Modern digital signage (DS) media players do not use typical PC architecture. This is a crucial distinction. A modern DS media player is essentially a media device for the Internet. It contains hardware and software optimized to perform the task at hand, nothing more.

Of course, current options for digital signage include displays with built-in players called SoC (system on a chip). However, SoC displays cannot be fairly compared to a robust DS media player. Displays with SoC technology lack the processing power and software features to take advantage of advanced strategies.

For example, it requires significant CPU power to aggregate and analyze data in real time, which is a standard feature in modern players. Additionally, SoC displays generally lack the various I / O ports required to capture this data. So as not to be negative on SoC-powered displays, they serve their purpose, but this article focuses on digital signage networks that require more than a limited out-of-the-box solution.

Here are some additional things to consider when shopping for a new digital signage media player, to help you select one that meets your immediate needs, as well as provide some built-in “future proofs”.

Check the media player connectivity options

The ports on the media player are important because they connect to the monitor that you will use for digital signals. Avoid players that only have VGA or DVI ports, which are indicators of older graphics chips with lower resolutions.

Look for standard HDMI ports that support native HD video at 1920 x 1080 resolutions. Better yet, the best DS media players will support HDMI 2.0, which supports Ultra-HD, commonly called “4K,” and is based on a 3840 x 2160 resolution. at 60 fps.

Although HDMI supports high definition audio, it can be useful to have a separate audio port for distributed audio, if necessary in your design. A 3.5mm jack or optical audio works well for this requirement.

The other important port is for the network connection. Ideal gamers will have both multi-port Gb-Ethernet and built-in WiFi. If you’re using a wireless connection, look for the latest 802.11ac WiFi standard, which will connect you to your content source with the highest speed, reliability, and security.

It is also useful, but not always necessary, to have a USB port (preferably V 3.0). It can be used for offline firmware updates or even to install a playlist if you want to run the player offline. It can also be used to integrate third-party devices.

If your digital signage network requires some kind of customer commitment, wireless interface support becomes a “nice to have” or a “must have.” For example, for seamless integration into a larger campaign, you’ll want to take advantage of Bluetooth, Beacons, NFC, or RS-232 (serial port), any of which may be required to handle real-time sensors or smartphone interaction. The best digital signage players come with this built-in support, although applications may require programmed widgets to work for specific requirements. This is generally done via an API and is generally supported by the industry.

Check memory scalability

Memory type and flexibility are often overlooked when buying a digital signage media player, but nothing will kill your media playlist faster than a lack of available memory. Modern DS media players excel in installations where scalable memory is needed, often due to the amount of high-resolution content that consumes RAM (think 4K).

Since content is downloaded and stored locally on a DS media player, its architecture offers several memory options that are significantly more robust than SoC displays. In fact, it can be expanded according to your changing needs.

However, avoid media players with standard hard disk drives (HDD). They may cost less, but they break down quickly in the harsh environment of a digital signage player. A hard drive is the leading cause of failure in the field. Instead, go for a modern player design that uses a solid-state drive (SSD) or Flash memory that is commonly available and tough as a nail.

Check the supported software and formats

Ideally, a digital signage media player should be able to run all versions of common operating systems, including,

• Windows 10 64-bit
• Windows 8.1 64-bit
• Windows 7 32-bit / 64-bit
• Ubuntu 15.10
• Ubuntu 16.04 LTS
• Android 5.1
• Linux

Any of these platforms will support third-party media engines. However, look for support for SMIL or HTML5, which is the more advanced method for gamers to get playlists from cloud-based servers. Other methods work too, like FTP, but this method is old school and significantly limits your playlist options. A new digital signage player with a multi-core CPU will likely support many third-party media playback engines which may be software only or may include hardware. The most reliable media engines that require the least CPU power to run will use SMIL or HTML5 programming.

This is most important when playing high-resolution videos. Since digital signage playlists are designed to match the screen’s native resolution, it is crucial to support the highest possible resolution to avoid the dreaded ugly image pixelation on large screens.

The best DS players take advantage of an advanced graphics processor unit (GPU), which dedicates hardware to support MP4, H.264 and H.265 codecs. By saving a huge load on the CPU, advanced GPUs provide reliable and flawless ultra-high-resolution playback. Of course, this additional hardware support increases the cost, but it also significantly improves the quality of video playback, and in digital signage, this is more important than saving a few dollars. The best digital signage media players will be certified to support ultra high definition (UHD) on HDMI 2.0.

Define cooling requirements

Another important consideration is the location where the player will be installed. Certainly mounting it close to the screen is usually the best route, but no gamer can tolerate extreme hot and humid conditions for long periods of time. Because field failures are expensive, they are worth evaluating before permanently mounting the player.

Almost all players will include a specification for the operating temperature range and humidity. Most will work well within the specified ranges. The best way to add flexibility to your player’s mounting options is to look for these features, all of which reduce the heat load on the player:

• Mobile chip sets
• Solid state disk (SSD) or Flash memory (without HDD)
• Integrated metal cooling fins (instead of fan)
• Fanless design
• Less than 65 watts (operating)

Theft prevention

Handling digital signage players is usually not a major issue, mainly because the player is often mounted close to or on the screen, which is probably out of Joe Public’s reach. However …

If your installation requires more security, mainly because the player is within easy reach, you will find that most newer media players include a Kensington security slot. Use it! This universal locking system works well to prevent most theft.

But if it is absolutely necessary to lock your media player, there are many locking screws on the market (for example, Key-Rex) that will prevent theft even in the most prone areas.

Here are some of the key specifications and factors to consider when shopping for the best digital signage media players for your business today. You may also be able to think of others.

Now that you are up to date with the latest trends and technologies emerging in this dynamic landscape, you can choose one with more confidence!