Top 10 Digital Signage Hardware Devices for Businesses

If you’re thinking about using digital signage hardware in your business, you’ve probably wondered what sort of hardware you’ll need to pull it off. Of course, if you choose to use software to run your digital signage displays, you’ll need at least one PC with the right kind of processing power and storage capacity to handle that task. But if you have a preference for hardware devices instead, here are some of the top 10 devices used for creating dynamic and engaging digital signage displays in businesses across the world today.

1) Thin Clients

Thin clients are digital signage hardware devices that offer a great alternative to traditional PCs. Thin clients use software instead of hard drives, and as a result are both lighter and more reliable than any other type of PC. There are many benefits to using thin clients over laptops or desktops: Thin clients use less power; they don’t require maintenance; they’re smaller and easier to set up in multiple locations; and they even have longer battery life. If you own or manage a business, then you can use thin client devices on their own—or as part of an entire digital signage hardware system!

2) All-in-One PC devices

When you hear of digital signage hardware, you might think it’s limited to A/V players and signage devices. You’d be right on one hand; however, there are also media players or all-in-one computers that can turn into signs or advertising machines. For example, a signage PC can be used as a full-on computer when not in use as a sign and can connect to wifi networks using its own IP address. Then when you decide it’s time to start up your signage rotation, simply select your file! With no additional software needed, you’re ready to go. This makes these digital hardware systems easy to install and incredibly cost effective—especially if you already have an older monitor lying around that needs an upgrade!

3) Low-Power Mini PCs

Low-power PCs such as Intel’s Next Unit of Computing (NUC) are an excellent option for digital signage—both because they offer a solid hardware base, and because they can draw less power than a laptop. A NUC makes it easy to upgrade a desktop PC into digital signage—and you can even streamline that process by combining Intel Core i3 and Celeron models with our DIY Digital Signage PC Kit. For even more computing power, look at All-in-One (AIO) PCs like HP’s Sprout Pro or Dell’s Precision workstation. And when it comes to software solutions, you can start with apps such as Splashtop Remote Desktop or Splashtop 2 Remote Desktop to let users control presentations remotely.

4) Single Board Computers

Single-board computers, or SBCs, are computers integrated into a single circuit board. A single-board computer can have all of its components—memory, storage and even a processor—installed onto one circuit board. This makes them cheaper to produce and less power-hungry than other devices. These powerful machines fit perfectly into signage hardware and multi-media systems such as digital signs and interactive kiosks. Their robust processing power also allows them to run some business applications, from POS systems to inventory management tools and beyond. While you’ll typically find ARM architecture processors in these types of devices, they’re not limited to ARM architecture; you’ll also find x86 chips like those found in PCs in some models as well.

5) Embedded Computers

Embedded computers are devices whose hardware is optimized for a specific usage scenario. Computers used to run factories and manufacturing equipment, digital signage displays in restaurants and shopping malls, televisions and video game consoles all rely on embedded computers. They can be expensive to replace, so it’s important to make sure you buy one that fits your exact needs. Keep in mind that an embedded computer is not just a plug-and-play device like a desktop PC or laptop; rather, it requires technical know-how to configure, maintain and troubleshoot. If you’re starting from scratch with no prior knowledge of networking or computers, we recommend going with one of the more user-friendly options below first—then moving on to an embedded computer when you need greater functionality.

6) Display devices

A digital hardware system typically consists of a main control unit (often called a brain or nucleus) that processes, monitors and plays back digital signage content; one or more output devices (such as displays, monitors, TV sets); input devices such as audio-video decoders and touch screens; storage devices (usually hard drives or flash memory chips); peripherals such as speakers and microphones; and an interface that allows you to connect all these pieces together.

The number of outputs, inputs and other components varies depending on your needs. For example, if you want to play media from multiple sources. Such as live streams from social media platforms—you’ll need additional decoders. Or if you want to use your digital signage display in conjunction with your existing security cameras. You’ll need an encoder/decoder that can support video surveillance protocols. The most important thing is to choose a digital hardware system that will meet your needs now while allowing for future expansion and upgrades.

7) Content Delivery Systems (CDNs)

What are Content Delivery Systems? A content delivery network (CDN) is a globally distribute network of proxy servers and their data centers. Their purpose is to provide high-bandwidth, low-latency delivery of Internet content. Customers like them because they can efficiently deliver large amounts of content on demand with low cost. CDNs also have built-in security features that make it more difficult for hackers to attack websites. CDNs usually charge based on bandwidth usage or content delivery volume. They’re typically use by companies that need to serve large amounts of media such as video or audio files. Examples include Netflix, YouTube, Hulu and SoundCloud. For example: Akamai Technologies Inc., Limelight Networks Inc., Level 3 Communications Inc., Highwinds Network Group Inc., Amazon Web Services LLC, EdgeCast Networks Inc., DigitalOcean LLC, SoftLayer Technologies Inc., Google Cloud Platform LLC and CDNetworks Ltd..

8) Network Infrastructure

Before we talk about digital signage hardware, let’s make sure you have a solid foundation in your network infrastructure. Having a reliable internet connection is an absolute must if you want to play videos or display graphics with your signage device. Make sure there are no bottlenecks on your network and that content is being deliver as quickly as possible; you can test your internet speed here. If you use WiFi instead of wired Ethernet, don’t forget to set up a strong wireless signal—many hotels offer wired connections only, which can be frustrating when it comes to displaying video or graphics during presentations or trade shows.