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StrandVision offering Linux digital signage player

April 25, 2012

StrandVision Digital Signage recently announced that it is offering a preconfigured Linux digital signage player appliance that supports playback of digital signage content. The graphics-optimized unit is able to operate independently while automatically receiving content updates over the Internet.

The Intel dual-core processor SUSE Linux digital signage player, which includes 1GB of memory and Nvidia GeForce HD Graphics, as well as networking and VGA and HDMI display ports, is preconfigured by StrandVision for optimal performance and stability for years of service, the company said.

"The Linux Digital Signage Player is the best option for StrandVision customers," said Mike Strand, StrandVision founder and CEO, in the announcement. "We take care of the software installation/configuration and closely integrate the unit, allowing our cloud services to manage the appliances so customers don't have to worry about the initial configuration, ongoing maintenance, operating system versions or security. The small size and optional mounting bracket allows the unit to be hidden behind the display for an uncluttered installation."

The StrandVision Linux Player includes a subset of the full digital signage playback software application that runs on StrandVision's servers in the cloud. The player includes its own database and Apache Web server so everything is self contained. The included Adobe Flash player only has to connect to itself for digital signage content (no network traffic) with StrandVision's production servers in the cloud acting as backup and sending changes to content as needed.

The Linux digital signage appliance uses patented technology to poll the server cloud every minute to receive updates to digital signage content and send status and usage activity information. If the cloud cannot be reached the Linux appliance continues to play the full content loop and handles random and scheduled content. As a result, periodic breaks in Internet service of even up to a few hours are seldom noticeable. If the StrandVision cloud servers detect that a Linux appliance has stopped communicating with the server cloud for an hour, the system automatically sends an email alert to the customer's technical contacts that are assigned to that particular location.

StrandVision said its cloud servers also have more capability to solve issues automatically with the Linux players since the hardware and entire operating system is consistent and customized to operate within StrandVision's cloud. The configuration also offers enhanced security and stability.

The Linux Player is offered in addition to standard downloadable StrandVision Digital Signage applications for Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac personal computers.

Read more about digital signage hardware.