New Wi-Fi HD Players

Version imprimable

A Californian company which specialises in digital signage has announced the release of two solid-state media controllers with built-in Wi-Fi. BrightSign have designed the HD210w looping sign controller and the HD1010w interactive sign controller to speed up and simplify signage deployment.
 
The new sign controllers deliver simple looping playback of full HD video, images and audio. Both can be connected to a wireless network without having to install cabling or an adaptor. The built-in Ethernet port also allows users to synchronise multiple screens for video wall applications without requiring an internet connection. The HD1010w adds advanced interactivity with support for buttons, touch screens, LEDs, motion sensors and any GPIO or USB device. Extra A/V and control ports can also be added as optional accessories.
 
Jeff Hastings, BrightSign CEO, explained, “The new Wi-Fi HD players were developed in response to customer requests for networking solutions that are more mobile and more versatile, primarily for the retail market.  Our new models only require a simple power connection to run and can get content updates remotely. They save time and effort because they eliminate the need to run network cabling to spaces that normally don’t have them.”
 
With the software included with the players, users can create highly customised content in order to reach targeted consumers at multiple locations. The controllers can be accessed from anywhere in the world through the internet. Wireless connectivity also means content can be kept current and engaging, as users can connect to services like SignChannel to display RSS feeds such as breaking news, local weather and SMS text messages. 
 
The absence of connecting cables means that the two new players provide increased deployment flexibility, as digital signs can now be installed in locations where running cables is difficult. The potential for increased mobility has already prompted one large reseller to explore the possibility of deploying one of the new players on mobile promotional stands that can be moved throughout their stores.
 
The new players are based on a PC-less, fanless solid-state platform for high reliability and low-power consumption. They contain no failure-prone moving parts, are protected by durable steel enclosures and have been subjected to rigorous thermal and environmental stress testing.
 
Hastings explained that Wi-Fi or networking will not be offered on all BrightSign models. “We want to keep the costs down and pass the savings on to customers like museums and small businesses that don't need these features. This strategy allows us to continue offering affordable solutions with a ‘pay only for the features you need’ approach.” The standard HD210 and HD1010 networked models, which do not feature built-in Wi-Fi, but support Wi-Fi through an adaptor that can be purchased separately, will still be available.