A media player is a small computer used to display advertising content on screens located at points of contact with the target audience. It’s a compact, sometimes virtually invisible device usually installed behind the monitor. This device is an important component of any Digital Signage or digital menuboard solution. Media players are commonly used for projects in HoReCa, retail, the financial and insurance sectors, shopping and entertainment centers, airport terminals and other business areas.
Reliable media player — guarantee of stable Digital Signage operation
To launch any Digital Signage project you will need:
- a content management system (CMS), i.e. specialized software to manage content on an unlimited number of monitors or TVs;
- a powerful media player whose specifications meet the technical requirements for this type of solution;
- a digital surface — a television or display to connect the media player and show content according to a playlist.
Compact, powerful and reliable media player — ODROID‑C2
ODROID‑C2 is a 64‑bit quad‑core single‑board computer, recognized as the most energy‑efficient among similar solutions in the Digital Signage field. This device can be used as:
- a game console;
- a computer for web browsing, gaming and social networking;
- a tool for office work and educational labs;
- a prototyping device;
- a controller for optimizing home digital equipment;
- a workstation for software development.
And that’s far from the full list of this media player’s capabilities.
Among the operating systems that run on ODROID‑C2 are Ubuntu, Android, Linux, Debian and thousands of free open‑source software packages. The ODROID‑C2 media player is an advanced development for mobile and 64‑bit devices. Compact, energy‑efficient and easy to use, its processor is designed for miniature devices such as portable or embedded controllers.
Technical specifications of the media player:
- Amlogic ARM® Cortex®‑A53 (ARMv8) 1.5 GHz quad‑core CPUs;
- Mali‑450 GPU (3 pixel processors + 2 vertex shader processors);
- 2 GByte DDR3 SDRAM;
- Gigabit Ethernet;
- HDMI 2.0 4K/60Hz display;
- H.265 4K/60FPS and H.264 4K/30FPS compatible VPU;
- 40‑pin GPIOs + 7‑pin I2S;
- HS400 Flash Storage slot / UHS‑1 SDR50 MicroSD card slot;
- USB 2.0 Host x4, USB OTG x1 (power + data);
- Infrared (IR) receiver;
- Ubuntu 16.04 or Android 6.0 Marshmallow based on Kernel 3.14 LTS.
Operating systems for the ODROID‑C2 media player
Typically, media players run operating systems such as Android (most inexpensive models), Linux or Windows (more expensive models), and also ChromeOS — a relatively new platform used on compact Chromebox computers. Specialists at Innovative DMC strongly recommend using ChromeOS as the most reliable, proven and stable operating system.
At the end of 2017 a new version of Innovative DMC’s iDS® software will be released. To launch a Digital Signage system you will need just four components:
- an LCD monitor (LG, Samsung, etc.);
- an ODROID media player;
- a license for iDS® software;
- Internet access.
It’s so simple that the system can be up and running in just 10–15 minutes.
Among the numerous functions and advantages of the new software version, note the stable data transmission even with weak Wi‑Fi signal. The cloud version of iDS® helps avoid failures related to expensive hardware (routers, servers, controllers), since Wi‑Fi can be used to transmit data. In some Innovative DMC projects, costs for structured cabling systems were halved because the need to lay hundreds of meters of UTP/FTP cable became less relevant.
What is a Content Management System?
A content management system is software installed on a media player that allows playback of various content types: photos, slideshows, video, streaming content, IPTV and more.
What types of content can be played using the ODROID‑C2 media player?
The ability to play a particular content type directly depends on the media player model and the software. Most Digital Signage solutions can stream (play) virtually all or the most common formats.
Key features and advantages of the new iDS® software version:
- content editing, external input, content management, interactive content (touch solutions), integration with external databases, QR‑code support, etc.;
- images: jpg, jpeg, png, bmp;
- video: asf, avi, divx, fiv, mov, mp4, mkv, mts, m2ts, mpg, mpeg, svi, ts, trp, tp, vob, vro, wmv, 3gp;
- web pages: weather, news, social networks and others;
- video conference editor;
- flexible multi‑level playlist settings: a convenient editor, online campaign editing, real‑time screenshots;
- target audience segmentation: quick search, geolocation, current campaign status;
- monitoring and control of device (monitor) stability and correct content display;
- connectivity and network: license management, SSL (HTTPS), SW Apply;
- users: user and group management.
Services, offerings and solutions by Innovative DMC
Innovative DMC has extensive theoretical and practical experience in implementing Digital Signage and Interactive Technologies projects of any complexity. Our specialists provide full project support at all stages — from planning to launch — and undertake obligations for:
- room planning and approval;
- development of engineering and construction documentation;
- development of work schedules;
- creation of a structured cabling system;
- commissioning works.
The Innovative DMC team consists of experts in automating the management of audio, video, interactive content and innovative solutions in general. By working with true professionals, you:
- receive a full package of services for delivery, installation and integration of hardware and software;
- can centrally control your content at one or multiple sites.
Selection and configuration of hardware and software is done individually. Innovative DMC offers a comprehensive solution, including supply, installation, training and full technical support for Digital Signage projects.
