Android SoC: a flexible and quality solution for digital displays

Why choose a digital screen or a professional Android TV? Tim de Ruiter, business manager EMEA de Philips Professional Display Solutions, explains the features and benefits offered by an Android-based operating system.

A question that is frequently repeated is why choose an Android operating system? In 2015 There was a change in the smart television market and many of the main manufacturers brought new levels of connectivity to their mid- and high-range consumer television offering..

The first roots of its development date back to the early eighties, The cost and effectiveness of smart technology had stabilized and demand was growing, which made it a viable bet for the market in general.

Recognizing this demand, the Philips Professional Display Solutions product team (PDS) had started working on a new backend system for its Pro televisions, and was investigating all development options to ensure technology that delivered image quality and performance, connectivity and data security.

The Android operating system has clear advantages for software developers in the audiovisual field, which in turn also offers benefits for installers and integrators, as well as for end users.

With the limitations that Linux presented for the integration of applications and the restrictions posed by native platforms, as well as the license costs required by other systems, The research clearly indicated that Android was the obvious basis for the dedicated operating system on Philips professional displays.

By selecting the simplest version, Android Open Source, Philips PDS removed components that were not necessary for the operation of the screen and, next, customized them with added software and security features, building and testing the chipsets, while updating the firmware to ensure maximum ease of use.

Android SoC: clear advantages for the audiovisual sector

An open source platform, with a software development kit (SDK) free that helps developers share knowledge and access a superior technology framework is what Android offers, which does not require developers to pay additionally for licenses and development can be fast and efficient.

As far as AV software developers are concerned, The nature of Android SoC offers the possibility of bringing a hybrid approach to software development for Philips professional displays. This includes the opportunity to add native applications that can benefit from the platform's own more proactive security and performance updates..

Philips Android SoC also offers performance benefits, software development and hardware integration, as well as a greater variety of applications, support and flexibility.

For AV system integrators and installers, Android SoC offers clear business advantages, such as cost reduction and simplified installation. Apps update in the background, enabling updated user experiences without the need for expanded licensing or deployment.

It also reduces failure points. With the built-in WiFi or 4G module and without a media player, only a power cable and a network cable are needed, the cost of additional power outlets or connections is waived.

Philips CMND content management system or third-party developed software for complete remote management of all displays, both easily integrated into the system, They also offer time-tested effectiveness. In fact, There are currently a large number of native app signage companies offering solutions that fully integrate with the Philips Android SoC., and the configuration options are almost unlimited.

Regarding end users, Using Android is also advantageous for end users, since it offers proven and recognized experience. With so many software developers working with Android, immediately offers a greater variety of applications and greater flexibility.

Besides, with the ability to run native applications with native rendering using the Open Graphics Library (Open GL), Image quality and screen performance are consistently exceptional.

The future of SoC is clear. Since its implementation on the market in 2015, Philips SoC has received a series of updates: It is available on all the company's PDS screens, with the latest product introductions including Dual Quad Core, Octa Core y Android 7.1. When it comes to a real business application 24/7, device security and control, Philips Android SoC will be a winner in the future.

Tim de Ruiter

Business manager EMEA de Philips Professional Display Solutions