Guide to Digital Signage Hardware: Top Options

When setting up a digital signage system, many businesses assume they need a dedicated media player—but that’s not always the case. In reality, most small businesses and organizations can run digital signage directly from a smart TV’s web browser. With the right software, you can display slides, images, weather widgets, social media feeds, and more without additional hardware.

So, when does a media player actually make sense? If your TV lacks a reliable built-in browser, you frequently experience network issues, or you need offline playback and advanced content formats like 4K video or multi-screen setups, a digital signage media player might be worth the investment.

In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of digital signage hardware, from smart TVs and mounting systems to media players and network devices. We’ll also compare hardware-based signage with browser-based solutions, so you can decide which setup best fits your needs. Finally, we’ll review some of the top media players on the market—and whether you actually need one.

Do you need digital signage hardware?

While smart TVs and mounting devices are essential for any digital signage setup, media players aren’t always necessary—especially for small businesses and organizations. With browser-based digital signage software, you can play your content directly from a smart TV’s web browser, running slides, static images, weather widgets, social media feeds, and more in full-screen mode.

However, there are cases where a media player makes sense:

If your TV lacks a reliable built-in browser
When you need offline playback in case of network issues
For advanced content formats like 4K video, live data dashboards, or multi-screen displays
If you want greater security and remote management options

For many, a software-based solution is the simplest and most cost-effective choice—but media players remain useful in specific scenarios.

Types of digital signage hardware

Digital signage hardware includes a range of devices that work together to display and manage content. Depending on your setup, you may need only a smart TV and mounting hardware, or you may require additional components like media players and network devices for more advanced functionality.

Smart TVs and other screen types

The screen is the core of any digital signage setup. Smart TVs with built-in browsers can run digital signage software without extra hardware. Commercial-grade displays offer better durability, higher brightness, and longer runtimes than consumer TVs. Other options include LED walls, video walls, and interactive touchscreens, which enhance engagement and visibility.

Digital signage media players

A media player is an external device that powers digital signage content, often providing better performance than a TV’s built-in browser. These devices support 4K video, HTML5 content, offline playback, and remote management. Businesses with multiple displays, interactive signage, or complex content schedules often benefit from using dedicated media players.

Mounts

Mounting hardware ensures that displays are securely positioned for optimal visibility. Options include wall mounts, ceiling mounts, and floor stands, as well as tilting and articulating mounts for adjustable viewing angles. Choosing the right mount is essential for both aesthetics and functionality, ensuring screens are stable and positioned at eye level.

Network devices

Reliable internet connectivity is key for managing digital signage remotely. Routers, Ethernet switches, and Wi-Fi extenders help ensure a stable connection, especially in locations with multiple screens or high-resolution streaming needs. Some advanced digital signage setups also use content delivery networks (CDNs) or cellular modems to ensure smooth content playback even in network-restricted areas.

Hardware versus browser-based signage

When setting up digital signage, you have two main options: using a dedicated media player or running your signage directly through a web browser on a smart TV. Each approach has its pros and cons, so let’s break it down.

Pros of using media players

More power, better performance: Media players are built for digital signage, meaning they can handle 4K videos, animations, live dashboards, and interactive content without lag.
Offline playback: If your internet connection goes down, a media player can keep your content running by storing media files locally.
Remote management: Many media players come with features that let you control multiple screens from a central dashboard, making it easier to update content across different locations.
Longer lifespan: TVs have built-in software, but it can slow down over time. A dedicated media player can extend the life of your display by offloading the processing power.

Cons of using media players

Added cost: Media players aren’t cheap. You’ll need to budget for hardware and, in some cases, monthly software fees.
Extra setup and maintenance: Unlike a browser-based solution, a media player requires installation, updates, and troubleshooting if something goes wrong.
More cables and hardware: If you prefer a clean setup, adding extra devices and cables might not be ideal.

Pros of using browser-based signage

Simple and cost-effective: All you need is a smart TV with a web browser, and you’re good to go. No extra hardware required.
Easy setup: Just open a browser, log in to your signage platform, and launch full-screen mode. It’s that simple.
Less clutter: No need for extra hardware, cables, or power adapters.

Cons of using browser-based signage

Limited features: While great for basic slideshows and static content, browser-based signage can struggle with interactive elements, live feeds, or heavy animations.
Internet dependency: If your Wi-Fi goes down, so does your signage unless your software has a caching option.
Smart TV limitations: Some TV browsers don’t support advanced web applications, leading to performance issues or playback limitations.

Top 7 digital signage media players to consider

Almost any smart TV can be converted into a digital sign. If you need to satisfy advanced use cases, check out some of these popular media players.

1. Rise Vision Media Player

The Rise Vision Media Player is a commercial-grade device designed for digital signage, offering reliable performance and easy scalability. It supports animated templates, live data, and video content, making it a solid choice for businesses with demanding signage needs. Users can opt for an outright purchase with a two-year warranty or a Hardware-as-a-Service model that includes ongoing support. The media player is optimized for Rise Vision’s ecosystem, ensuring seamless integration. With a simple setup process and dedicated functionality, it provides a streamlined approach to managing digital displays at scale.

2. BrightSign XC5

The BrightSign XC5 is a high-performance digital signage media player designed for demanding applications like DVLED displays, video walls, and multi-screen setups. It supports 8K HDR10 video playback and advanced motion graphics, making it a powerful alternative to PC-based signage solutions. With multiple HDMI outputs, it simplifies content distribution across multiple screens while maintaining high-quality visuals. Designed for reliability, the XC5 offers energy-efficient performance and long-term sustainability, making it a solid choice for businesses looking to power immersive digital signage experiences without the complexity of traditional PC setups.

3. AOPEN Chromebox OPS (BP5130)

The AOPEN Chromebox OPS (BP5130) is a compact, OPS-compliant media player designed for digital signage, interactive displays, kiosks, and vending machines. Built on ChromeOS, it offers advanced security features, including remote device management and persistent enrollment to protect business and educational environments. Supporting dual 4K UHD playback, it ensures smooth, high-resolution content delivery. The device includes dual-band antennas for reliable Wi-Fi connectivity and features AC power auto recovery, minimizing downtime. With Google Play Store access and easy integration into Chrome ecosystems, it’s a scalable solution for cloud-managed signage networks.

4. Look HD-2222

The Look HD-2222 is a compact, 24/7 digital signage media player designed for high-performance content playback. It features a Quad-Core Cortex A55 processor, 4GB DDR4 RAM, and 32GB internal storage, ensuring smooth operation for demanding signage applications. Supporting 4K resolution with HDR, it delivers vibrant visuals, while WiFi 6 and Gigabit LAN connectivity provide reliable network performance. With passive cooling for silent operation and a hardware watchdog for system stability, the HD-2222 is built for continuous use. It integrates seamlessly with Look software, supporting features like rotation, layering, and social plugins.

5. YoDeck player

The Yodeck Player is a Raspberry Pi-based digital signage media player designed for easy deployment and smooth content playback. It supports 4K resolution, over 80+ Yodeck apps, and 500+ templates for customizable signage. Available in 1GB and 4GB versions, it handles full-screen media, web dashboards, and multi-zone layouts. Featuring a durable aluminum-alloy casing with passive cooling, it ensures reliability for continuous operation. The plug-and-play setup allows for remote content management via the Yodeck portal, making it a flexible and scalable solution for businesses of all sizes.

6. SkyKit P7 Media Player

The Skykit P7 Media Player is a prosumer-grade digital signage device designed for high-quality content streaming and interactive experiences. Running on Android 11, it supports 4K video, high-resolution audio, and HTML5 apps, making it a versatile choice for businesses. With 8GB of memory and 64GB of storage, it ensures smooth playback of live streams, dashboards, and social media feeds. Featuring Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth 4.0, and HID touchscreen compatibility, the P7 offers reliable connectivity and interactive functionality for engaging digital signage applications.

7. truDigital Sign Player

The truDigital Sign Player is a dedicated digital signage device designed for reliable, commercial-grade performance. It features plug-and-play setup, improved security, and offline caching, ensuring smooth content playback even without an internet connection. With 64GB of storage, 4GB RAM, and 4K compatibility, it supports high-resolution media and advanced networking options like WiFi and Gigabit Ethernet. Unlike consumer streaming sticks, it offers remote commands and a commercial-grade warranty, making it a secure and scalable solution for businesses managing multiple digital signage displays.

Considerations for choosing the right player

Not all digital signage players are created equal, and choosing the right one depends on your specific needs. Whether you're managing a single display in a storefront or a multi-screen network across different locations, here are the key factors to consider when selecting a digital signage player:

Budget: Media players range from affordable, entry-level options to high-end, feature-rich devices. Consider how much you’re willing to spend upfront, along with potential subscription fees for software or remote management.
Display Size and Resolution: If you're running 4K content, you'll need a media player that can handle high-resolution video playback without lag. For video walls or multi-screen setups, look for players with multiple HDMI outputs.
Processing Power and Storage: More CPU power and RAM mean smoother playback, especially for interactive content, animations, and live data feeds. Storage is also crucial if you want to cache content for offline playback.
Connectivity Options (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, 4G): A stable internet connection is essential for managing and updating content. Some players support Wi-Fi only, while others offer Ethernet for wired reliability or 4G connectivity for remote locations.
Compatibility with Digital Signage Software: Ensure that your chosen player works seamlessly with your preferred signage platform. Some software solutions are browser-based, while others require dedicated hardware for optimal performance.

By weighing these factors, you can choose a digital signage player that fits your needs, whether you're looking for a simple plug-and-play solution or a powerful device for complex signage networks.

Digital signage without complicated hardware

You don’t always need a dedicated media player to run digital signage. Many businesses can stream signage content directly from a smart TV or existing device, eliminating the need for extra hardware. With cloud-based solutions, you can manage and update your displays remotely, making digital signage more accessible and cost-effective.

Cloud-based solutions and software-only options

Many digital signage platforms run entirely through a web browser, meaning you can display content on smart TVs, tablets, and other consumer-grade devices without additional hardware. This approach is perfect for small businesses and organizations looking for a low-maintenance solution.

Using existing devices

Instead of purchasing a dedicated media player, you can repurpose:

Smart TVs: Use a built-in browser to run digital signage software.
Tablets: Ideal for interactive signage or smaller-scale displays.
Streaming devices: Amazon Fire Stick, Chromecast, and similar devices can turn any screen into a signage display.

Benefits of a software-first approach

Lower costs: No need to buy extra hardware.
Easier setup: Simply connect to Wi-Fi and launch the software.
Remote management: Update and control signage without physical access to the display.

Choosing the right digital signage setup depends on your needs—while media players offer advanced functionality, many businesses can run effective signage with just a smart TV and cloud-based software.

If you're looking for an easy, hardware-free solution, Juuno makes digital signage simple, letting you manage and display content seamlessly from any browser.