When choosing a digital signage solution, companies have to decide whether they want to use external media players or the integrated system-on-chip (SoC) solutions of modern displays. At first glance, SoC solutions may seem convincing due to their simplicity and low installation costs. However, a closer look reveals the clear advantages of external media players, which have the edge in terms of flexibility, performance and longevity.
1. Offline functionality: reliability even without the Internet
A major advantage of external media players is their ability to reliably display content even without an internet connection. These players save the most recently loaded data locally so that the screen continues to play content. In contrast, SoC displays only show error messages such as “Error 404” if the connection is interrupted, which leaves an unprofessional impression. This is a decisive advantage, especially in environments with fluctuating connectivity.
2. Performance and flexibility
Virtually all external media players are more powerful and more durable than SoC solutions. They can easily process demanding content such as high-resolution videos or interactive elements. While SoC displays quickly reach their technical limits, external players can be easily upgraded, for example with additional hardware or software upgrades.
3. Independence from third-party software
An often overlooked disadvantage of SoC displays is their dependence on third-party software and the respective display manufacturers. External media players, especially Windows-based solutions, offer a greater variety of supported software and often ensure their functionality through service level agreements (SLAs).
SoC solutions, on the other hand, are limited to the display manufacturer’s software. This dependency increases the risk of technical problems, as third-party software is required to enable basic functions such as the display of URLs. This complexity can lead to errors and compatibility issues.
4. Independence from the screen
Another advantage of external media players is their independence from the display. They can be easily exchanged or combined with screens from different manufacturers. This means that companies remain flexible and can make the most of their hardware investments.
With an SoC solution, you are tied to the respective display or manufacturer. To make matters worse, SoC displays often do not receive long-term updates, which means they quickly become obsolete and cause compatibility problems with new technologies.
5. Future security and investment protection
The service life of SoC devices is generally shorter and support from manufacturers is limited. External media players, especially those with a Windows operating system, offer a longer service life and remain future-proof thanks to regular updates.
Another risk factor for SoC displays is the dependence on the manufacturer’s app offerings. Changes, such as the switch from Samsung Magic Info to VXT, can make use more difficult and jeopardize existing investments. External players circumvent this problem by working independently of specific platforms.
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