Digital signage player PC and video wall computer

Smart TV, player or PC

Many professional screens include a built-in player, and for a simple menu or sign it may be enough. A mini PC behind the screen gives more headroom: 4K content, smooth video, signage software from any vendor, remote management and the option to change the screen without changing the system.

One player per screen or one machine for the video wall

If each screen shows something different, the usual choice is one player per screen. For a video wall forming a single image, one machine with several video outputs is better (a 4-output graphics card drives a 2×2), because the screens stay in sync without depending on the network.

For 4K at 60 frames per second, each output must be HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2 or higher.

Continuous operation: fewer parts to break

A player works long hours, often enclosed behind a screen. A fanless machine does not draw in dust or make noise, and has fewer parts that can fail. If the content is demanding (several layers of 4K video), a compact with airflow and a bit more graphics power.

Start on its own and manage it from afar

The BIOS is set to power on when electricity returns, the system boots straight into the player (kiosk mode) and a watchdog restarts it if it hangs. With scheduled power on and off, and remote access to see what each screen is showing without travelling.

This is tested before the machine leaves the workshop: cutting the power and checking that it comes back on its own is part of the test.

The signage software

There are content management systems in the cloud or installed on your own server, open source or commercial. What matters for the computer is which operating system its player runs on (Windows, Linux or Android) and whether it needs a dedicated GPU. We load the image with the player you use.

Mounting and connection

VESA mounting behind the screen or in a cabinet, with room for air to flow. Wired network is better than Wi-Fi; where there is no network, a 4G or 5G modem. And a protected power socket: voltage spikes cause many player failures.

Which machine for each case

Indicative starting points for digital signage
Case	Machine	Starting point
One Full HD screen: menu, notices, offers	Fanless mini PC	Low-power processor, 8 to 16 GB, SSD
4K screens with video	Mini PC with strong integrated graphics	16 GB, HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort outputs
2×2 or 3×3 video wall	Compact or tower with a multi-output GPU	One 4-output GPU per 2×2, 32 GB
Touch or interactive kiosk	Compact	16 GB, USB and network ports, mounted in the cabinet

Hardware · industrial and customCompact computersA fanless range and custom compacts, with VESA or cabinet mounting.See →Project · step by stepDigital signageThe diagram: content, network, players and restart after a power cut.See →Guide · industrial computersFanless industrial mini PCWhen to choose one, which tests to look for and which I/O to ask for.See →Guide · video surveillanceAI video surveillance serverHow much each camera takes up, which disks and when you need a GPU.See →Guide · OEMOEM computer for your productWhat to ask the maker of the computer inside your machine.See →Guide · regulationCyber Resilience ActWhat the CRA requires of the computer inside your machine.See →

Frequently asked questions

What happens after a power cut?

We set it up to power on when electricity returns and boot straight into the player, and we test that before delivery.

Do I need Windows?

It depends on the signage software: there are players for Windows, Linux or Android. We load the image with the system and player you use.

Can it be updated remotely?

Yes: content from the signage software; the machine itself through remote access and scheduled power on.

How many screens are there?

Tell us how many screens, which resolution and which software you use. We send a written proposal in under 12 business hours.

See the signage project