A robust digital signage CMS is nothing without the hardware to run it on. Additionally, when it comes to media players, there are many options to choose from. Luckily, we have you covered. Let’s start by asking a few simple questions to get you started on your hardware selection journey.

1. Does my display have built-in signage software?

Many of today’s most popular digital display manufacturers produce screens with their proprietary signage software. A couple of big names in this field are Samsung and LG. These solutions often offer a cost-effective, turn-key solution that gets content up on screens quickly. With that in mind, some users require a larger suite of features to accomplish what they need from their digital signage. That is where a third-party CMS like Wallboard comes in. Third-party content management systems help bridge the gap for clients that need data integrations, code-free interactivity, triggered sensor events, live media, and more.

2. What operating system do I choose?

If you aren’t using a display with built-in signage software and are instead planning on purchasing a separate media player to run your signage, you have a few options depending on your budget and use case. Wallboard was built from the ground up to work with today’s most popular operating systems including Android, Windows, and BrightSign. These operating systems each have capabilities that each provide unique advantages.

Android: Great value regarding performance/cost

Windows: Unlimited potential to run very complex digital signage contents

BrightSign: Works within the BrightSign ecosystem

3. What do I want to accomplish with my digital signage?

Are you just needing some images or short videos to display on your signage, or are you needing an interactive screen with data integrations or live video? What you want to accomplish will help determine the right media player for you.

For “simple” content, there is a wide range of cost-effective devices to choose from. Apart from that, you have mid and high-tier players that can push “heavier” content. We will break some of these down by tier and operating system. All the players listed below have been extensively tested with Wallboard.

Mid-Tier Android: Qbic BXP-300, Qbic BXP-301

Mid-Tier Windows: Seneca HDn, Intel NUC

Mid-Tier BrightSign: BrightSign HD, BrightSign XD

High-Tier Android: Qbic BXP320, Qbic BXP321, Giada DN74, Elo Backpack

High-Tier Windows: Seneca XK-FLX

High-Tier BrightSign: BrightSign XT

If your organization has a specialty uses case such as meeting room signage, you might look into small interactive displays that can run a CMS. Devices such as the Qbic TD-1060 or the ProDVX X Series provide a lot of functionality in a small package.

We hope that this has helped provide you with more information as you start your digital signage journey. As always, if you have any questions or would like to learn more, you can contact us at sales@wallboard.info. Also, be sure and subscribe to our blog so you don’t miss any new articles.