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Screens that feature integrated media player devices have become the most popular solutions for large digital signage applications. These “System-on-Chip” screens are easy to install and are on average 30% less expensive than external media players. Samsung is the leader in the SoC screen segment and Samsung screens are supported in QL.

There are however some disadvantages to SoC screens. Take for instance the SoC screen’s integrated media player’s limited computing power. This can result in a 50% reduction in overall performance compared to more powerful external media player devices. It’s why many SoC screens have difficulty in resolving complex HTML5 content.

If an SoC screen ever fails, you need to send out the entire unit for repairs. This means uninstalling, packaging, and shipping the defective screen for service, which increases maintenance costs.

External media player devices tend to be much more powerful, offer more features, and deliver a better viewing experience than SoC screens. Case in point, QL Player software running on Navori Lab’s StiX 3700 or on a Windows 10 PC will perform 7 to 12 times better than a typical SoC screen. You also benefit from reduced downtime because the defective media player device can be swapped out on-site and screens can resume operations faster. Shipping costs are also lower, and servicing is easier since you don’t have to remove and ship out the entire screen.

You should also note that corporate IT departments are more comfortable using Windows 10 PCs as they tend to be widely used for business tasks. PCs offer significant advantages over SoC screens. They are easy to integrate into corporate networks and are easily upgradeable.

When you add a multi-screen video card to a Windows PC running QL Player software, you can drive and manage content across up to 16 Full HD screens. You can display perfectly synchronized content on any screen or play content that spans the entire surface without limits. For professional multi-screen installations, Navori Labs recommends the 64-Bit QL Player IPR software.

Windows PCs consume ten times more energy than a StiX 3700 device, so you should also factor this in your purchase decision.

Samsung Tizen, LG WebOS and BrightSign media player devices all use web player software. This means they are relying on non-native software applications. This type of software uses various tricks to deliver acceptable content rendering. These devices have limited computing power, and the Chromium web browser they use is often outdated compared to what’s available on the Android platform.

This precludes the use of external apps that perform device monitoring services for reliable performance. These web-based media players are entry-level solutions meant for basic uses. While they are adequate for looping videos or displaying simple templates, they don’t offer a premium experience.

Samsung SSP and LG WebOS are operating systems originally designed for consumer use, while Brightsign’s OS is aimed at audiovisual applications that require better reliability. BrightSign also relies on a global reseller network for easy servicing.

Android and Windows are well known operating systems used by professionals worldwide. Navori Labs’ QL software for these platforms is native, meaning you get better rendering quality that matches a broadcast TV experience.

We recommend Android for single screen digital signage applications and Windows for multi-screen/single player installations. It’s also important to note that Android is compatible with the highest security standards, making it an excellent choice for corporate digital signage.

QL Player is available for all these hardware platforms and operating systems, ensuring total interoperability. This way you can create content once and publish to any device confidently. Simply choose the platform that meets your needs and go!