Greener Digital Engine

Printer-friendly version

AOpen offer a more environmentally friendly digital engine.
 
Mobile on Desktop Technology (MoDT – a term developed by AOpen and later adopted by Intel) involves creating a computer out of a Small Form Factor motherboard and mobile PC components. AOpen offers MoDT solutions both for end-user and semiindustrial applications.
 
The concept of the Digital Engine has been developed by AOpen in order to serve the demanding market for cost-efficient, energy-efficient, semi-industrial, reliable, small form-factor and high-performance systems for applications such as digital signage and kiosks.
 
The current player used in the digital signage industry is either a traditional desktop PC or an industrial PC. End-user PCs cannot always meet the specified requirements and are large and difficult to attach or hide behind the screen. Moreover, traditional desktop PCs are unreliable in a non-desktop environment. As a result, some people have probably seen digital signage screens displaying some kind of error message, something no-one in the industry likes to see. On the other hand, industrial PCs are often expensive and provide configuration exceeding the requirements.
 
AOpen offers a full range of digital engines and a wide array of accessories. As a hardware provider, they offer expertise that covers all the bases, from display to server software, software, mounting equipment, networking devices and customisation. Field Application Engineers provide consultancy services all over Europe.
 
The DEX4502 is the latest AOpen Digital Engine combining features, which include the latest Intel MoDT technology, which suit the most demanding digital signage or kiosk applications. It is equipped with two DDRII SO-DIMM 800/667 memory slots supporting up to 4GB. With energy cost saving in mind, the unit supports the Intel Core2 Duo Socket P ‘Penryn’ series processor. Powered by the Intel GM45 (Montevina) chipset, the Digital Engine features HDCP (high-definition copy protection), H.264 high-definition video acceleration and is fully HD-ready to offer 1080P perfect playback, up to a maximum resolution of 2048x1536 pixels. It can also operate two displays simultaneously for more complex digital signage applications.
 
The system has been especially developed as a non-spindle concept, meaning more reliability and zero noise. The non-spindle concept means eliminating all the moving parts of the system, such as the hard-disk. The AOpen heat pipe solution and aluminum fans create a reliable passive cooling that prevents dust intake and fulfills silent requirements. It also features a SATA interface adaptor supporting CompactFlash Type I and Type II card or IBM Microdrive.The CompactFlash card can be the primary bootable device containing the operating system and applications. The full range of AOpen digital engines are equipped with standard industrial PC features like RS232, HDMI, two independent display ports and hardware controlled Watch Dog Timer (a tool to help the system recover from any fatal errors).
 
The DEX4502 is one of the products from the AOpen Green Product range, complying with Energy Star 4.0. Energy Star is an officially recognised way to save money through energy efficiency and help the environment without sacrificing high performance levels. Energy Star standard has been developed to save energy at home and in the office. Through energy-efficient design of hardware and system components, there is a guarantee that the system will use less energy to perform tasks and will enter low-power modes when not in use. For example, any company in the Netherlands, replacing the standard PC by AOpen Mobile on Desktop Solution can save up to 122.64 Euro a year per system (electricity prices for households in Europe are provided by Swivel).
 
Many digital signage applications require the possibility of attaching the digital engine behind the screen. With optional features like wireless networking, TV-tuner and Intel turbo cache, the Digital Engine can be configured to serve all needs. AOpen offers a specially designed bracket, called Titan One, allowing the fixation of the display and engine onto the wall or ceiling. Other features of this bracket include hardware screen rotation, which enables the display to be viewed in a portrait position and allows view angle adjustment of the wall mount up to 20 degrees. Its unique design enables the slide in of the system, including cables and power supply, for easy system maintenance and efficient usage of the narrow space. Cable management has also been taken into consideration.
 
The digital engines can be used for single and multiple applications. For server room or multichannel purposes, the AOpen Engine Core is a 19-inch 4U rack mount stand for up to six digital engines and stand-alone engine core tower. It offers excellent system air flow and includes a dust filter. Equipped with features like AC power cord management, system cable management, key lock, easy system assembly and maintenance, AOpen Engine Core is a required feature for the maximum utilisation of AOpen digital engines.