Sharp NEC Display Solutions Europe has announced the upcoming MPi5 Kit, leveraging the newly launched Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5). This innovative solution brings enhanced performance and extended lifecycle to Sharp/NEC’s MultiSync® M and P series large format displays, ensuring users benefit from a more powerful and future-ready digital signage platform.
The MPi5 Kit features the Raspberry Pi CM5, offering a 2.5x increase in processing power compared to its predecessor, the Compute Module 4. The CM5 includes a quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76 CPU running at 2.4GHz and a VideoCore VII GPU, supporting advanced graphics technologies like OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.2. These enhancements deliver improved performance for demanding digital signage applications, ensuring smooth operation and better visual output.
Key Features of the MPi5 Kit
- Powerful Configuration: The MPi5 Kit comes with 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 32GB of high-speed eMMC storage, ensuring seamless operation even for intensive tasks.
- Graphics and Connectivity: Advanced graphics capabilities and dual 4Kp60 HDMI outputs, along with high-speed USB 3.0 and PCIe 2.0 interfaces, enable superior multimedia performance and connectivity.
- Form Factor Compatibility: The kit maintains the same form factor as its predecessor, the MPi4 Kit, ensuring compatibility with displays already using the MPi4, including the MultiSync® ME1, M1, MA1, and P5 series, as well as upcoming models.
- Extended Lifecycle: The Raspberry Pi CM5 will remain in production until at least 2034, and the MPi5 Kit will be supported until at least 2036, making it a reliable choice for long-term projects.
Enhanced Sustainability and Flexibility
The MPi5 Kit aligns with Sharp/NEC’s commitment to sustainability by enabling users to upgrade embedded computing power without replacing entire displays. This approach reduces electronic waste and enhances energy efficiency by integrating computing capabilities directly into the display.
Sharp/NEC’s open-platform ecosystem and partnerships with leading CMS providers further enhance the MPi5 Kit’s flexibility, making it suitable for diverse applications such as retail signage, passenger information systems, and quick-service menu boards.
Availability and Future-Proofing
The MPi5 Kit will be available starting Q1 CY2025. Sharp/NEC will continue to offer the MPi4 Kit alongside the MPi5, ensuring users have options based on their performance needs and upgrade schedules. With its improved performance, extended support, and seamless integration capabilities, the MPi5 Kit is a robust solution for businesses seeking to optimize their digital signage investments.
For more details on the MPi5 Kit and its compatibility with Sharp/NEC displays, visit Sharp NEC Display Solutions Europe.
