In the following article, we look at an in-depth look at distinctions between a digital signage device and smart tv.
Digital signage can be a valuable tool for any company. Since we live in a digital world, consumers expect businesses to be on top of their game. In the case of digital signage there are a number of pieces that come together to make your vision come to life.
First, you’ll have an LCD screen of different sizes, linked to create one big screen or several screens located in various locations. Additionally, you can use screens to show your content. Additionally, you can use an application for managing content that is software that gathers as well as manages and publishes your material.
The final piece of this puzzle is the player, which is integrated in the screen in certain cases, also called a smarttv. Media players connect the software for managing content with the display, which allows viewers to view your content. There are a variety of media players each having distinct advantages limitations, drawbacks, uses-cases and capabilities.
How do you decide what to pick? Keep reading because we’ll go over different types of digital signage devices. examine the differences between the digital signage player with. TV and then go over the steps to select the right one for your company.
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Different types of Signage Player vs SmartTV
There are two major kinds of players. First, standalone players that are distinct from your digital signage display. The second kind of player is the built-in. Built-in players, as the name suggests they are integrated into smart TVs. Before examining the use of an independent digital signage player as opposed to. TV, it’s crucial to know the various kinds of players and what category they fall in.
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Stand-alone Players
- Windows/Linux Windows and Linux players run on an Windows or Linus operating system, and usually take the form of a mini-PC or laptop. They are premium players that can take on everything that comes at them, including multiple screens.
- Android: Android players, such as those like the Rikomagic DS02 or the Nvidia Shield, are both running on the Android operating system. They’re on the lower part of the market, which means they are easy to use and inexpensive, but they’re better for more basic content using a basic, compact digital signage setup.
- Chrome: Players who use Chrome operating system. Chrome operating system may vary in cost, however they have excellent capabilities for digital signage. This includes the native capability for HTML5 media and a single-app kiosk mode, which blocks the menu and other options from the viewers.
- Apple: Apple products are always at the upper end of the market, but they are also extremely reliable. Apple operating system is able to run complex digital signage flawlessly. Keep in mind that the Ipad isn’t running an Apple operating system and therefore it’s only Macbooks or iMac could be a viable Digital Signage player.
- Raspberry Pi: Raspberry PI was designed to be a computer that can be customized and is able to be used to create digital signage at a moderate cost. It runs the company’s Raspbian operating system. The options for customization can be beneficial, but for first-time users, they can be difficult to setup. It is also having a hard time running certain kinds of content such as animations.
- Amazon Firesticks These Firesticks from Amazon are among the most affordable options for players and run all using the FireOS operating system. They aren’t as powerful as the capabilities of other players, but they are able to manage the majority of digital signage as long as you have a reliable internet connection.
Find players grouped by operating system DSM Media Player
SmartTV
- SmartTV built-in players A lot of smart TVs come with integrated media players. They typically run either the Fire or Android operating systems, however they are usually built for streaming instead of digital signage, therefore they may not have the most efficient capabilities.
- Samsung Tizen SmartTV: The Samsung Tizen SmartTV is actually a smart television that utilizes a different operating system, Tizen. Tizen-based TVs are designed for digital signage and can handle the majority of content, excluding extremely dynamic elements such as many videos on one slide or animations.
- Tablets Tablets have become the most well-known touchscreen options. Tablets come with built-in players that usually use Android operating system. They are excellent for portability and interaction with touch however, they are not able to allow for advanced dynamic content.
Advantages and disadvantages of Standalone players
Standalone players are separate from the hardware that is used on your display. They are typically the most popular choice for digital signage as they are more beneficial than drawbacks.
Benefits:
- Select from a wide range of operating systems that are based on the content you want to view
- A solution to fit every budget
- Often more memory
- There are many options available from various brands in different sizes and styles.
- If a component of your system fails it is only necessary to replace one part
Disadvantages:
The only drawback for the standalone player is that they require an extra piece of hardware you need to locate a home for.
Advantages and disadvantages of the SmartTV
Like other players that are standalone there are pros and drawbacks of a smartTV.
Benefits:
- It could be simpler to install
- There is no additional hardware to locate the space for
- You only need to purchase only one item of hardware
Disadvantages:
- The majority of them are designed to stream, not for digital signage.
- Many people do not like dynamic content
- It can be costly for the functionality it offers.
- Functionality isn’t a good idea for digital signage.
- If one component of your system fails or ceases to function, you must replace the whole thing instead of just fixing the problem.
Small and large business size considerations
All businesses and industries will profit from the digital signage, however the type of player you choose and the overall configuration of the equipment will depend on the dimensions and requirements for content. There are four major areas to be aware of in relation to your particular business.
Content Bandwidth
Every player is able to handle different types of content in different ways. This means that certain players can handle interactive content such as animations and multiple videos on one screen, while other players can only handle the basic stuff such as static images and text.
Small-sized businesses that have only one screen to show the hours of operation and other basic information to their clients could be able to use the more affordable, lower-end model or an intelligent TV.
However, companies seeking to show extravagant presentations or customized entertainment media will require an advanced media player, such as one that runs Windows and Linux-based platforms.
When deciding between digital signage devices versus TVs, think about what content you’re looking to show and the features each player can handle.
Pricing Differences
Naturally, as everything else in the business world, the price is important. The cost of a player can be as low as $30 or as high as several hundred dollars. Smaller companies that aren’t yet established might have to pick the most cost-effective option. On the other hand, bigger, better-performing firms can afford a more expensive option.
There’s a significant variation in the cost of digital signage devices that are standalone as opposed to TVs. A SmartTV is usually the more costly of the two, and may not fit into the budgets of certain businesses.
Multi-screen compatibility
One of the advantages that digital signage offers is the ability to use multiple screens that are connected to create a larger screen, or several screens at different locations, each with its own content. But, it is important to keep in mind that not all digital signage system supports multi-screen playback.
If you are considering digital signage devices as opposed to. an SmartTV it is essential to remember that both choices can support multiple screens. If your business requires a multi-screen configuration, you should consider the compatibility prior to choosing the best player.
Compatibility of Content Management Systems
Whether you’re using an independent digital signage player or a SmartTV one, it should work with any software for managing content you intend to use. Not all content management systems can be used with all operating systems, and some require exclusive media players.
If you decide to go with us with Play Digital Signage for your Content Management System, we can support each of eight top operating systems. Hardware proprietary not required for this system.
Make use of Digital Signage for any player of your choice
When you use Play Digital Signage, you have the option of choosing the program you’d like to use as it is difficult to find a program that isn’t compatible with. Play Digital Signage is the best choice for content management. Play Digital Signage content management software also comes with a full-featured integrated editor, a low-cost pricing structure, excellent assistance, including setup guides for every operating system and a free ten-screen trial without any limitation on time! If you’re thinking about standalone digital signage devices vs TVs and TVs, you can feel confident that you have made the right choice by choosing the Play Digital Signage.
For you to begin with your free trial of ten screens and start designing your content, follow these steps:
- Sign up on playsignage.com. We will not ask for details regarding your credit or billing card until you’ve chosen the right hardware, created the content you want to publish, and now ready to launch your website.
- Select which screen to use. Play Digital Signage can be played on all sizes of screens. If you’ve decided that you’d like to have an integrated player, make sure that you select an Smart TV or a tablet to use you screen(s).
- Choose either a TV or player. We have gone through every option however if you’d like to check out our scores for some of our most well-known choices you can click this link. Be aware that you don’t require an additional player if you choose to go with the Smart TV or tablet.
Digital signage that is standalone and. TVs are an uneasy decision to make when installing digital signage. But If you keep this info in mind while you search it will help you choose the best one for your company. Of course, if have any concerns, contact us! get in touch with us!