Media player+display vs SoC screen

In this opinion column, Pablo Trains, Business Development Manager de Concept International Spain, explains why system integrators of large digital signage networks opt for dedicated players.

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

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

For the world of digital signage, Both solutions have their justification. However, system integrators of large networks rely above all 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 to different applications and at a reasonable price.

If the performance is not enough, an update is usually even possible. Dedicated players are especially suited 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 application reaches its limit, for example with the 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 predetermined. Therefore, 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 itself. This requires extensive experience in using software., which may be potentially incompatible. There are cases when the manufacturer updates the operating system in the background and, therefore, unintentionally crashes the player software.

They remain flexible in terms of software, updates and patches

Software updates on SoC displays are always carried out centrally. Therefore, Digital signage service providers must rely completely on the manufacturer for updates and wait for security holes, that hackers often use as a gateway, are reliably closed on time by the manufacturer.

They offer security that meets company standards

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

This means that dedicated media players remain flexible and under the control of the systems integrator or digital signage software provider when it comes to software., updates and patches. They decide when and how to apply patches and perform maintenance.

What to take into account in terms of costs: Buy, installation and repair

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

Unlike multimedia players, Users do not need to install SoC displays. No additional wiring required between player and screen, since 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 may 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 screen may need to be disassembled and repaired by a company certified by the manufacturer, usually at a high cost. At worst, the system is completely replaced and the integrator has to accept that it will not be available for a longer period of time. For these cases, must have spare systems in stock, which means an additional cost.

They convince in intensive applications

Although the performance of SoC systems is getting better and better, they cannot overshadow multimedia players in terms of computing power and flexibility in interface configuration, performance, hard drive storage or network connectivity. Normally, A basic player with Android and a not very powerful CPU is installed. These types of SoC displays seamlessly handle standard applications such as playing Full HD content on small networks or individual systems..

Dedicated media players, instead, They gain points especially in large networks and with particularly intensive applications from a computing 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, Not only do integrators 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 come true, 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.

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

For intensive computing applications on large networks, The multimedia player continues to have 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 24/7 use.. The electronic components must be protected from external electromagnetic influences by a metal casing with good thermal behavior.. Regarding the form factor, the player must go unnoticed behind screens, roofs, 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 you do not have to use cables. There are two standards here, OPS y HR, started by Intel. Virtually all large display and projector manufacturers have at least one series with an OPS or SDM slot..