When setting up digital signage, the biggest hardware choice you’ll face is this:
👉 Should you choose a System-on-Chip (SoC) display or go with an external media player?
Each has unique advantages depending on your goals, content type, and budget. Let’s break it down.
TLDR Key Takeaways
TL;DR:
A system-on-chip (SoC) display has everything built in—media player + OS—right inside the screen.
This makes installation cleaner and reduces the number of components needed.
✅ Best for: Simpler content, tight spaces, and budget-conscious projects.
Popular SoC manufacturers: Samsung Tizen, LG webOS, Sony, Elo, and Philips .
Benefits of SoC Displays:
Limitations to Consider:
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External players are stand-alone devices that plug into your display.
They usually deliver more performance and flexibility for enterprise use.
✅ Best for: High-resolution video, interactive displays, remote management, and large-scale rollouts.
Popular media player manufacturers: BrightSign, Amino, Giada, Qbic
Benefits of External Media Players:
Limitations to Consider:
Processing power is key to smooth content playback.
SoC displays are fine for basic needs, but external players are better for:
Absolutely!
External media players handle more demanding content better than SoC displays. Whether it’s ultra-high-definition videos or interactive menus, external players keep things running smoothly. They’re perfect for video walls, interactive kiosks, or any setup where performance matters most. Plus, since they’re separate, you can swap them out if newer technology comes along, keeping your system future-proof.
If you're managing more than a few screens, yes.
Remote management allows:
💡 Tip: Choose hardware with built-in remote capabilities or CMS integrations like BrightSign + Wallboard.
Choose scalable, upgradeable, and cloud-compatible hardware.
Key factors to look for:
Future-proofing your digital signage system helps extend its lifespan, lowers maintenance costs, and improves your return on investment. It ensures your digital signage stays effective and relevant, saving you time and money in the long run.
Price is important. But so is long-term performance, serviceability, and the type of content you want to show.
If you need something simple and cost-effective? Go SoC.
If you want scalability, power, and peace of mind? External might be the smarter investment.
Your digital signage solution should fit your business like a glove. That means mixing and matching hardware and software to meet your needs. Look for a system that’s easy to scale up, flexible enough to change with your business, and straightforward to manage. Whether you want to advertise, inform, or entertain, the right solution can boost customer engagement and even help increase sales.
Still not sure? Talk to our team. We’ll help you match the right hardware to your signage goals—without the guesswork.
A system-on-chip (SoC) display integrates the media player and OS into the screen itself, simplifying setup and reducing hardware components.
External players are ideal for demanding content like 4K video, interactive kiosks, or enterprise deployments requiring remote management and scalability.
SoC displays are usually more affordable upfront, but external players can be more cost-effective long-term due to easier upgrades and better performance.
Yes, but it depends on the manufacturer. Some SoC platforms offer limited remote control features compared to dedicated media players.
Not easily. You usually need to replace the entire display. External players can be swapped out or upgraded independently.
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