This is Part II of the Categorization for Digital Signage Endpoint Devices article.
Non-PC / MPEG-2
Most non-PC products support MPEG-1/MPEG-2 decoding from a CompactFlash (CF) memory card. A 1 GB memory card stores approximately 30 minutes of MPEG-2 video. These are the simplest form of a digital signage media player available today.
Non-PC / MPEG-4
More advanced non-PC products support MPEG-4/DivX. These have an advantage over the MPEG-2 players in that MPEG-4 files occupy less storage space. A 1 GB memory card usually supports 60 minutes of MPEG-4 video. These are also low cost, but extensive “sneaker net” delivery cost may occur.
Non-PC / Set-top Box
Sometimes called “IPTV” solutions, these are low cost consumer set-top boxes that are used to deliver cable TV to home. They often support MPEG-2 video streaming via Internet without using a local CF card. The benefit of a set-top box is that it solves the problem of relying on the sneaker net. The downside is that most set-top boxes require a live Internet connection with large bandwidth (4 to 8Mbps per channel) to the media server to stream media files, and creates a large server bandwidth requirement that results in great connectivity costs.
Non-PC / Interactive
Some non-PC solutions also support interactive control (touch screen, bar code scanner, etc.) in addition to video playback. They support a restrictive form of kiosk application yet provide superior reliability to PC-based solutions.
Non-PC / HD (High Definition)
The more advanced non-PC solutions support the playback of HD contents and often in multiple zones. These devices perform very closely to PC-based solutions while continue to provide simplicity and reliability. These devices are also usually network controlled by a management software.
The Digital Signage Technologist 