TLDR Key Takeaways
If you’ve ever set up digital signage, you know it can be a bit of a hassle - media players, mounting hardware, extra cables, the whole deal. That’s where System on Chip (SoC) displays come in. These all-in-one screens simplify everything by packing the brains of the operation right inside the display. But are they the right fit for your business? Let’s break it down.
SoC displays combine core computing functions - CPU, GPU, RAM, storage - onto a single chip inside the screen. This gives you a smart, standalone display that doesn’t need extra devices.
Think of it like a smart TV, but built for business: reliable, purpose-built, and compatible with commercial digital signage software.
With SoC, you get:
SoC displays are designed for ease, especially for businesses rolling out signage across multiple locations.
System on Chip (SoC) displays simplify digital signage. Instead of relying on a separate media player, everything’s built right into the screen - processor, memory, and networking. That means easier setup, fewer parts to fail, and lower costs.
Here’s what makes them stand out:
But if your signage needs more power - like 4K video walls or heavy interactivity - an external media player might still be the better option.
Originally, SoC displays could only handle basic images or slideshows. But that’s changed fast.
Samsung kicked things off in 2013 with the Smart Signage Platform. Since then, SoC displays have become smarter, faster, and more powerful.
Now, SoC displays can:
Today’s SoC displays rival many external-player setups in performance - with way less complexity. That’s why they’re a growing part of modern signage rollouts.
One of the biggest wins? Everything’s built-in.
You don’t need a separate media player, extra cables, or complicated mounting. Just plug in the display, connect it to Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and you’re good to go.
Why it matters:
For businesses managing multiple locations, this simplicity adds up fast.
No extra hardware means fewer potential failure points. That translates into better uptime and fewer tech headaches.
SoC displays are built to last:
Whether you’re running signage in a retail store or corporate office, reliability matters - and SoC displays deliver.
SoC displays reduce the risk of tampering or hacking because there are fewer access points. Everything lives inside a secure, tightly integrated system.
Security features include:
Especially for businesses in finance, healthcare, or government - these extra layers of security make a difference.
SoC displays often win on cost. Since the media player is built in, you’re buying and managing fewer devices.
With SoC displays, you save on:
For small and mid-sized businesses, that can be a game-changer - giving you pro-level signage without a high-end budget.
This is where external players have an edge. If something breaks or needs an upgrade, you can just swap out the media player. With SoC, you’d replace the whole display.
Here’s a quick comparison:
Feature | SoC Displays | External Media Players |
---|---|---|
Maintenance Needs | Low – fewer separate parts | High – more hardware components |
Upgradability | Limited – need full unit swaps | Easy – upgrade specific parts |
Long-term Flexibility | Moderate | High |
If flexibility and long-term scalability matter more than simplicity, external players may be the better fit.
Looking for high-quality SoC options? These brands are leading the way and are seamlessly compatible with Wallboard.
Top Picks:
Bonus tip: If you need outdoor signage, look for models like the Samsung OHF Series, which are weather-resistant and bright enough for daylight use. Check out which SoC displays are the most compatible with Wallboard.
Yes. SoC displays are built to work with common signage software platforms, content management systems (CMS) like Wallboard, and app integrations.
You can:
Many SoC displays also support remote troubleshooting, making them great for multi-location businesses.
SoC displays can handle more than just images.
They’re great for:
Just be mindful of limitations - if you need ultra-high performance, like gaming-level graphics or massive video walls, an external player might still be necessary.
SoC displays save money long term in a few key ways:
And because you can manage them remotely, your IT or operations team doesn’t need to travel for basic updates or fixes. That’s especially valuable for businesses managing dozens, or hundreds, of screens.
If you’re looking for a clean, cost-effective, and reliable way to manage digital signage, SoC displays are a great choice. They’re easy to deploy, simple to manage, and built to handle most signage needs without extra gear.
Best For:
But if you need maximum flexibility, frequent hardware upgrades, or more demanding graphics, an external media player setup may still be worth it.
We’re happy to help. Whether you're rolling out 5 screens or 500, we’ll walk you through the options - no pressure, no jargon.
Let’s chat. You bring the vision. We’ll help bring it to life.