• Does Xandadeck support dual monitor, using the two HDMI ports available on the Player?

    January 12, 2021 Administrator Xandabox

    Currently, we do not support using both HDMI ports on the Xandadeck 4K Player (Raspberry Pi 4). Why?

    If you wanted to always show identical content on two screens, then you can always use a $5 HDMI splitter. This way, you can even drive more screens, using larger 1-to-10 HDMI splitters. The real question is for driving 2 screens with different content on each. The latest version of our hardware platform, the Raspberry Pi 4, provides two micro-HDMI ports for connecting two screens. However, the hardware has several restrictions when it comes to supporting a dual-screen setup. Here are the most important ones.

    • Dual 4K screen setup is limited to a refresh rate of 30Hz.
      Normally, a refresh rate of 60Hz is supported for 4K screens, but adding a second screen limits output to 30Hz. While this is not a significant restriction, it does affect playback quality.
    • There is only 1 hardware decoder for video, making it difficult to show two different videos on the two screens.
      Actually, there is 1 hardware decoder for video encoded in the H.265 format (supporting up to 4K video) and 1 hardware decoder for video encoded in the H.264 format (supporting up to 1080p video). However, this means that we need to have videos in multiple formats, just to allow playback of different videos on the two screens.
    • The Player cannot turn both screens on and off.
      The Player uses the HDMI-CEC protocol for turning screens on and off. Unfortunately, CEC support is only provided for the primary screen, so the second screen cannot be turned off and on based on a schedule.
    • The hardware cannot handle Layouts on two screens, especially if one is running at 4K.
      The Player has a hardware component called “compositor”. The compositor takes the different layered content (e.g. video, overlayed images, RSS tickers, etc) and combines them in a single output. If the compositor is overloaded, then the output turns black. And this is out of our control. Currently, the compositor may be overloaded at 4K even with a single screen.

    Besides the hardware restrictions, building support for dual screens also has several implications on the software side. And not all of our users are tech-savvy; we have HR and marketing departments purchasing Xandadeck, and we cannot explain all the above restrictions in a clear way during their (short) evaluation of what we provide. It is much better to leave out the dual-screen option and keep it simple for everyone.

    For special projects over 1000 units that might need dual screen support, we can investigate it as special customization. As a mainstream feature for all customers, dual-screen support is not a priority right now. We might provide it down the road, but not in the near future.

    If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our support team.

  • What if Xandabox fails?

    January 11, 2021 Administrator Xandabox

    There is a limited worldwide warranty of 1 year on a Xandabox.

    If your Xandabox is eligible for replacement, you can ship the failed Xandabox back to us and we will send you the replacement unit as soon as possible. Shipping costs for returning of Xandaboxs are covered by you, whereas we will cover the shipping costs of the replacement unit.

    In order for you not to incur unnecessary shipping costs, make sure you contact our support team first. You might get yourself a local part replacement, like for a failed SD card, which might be cheaper than shipping it back to us.

  • Do I need to get a Xandabox to use Xandadeck?

    January 11, 2021 Administrator Xandabox

    No. You can:

    1. buy a Raspberry Pi yourself
    2. buy a case, power adapter, HDMI cable, and an SD card
    3. download our Raspberry Pi image
    4. write it to the SD card
    5. assemble everything together

    But why do that?

    A Xandabox is probably cheaper than assembling a Raspberry Pi -based player yourself. And if you decide on an annual subscription, we give you all the Xandabox you need for FREE.

  • How do I order a Xandabox?

    January 11, 2021 Administrator Xandabox

    Sign in to the Xandadeck service and from the top-right menu select “Get Xandabox”.

    Any Xandabox you order will be preconfigured with your account details so that you can simply plug it in and start “Xandadecking”!


    If you need any advanced configuration, you can provide the information after the ordering process. For example, you can supply your WiFi network name and key and your Xandabox will come ready to connect to your WiFi network!

  • When will the Xandabox be available for purchase?

    January 11, 2021 Administrator Xandabox

    Xandabox has been available for purchase (or for FREE, through annual plans) since January 26th, 2016!

  • What is a Xandabox?

    January 6, 2021 Administrator Xandabox

    Xandadeck needs a device that will handle the playback of your media onto your monitor. We designed our own plug-and-play device, which we call the “Xandabox”.

    With the “Xandabox” you get:

    • Raspberry Pi 4 mini-computer, including a Metallic Raspberry Pi 4 Case and the Official Power supply USB-C.
    • A 1m-long micro-HDMI to HDMI cable, for connecting the Xandabox to your TV/monitor.
    • A 16 GB SD-card (Class 10), pre-loaded with Xandadeck software and pre-configured to be plug-and-play.

    Get ALL the Xandaboxs for Free!

    Xandabox is a simple and cost-effective solution for everyone. Besides, we give you for FREE* ALL the Xandabox you need for ALL your monitors with anannual subscription! Alternatively, you can buy a Xandabox for just 61,000 naira only.

  • QSR + Digital Signage Displays = The Ultimate Happy Meal

    Walking into a quick-service restaurant these days often means seeing a row of digital signage displays behind the counter, as LCD screens rapidly replace static back-lit posters.
    With an estimated 50 to 70 percent of QSR sales occurring in the drive-thru, taking digital menu boards outdoors is the next logical evolution for the industry. A report by Futuresource Consulting in 2014 suggested that only 1 percent of the potential market for outdoor displays had so far been tapped.

    As a reminder of why the drive-thru is important, much of Australia’s eastern seaboard recently copped an unseasonal lashing from the weather gods. As the rain pelted down, the number of drive-thru QSR customers surged as they avoided the drenching that comes from the 100-meter parking lot dash.

    The drive-thru customer experience is all about speed and convenience. Having the right menu and message at the right time is important. In the past, business owners had two choices: Display all menu items — breakfast, lunch and dinner — on the one menu board all day long, or use two-sided menu boards that could be flipped during the day. Talk about overwhelming the customer.

    The National Restaurant Association’s 2015 Industry Forecast showed 41 percent of the critical 18- to 34-year-old target demographic says technology is an important factor when they choose a restaurant, and the next age bracket — 35 to 44 years — wasn’t far behind at 39 percent. The NRA’s research found that technology improves speed and convenience for consumers.The restaurant is filled with digital signage advertising machine – playing your product more able to attract your customers.

  • The function of Outdoor lcd digital signage

    Digital signage is a part and parcel of the modern advertising. The sophisticated silver casting works as an interactive medium for the public since it showcases the multimedia content that needs mass attention. No one can negate the importance of digital signage for effective marketing. Serious business ventures use digital signage as their triumph card to outclass competitors. We take pride in announcing our unmatched service in the field of the LCD display. We master the industry norms thoroughly.

    Robust advertising via outdoor digital Signage

    From pixel range to physical makeup of the signage every bit count to make the marketing strategy successful. Researchers suggest that good visuals and aesthetics play a vital role in converting potential customers to actual customers. So, the vital statistics of screens definitely play an essential part. Panel brand, its display size coupled with display ratio, viewing angle and resolution are the core pillars of an extraordinary display. Further enhancements are done via viewing angle and adjusting contrast, color, and brightness. LED backlit is great for energy conservation. Since outdoor digital signage needs to be continually run energy efficient mechanism to run the digital signage is the foremost prerequisite.

    Effective operation

    Operation and execution of our digital signage are efficient and reliable. Offering connection to the network along with touch screen, infrared touch screen touch ways, and touch dots. Android 4.2 version is embedded that is upgradable. Power, voltage, and stability are other parameters that make this outdoor digital signage incredible and versatile product. Our product works well with the 3G/4G network.

    Weather resistant

    Our digital signage work equally well in extreme sunny, windy or rainy seasons. The surface comprises of aluminum alloy or tempered glass to instil more durability and resistance. The galvanized steel sheet measures 1.0-1.5mm in thickness.

    Customization

    We owe a list of loyal customers that prefer us for our customization expertise. Besides conventional white, silver or black colors we customize the digital signage in any color or theme our vendors demand. We also take immense care of packing by ensuring the product remains waterproof, dust-proof and anti-dazzle.

    Quality assurance

    Outdoor digital signage and all other products are duly certified in accordance with the protocols of CE, ROHS, FCC, ISO, and IP65.

    We require a small time span of 15-30 days to complete the delivery. We feel great to respond your queries so if any question pops in your mind feel free to contact us anytime.

  • Direct view LED Displays for Digital Signage: Pros & Cons

    You’ve got to know your screen tech if you want to deploy the right digital signage solution for your use-case. And all these options out there can easily confuse the best of us. But have no fear, we’re here to give you a crash-course on the most popular screens. Starting with direct view LED displays.

    Get the lowdown on direct view LED displays

    If you use digital signage, you need a screen to show off all your awesome content. And that screen’s got to pull its own weight and actually deliver on the image quality you need. Make no mistake, the type of screen tech you choose has a lot to do with how you want to display digital signage content. You can’t just pick any old screen and hope it works just as well for stadium-level setups and end of aisle signage. So where do direct view LED displays excel? It’s all about the tech details.

    All the tech explained

    Direct view LED displays run on tiny little powerhouses called light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Each LED is a small semiconductor that takes the electricity running through the screen once it’s plugged in and transforms it into light. Additionally, each one contains a specific chemical compound that defines whether it’ll produce the blue, red or green colors you need for great images and videos.

    Why? Because you need one light-emitting diode of each color to create a full-color pixel. You know, those pesky little squares you see on screen that together make up the whole image. And when something goes wrong they go all blocky like you’re looking at a computer screen from the ‘80s. In fact, that’s exactly why you need to know precisely what kind of light-emitting diode tech you need for your digital signage. Because you want people to notice your attention-grabbing content, not your boxy pixels. And pixels are unquestionably important because red, blue and green make up the light-based primary colors human eye sensors pick up. And in turn, these three primary colors taken together allow the light-emitting diode to produce up to 281 trillion colors in each pixel. Talk about attention-grabbing eye-candy!

    Putting the direct in view LED displays

    Why are LED displays called direct view LED displays? And what does that have to do with image quality and use cases? Firstly, it’s got a lot to do with how LCD displays rely on light-emitting diodes for light (more on LCD displays in another post). In LCD screens two polarized glass panes trap liquid crystals that move when an electric current zaps through them. As the liquid crystals shift around, light passes through to form an image on screen. Secondly, LCD screens don’t generate their own light. And that’s exactly where light-emitting diodes step in. They provide the backlight in LCD displays that’s necessary to light up the image.

    Unlike with LCD displays, in direct view LED displays, it’s the light-emitting diodes themselves that formulate the image – no more playing second fiddle by serving as a plain old backlight. Light-emitting diodes get affixed to the panel and boom, images appear. So basically you’re “directly viewing” the image on screen because of the light-emitting diodes in direct-view LED displays – no liquid crystal or polarized glass necessary.

    Direct view LED displays can either use discrete oval LEDs which are basically one single self-contained diode, or SMD LEDs. Surface Mounted Device LEDs contain 3 individual light-emitting diodes bunched together. Either way, it’s the light-emitting diodes that create the images you see on screen.

    But will your content display just as well on a direct view LED display as it does on your traditional LCD display? You’ll have to check out the pixel pitch.

    How does pixel pitch affect direct view LEDs?

    Basically, pixel pitch refers to the distance between each LED pixel. If there isn’t much space between light-emitting diode pixels, you’ve got more of them making up your direct view LED display. Also, the more LED pixels you’ve got (meaning there’s less space between them, increasing their density), the better your image resolution. Your images and videos will be clearer, crisper, more defined. In fact, if your pixel pitch is small (aka fine pitch), your viewers can step right up to the screen and see all the interesting little details in your videos and images. All because you’ve got a higher pixel density.

    However, if the space between pixels is larger (meaning there’s a higher pixel pitch and a lower pixel density on screen) you’ll get that blocky effect when watching the screen up close. Pixel pitch varies, going from 0.8mm to 10mm+, so you’ve got a wide range to work with.

    How does that affect you? It depends on how you want to use your direct view LED display. If you’re planning on setting up your screens indoors where people can get up close and personal with them, choose a smaller pixel pitch. You’ll want less distance between pixels in order to keep your videos and images crisp and sharp even if they walk right up to your screen. If your viewers will be farther away from your screens, a higher pixel pitch will do.

    In brief, your rule of thumb is the following. The closer people get to your screen, the smaller the pixel pitch should be to maintain a great image quality. Are you planning big installations, like outdoor billboards? Higher pixel pitch is exactly what you need. People won’t get close enough to notice those gaps between LED pixels.

    Why choose direct view LEDs for digital signage?

    Direct view LED displays offer many advantages. This technology means you get brighter, high-contrast images and videos compared to traditional LCD displays. And that’s so important for your digital signage. In fact, because of their extreme brightness, direct view LED displays work great in situations and places that are already very brightly lit. Offices, schools and shopping malls are just a few examples. In addition, these screens offer unparalleled color quality.

    Also, direct view LED displays give you seamless video walls. Why? Because they don’t need bezels (frames surrounding the screen) like LCD screens. So your installation looks sleek and professional. Indeed, if you have unusual specifications when it comes to screen size, direct view displays are your best bet. In fact, they come in all sizes, including huge screens for outdoor digital signage installations. If you require custom screen sizes, you’ll benefit from choosing direct view LED displays because of their flexibility.

    What use cases need direct view LED displays?

    Direct view LED displays work great for outdoor or larger installations. Because they’re extra-bright, colorful and come in all sizes, they beat LCD displays right out of the gate. The image quality’s tailored to use cases that target large numbers of viewers. If you need to set up screens in high traffic areas like shopping malls, airports, convention centers, universities and schools, direct view screens have been tried and tested. Planning a video wall or billboard somewhere huge, like sports arenas, school stadiums, cineplexes and entertainment centers? This type of screen tech won’t let you down.

    As direct view LED displays handle videos, images and tickers equally well for high-traffic areas, you won’t have any limitations when it comes to creating digital signage content. Plus, as you don’t need fine pitch displays since your viewers will see content from a distance, the price is most definitely right.

    Direct view LED displays in a nutshell

    There are many benefits to using direct view LED displays to show off your content. If your digital signage involves high traffic areas, video walls, large or customized screen sizes and people seeing your content from a distance, direct view LED displays get the most bang for your buck. In fact, these displays are a very popular choice when installing digital signage screens in busy places like schools, universities, airports, malls, convention centers and stadiums. You’ll get that image brightness and crispness you’ll need to attract and hold the attention of hundreds of people as they stream by. Plus, they’ll get all the information they expect from you, at a glance, with an excellent image quality to boot.

    Of course, you could always choose a fine pitch LED display for up-close indoor use. That would give you the same level of color, brightness and contrast from the light-emitting diode pixel technology. Even if people walk up and touch your screens. No limitations there if you trust a fine pitch display. But it could hit your wallet pretty hard if you haven’t budgeted for it. However, more and more manufacturers offer fine pitch displays, and it’s an option that’s definitely worth considering.