Decreasing the TCO and Increasing the ROI of System Solutions
Version imprimable
Nowadays, the companies operating in the DS industry are focusing on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and Return on Investment (ROI). Its purpose is to help the enterprise management to determine direct and indirect costs of a system. Benefits and costs are often expressed in terms of money, and are adjusted for the time value of money, so that all benefits and project costs happen over time, which tend to occur at different points of project implementation. Thus the after-sales service has to be as efficient and as cost-effective as possible.
For companies that want to decrease the Total Cost of Ownership and increase Return on Investment of a DS system solution, the best choice is the AOpen Digital Engine DE57-HA.
This model is the smallest media player that supports Intel Core i3/i5/i7 CPU, AMT 6.0 technology and the Microsoft Windows Embedded Standard 7 operating system. It is equipped with Intel QM57 chipset to support Intel Core i3/i5/i7 CPU and 800/1066MHz DDRIII memory up to 8GB. It also has HDMI and DVI video outputs for different displays, plus four USB 2.0 ports and 2 mini card slots which give various connection options such as wireless LAN.
It also supports Intel vPro including Active Management Technology. This is intended to help businesses gain certain maintenance and servicing advantages, security improvements and cost benefits. It allows remote access to the PC, including monitoring, maintenance and management, independent of the state of the operating system or the power state of the unit.
In addition, Intel Turbo Boost Technology allows for a dynamical increase of CPU clock-speed on demand, and can deactivate or activate cores according to the system loading to create better power saving results. This technology becomes active when the operating system requests the highest performance state of the processor.
As a global leading digital signage media player provider, AOpen aims to be not only a hardware provider, but also a consulting partner. The company offers advice for complete digital signage system deployment. Over time they develop a strong synergy with their customers. Industry experience, excellent business development and vertical integration support have all been integral to the success of AOpen.
The Digital Engine media player series also includes fanless models that have the flexibility to be used for various applications, such as car PCs, kiosks, digital signage, medical care and security matters. The solutions support high-speed wireless, 1080p HD display, 3D graphics, and flexible Input/Output including HDMI, VGA, e-SATA, RS232, USB 2.0 and Gigabit Ethernet.
Units also come with SilentTek noiseless CPU coolers and Watchdog Timers, all packed into the thermal-resistant chassis.
Komma,tec Redaction, in cooperation with T-systems Enterprise Services and Nürburgring GmbH, have developed a new digital signage concept at the Nürburgring Erlebniswelt 2009, which employs AOpen Digital Engine hardware.
In time for the Formula 1 Grand Prix in July 2009, 70 displays and compatible hardware were installed at the venue. Professional LCD Public Displays from NEC, in various sizes between 40” and 65”, were deployed, paired with AOpen Digital Engine DE45-pro.
Software was developed to accompany the new installation. By means of a content management system called Display Star, all displays can be managed and controlled centrally from one editorial location.
The digital signage solution at the newly designed Nürburgring consists of three focus points:
Firstly, content from the Nürburgring will be broadcasted on displays in the nearby Lindner Hotels and the Lindner holiday park. By means of an infra red remote control, the viewer can choose between a number of cameras that cover specific stretches of the Nürburgring. The live content will be recorded locally, prepared on a streaming server and broadcasted as an IP stream through the interface of the content management system.
More displays have been installed in the Welcome Centre area, in the Ring Werk area and at the catering companies from Eifeldorfs Gruene Hoelle. The caterers can display content of their own, after receiving permission from the responsible editor. Information from the Nürburgring will be broadcasted here as well, notifying people of upcoming events and current offers.
The third focus point is the business lounge area, where guests can watch the race from start to finish.
The Digital Engine mini computers from AOpen were chosen for their ability to display full HD content smoothly. These players’ PCs are equipped with a 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and an Intel GMA X4500MHD graphics card, allowing them to display more complex content. Their compact design also means that the units can easily be installed behind the displays.
Since its launch, developers state that the digital signage system has proved to be a great success, and plans are being made to expand it to another 30 display locations.
Interactive Digital Signage
