The box behind every reliable screen.
The display is what your customers see. The player is what makes it tick. We spec, supply, and configure the right player for the job — and ninety percent of "the digital signage doesn't work anymore" calls trace back to picking the wrong one in the first place.
Three player classes. One that's right for your install.
BrightSign
Purpose-built signage hardware. No OS to crash, no updates that break overnight, no third-party software fighting for resources. The right call when "it must still be working in three years without anyone touching it" is the spec.
Android-based players
The flexible workhorse. Large vendor pool, low unit cost, broad CMS compatibility. The right call for the majority of installs — retail aisles, menu boards, corporate lobbies, where good-enough-and-replaceable beats premium-and-irreplaceable.
Enterprise PC
Windows or Linux box, full software flexibility. The right call when the content needs computing power — 4K at 60Hz, multi-zone video walls, custom interactive applications, or integrations that demand a real OS.
Five questions before the box ships.
- What's the content? Static images? 4K video? Interactive touch? Live data feeds?
- How many screens per player? One-to-one, or one player driving a video wall?
- What's the network like? Hardwired LAN, decent WiFi, or thin mobile broadband?
- Who maintains it day-to-day? In-house IT, your CMS partner, or 1308?
- What's the install environment? Air-conditioned shop, semi-outdoor, dusty warehouse, ceiling void?
The answers narrow it to one or two real options. We tell you which, why, and what it'll cost across years one, three, and five.
Players, answered.
What buyers want to know before they commit to a player class.
What's the real difference between BrightSign and Android players?
BrightSign runs a purpose-built signage OS — no general-purpose apps, no background services fighting for resources, no monthly OS updates. It costs more upfront but the failure rate over years is dramatically lower. Android players are cheaper, more flexible, and easier to replace — better for high-volume rollouts where individual unit failure is acceptable.
How long do players last in commercial use?
BrightSign units routinely run 5-7 years without intervention. Commercial-grade Android players (not consumer streaming sticks) run 3-5 years. Enterprise PC players depend on the hardware spec — typically 3-5 years before warranties expire. We supply commercial-grade only — consumer hardware in commercial use fails fast and creates ongoing pain.
Can players run while completely offline?
Yes — every player class supports offline cached playback. Content downloads when the network is available and plays from local storage. If the network drops mid-day, screens keep playing. They sync new content when connectivity returns.
What happens if a player crashes — does it self-recover?
Modern signage players watchdog themselves and auto-restart if playback hangs. Combined with Command Nexus fleet monitoring, any crash that the watchdog can't recover from flags an alert within minutes — we know before your customers do.
Can a single player drive multiple displays?
Yes, with the right player class. Enterprise PC players can drive up to four displays. BrightSign has multi-output models for video walls. Android players are typically one-per-screen. We spec the player count based on the layout, not a one-size-fits-all rule.
Do players need ongoing licence fees?
The player hardware is a one-time cost. Where licence fees come in is the CMS subscription (typically AUD $10-35 per screen per month), which is a separate decision — see our Content Management page for the full breakdown.
Spec the player first.
Then the display, then the install. We'll work the order with you.