New Digital Engine

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AOpen introduces the DE45-HA with Intel Active Management.Digital signage relies on a variety of hardware and software solutions to deliver the content. The components of a typical digital signage installation include one or more display screens, one or more media players and digital signage application software. The performance standards of the application become more demanding, while the system has to offer value through energy cost savings and compliance with Energy Star.
 
Industry organisations are actively developing and promoting technical standards that will make it possible to communicate across digital signage networks made by different vendors. With this in mind, AOpen, a world-leading small-form-factor (SFF) computer system manufacturer and digital signage solution provider, introduced the Digital Engine DE45-HA.
 
The AOpen Digital Engine DE45-HA supports Windows 7 and Linux operating systems. Featuring Intel Core2 Duo processor and X4500MHD graphic engine, it delivers smooth graphics and video content playback up to 1080p Full HD. The Digital Engine also supports dual independent displays.
 
The additional features, like hardware watchdog timer, and a power input range of 12V or 20V, make DE45-HA a good solution for digital signage. It is also embedded with the Intel AMT management express console, which features remote power control, scheduled power control, remote access, hardware asset information, alerts and events through identifying OS/hardware issues, group operation and remote BIOS updates.
 
James Hua, General Manager, AOpen Europe, explained: “Lowering total cost of ownership is why we chose Intel’s AMT technology with Intel Core2 Duo. This technology allows us to utilise Intel’s expertise in innovation and digital signage, and provides customer access to an affordable solution.”
 
Intel AMT saves power through advanced power management features and reduces the number of expensive on-site repairs with remote management capabilities by reducing repair costs, tracking inventory without physical interaction and lowering utility costs – all while increasing signage capabilities through the support of Intel Core2 Duo Processor, HD content support, expansion flexibility, and reliability for the applications market. The AOpen Digital engine DE45-HA is a good product for moving forward to an intelligent digital signage system for POS terminals, kiosks and thin clients.
 
Together with AOpen’s Digital Engine DE45-HA, Intel Active Management Technology allows businesses to discover all of their computing assets and heal systems remotely, regardless of system state, and protect against software attacks.
 
Jose Avalos, director of digital signage at Intel, commented: “As the digital signage market expands, equipment manufacturers such as AOpen can differentiate themselves by offering leading-edge content display capabilities, reduced TCO and anonymous video analytics running on the Intel Core2 Duo processor.”
 
Other features of the DE45-HA include DDRII SO-DIMM, Intel GbE LAN controller, SATA slim slot-in ODD, proprietary SATA riser card, dual VGA interface to support dual display, Silicon Image HDMI Codec to support the compatibility of the HDMI interface, and media content support up to 1080P, all while supporting up to 35W CPU’s.
 
The DE45-HA belongs to 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 performance. Through an energy-efficient design of hardware and system components, it is guaranteed the system will use less energy to perform tasks, and will enter low-power modes when not in use.
 
Aside from Digital Engines, AOpen also offers a full range of accessories required for digital signage and kiosk applications, such as a Mini Card Wireless Kit, Mini Card TV-tuner, Mini Card HD Accelerator, Digital Engine Mounting Kits, and a variety of cables.
 
The company offers a specially designed mounting option, called Titan One, which allows the fixation of the display and digital engine onto the wall or ceiling. Another feature is view angle adjustment of the wall mount up to 20 degrees. The 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 by the AOpen R&D team.
 
AOpen Digital Engines can be used for single and multiple applications. For server room or multi-channel purposes, AOpen has developed the Engine Core which is a 19” 4U rack mount for up to six digital engines as a stand-alone engine core tower. It offers excellent system air flow, includes a dust filter and is equipped with features like AC power cord management, system cable management, key lock, easy system assembly and maintenance.