Media player+display vs SoC display

In this opinion column, Pablo Trains, Business Development Manager at Concept International Spain, Explains why system integrators of large digital signage networks bet on dedicated players.

When buying digital signage hardware, System integrators are spoilt for choice. For the distribution of your multimedia and HTML content, They can use a dedicated media player with display or a display with 'system on a chip' (Soc).

While a media player externally connects one or more monitors, with so-called SoC displays, the CPU, the GPU, Memory and operating system are integrated into the display board and permanently incorporated into the display. These systems do not require an additional external media player.

For the world of digital signage, Both solutions have their justification. However, Large network system integrators rely primarily on dedicated players. For various reasons:

They are customizable and configurable with flexibility

Unlike SoC systems, Media players allow components to be assembled based on customer requirements. Users can configure their players to precisely adapt them to different applications and at a reasonable price.

If performance is not sufficient, It is usually possible even an update. Dedicated players are particularly suitable for operators of large digital signage networks with very specific operating system and hardware configuration requirements..

SoC displays have a fixed configuration

SoC displays are proprietary systems with a fixed component configuration specified by the manufacturer. Integrators cannot subsequently modify installed hardware, So they have to work with what the manufacturer offers.. If an app reaches its limit, for example with CPU or memory, It is not possible to change the media player and replace it with a more powerful one. The same goes for the operating system.

Integrators should also note that not all software platforms are compatible with the SoC operating system.. The manufacturer's content management system is also default. So, digital signage providers should be familiar with the manufacturer's CMS.

Some display manufacturers allow the system integrator to install their playback software on the Android SoC managed by the manufacturer. This requires a great experience in the management of the software., that may be potentially incompatible. There are cases when the manufacturer updates the operating system in the background and, therefore, unintentionally blocks player software.

Remain flexible when it comes to software, Updates and patches

Software updates on SoC displays are always carried out centrally. So, Digital signage service providers should completely trust the manufacturer for updates and expect security holes, that hackers often use as a gateway, are reliably closed in time by the manufacturer.

Offer security that meets company standards

System integrators can install new software versions themselves, Security updates or certificates, or install antivirus programs and firewalls.

This means that dedicated media players remain flexible and under the control of the system integrator or digital signage software vendor as far as the software is concerned., Updates and patches. They decide when and how to apply patches and perform maintenance.

What to consider in terms of costs: Purchase, Installation and repair

Since the manufacturer integrates the SoC modules into the display, as a free extra so to speak, the purchase price of an SoC display is lower than that of a media player – which usually costs between 150 and 400 euros– and the screen. However, users usually pay after a monthly license to access the CMS provided by the manufacturer through the cloud, which clearly relativizes the savings in the purchase.

Unlike media players, users do not need to install SoC displays. No additional wiring required between player and display, because the connections are already integrated into the screen and there are no cables between the player and the display. Since no external media player is used, SoC displays can also have lower power consumption.

If a repair is needed, An external media player can be replaced easily and quickly with a short response time in case of service. In the case of the SoC, The display may need to be disassembled and repaired by a manufacturer-certified company., usually at a high cost. In the worst case, The system is completely replaced and the integrator has to accept that it will not be available any longer.. For these cases, Must have spare systems in stock, which means an additional cost.

Convince in intensive applications

Although the performance of SoC systems is getting better, They cannot overshadow media players in terms of computing power and flexibility in interface configuration, yield, Hard disk storage or network connectivity. Normally, a basic player with Android and a weak CPU is installed. This type of SoC screens handle standard applications such as the playback of Full HD content in small networks or individual systems without problems.

Dedicated media players, instead, earn points especially in large networks and with particularly intensive applications from the computer point of view, such as interaction with touch screens and real-time 3D visualizations. This also includes, For example, installations with IoT sensors and analytical applications.

When separating the screen, Hardware and software in media players, Integrators not only have a lot of leeway in their choice of components, but they can also easily replace or update them. This means that, if necessary, New ideas can also be realized, possibly with much more demanding requirements.

Coexistence of SoC displays and media players

SoC displays are now as common as media players in the growing digital signage market.

Since more and more software providers in the digital signage sector also offer their SoC playback software (for example LG WebOS, Samsung Tizen, Philips Android), Highly standardized all-in-one systems will continue to expand their market presence, although at the moment on smaller networks or individual devices.

For intensive computer applications in large networks, the media player still has a clear advantage over the SoC system and remains the big favorite. therefore, It can be assumed that both systems will continue to coexist in the world of digital signage in the future..

Finding the ideal media player

The ideal media player for digital signage applications should be as robust as an industrial PC and designed for uninterrupted use. Electronic components have to be protected from external electromagnetic influences by a metal housing with good thermal behavior. As for the form factor, The player must go unnoticed behind screens, ceilings, walls or in drawers and cabinets.

Probably, The best form factor in this case is a dedicated player that can be inserted into the screen from the outside. It is the perfect symbiosis of both worlds: Flexible choice of player with good serviceability and high stability and reliability, since there is no need to use cables. Here are two standards, PAHO and SDM, initiated by Intel. Virtually all manufacturers of large screens and projectors have at least one series with OPS or SDM slot.

Pablo Trains

Business Development Manager Concept International Spain
 

 

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