[android tablet] Android Tablet to run Digital signage?

[mrodwyer]

Hi all,

 

I am a first time poster to the site, have read loads.

 

I am in a school and am looking at the possibility of purchasing a big(ish) TV and an Android tablet; my goal is to have the tablet run presentations, information, images and possibly student videos. I have done a limited amount of research, and obviously know that apple TV exists, but is there something similar for the Android, if so cost, technical know-how, and functionality. Any advice or understanding will be gratefully received and faithfully applied.

 

Cheers

[north-ict]

I remember seeing sumvision products at the Gadget Show this year. They had something similar to the apple tv but android based. ebuyer sells them but here is the link to the manufacturer.

 

SUMVISION - We Sell PC Hardware, Software, Digital Media, Digital Cameras, MP3 Players, Components, Networking Equipment and more...

 

 

Edit: heres the specific item i was talking about

 

http://www.sumvision.com.cn/productinfo/nano/nano.asp

Edited June 18, 2012 by north-ict

[mikkydoos]

Why a tablet?

 

Use a little Netbox PC instead or build a mini-itx machine in a wall mounted case you can fix behind the TV.

 

a) Nobody can nick it

b) Its always on

c) It'll handle anything you throw at it

[mrodwyer]

Thank you "North-ict" for being the first to reply, I have just had a look on the site, not too sure I fully understand how it works, but does appear to tick most of the box's. Edited June 18, 2012 by mrodwyer

[mrodwyer]

Why a tablet?

 

Use a little Netbox PC instead or build a mini-itx machine in a wall mounted case you can fix behind the TV.

 

where would I get a Netbox PC from, also how would I interact with it?

 

"a mini-itx machine" - I have no idea what one of these is, or where to get one.

 

a) Nobody can nick it - Being in a school, we are kind of secure

b) Its always on - Like this

c) It'll handle anything you throw at it - massive bonus - I suppose now all I need is to figure out how to build / get one built for me.

 

Cheers

[mikkydoos]

Mini-ITX is a motherboard form factor. Basically a small PC motherboard with built in Graphics card, HDMI, network port etc etc.

 

You just need to learn how to bolt a PC together from components and install an operating system like Windows or Linux on it.

 

A nettop PC is the PC equivalent of a Netbook laptop. Check out an Asus Eee Box, Foxconn NT535, Levono Ideacentre.

It doesnt need to be built, just add some memory (RAM) and you're away.

 

Interact with them either using remote desktop or a program like TightVNC. Either that or a wireless keyboard and mouse.

Edited June 18, 2012 by mikkydoos

[Hawkeyez]

We have a number of boxes like these Acer-N282G-Ultra-Small-Form-Factor-PC running Xibo around here. They come with a wall-mount that can be used.

[mrodwyer]

We have a number of boxes like these Acer-N282G-Ultra-Small-Form-Factor-PC running Xibo around here. They come with a wall-mount that can be used.

 

Can this be connected to a TV, or does it have to be a monitor?

[mikkydoos]

Nearly all TV's and PC's have an HDMI and VGA input/output.

 

So yes.

[Hawkeyez]

The later ones we have came with VGA and HDMI.

[glennda]

Find an old pc (can be really old!) and install Xibo on it - hide it in a cuboard/ceiling/wall etc and bobs your uncle!

[mikkydoos]

TBH, my advice would be that if you're new to doing this, you might be better off getting a company to do it for you.

 

There are lots of things you need to consider. i.e. distance from PC to screen and cable type affects picture quality, do you want to add another screen in the future running from the same PC, can you get hold of decent brackets for the TV, do you need to cover it - is someone gonna damage it. I've fitted about 20 of these and they're not that easy unless you know what you're doing.

 

Are you a techie ??

Edited June 18, 2012 by mikkydoos

[mrodwyer]

Find an old pc (can be really old!) and install Xibo on it - hide it in a cuboard/ceiling/wall etc and bobs your uncle!

 

Just had a look at this, it looks really good, does anyone else use this? what are the limitations?

Cheers

[mrodwyer]

TBH, my advice would be that if you're new to doing this, you might be better off getting a company to do it for you.

 

There are lots of things you need to consider. i.e. distance from PC to screen and cable type affects picture quality, do you want to add another screen in the future running from the same PC, can you get hold of decent brackets for the TV, do you need to cover it - is someone gonna damage it. I've fitted about 20 of these and they're not that easy unless you know what you're doing.

 

Are you a techie ??

 

Alas, I am not a techie, I am a teacher of ICT in a secondary school, doing my best at trying to enthuse the learners with rich content and environment. - So as much help is always appreciated.

[glennda]

Just had a look at this, it looks really good, does anyone else use this? what are the limitations?

Cheers

 

Not much to be honest - you just need to install apache and mysql (in windows XAMPP is good). then install the client. I used to use on 8 screens

[carvjo]

or - use mediaCLOUD - I believe there is an Android client, so the OP could use an android box or tablet to run the screen.. or an iPad, or a mini-PC or a Mac..

[mikkydoos]

Well in that case, if you're handy with a drill you'll be fine.

 

You dont necessarily need fancy software. You can always use Powerpoint or whatever. All it will be is a PC outputting through a TV. All flat TV's nowadays have computer inputs. If you're only doing one screen you need...

 

A TV wall/ceiling mounting bracket - Go to http://www.cpc.farnell.com

 

A TV with an HDMI input - (HDMI does picture and sound)

 

A PC/Netbox/Whatever with an HDMI output - GET YOUR TECHIES AT THE SCHOOL

TO BUILD YOU ONE

 

An HDMI cable

 

Thats it!! Bolt it all to the wall and you're away.

Edited June 19, 2012 by mikkydoos

[mrodwyer]

Wow, some great feedback and advice on here, I now have quite a bit to think about, especially as it looks like my original idea maybe more difficult than the other solutions.

 

I am now thinking 2 displays, I am not too sure about web-based sinage, only because the techie might moan about bandwidth and security. And if im honest I would love to be able to update the sinage wirelessly. - will continue to think

[glennda]

Wow, some great feedback and advice on here, I now have quite a bit to think about, especially as it looks like my original idea maybe more difficult than the other solutions.

 

I am now thinking 2 displays, I am not too sure about web-based sinage, only because the techie might moan about bandwidth and security. And if im honest I would love to be able to update the sinage wirelessly. - will continue to think

 

You can get hosted Xibo - for £60pa . This will only use as much bandwidth as the powerpoints you upload as it references all files locally. So once dowloaded to the client they never need to be downloaded again.

[enjay]

Definitely agree with the others that you're making this harder for yourself by wanting to run it from Android.

 

If it is basic PowerPoint you want to use, just get a little Netbook and hook it up to a modern TV which has a DVI/HDMI/VGA input.

 

If you want something a little more flexible, you could look at something like what we have from ONELAN Digital Signage // Digital Signage Specialists, manufacturing Digital Signage Media Players, Complete Solution, Linux Based, Multi-zoned, Multi-media, Live TV, Transparency This comprises a screen and a dedicated host PC / server. The server is accessible via a web interface (could possibly be made available remotely, I haven't had cause to try) so you can update it from anywhere. You can also run multiple screens off it, connected either directly via VGA or via VGA-to-Ethernet converters so you could be running the same presentation in the Library and the Dining Hall.

 

There are others which come all-in-one rather than a separate screen and server, however we liked the fact that if the screen gets smashed, we just stick a new screen on it for a few hundred quid, rather than having to replace the whole £2k system.

[mikkydoos]

MrOdywer, for 2 screens you need this (transmitter)...

 

4 Port VGA and Audio over Cat 5 Video Extender | StarTech.com

 

and this (receiver)...

 

VGA Video Extender over Cat 5 Remote Receiver with Audio | StarTech.com

 

Its sends video and audio over network cable - your techies can make up a long lead for you or you can use your existing network sockets if you've got on near your screen.

 

You can place your source PC pretty much anywhere on your premises and send the video and sound down through the network sockets in your rooms.

 

This model will do about 300m but you can extend this with an amplifier made by the same people.

 

Obviously the same thing will be displayed on both screens. If you want different images shown on each screen, you need 2 PC's.

[enjay]

You can place your source PC pretty much anywhere on your premises and send the video and sound down through the network sockets in your rooms.

Note it only runs over Cat5; if you have any buildings which are connected via fibre, then it will not work to serve them.

[mikkydoos]

This is true. Well noted Edited June 19, 2012 by mikkydoos