What is a System on a Chip Screen for Digital Signage?

Benefits of Using SoC Player Software

In digital signage terms, System on Chip (SoC Player) refers to standalone player devices embedded in a digital signage screen. This technology, similar to Smart TVs in consumer-grade televisions, has revolutionized the digital signage industry by eliminating the need for external media players. SoC screens streamline installations, offering a cleaner and more professional look without wires hanging from the back of the screen.

Unlike typical Smart TVs that let you play Netflix, Amazon Video, and other proprietary content channels, SoC displays require specialized applications to process and display digital signage content. Before the advent of SoC displays, digital signage relied on external standalone player devices mounted behind each screen. With SoC technology, these external players and power sources are no longer necessary, enhancing both aesthetics and security by reducing the risk of tampering with external media players.

Until the introduction of SoC displays, digital signage used external standalone player devices you mounted behind each screen. SoC displays don’t require an external standalone player or power source. There are no wires hanging from the back of the screen, which makes for a cleaner and more professional installation. System on chip displays are also more secure so there is less risk of someone tampering with the external media player.

The SoC screen market has become highly competitive, with manufacturers often bundling their own Content Management System (CMS) software. For instance, Samsung offers MagicInfo, and LG provides Group Manager, each tailored to their respective SoC displays. While these bundled solutions might seem convenient, they may not always be the best choice for your digital signage needs.

While it’s tempting to use the manufacturer’s own digital signage software CMS, there are many reasons why it’s not necessarily the best choice. Instead consider using a system-on-chip compatible  player software produced by a digital signage software company like Navori Labs.

What is an SOC, Let’s look at the pros and cons of using a screen manufacturer’s CMS software.

Why Choose a Third-Party SoC Player Software?

There are several reasons to consider a third-party SoC player software like Navori Labs over a screen manufacturer’s proprietary CMS. Here’s a comparison of the pros and cons:

Pros of Manufacturer’s CMS:

• Cost-Effective: Bundled with the price of the screen.
• Ease of Use: No additional software installation required.

Cons of Manufacturer’s CMS:

• Limited Features: Lacks advanced features found in professional-grade CMS.
• Media Compatibility Issues: May not support a wide range of media types.
• Restricted Templates and Tools: Often lacks professional template and ticker layout tools.
• Vendor Lock-In: Typically tied to specific screen models or manufacturing dates, limiting upgrade options.
• Unique to each screen manufacturer.  You are “locked-in” to a single vendor unless you choose to use different software for each screen brand you manage.
• Performance: Many rely on web technologies. While these solutions can be engineered quickly, they don’t perform as well as proprietary software compiled for a specific operating system or hardware platform.

What is an SoC and Why It Matters in Digital Signage

Digital signage projects usually begin with a standard set of hardware, but as technology advances and business needs change, a variety of devices might be added. It’s a common situation because new products are always emerging and businesses evolve. For instance, a company might install a few display screens now, and then decide to add a touchscreen in the lobby next year. As needs change, it’s important that your software can work with different technologies.

This adaptability is why network operators prefer top-notch CMS (Content Management System) solutions that work across various devices. A flexible CMS ensures that you don’t need to change software every time you add a new type of player to your network.

Consider this typical situation: You start with screens from a well-known brand, but when it’s time to expand, the model you initially chose is no longer available. Switching to a new model from the same brand reveals compatibility issues with your current software. Or, you might want to add different types of screens, like touch-enabled tablets or Windows PCs, only to find that the manufacturer’s CMS isn’t versatile enough. When the CMS can’t keep up with your new hardware, it forces you to restart your setup

The Role of SoC Player in Digital Signage

The role of System on Chip player (SoC) in digital signage has been transformative, providing an all-in-one solution that integrates hardware and software capabilities into a single chip embedded within the display. This integration reduces the need for external media players and additional wiring, leading to streamlined installations that are not only visually appealing but also more reliable and secure. SoC technology allows for faster deployment of digital signage networks, reducing both initial setup times and ongoing maintenance costs. By embedding the player directly into the screen, SoC displays can deliver consistent and high-quality content playback, making them ideal for a wide range of applications from retail to corporate environments.

Moreover, SoC technology enhances the versatility and scalability of digital signage networks. With SoC, network operators can manage and control multiple displays remotely, ensuring that content is always up-to-date and relevant. The ability to schedule and trigger content playback, monitor device status, and perform remote updates makes SoC an attractive option for businesses looking to maintain a dynamic and engaging digital signage presence. As a result, SoC has become a critical component in modern digital signage solutions, providing the efficiency and flexibility needed to meet the evolving demands of the industry.

Understanding System on Chip (SoC) Technology

Navori Labs offers a proprietary and efficient System on Chip compatible player software with native versions engineered specifically for each type of device. This flexibility allows users to manage different SoC screen brands and external media players seamlessly. With Navori QL, users can schedule and publish any content to any player on their network without worrying about hardware differences.

Since there is no difference between hardware devices, users can treat every endpoint simply as a “player” knowing their content will be shown reliably and consistently across every display. Only Navori provides full compatibility and shared features across so many devices.

Key features include:

• Rule-based content playback.
• Remote content triggering.
• Cross-platform player synchronization.
• Remote device management.
• Dynamic live data support.
• Easy to use template and ticker design tools.
• Content and Player tagging.
• Cross-device content synchronization.
• A complete set of APIs for automating processes.

With some products, users must select which type of media to publish based on the player hardware because sometimes, features on one platform aren’t available on another. Content sometimes needs to be converted or scaled down to match hardware capabilities. This can create challenges for both users and operators.

Navori Player is available in native versions for Samsung Tizen SSSP, LG WebOs and many SoC screen brands that run on the Android operating system, including models from Philips, Sony and ELO touch.

Future Innovations in SoC and Digital Signage

Looking ahead, the future of System on Chip (SoC) in digital signage is poised for exciting innovations that will further enhance its capabilities and applications. One of the most anticipated advancements is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) within SoC platforms. This will enable more intelligent content management, allowing digital signage systems to analyze viewer behavior and adapt content in real-time to maximize engagement and impact. AI-powered SoC displays could automatically adjust advertisements based on demographic data, optimize content delivery schedules, and even provide predictive maintenance alerts to prevent downtime.

Another area of future innovation in SoC technology is the development of more powerful and energy-efficient chips. As SoC technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see chips that offer higher processing power while consuming less energy, making them ideal for more demanding applications such as interactive touchscreens and 4K video playback. Additionally, advancements in connectivity options, such as the integration of 5G technology, will enable faster and more reliable communication between SoC displays and central management systems. This will facilitate the deployment of large-scale, synchronized digital signage networks that can deliver immersive and interactive experiences across multiple locations. These innovations will not only enhance the functionality and performance of digital signage solutions but also open up new possibilities for creative and engaging content delivery.

What Does SoC Player Mean for Your Business

By using Navori, you can significantly reduce operating expenses (OPEX) because one software solution can handle all your needs. This eliminates the time lost switching platforms or retraining staff.

Navori Player also supports PCs running on Microsoft Windows and external media players such BrightSign players or Navori’s own Navori Stix 3700 or now the new StiX 3800. With such a breadth of options, it’s no surprise more network operators prefer Navori over any other digital signage software.

Unlock your 30-day free trial now and experience the Navori advantage, ensuring your digital signage setup is future-proof, flexible, and efficient.