Media players are the most modern way to display content, and it's important to choose one that best fits your needs. For business owners, there are many options on the market that can effectively play content on your device, but with varying features and prices, it can be difficult to choose which solution best works for you.
What is a media player?
In general, a media player is any software or hardware designed to play audio and video or stream content from any device. Businesses use digital signage media players that specialize in displaying content in professional or commercial settings. Furthermore, there are several types of digital signage media players that differ across form factors and uses, so it's important to choose a solution that works best with your business-type. Do you need interactive features? Are you operating on a large-scale? Are you concerned about security? Asking yourself questions like these helps you narrow down which digital signage media player is best for you.
The digital signage media player advantage
Digital signage media players are a superior option compared to alternative methods such as plugging in a USB stick or thumb drive. This is because digital signage media players offer powerful display capabilities. Many of them can control, manage, and schedule content and include touch abilities. They provide unparalleled flexibility, reliability, and control of your signage.
Read in-depth about the differences between digital signage media players and thumb drives here.
Types of media players for signage
Key features, price, and form factors are qualities that you should consider as you find the best solution. In this article, we will be discussing 3 common types of digital signage media players.
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Built-in system on chip players: This type of media player is built into the display with no need for an external player.
Clear Digital products all have a our content management system (CMS), Sho, on every device, eliminating the need for an external digital signage media player. Check out our large selection of digital signs here. -
Cloud-based digital signage media players: This type relies on cloud capabilities to display onto the screen and needs wifi to play content.
Sho, our cloud-based CMS is capable of scheduling, creating, and managing content and devices. It's an all-in-one app that allows you to monitor your content and device status all from your laptop or phone. Learn more about Sho here. -
Standalone digital signage media players: This type is an external hardware that connects directly into your display. It's a plug and play solution that is usually compatible with an HDMI port.
Clear Digital's Zen and Zen Stick are two different types of external digital signage media players. Keep reading to discover the features of each solution.
Choosing your solution
The three types outlined above are all extremely effective ways to display engaging content and captivate an audience. Consider these key features of each type to discover which solution is best.
- Built-in system on chip players are best if you need to buy a new digital display. It's a long lasting investment with little clutter and upfront hardware costs. It's simple to use, but it has limited processing power for high quality content, with some examples including a touch screen display.
- Cloud-based players are an extremely scalable solution because of its ability to connect to a wide network of devices. It offers centralized control, typically from your laptop or phone, and little maintenance. This is a very convenient solution, but it is network reliant.
- Standalone players are flexible plug and play solutions. It allows you to upgrade your display experience without buying a new screen, and works in environments where there are different display types.
Maximizing your media player
Clear Digital offers solutions across the three types of digital signage media players. Luckily, every Clear Digital device comes with the ability to use our CMS, Sho.
For businesses that don't have a Clear Digital solution, but still want access to Sho, we offer two types of standalone players that are compatible with your existing device.
- The Zen is compatible with enterprise networks. For businesses and organizations that need to keep their information super secure, the Zen is the ideal solution. It can connect directly into your display using a HDMI port and directly to the internet with a LAN ethernet port. It comes with Quad-Core CPU and 4GB of RAM to ensure your content playback is smooth and high-quality. Its ultimate security, effortless management, and professional content keep your mind at ease.
- The Zen Stick is the new and improved Sho Stick. Offering access to Sho and easy plug and play functionality, the Zen Stick is for businesses that have a simpler security setup, and it is a more affordable option that readily connects to your network.
Choosing a media player for digital signage can be an overwhelming process, but it does not have to be a battle. For businesses with the budget and need to replace their current digital signage, the built-on system on chip method is the best way. However, businesses that have a existing screen may want another option. The Clear Digital Zen and Zen Stick are two standalone media players that connect to your existing screen to give you access to Sho CMS, secure connection, expanded media functionality, and high-quality content.
