Top 5 digital signage players for 2021

Digital signage is increasing in popularity. The industry is expected to reach almost 8 billion dollars by 2027 as advertisers, campuses, and corporations realize the benefits of digital signage solutions. 

You can learn more about digital signage’s power, check out our guide. If your team is already on board with digital signage, it’s time to review specific components. 

One such component that’s critical for effective digital signage displays is a digital signage player. As technology expands and new innovations are realized, these options continue to change. In no particular order, here’s a list of the digital signage players we recommend. 

Brightsign

The original inventor of the digital video recorder (DVR) founded this company in California. You can also start your own business by getting a llc in california. BrightSign provides business solutions such as their proprietary BrightAuthor PC-based software, along with networking offerings that many companies take advantage of so that they don’t have to deal with the cost and complexities of hosting. BrightSign serves all industries and sectors with products known for their affordability and reliability. 

When it comes to digital signage players, BrightSign offers a wide range of options designed to meet diverse needs. Across multiple categories - XT, XD, HD, and LS product lines - the company offers different media players to choose from. The LS product line is their entry-level system, which is still commercial grade. These digital signage players are compact and lightweight, but still very reliable. BrightSign’s HD product line boasts powerful performance for mainstream applications, and is one of their most popular categories. These offer mainstream 4K or Full HD single video decoding, and allow simultaneous playback from local, networked and streaming sources. 

Finally, more advanced users can take advantage of the award-winning XD players.  These systems offer superior technology supporting the true 4K ecosystem. The engine of this machine is capable of dual video decoding of two Full HD videos simultaneously, plus advanced performance HTML5 engine. 

Onelan

This organization focuses on the development and management of enterprise grade technology solutions for digital visual communications. Their offerings include applications such as digital signage, wayfinding, data visualization and meeting room bookings systems. Industries ranging from restaurants to retail can take advantage of the flexible and versatile applications. Onelan operates a worldwide network of more than 300 accredited dealers and system integrators.  They operate across 50 countries, but their headquarters is in the United Kingdom. 

Onelan specializes in Net-Top-Box (NTB) players that rely on feature-rich software. Onelan players allow users to integrate video, RSS and social feeds, HTML5, live TV and IPTV streams across a wide range of options. This allows users to constantly update and enhance eye-catching content. Onelan offers most digital signage players as a one-time purchase, but they do have a few subscription based licenses for lower upfront costs. Explore single-zone players as well as multi-zone players to see which option fits your needs. Users can also look into one of the specialty players designed for a unique industry such as retail. Onelan players are generally slim, fanless, and easy to transport and some of them are designed for interactive touch displays. 

Mvix 

In business for over 15 years, Mvix is a leading digital signage company providing award-winning turnkey solutions. The products and services offered by Mvix are driven by technology innovation and outstanding customer support. They range from enterprise-grade, content-rich digital signage software to robust digital signage player options. 

Mvix offers a substantial amount of content application and data integrations. Over 16,000 customers, including organizations such as NASA and Nike, leverage these options.Customers also take advantage of professional project management and design services to make their  jobs easier. 

Mvix digital signage players enable managers to easily deploy content to non-touch, touch and video wall screens. They also come loaded with free digital signage software. The software also works with third-party media players such as BrightSign, Chromebox, LG,  Android and Mini PCs. Mvix offers a digital signage player for everyone. Options range from low-cost choices that are perfect for simple displays, to more advanced players including a premium software package. More sophisticated options such as the Xhibit Enterprise player come with Signature Care, which includes a lifetime warranty and free player replacement every 3 years. 

Additionally, users can manage the Xhibit digital signage player line remotely over the internet. Managers can download and display content on an as-needed basis or schedule displays in advance. This system makes an ideal solution for corporate communications, K-12 schools and colleges, and healthcare systems. 

AOpen

Founded in 1996 as a components manufacturer, AOpen has grown into a global player in the computing device market. They currently operate in over 100 countries, with a wide range of products being used across a wide range of channels. The hardware they provide ranges from industrial computers to smart cameras and speciality monitors. In the digital signage space, they focus on solutions such as self-service kiosks, queuing systems, and surveillance and payment terminals.

To that end, AOpen’s media players are PC's specifically designed for digital signage, such as interactive menu boards, billboards, digital advertising, etc. Their units offer specific benefits to the user, such as space savings or reduced noise. 

For example, a fanless device would be ideal for an atmosphere where quiet is important (such as a museum). Players known as “wide temperature” are better for outdoor environments, and a slim device is great for users who need to consider space in their implementation. These units are small and light but powerful enough for most uses. 

Additionally, AOpen offers a Remote Device Management tool (called the AOpen Intelligent Control Unit). This tool allows managers to control their network devices from a distance using cloud-based technology. 

SpinetiX

For over ten years, SpinetiX has delivered specialty digital signage solutions. Their products are engineered in Switzerland and used in several places throughout the world. They offer both plug and play solutions and fully customized digital signage platforms. The company shares that they are constantly focused on technology innovation and their goal is to provide hassle-free options for their customers. 

SpinetiX developed a comprehensive suite of players. That are guaranteed for three years. One of the unique values offered by SpinetiX is the durability of the units, which ensure low maintenance and operating costs throughout their lifetime. SpinetiX also prides themselves on investments in research and development, leading to regular firmware updates and systematic software patches that benefit their customers. 

Small businesses can take advantage of the all-in-one, turnkey DIVA option. Users requiring more advanced functionality should look at the HMP line of products. The HMP 400 is their latest product and offers maximum flexibility and power for any signage application. Referred to as their most versatile digital signage player, this latest product comes with a 3 year warranty (extendable to 5 years). Additionally, it’s capable of reliably delivering 4K at 60 fps, 24/7, for up to a decade.

How to Choose? 

With so many options for great digital signage players out there, it can be hard to know which suits the needs and budget of your unique organization. In many cases, it makes sense to work with an expert. They can help you sort out what type of digital signage players you need, screens that are ideal for your deployment, and so much more. You might want to begin with a simple digital signage estimator and go from there.