Digital Signage on Raspberry Pi

Among the biggest advantages of this new model 4 compared to model 3 that have a strong impact for Digital Signage we highlight the following improvements:

• Processor speed (from 1.2 to 1.5GHz)
• Memory in Speed and Capacity (from 1GB up to 4GB)
• Graphics Card (from VideoCore IV at 250MHz to VideoCore VI at 500MHz)
• Graphics Outputs (from 1 HDMI 1.4 to 2 micro HDMI 2.0)
• Ethernet network (from 100Mb to 1Gb)
• WiFi network (from n standard to ac standard)

Thus, if the World VDS Digital Signage Software in version 3 of the Raspberry Pi already presented an excellent performance, in version 4 this became naturally much superior.

Below is a list of the main advantages that businesses can expect from using the Raspberry Pi 4, should they adopt this hardware for their digital signage solution:

Raspberry Pi 4 is available in 3 different versions, different only in the RAM memory capacity, namely with 1GB, 2GB and 4GB. Although it is necessary to contemplate an additional cost for necessary accessories such as the USB-C power supply, HDMI cable, SD card and the Raspberry Box (equipment protection box). Still, even for the 4GB model, the final price is very low for the potential of the device in question.

It should be noted that the Raspberry Pi is a hardware platform with market-proven quality, as it has more than 13 million units sold worldwide. It also has a product life cycle of more than 7 years, there are no clones and it is easily available worldwide, which gives absolute security to those who choose this solution for their digital signage.

The new Raspberry Pi 4 has two HDMI outputs, so no additional hardware is required to achieve this effect. Thus, with a single device it is now possible to manage 2 Digital Signage screens independently at the same time.

An interesting context for the use of the two HDMI ports is in using a cross-connect configuration of two displays associated with Raspberry Pi 4 devices, which enables a fallback scenario for critical applications if one of the Raspberry Pi 4 device ports fails, thus allowing instant switching of the displays by the HDMI port that is still working. A practical application of this scenario with critical applications, is in the screens on which flight information is displayed at airports.

Although most of the existing screens, as well as the video content produced are 1080p, slowly the 4K resolution is starting to gain its space in Digital Signage, as with 4K there will be 4 times more detail and clarity compared to 1080p. Display suppliers are already starting to offer these solutions at the professional display level and in the coming years we can expect the launch of several very large displays, as happened in 2019 with the launch of Samsung´s 219´´ display called "the wall". In addition, consumer adoption of 4K is also increasing, which is another factor that will drive the adoption of 4K Digital Signage significantly in the coming years.

Since the new Raspberry Pi 4 offers full support for 4K it only reinforces the fact that this hardware is a very valid option for the present as well as the future of Digital Signage. 4K video must be encoded using H.265 supported by the Raspberry Pi 4 hardware´s video decoder without any licensing and additional cost. This video decoding supports a high profile, up to 60 frames per second, so that the video is smooth and the playback is absolutely perfect.

With the advanced 4GB LPDDR4 RAM option of the new Raspberry Pi 4, it becomes possible to display more content simultaneously on the screens, with faster loading, thus making the hardware performance much higher. For Digital Signage Software World VDS this aspect can be very relevant in situations of complex emissions, since our software, unlike others on the market, allows a total division of the screen in several areas that complement each other, thus giving total flexibility to customers to display on the same screen several information simultaneously, from different sources.

Although not the Raspberry Pi 4´s strong point, it still has a very competent 4-core CPU with a 1.5 GHz clock, which allows it to render web pages with many animations at a significantly acceptable rate. However the video reproduction is exceptional, being able to create advanced graphics with OpenGL ES 3.0 support.

The Raspberry Pi 5 is an excellent option for Digital Signage projects due to its flexibility and ease of customization. It supports various programming languages, such as Python and Scratch, making it accessible to a wide range of users, from beginners to more experienced programmers. The use of Python is especially useful because it is a widely used language for process automation and content integration in Digital Signage systems. With Python, it is possible to create custom scripts to control video playback, adjust screen brightness, or even configure interactivity with the audience through sensors or other connected devices.

Additionally, the Raspberry Pi 5 runs the Raspbian operating system, which is a Linux distribution optimized for the Raspberry Pi hardware. The Raspbian command-line interface is highly valued by programmers who require flexibility and detailed control over the device. This interface allows for advanced customization and automation of various tasks, such as remote content management, network settings adjustments, or integration with Digital Signage platforms like World VDS. This technical accessibility makes the Raspberry Pi 5 a highly attractive choice for businesses looking to create custom digital signage solutions without relying on complex and expensive proprietary software or hardware.

In the age of environmental awareness, technological solutions increasingly need to balance efficiency and environmental impact. The Raspberry Pi, being a compact and energy-efficient option, offers significant sustainability advantages compared to traditional digital signage solutions.

1. Low Energy Consumption: The Raspberry Pi consumes a fraction of the energy compared to servers or traditional computers used for digital signage. This reduces the carbon footprint of operations, especially in installations with multiple screens, such as in the case of Amplitude Net. Lower energy consumption not only results in lower operational costs but also helps reduce the demand for energy resources
2. Less Heat Generation: Compared to large servers that generate excessive heat and require cooling systems, Raspberry Pis operate with minimal heat dissipation. This reduces the need for air conditioning systems, which consume more energy, promoting a more efficient and less polluting work environment
3. Recycling and Durability: The ease of recycling components of the Raspberry Pi, such as the boards, is another sustainability factor. The modular and simple design of the Raspberry Pi makes it easy to replace individual parts like SD cards or cables, rather than needing to discard the entire device. Additionally, the lifespan of Raspberry Pi boards is long, with frequent software updates ensuring good performance for years
4. Small Production Footprint: The Raspberry Pi is manufactured efficiently, focusing on minimal material use and maximizing its utility, resulting in a significantly smaller production footprint compared to larger and more complex equipment

Among the Raspberry Pi pantheon, 4B and 400 emerge as digital signage stalwarts. Boosting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth prowess akin to their predecessor, the 3rd player, these boards wield 40-pin GPIO headers for seamless electronics control. Memory options ranging from 1GB to 8GB on the 4B model make it a storage haven for digital signage content.

With two HDMI ports supporting 4k resolution on both displays, Raspberry Pi 4B and Pi 400 flaunt processing speeds of 1.5GHz and 1.8GHz, respectively. Overheating concerns in the 4B model find resolution in the Raspberry Pi 4 model B, featuring a heatsink case. Compared to traditional desktops, Raspberry Pis emerge as cost-effective champions, an appealing prospect for businesses delving into digital signage at minimal costs.

Historically tethered to the Linux-based Debian distro Raspbian, Raspberry Pis transitioned in 2020 to the 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS compatible across all models. Software for digital signage must harmonize with the Pi OS, offering:

• Content Management Options: Compatibility with tools like Google Slides and Calendars, coupled with user-friendly interfaces and templates for hassle-free display updates
• Display Control: Automated shutdown during non-working hours ensures energy efficiency
• Remote Commands: Seamless control from your computer, liberating you from manual USB content input

Raspberry Pi players find purpose across diverse markets. Gaming stores, in tandem with Raspbian and RetroPie, resurrect retro games while leveraging digital signage capabilities. Small businesses, schools, worship centers, museums, factories, Hotels, and hospitals - all find a digital ally in Raspberry Pi players. From simple signs to complex displays, these players adapt, offering a potent tool for myriad communication needs.

As mentioned the Amplitude Net World VDS Digital Signage Software is currently prepared to run on the Raspberry Pi since its version 2 (currently version 4).

What hasn´t been mentioned yet is that World VDS is the only software in the world, which besides being available for the Raspberry Pi, also runs not only on the main brands of professional Digital Signage displays (such as Samsung, LG and Philips) as well as on other major operating systems such as Windows, Android and Linux.

This versatility, unique in the world, allows companies total flexibility when choosing World VDS, as they will never be tied to one brand or operating system for their projects.

Worldwide the Digital Signage Software Industry is divided into the following segments:

• Manufacturers´ software, which only runs on their branded screens (Samsung has MagicInfo, LG the SuperSign and Phillips the CMND)
• Cross-platform software available (some of which already runs natively on some brands of screens)
• Software that runs on the Raspberry Pi

World VDS is the only software worldwide that can unite these 3 universes.

What leads companies that develop cross-platform software (which are already available in several platforms) to not bet on the Raspberry Pi, is essentially due to the fact that the specifications of this hardware, are very particular and limitative, which make it a very low cost Mini-PC. This way, they prefer to bet their development effort on other platforms (more expensive and with a more robust hardware) and not on the Raspberry Pi.

It is these unique characteristics of the Raspberry Pi that have led some companies to invest in the development of software limited to this low-cost hardware. Among these softwares the following stand out:

• 1Play
• Yodeck
• Info-beamer
• piSignage
• Raspberry Digital Signage

Historically there have been several other projects, which have disappeared due to their lack of economic viability.

Amplitude Net, through an internal research and development project carried out in 2019 called World VDS SPARK, has developed a state-of-the-art Digital Signage Software code, which has allowed it to adapt to any operating system, including the one used by the cheapest Digital Signage hardware in the world - the Raspberry Pi.

This versatility of the World VDS Digital Signage Software of Amplitude Net elevates our solution to a level that no other company in the world has yet reached, making it the current digital signage and Corporate TVAmplitude Net shows how it continues to innovate and create differentiation from what the competition has to offer.

There are of course several factors that may influence companies to choose to use Digital Signage Software on other platforms, such as Windows hardware. If certain business groups need to place many devices on an internal network with strict security protocols, having the group made agreements with Microsoft, or even when using a certain brand of screens that already allow natively the World VDS solution to run.

However, in view of the various points detailed in the article, it is clear that the new version of the Raspberry Pi 4 is at the moment a highly efficient and economic solution, should companies wish to adopt this device in their digital signage solution.

It should be noted that the Amplitude Net is very more than Digital Signage Software because in addition to the World VDS software available on the most varied platforms, it also has a wide range of Digital Signage ServicesThis guarantees companies the success of their projects on any platform.

References:
wikipedia: RaspberryPi
RaspberryPi 4 vs RaspberryPi 3B+
RaspberryPi PoE HAT
Add GPS Time and Location to a RaspberryPi Project
NEWS TOP 27 Popular RaspberryPi Displays & Screens

Published: 20-03-2020