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In this guide, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about BrightSign. From hardware, what it can be used for, what it’s great at and when to use it.
What is a BrightSign player?
A BrightSign player is a purple, small form factor device that’s used across the globe to power digital signage projects. BrightSign was founded in 2002 and is located in Los Gatos, California. Since then, they have built and sold over 2 million affordable and (importantly) reliable hardware devices for a range of digital signage projects.
BrightSign has a range of devices available to choose from. In this article, we’re going to cover each of them and the features they include, plus, when you should be using them.
XT, XD, HD, LS, AU (audio only)
BSN.Cloud software for digital signage management
As well as hardware, BrightSign features BSN.Cloud software for free with each box. BSN.Cloud allows you to connect to your players via the cloud, manage your devices network and content management and configure your settings to your preference. BSN.Cloud also allows you to select your CMS of choice (content management system) so you can still use the right content management tool for your requirements, whist relying on their hardware. Previously, BrightSign had offered a local player management tool called “Bright Author” which has since been superseded by BSN.Cloud.
With your BSN.Cloud software and BrightSign devices, you’ll then be free to choose the CMS that suits your needs. BrightSign even has it’s more reputable software options included within the BSN.Cloud application for you to select and install within the user interface.
When to use BrightSign?
We’ve been working with BrightSign for many years and by far the most impressive aspect of their devices is the extremely low failure rate. As BrightSign are custom designed digital signage players, their custom casing and SSD drives are perfect for the life cycle and intensive use of a digital signage player. We’ve received many reports of users having little to no players failing (however there will always be one or two as not every hardware device is treated the same).
BrightSign players are suitable for nearly every environment including Retail, QSR, Stadiums, Corporate workspaces, and The Automotive industry, but to name a few, you should MOST IMPORTANTLY consider the content you wish to display before selecting your player.
New installations and upgrading your digital signage
BrightSigns players can easily be slotted behind an existing screen which makes them perfect for upgrading your digital signage environment. If you’ve already installed screens on site and you are tired of costs and disruption of existing hardware failure, BrightSign players are ideally suited.. with BrightSign Player pricing from $250.00 to $340.00 USD for one device) you’ll end up saving money over replacing non-signage focused hardware such as Raspberry Pi devices.
Which BrightSign device is right for me?
POE, HDMI, GPIO… There are a lot of acronyms in digital signage to get your head around. We’ve put together a list of features for each BrightSign player and broken down the jargon to explain what hardware does what and when to use it.