When it comes to OptiSigns digital signage players, there’s no wrong choice - only good, better, and best. Certain use cases, however, will require a more advanced player. Here, we’ll break down what situations each player is best for by use case.
Why Even Buy an OptiSigns Player?
If you’re looking into digital signage software, you may wonder why you’d even buy an OptiSigns player. After all, you’ve got the latest smart TV, or a perfectly fine Amazon FireStick or AppleTV that can display digital signage and use OptiSigns.
You may be right. Those devices are perfectly capable of using OptiSigns, and if you’re only interested in a few screens and basic features, should function just fine.
That said, it's important to realize that these devices are primarily entertainment devices, and are not optimized for digital signage in any way. Your playback may be interrupted by system updates, unwanted advertisements, and have any number of other limitations, including:
- Lack of remote functionality
- Heavy limits on cache storage options
- Fewer features across the board, from security options to display preferences
- More limited interface
If you contact our support team with an issue on one of these devices, it’s likely they will recommend upgrading to an OptiSigns player. That’s not to sell more hardware - OptiSigns simply works better on players specifically designed for it.
How Much are OptiSigns Players and Where Can I Buy Them?
The first and most obvious difference between OptiSigns Players is price. These prices are reflective of the quality and features included in the device.
They can be purchased on the OptiSigns website, and in some cases through Amazon.
OptiSigns players are priced at:
- OptiSigns Android Player - $79.99 - Amazon (CA, UK, DE)
- OptiSigns Pro Player - $299.99 - Amazon ($329.99)
- OptiSigns ProMax Player - $599.99
Knowing Requirements - Asking the Right Questions
When choosing which player to buy, it’s important to know how you’re planning on using digital signage, and what your company requirements are.
- Do you want the ability to remotely monitor and change your player’s settings?
- Do you need constant uptime on your digital signs (more than 16 hours/day)?
- Are you planning on using long videos, large file sizes, or complex split screens in your signage layouts?
- Does your company have strict, enterprise level security policies surrounding its data?
- How much does device performance matter to your use case?
- Are you interested in displaying a video wall?
I Want to Remotely Monitor and Change My Player’s Settings
Great! Any OptiSigns player can provide this functionality. Even a basic Android Stick allows for this through our Mobile Admin app.
However, not having an OptiSigns player will mean foregoing this functionality.
I Need Constant Uptime
If you need constant uptime (more than 16 hours/day), get a Pro or ProMax player.
The Android Player needs several hours of rest per day in order to stay functioning at its highest capabilities. Constant uptime is what the Pro or ProMax players were created for.
I Plan on Using Long or High-Quality Videos, Large File Sizes, Heavy Dashboards (Power BI, Tableau, etc.) and/or Complex Split Screens
Our best recommendation in this case is the ProMax player, which has our best performance. These features take up a lot of RAM, require lots of storage, and can have longer load times. To handle this, you’ll want to prioritize performance.
The ProMax has a 256GB SSD, 8K video capability, 16GB of RAM, RS-232 and HDMI-CEC support, and, as a single use device, is able to dedicate all those resources to your display. This is the absolute best in quality or complicated display capability.
My Company Has Strict, Enterprise Level Security Policies Surrounding its Data
Look at the OptiSigns Pro or ProMax player. Both of these should work for you. They:
- Have player lockdown and storage encryption features
- Allow usage of static IPs and custom password policies
- Are tamper-resistant, can easily be fitted with a Remington lock, and can lock down BIOS and USB ports
- Compatible with 802.1x enterprise network support
I Want the Best Possible Device Performance
The ProMax is for you. It has a 256GB SSD, 8K video capability, 16GB of RAM, RS-232 and HDMI-CEC support, and, as a single use device, is able to dedicate all those resources to your display.
I Plan to Use Video Walls
Get a Pro or ProMax player. How many screens and at what level of video quality will determine which of these you need.
The basic Pro allows up to 3 screens and 1080p Full HD video. The ProMax allows up to 4 screens with 4K UHD video.
The use of video walls requires the Video Wall add-on, which is sold separately from a typical OptiSigns subscription.
Try OptiSigns for Free!
Looking to add digital signage to your business, but not sure we can handle everything you need? No problem. We offer a free, 14-day trial and full access to our litany of features for the duration.
Have questions? Concerns? Comments? Ideas for a new feature? Let us know at support@optisigns.com.
