Digital signage players are an essential part of digital signage. Without it, you cannot get your information onto the screen. A digital signage player connects to a display or kiosk via HDMI. Once connected, it will download your digital signage content from the cloud and play it back.

What can a digital signage player do?

A digital signage player plays back your content. From 4K resolutions to creating stunning video walls, a digital signage player plays your media on the screens.

How does a digital signage player work?

A digital signage player is a small device typically 4″ x 4″ x 1″. It connects to the internet via WiFi or hardwired. On a digital signage player is the digital signage software. The software tells the digital signage player to check for new content updates from the cloud and downloads them. The content is cached (saved) and then it plays back on the screen.

What kind of digital signage player do I need?

This depends on what kind of digital signage software you use. The best thing to do is ask the software company that you’re looking to use and see if they have any recommendation. 

Types of digital signage players

The three most popular operating systems are Android, Chrome and Windows. From an ease of use and stability standpoint, we have found Android providing the best performance when it comes down to digital signage.

How much does a digital signage player costs?

Digital signage players can come in as little as $35.00 all the way up-to $900.00+. Now knowing what one is best for you is a different question. If you’re looking to display media like videos, scrolling tickers, slideshows and say a weather forecast, then an Android digital signage player will work perfectly for you.

What are SoC Digital Signage Players?

SoC stand for system-on-chip. In the digital signage world, SoC are displays that come with built-in players. When SoC displays first came on to the stage people were speculating that it would eliminate the need for having to connect a digital signage player to the screen. Well, the verdict is still out on that.

For starters, SoC displays are commercial grade and many times come feature proprietary software, making it harder to add a 3rd party digital signage software. If you’re looking for SoC we would recommend either Philips or Sharp’s SoC series. These are Android-based displays that offer stable media playback and performance.

Conclusion

Make sure you check with the digital signage software company that you’re looking to use. They will be able to provide you with recommendations that will best fit and work with their software.