust media engines use SMIL or HTML5 programming and require the least amount of processor resources.
This is especially useful when watching the high-resolution video. Digital signage playlists are designed with the native screen resolution in mind. To minimize the unattractive pixelation of images on wide screens, it is critical to keep the resolution as high as possible.
Advanced graphics processing units (GPUs) are used in the top DS players to give hardware support for MP4, H.264, and H.265 codecs, reduce CPU load and enable seamless and reliable playback of ultra-high-resolution files. This additional hardware support does result in greater prices. But for digital signs, it is more crucial than saving a few dollars because it dramatically improves video playback. The greatest digital signage media players will be certified to support ultra-high definition (UHD) via HDMI 2.0.
COOLING REQUIREMENTS DETERMINATION
Another critical factor to consider is where the player should be installed. Of course, in some circumstances, placing the drive near the display is preferable. But no drive can tolerate excessive heat and humidity for a long. On-site failure can be costly. Therefore it’s worth evaluating before moving through with a permanent installation.
This is especially useful when watching the high-resolution video. Digital signage playlists are designed with the native screen resolution in mind. To minimize the unattractive pixelation of images on wide screens, it is critical to keep the resolution as high as possible.
Most readers are built to work in a specific temperature and humidity range. Most people will be fine within these parameters. It is advisable to keep these characteristics in mind when mounting the reader to ensure flexibility, as they lessen the thermal burden on the reader.
Chipsets for mobile devices
SSD (solid-state disk) or flash memory (not HDD)
Metal cooling fins integrated (instead of fans)
Construction with no fans
fewer than 65 watts (working)
PROTECTION AGAINST THEFT
The theft of digital signage players is not normally a severe issue. This is primarily due to the fact that the players are frequently located near or above the screen, making them inaccessible to inquisitive eyes. However,
If you require additional security precautions. Especially if your setup is easily accessible, most new media players include a Kensington security slot. Try it; it’s a versatile locking mechanism that efficiently stops the majority of thefts.
This is especially useful when watching the high-resolution video. Digital signage playlists are designed with the native screen resolution in mind. To minimize the unattractive pixelation of images on wide screens, it is critical to keep the resolution as high as possible.
If you must lock your media player. A succession of screw-in locks (such as Key-Rex) can prevent theft even in vulnerable regions.
These are just a few of the key specs and aspects to consider when selecting the best digital signage media player for your company.
You may make a more confident decision if you are aware of the latest trends and technologies that are emerging in this dynamic environment.
