Android Digital Signage: What are the Best Players? (And How to Pick One)
Digital signage is the go-to advertisement approach for all industries. Digital signage solutions have better reach...
Read moreThe Pickcel digital signage solution is compatible with all standard player operating systems and hardware. Download the Pickcel player app on your signage devices.
Key features of the Pickcel PX 300 include a 4 GB RAM & Quad-core CPU with 32 GB storage. The powerful device is built on Android 9. It allows remote signage player app update and scheduled device sleep. PX 300 comes with a pre-built & pre-configured digital signage player app that can be used for streaming live TV, interactive multimedia content, texts & heavy graphics.
PX300 Player featuresVisuals are important when it comes to captivating your audience. With its full 4K resolution graphics, the CE420 raises the bar. This media player provides unparalleled performance for your enterprise needs thanks to its industry-leading HTML5 rendering capabilities. Dual Wi-Fi is available on the CE420 player for improved connectivity and streaming.
CE420 player featuresAndroid smart TVs & tablets are some of the most popular choices for digital signage players. These displays come with a built-in System on Chip (SOC) and are quick to get started with. The best thing about these displays is that they are available in a wide price range with plenty of useful features like 4K resolutions, voice controls & screen casting.
Learn moreAndroid-based TV boxes and HDMI sticks like MI stick are affordable players suitable for basic digital signage functions. These are built on Quad-core processors and have simple UI and additional features like voice control & virtual remote. However, HDMI devices have limited storage; many don’t have 4K resolution and HDR support. The price is low, starting at $20.
Key features of the Pickcel PX 300 include a 4 GB RAM & Quad-core CPU with 32 GB storage. The powerful device is built on Android 9. It allows remote signage player app update and scheduled device sleep. PX 300 comes with a pre-built & pre-configured digital signage player app that can be used for streaming live TV, interactive multimedia content, texts & heavy graphics.
PX300 Player featuresVisuals are important when it comes to captivating your audience. With its full 4K resolution graphics, the CE420 raises the bar. This media player provides unparalleled performance for your enterprise needs thanks to its industry-leading HTML5 rendering capabilities. Dual Wi-Fi is available on the CE420 player for improved connectivity and streaming.
CE420 player featuresAndroid smart TVs & tablets are some of the most popular choices for digital signage players. These displays come with a built-in System on Chip (SOC) and are quick to get started with. The best thing about these displays is that they are available in a wide price range with plenty of useful features like 4K resolutions, voice controls & screen casting.
Learn moreAndroid-based TV boxes and HDMI sticks like MI stick are affordable players suitable for basic digital signage functions. These are built on Quad-core processors and have simple UI and additional features like voice control & virtual remote. However, HDMI devices have limited storage; many don’t have 4K resolution and HDR support. The price is low, starting at $20.
These pocket-sized, portable HDMI sticks have low power consumption and are best suited for simple digital signage applications that do not require high processing power or storage capacity. The CPUs are built on Intel Atom, Intel Core M, or Intel Core i5. These media players work with both Windows & Linux systems. The entry-level Intel Stick models come for as low as $100.
Mini PCs, or Mini computers, are small, compact devices that offer efficient computing solutions and can be used for displaying images and HD videos, running web-based applications, or gaming. Mini PCs come in various form factors like mini towers or mini desktops. These energy-efficient digital signage players are available from less than $200 to more than $1000, depending on specifications. However, there are often inadequate upgrade options due to their smaller size.
These pocket-sized, portable HDMI sticks have low power consumption and are best suited for simple digital signage applications that do not require high processing power or storage capacity. The CPUs are built on Intel Atom, Intel Core M, or Intel Core i5. These media players work with both Windows & Linux systems. The entry-level Intel Stick models come for as low as $100.
Mini PCs, or Mini computers, are small, compact devices that offer efficient computing solutions and can be used for displaying images and HD videos, running web-based applications, or gaming. Mini PCs come in various form factors like mini towers or mini desktops. These energy-efficient digital signage players are available from less than $200 to more than $1000, depending on specifications. However, there are often inadequate upgrade options due to their smaller size.
An exceptional signage performer for essential signage needs Seamless Full HD or 4K video playback and streaming Core motion graphics power for widgets and animations Essential touchscreen or USB device engagement Popular HTML widgets & simple motion graphics.
An exceptional signage performer for essential signage needs Seamless Full HD or 4K video playback and streaming Core motion graphics power for widgets and animations Essential touchscreen or USB device engagement Popular HTML widgets & simple motion graphics.
iPads have high-resolution touch screen displays; the latest models are equipped with Liquid Retina displays and ProMotion technology, which provides smooth scrolling and a responsive touch experience. Powered by the M2 and M1 chips, the device facilitates high-performance computing and graphics capabilities. The iPad can be used for interactive self-service, product information, way-finding, or display product demos. The entry-level model starts at $329, while the higher-end models can cost up to $2,399.
iPhone is one of the most trusted mobile devices out there. While Apple mobile devices are fully capable of running digital signage content, these are generally not well-suited for their smaller screen sizes. However, you can always use your iPhones to test the Pickcel features during the 14-day software free trial.
iPads have high-resolution touch screen displays; the latest models are equipped with Liquid Retina displays and ProMotion technology, which provides smooth scrolling and a responsive touch experience. Powered by the M2 and M1 chips, the device facilitates high-performance computing and graphics capabilities. The iPad can be used for interactive self-service, product information, way-finding, or display product demos. The entry-level model starts at $329, while the higher-end models can cost up to $2,399.
iPhone is one of the most trusted mobile devices out there. While Apple mobile devices are fully capable of running digital signage content, these are generally not well-suited for their smaller screen sizes. However, you can always use your iPhones to test the Pickcel features during the 14-day software free trial.
The Raspberry Pi V4 is a tiny single-board device packed with a quad-core processor, gigabit Ethernet, and USB 2.0 or 3.0 ports, making it a high-efficiency player suitable for signage applications like powering interactive displays & video walls, processing multimedia and web-based content. It is also ideal for 24/7 digital signage use. The hardware has the advantage of heavy customizations. The price range for Raspberry Pi is between $35-$75 USD. However, the Raspberry Pi is not a plug-and-play device and requires basic technical knowledge to set up and configure.
Digital Signage Setup on Raspberry Pi with PickcelThe Raspberry Pi V4 is a tiny single-board device packed with a quad-core processor, gigabit Ethernet, and USB 2.0 or 3.0 ports, making it a high-efficiency player suitable for signage applications like powering interactive displays & video walls, processing multimedia and web-based content. It is also ideal for 24/7 digital signage use. The hardware has the advantage of heavy customizations. The price range for Raspberry Pi is between $35-$75 USD. However, the Raspberry Pi is not a plug-and-play device and requires basic technical knowledge to set up and configure.
Digital Signage Setup on Raspberry Pi with PickcelChrome OS can is now available to function on any digital signage player hardware. The open hardware feature allows you to enjoy better player security, run Google’s suite of apps, and manage smooth content rendering even on low-end devices.
Chrome bit is a tiny computer-on-a-stick developed by Google; it runs on the Chrome operating system and is designed to provide multimedia content streaming on large displays. It is a budget-friendly signage player with a price range from $50 to $100. The device is built on Rockchip RK3288C quad-core processor and supports web-based applications and extensions through the Chrome Web Store. However, the hardware has limited storage capacity, no expandable storage option, and is unsuitable for resource-intensive tasks.
Chromeboxes are small lightweight devices suitable for businesses that want to play basic images & videos on screen. The devices come with an internal memory of 4GB or 8GB with 32GB or 64GB SSD storage. This media player is not well suited for high-end graphics performance, interactive touch screens, or outdoor displays. The price of Chromebox ranges from $150 to $500.
Chrome OS can is now available to function on any digital signage player hardware. The open hardware feature allows you to enjoy better player security, run Google’s suite of apps, and manage smooth content rendering even on low-end devices.
Chrome bit is a tiny computer-on-a-stick developed by Google; it runs on the Chrome operating system and is designed to provide multimedia content streaming on large displays. It is a budget-friendly signage player with a price range from $50 to $100. The device is built on Rockchip RK3288C quad-core processor and supports web-based applications and extensions through the Chrome Web Store. However, the hardware has limited storage capacity, no expandable storage option, and is unsuitable for resource-intensive tasks.
Chromeboxes are small lightweight devices suitable for businesses that want to play basic images & videos on screen. The devices come with an internal memory of 4GB or 8GB with 32GB or 64GB SSD storage. This media player is not well suited for high-end graphics performance, interactive touch screens, or outdoor displays. The price of Chromebox ranges from $150 to $500.
Samsung Smart TVs run on the Tizen OS; it is a reliable operating system that can run on low-end hardware. It offers excellent performance and supports various multimedia formats, including video, audio, and images. Tizen has a user-friendly interface and therefore quite suitable for small business & educational digital signage application, such as running ads & promos, showing timetables and information. Samsung smart TVs have excellent security features; the OS has various certifications, including Common Criteria & FIPS 140-2.
Samsung Smart TVs run on the Tizen OS; it is a reliable operating system that can run on low-end hardware. It offers excellent performance and supports various multimedia formats, including video, audio, and images. Tizen has a user-friendly interface and therefore quite suitable for small business & educational digital signage application, such as running ads & promos, showing timetables and information. Samsung smart TVs have excellent security features; the OS has various certifications, including Common Criteria & FIPS 140-2.
Linux, supported on INTEL® NUC Ubuntu OS, is an excellent choice for digital signage use cases, especially for applications that require continuous operation. Linux-based digital signage media players are highly stable, secure, and customizable. Its modular operating system makes it suitable for complex integration and deployment in different environments. However, there can be additional costs associated with deploying. Besides, since it is open-source software, the installation & handling may require some fundamental technical know-how.
Linux, supported on INTEL® NUC Ubuntu OS, is an excellent choice for digital signage use cases, especially for applications that require continuous operation. Linux-based digital signage media players are highly stable, secure, and customizable. Its modular operating system makes it suitable for complex integration and deployment in different environments. However, there can be additional costs associated with deploying. Besides, since it is open-source software, the installation & handling may require some fundamental technical know-how.
The Amazon Fire TV Stick is an excellent choice for a digital signage player due to its ease of use and affordability. With its compact design and plug-and-play setup, the device can quickly turn any TV into a signage display. Additionally, the low starting price of around $40 makes it a cost-effective solution for businesses with limited budget.
Digital Signage Setup on Amazon Fire TV StickThe Amazon Fire TV Stick is an excellent choice for a digital signage player due to its ease of use and affordability. With its compact design and plug-and-play setup, the device can quickly turn any TV into a signage display. Additionally, the low starting price of around $40 makes it a cost-effective solution for businesses with limited budget.
Digital Signage Setup on Amazon Fire TV StickLG WebOS displays offer high-quality displays with excellent color accuracy and contrast. These players are perfect for lobby TVs, conference room signage, and digital information boards at airports, shopping malls & stadiums. These versatile signage players have useful features such as landscape and portrait modes, real-time monitoring and diagnostic tools, and software compatibility with digital signage platforms like Pickcel. Entry-level displays can range from $400 to $1000, while high-end models can cost upwards of $5000.
LG WebOS displays offer high-quality displays with excellent color accuracy and contrast. These players are perfect for lobby TVs, conference room signage, and digital information boards at airports, shopping malls & stadiums. These versatile signage players have useful features such as landscape and portrait modes, real-time monitoring and diagnostic tools, and software compatibility with digital signage platforms like Pickcel. Entry-level displays can range from $400 to $1000, while high-end models can cost upwards of $5000.
A digital signage player is a hardware device used to play images, videos, animations, live content, and other multimedia formats on a digital screen. These media players carry computing power and typically connect to the internet or a local network, allowing it to download and display content from various sources, such as a signage CMS or a media server.
Display players can be external devices (like TV boxes, HDMI sticks, etc.) that need to be connected to the screens or these can be embedded, meaning the players are built into the screens and cannot be seen externally. To learn more, refer this guide.
Your signage player operating system needs to be compatible with your digital signage software. That is why it is recommended to use a hardware-neutral software that supports a wide range of players like Android, Windows, Linux, etc.
These hardware devices can read and interpret different content formats and appropriately render them on screen. They can download content from the cloud or local storage. The player software can also detect the screen resolution and aspect ratio, and then scales and renders the content to fit the screen size and resolution.
Signage players can also interact with cameras & sensors, such as motion detectors, touchscreens, face-detectors, audience engagement tracking, etc. Many player software further have the power to analyze these collected data. Learn more about digital signage analytics.
The cost of a digital signage media player depends upon the quality, performance, and features. If your priority is processing power, storage, and durability, go for digital media boxes like INTEL® NUC Ubuntu OS that will cost $350 to $600 based on the hardware configuration.
The easy to use plug-and-play media players like Intel Sticks will cost $160 to $350 approximately. ChromeBox is a powerful mini PC that works fine as a digital signage player. The price of Chrome Box varies from $250 to $350 according to their models. Chromebit and Amazon Fire TV Sticks are relatively cheaper alternatives available at $69 to $150. Depending on the brand, display size, and operating system, the cost of an all-in-one standalone digital signage display can vary from $350 to $900.
While choosing the right signage player, consider factors like functionality, operating hours and location (indoor or outdoor). windows or Linux-based players can be efficient in running large network of screens; ideal for business chains like hospitals, hotels & airports. Most players will support 4K resolution and features essential for audience measurement and data tracking.
If you don’t need to rigorously use your signage network, you can also go for budget-friendly alternatives like Android TVs or HDMI Sticks. Android boxes can be more efficient in many cases.
Alternatively, Chrome OS can be a choice for those who need better security and and access to remote management features. It comes with ready-made functionality, regular updates, and offers native support for HTML 5 media, and animations.
There are many other competent devices available like Samsung TVs, LG WebOS TVs, Raspberry Pi, etc. If you are looking for a digital signage software and you are unsure of which media player will be the best fit for you, you can contact the Pickcel Team and we will be happy to advise.