Media Player for Digital Signage

Media Player Models and Types

The media player is a rising star in modern computing. Displaying digital content, usually programmed by CMS, is exciting new computing segment. The original NUC from Intel helped kick things off along with Chrome boxes and players. No more is the big fat Dell Optiplex but instead a tiny media computer often embedded in the large display screen.

For best reliable US options options we recommend Elotouch and Insight-Touch.

Examples of Media Player

Windows media player is still the most common
Android (also Chrome) are fast becoming the low-cost standard
Competing with Android are the linux-based players
Mobile phones are beginning to be used as WiFi players
Remote monitoring, content management and reporting are mandatory
Many come in AIO configuration which includes a screen, often with touch
SOC built into monitors (Samsung, LG, Sony, etc)

Some of the notable real-life media player examples include:

The Elo Backpack for Android
Insight Touch
Pyramid Computer
Rise NUC with i3 ($615)
ShiningLTD ($300)
AOPEN ($850)
MINIX ($280)
Ubuntu Linux on Amazon ($199)
Brightsign ($250)
Raspberry PI ($80)
ASUS
ViewSonic
MUXWAVE – digital posters driven by mobile phone WiFi

Key Features of Digital Signage Media Players

Content Playback: Supports various file formats like MP4, PNG, HTML, and streaming media.
Connectivity: Equipped with Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Bluetooth capabilities.
Remote Management: Allows control and updates of content remotely from a CMS.
4K/UHD Support: Capable of displaying content in ultra-high-definition.
Interactive Capabilities: Some players support touchscreen or sensor input.
Scheduling: Ability to schedule content to play at specific times.
Storage: Options for local or cloud storage for caching content.

Quick Recommendations

Historically Windows-based players have been the majority
Generally people go cheap with consumer-grade Windows and end up suffering patch management issues
Going cheap with Windows often means a low-powered Celeron
Industrial and dedicated (aka purpose built) is top reliability
Brightsign is a longtime player in that space
A “fixed” Android image is better than the latest Android since you want to minimize management and issues
Elotouch is great option for that
Linux is super reliable (Debian or Ubuntu), super cheap, and extremely easy to manage.
Intel CPUs like the i7 and corresponding graphic processors are ideal
Intel CPU should be proven and modern
- 13th and 14th gen Raptor
- 12th gen Alder
You want a computer designed for graphic display, not for running Windows and its incumbent overhead
Windows is best for integrating into most networks, however, bear in mind these devices are out in the public and susceptible to being hacked
Lockdown software to prevent USB insertion is available (Sitekiosk and KioWare e.g.)
Software
- Sitekiosk has own CMS for digital signage
- Nanonation has very mature system
- LG has its software CMS for its SOC. LG also does thin client as well so quite accomplished and wide choice.