The digital signage player is the device that receives your content and shows it on screen, on a loop and full screen. It is the part that links the software (the brain) to the screen (the window). Good news: it is not necessarily a box to buy, it is often a device you already own.
What is a digital signage player?
In practice, the player opens the player address, identifies itself with a code, downloads the slideshow and plays it continuously. It handles transitions, caching for offline playback, and refreshing when you change the content. Without a player, a screen is just a panel; with one, it becomes a signage display.
The types of players
- Smart TV: the built-in browser acts as the player, with nothing to add. The simplest.
- Android box (€30-50): plug it into any screen, even a non-smart one.
- Raspberry Pi: in kiosk mode, reliable and low-power, ideal for a fleet.
- PC / mini-PC: when a computer already drives the screen.
Device choice is covered in digital signage on Smart TV, Android or Raspberry Pi.
Built-in player (browser) or proprietary box?
Two approaches compete. The proprietary box: the vendor sells its player, often tied to its software, a cost per screen. The browser player: any device with a browser plays, with no dedicated hardware. MisterSignage takes the second path: you open an address, enter a code, it plays. Cheaper, more flexible, nothing to buy again.
How much does a player cost?
- €0 — the smart TV you already own: its browser acts as the player;
- €30-50 — an Android box, to turn any screen into a connected one;
- ~€45 — a Raspberry Pi, reliable and low-power for a fleet;
- varies — a mini-PC, when a computer already drives the screen.
None of these players is bought from us: the software runs on the device of your choice.
Keeping a player reliable 24/7
A broadcast screen must hold up untouched. Three settings prevent 90% of incidents: disable standby and the screensaver (otherwise the screen turns itself off), enable automatic restart after a power cut, and keep the player full screen (kiosk mode). On the network side, stable WiFi is enough, and thanks to offline cache the screen keeps playing even if the connection drops.
How to choose your player?
Three rules: prefer what you already have, make sure the device stays on (disable standby) and restarts by itself after an outage, and keep the screen full screen. To connect yours, follow how to set up digital signage in 3 steps, or the Add a screen guide. To choose the software behind it, how to choose digital signage software. And to see everything the player can display, browse the features.