CONTENT PLAYERS
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Content players for LED screens or LED players are the systems that reproduce and store the video and image contents for the LED screens. With them we can create the playlists that will be reproduced on the screen. The player can either be a hardware (Asynchronous Systems) or to a reproduction software (Synchronous systems). These players have several functions in common:
- Upload videos and images
- Schedule videos by calendar
- Screen brightness scheduling
TYPES OF CONTENT PLAYERS FOR LED SCREENS
There is a wide variety of content reproduction systems for LED screens on the market. Each of them has a set of functions and limitation, and there are even models that combine different types of features, including different ports for connection for video sources, internal memory, access and control through networks, among others.
The most common content players are: PC Software player, Asynchronous hardware player, Synchronous hardware player and Video processor scaler system.
Asynchronous player
ASYNCHRONOUS PLAYER
WHAT IS AN ASYNCHRONOUS SYSTEM (ASYNC) FOR LED SCREENS?
In this type of system, the player is fully integrated into the LED screen. These asynchronous systems are small electronic boards that are located inside the screen, accessing them via Wifi, direct connection by network cable or via the internet. There are hundreds of manufacturers offering this type of system for LED screens, 99% of which are of Asian origin. An asynchronous player is characterised by being able to play digital video content stored in a memory (hard disk, USB pendrive, SD cards, etc.) without requiring a video source with an external player. Asynchronous players may have internal memory and additional USB connection ports for external memory.
WHAT ADVANTAGES DO ASYNCHRONOUS SYSTEMS OFFER?
As they are integrated into the screen it makes it easy for us to not have to rely on external content players.
Software based PC Player
WHAT DISADVANTAGES DOES AN ASYNCHRONOUS SYSTEM HAVE?
Asynchronous system are very limited and it is not possible to upgrade them. Also, since the system is designed specific manufacturer, you will be forced to use that application, as you won’t be able to choose or change to any other in the future.
Video scaling processor
USES AND APPLICATIONS OF AN ASYNCHRONOUS SYSTEM
Asynchronous systems, being more basic than Synchronous systems, are used for small LED screens that do not require advanced user functions. For example:
– LED screens for shops and stores with repetitive advertising.
– LED screens for fairs and corporate stands.
FUNCTIONS OF ASYNCHRONOUS REPRODUCTION SYSTEMS
In addition to the usual brightness and power control functions, they allow the creation of playlists and automated programs to play content at specific dates and times. Asynchronous players usually have specific control software to be able to program their advanced functions, compatible with multiple types of image and video files (jpg, png, tif, gif, avi, wmv, mp4, etc.).
Some asynchronous player models can incorporate specific functions for network control, sensor control and control of electronics, and even with video ports for synchronous mode operation.
Synchronous player
SYNCHRONOUS PLAYER
WHAT IS A SYNCHRONOUS SYSTEM FOR LED SCREENS?
In LED screens, the Synchronous system is an external system. This means, that the screen integrates a digital video or data input which is then connected to the video source player.
WHAT ADVANTAGES DO SYNCHRONOUS SYSTEMS HAVE IN LED SCREENS?
The main advantage of these systems is the freedom to connect any player device to the LED screen, as if it were a conventional TV with an external video input.
WHAT DISADVANTAGE DO SYNCHRONOUS SYSTEMS HAVE?
Synchronous systems use an element called a signal converting card or Sending Card. This card performs the conversion of the HDMI or DVI input image signal and converts it so that the LED screen can reproduce it. This element, although very small, has to be placed between the content player and the LED screen.
USES AND APPLICATION OF A SYNCHRONOUS SYSTEM
A Synchronous system is usually used for LED screens that require the connection of external video signals such as:
– Live applications (connection to video cameras)
– Connection to television signals (DTT, Satellite…)
– Content players (digital Signs)