Raspberry Pi is designed for general-purpose computing, not for running demanding applications like digital signage software. That means it can struggle with things like playing video or running multiple displays at once.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss why Raspberry Pi is not a good choice for this application and provide reasons why Raspberry Pi may not help you get the most out of your digital signage campaigns. 

What Is a Raspberry Pi?

A Raspberry Pi  is a small single-board computer that you can use to learn how to code, create digital art, learn about electronics, and more. Pi devices are popular among hobbyists and educators because they’re relatively affordable and versatile. You can use them for a wide range of projects, from simple tasks like browsing the internet or checking your email to more complex ones like building your own computer or home automation system.

It also plays high-definition video. They want to see it used by kids worldwide to learn to program. The Raspberry Pi is a good choice if you’re looking for a single-board computer that can help you learn to program or create unique projects.

Digital signage is a sub-segment of the broader marketing term, out-of-home advertising (OOH). OOH, media refers to any static or digital display placed outside the home to promote products, services, or ideas. Examples of OOH advertising include billboards, bus stops, shopping mall kiosks, and digital menu boards. Digital signage refers explicitly to using electronic displays to show video or static content to promote a product, service, or idea. Digital signage can take many forms, including LCD screens, plasma displays, projection screens, and touch screens.

How Raspberry Pi is Used for Digital Signage

Raspberry Pi digital signage is often used for digital signage because they are small, lightweight, and low-cost. They can be easily mounted on a wall or other surface and connected to monitors or TVs to display information.

Digital signage can be used for various purposes, such as advertising, providing information about products or services, or directing people to specific locations. Raspberry Pis are well-suited for this application because they can be configured to display content dynamically, based on input from sensors or other devices.

There are several ways to set up a digital signage system using Raspberry Pis. One popular approach is to use a central server that stores and serves content to the individual displays. This allows for centralized system management and makes it easy to update content across all of the displays.

Another approach is to use a peer-to-peer network, where each Raspberry Pi acts as both a client and a server. It can be helpful when there is no central server or when you want each display to be independently controlled. Digital signage systems can be as simple or complex as you need them. You can use a single Raspberry Pi digital signage to power a single display or create a large, multi-screen system using hundreds of Pis. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination!

Why You Shouldn’t Use Raspberry Pi for Digital Signage

As we all know, Raspberry Pi is a popular single-board computer often used for various DIY projects. However, when it comes to digital signage, Raspberry Pi is not the best option. Here are the reasons why:

Limited Software Support

Raspberry Pi supports a limited number of software applications, which means that you might be unable to find the right solution for your needs. You’ll likely have to look elsewhere if you need specific features or functionality.

Not As Robust or Reliable As Purpose-Built Solutions

When it comes to commercial use, reliability is crucial. Unfortunately, Raspberry Pi isn’t as robust or reliable as purpose-built digital signage solutions. You might have to deal with more downtime and technical issues if you use Raspberry Pi for your digital signage needs.

The Raspberry Pi Is Not Designed for 24/7 Operation

The problem is, it wasn’t intended to be used day in and day out, running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Unlike commercial digital signage players, explicitly designed for this purpose, the Raspberry Pi can overheat and malfunction when used for extended periods.

The Raspberry Pi Has Limited Storage and Processing Power

A typical digital signage campaign requires anywhere from 1-10GB of storage, depending on the file size and length of the video content. The Raspberry Pi only has 4GB of storage, so you’ll have to store your content on a separate storage device, such as an SD card or USB drive. And since the Raspberry Pi only has a single-core processor, it can’t handle more than one video stream at a time, so if you want to play multiple videos simultaneously, you’ll need to daisy chain multiple Raspberry Pis together.

The Raspberry Pi Doesn’t Have Built-in WiFi or Ethernet

It means you’ll need to purchase a separate WiFi adapter or Ethernet cable to connect the device to the internet. And since the device doesn’t have an on/off switch, you’ll need to unplug and replug the power cord every time you want to turn it on or off, which can be a hassle.

No Support for Touch Screens

One of the key features of digital signage is interactivity, which Raspberry Pi doesn’t support. If you want to use touch screens with your digital signage, you’ll need to look at other options.

The Raspberry Pi Uses an Outdated Operating System

The latest version of the Raspberry Pi’s operating system, Raspbian, is based on Debian Wheezy, which was released in May of 2013. That means the operating system is over 4 years old and doesn’t include the latest security patches and updates. If you use the Raspberry Pi for digital signage, you’ll need to install a third-party operating system, such as Ubuntu, which is updated regularly.

The Raspberry Pi is Not a Turn-key Solution

Unlike commercial digital signage players with everything you need to get started, the Raspberry Pi requires you to purchase and install all the necessary software and hardware. It can be a challenge for those unfamiliar with Linux or computer programming.

Contact Us Today!

Raspberry Pi is a great platform for many applications, but digital signage might not be best for it. You should look into other options if you need more processing power and flexibility. ComQi can help you learn more about digital signage and find the right solution for your needs.