Choosing the right in-built software that comes with digital signage screens can sometimes be confusing. You might find yourself debating between operating systems like Windows, Android, Linux, or Samsung Tizen. Alternatively, you may be considering the straightforward option of displaying content directly from a USB drive. In this article, we will delve into WebOS, which is integrated with LG smart screens, so you can make an informed choice for your next digital signage project.
The Power Behind LG WebOS
At the heart of LG’s digital signage solution is WebOS, a versatile web-based platform that brings LG Smart Signage TVs to life. Whether you’re new to the world of digital signage or an experienced user, WebOS opens up a world of possibilities.
What is WebOS Signage?
WebOS Signage, LG’s web-based operating system, is specifically designed to power their smart signage displays. This web-centric platform seamlessly drives LG Digital Signage, offering a developer-friendly environment with powerful features. It combines the flexibility of a web platform with the robust capabilities of a multipurpose system, making it the ideal choice for digital signage.
WebOS Features and Solutions.
Let’s explore the different features and solutions that WebOS offers for your digital signage needs:
USB Playback: A Budget-Friendly Standalone Solution: If you’re on a budget and not planning to use any software, WebOS has you covered with its standalone USB playback feature. Copy all your media files to USB, connect to WebOS powered screen and you can easily create multiple playlists with groups of files and play your content without annoying delays between slides. This makes it the ideal choice for budget-conscious users, and no additional software is required at all.
Embedded Media Player (SoC): LG Smart signage screens, equipped with WebOS, comes with an embedded media player known as the System-on-Chip (SoC). This technology offers numerous advantages, primarily reducing the reliance on external signage hardware. This reduction leads to substantial cost savings in terms of the total cost of ownership. Moreover, the SoC contributes to enhanced energy efficiency, space conservation, and minimized maintenance requirements. With SoC, your digital signage setup becomes significantly more efficient and cost-effective.
LG Supersign Software: LG Supersign software seamlessly integrates with WebOS, and being an LG product, it is optimized to leverage the full potential of WebOS. LG’s deep understanding of their own platform ensures a seamless and highly efficient experience. However, it’s worth noting that LG Supersign licensing costs may be higher compared to other software providers.
Third Party Software: As WebOS is built on a Web-Centric Open Source Platform, many digital signage software providers are now extending their support to WebOS. This expansion opens up new opportunities for content management and creation using third-party digital signage software. If you’re planning to use LG smart screens, it’s a wise move to consult with your software providers to confirm if they offer solutions that support WebOS. This step will help you find the right balance between compatibility, functionality, and cost for your digital signage project.
Exploring Advanced Features
Beyond the fundamental capabilities, WebOS offers an array of advanced features tailored to meet the diverse needs of digital signage:
Multiple Screen Composition: Experience ultimate flexibility with the Picture-By-Picture (PBP) and Picture-In-Picture (PIP) functionalities. WebOS empowers you to effortlessly create up to two divided split screens, available in both landscape and portrait formats. This flexibility enables you to allocate space for each content source precisely as required, enhancing content presentation.
Real-time Video Streaming: WebOS supports a variety of IP video streaming protocols, including RTSP, RTP, HLS, and UDP Multicast. Say goodbye to the complexities of content capacity limits, as WebOS enables smooth live broadcasts and simplifies content management.
Support for Multiple Displays: WebOS streamlines the management of complex digital signage networks by allowing you to control multiple digital displays from a single device. This feature simplifies the orchestration of your digital signage ecosystem.
Scheduling and Playback: With WebOS, businesses gain the ability to schedule and play digital signage content at specific times. This ensures that the right content is displayed at precisely the moments that matter most, maximizing the impact of your messaging.
Remote Management: WebOS introduces the convenience of remote content management for digital signage. No longer do you need to physically visit each display for updates or changes. WebOS empowers you to manage content from a central location, saving time and effort.
Integration with Other Systems: WebOS can seamlessly integrate with various systems, including point-of-sale and customer relationship management (CRM) systems. This integration opens the door to personalized and targeted digital signage campaigns, allowing you to tailor your messaging to the specific needs of your audience.
Software Development Kit (SDK): For those looking to push the boundaries of what’s possible, WebOS offers a software development kit (SDK). This powerful kit allows you to integrate new features and functionalities seamlessly, ensuring your digital signage solution evolves to meet your evolving needs and innovations.
Understanding WebOS Limitations
While LG’s WebOS Smart Signage Platform offers numerous advantages for many digital signage users, it’s essential to acknowledge that it has limitations when compared to more complex solutions. It’s not necessarily a disadvantage but rather a recognition that different solutions are better suited to different needs.
- WebOS Versions: Different versions of WebOS may have varying compatibility levels.
- File Format Support: Certain file formats may not be supported.
- Higher Memory Requirements: Running more complex programs might necessitate higher memory, potentially affecting performance and functionality.
- High-Resolution Content: High-resolution images and videos could present challenges during playback.
- Split Screens: When running layouts with multiple videos, you may notice gaps between content changes.
What LG provides with their smart screens is indeed well-aligned with the requirements of most basic and medium-level digital signage users. However, if you are in search of a more intricate, sophisticated solution, opting for an external media player combined with a Windows or Google Android-based system might be recommended. These alternatives can offer greater control and customization, making them more suitable for complex digital signage needs.
In essence, it’s a matter of matching the solution to the specific demands of your digital signage project. LG’s WebOS is a powerful and user-friendly choice for many scenarios, but for those seeking advanced and highly tailored capabilities, external media players and operating systems like Windows or Google Android might provide a better fit.
LG WebOS Signage Developer Portal: https://webossignage.developer.lge.com/
