Raspberry Pi for Digital Signage is a low cost and portable choice for those looking for a digital signage solution. Originally designed to teach programming to students, this computer is built into a compact keyboard and has since grown into a multifunctional platform that can be used for various projects, including digital signage.

If you’re interested in using Raspberry Pi for digital signage, Advision is a popular option. Since 2015, Advision has been supporting Raspberry Pi, and its software has been used by organizations worldwide to power thousands of digital signs. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of setting up Advision player on Raspberry Pi for digital signage.

To get started with Raspberry Pi for Digital Signage , you’ll need some essential components. Luckily, these components are widely available for purchase at stores worldwide. In the following section, we’ll provide a detailed list of what you’ll need and where to purchase it.

• If you’re interested in using Raspberry Pi for Digital Signage needs, you’ll need a few key components to get started. These include a Raspberry Pi Model 3B, 3B+, or 4B, a case with ventilation holes or an aluminum heatsink case, a high-speed 16GB+ class 10 microSD card, an official Raspberry Pi power supply, a micro SD card reader/writer, a display, a micro HDMI cable, an Ethernet cable, and a mouse and keyboard. Raspberry Pis and accessories can be purchased from distributors all over the world, but it’s important to buy from a reputable supplier to ensure you’re getting genuine Raspberry Pi products.

• Once you have all the necessary hardware, you’ll need to select the software to run your digital signage. While Advision player is a popular choice for Raspberry Pi digital signage, there are other options available as well. When choosing content management software, be sure to consider factors like integrations with weather and popular tools like Google Calendar and Google Slides, a selection of pre-designed templates, and user-friendliness for those who may not be technically proficient.

Digital signage weather template for use with a Raspberry Pi.

Preparing your Raspberry Pi for Advision player involves a few simple steps. Follow these instructions to get started:

1. Head over to the official Raspberry Pi website and download the latest version of Raspberry Pi OS.

2. Use a microSD card reader/writer to write the OS onto a high-speed 16 GB+ class 10 microSD card.

3. Insert the microSD card into your Raspberry Pi.

4. Connect your Raspberry Pi to a display using a micro HDMI cable.

5. Hook up a mouse and keyboard to your Raspberry Pi.

6. Connect your Raspberry Pi to the internet using an ethernet cable.

7. Plug the official Raspberry Pi power supply into your Raspberry Pi and an outlet.

8. Turn on your Raspberry Pi and follow the on-screen prompts to set up your Raspberry Pi OS.

When considering using Raspberry Pi for digital signage, it’s important to be aware of its limitations and advantages. One of the major limitations of Raspberry Pi is its processing power, which is not as powerful as traditional PCs or servers. As a result, it may struggle to handle larger or more complex digital signage projects and may not be ideal for projects that require real-time updates or high interactivity.

However, Raspberry Pi also has several advantages that make it an attractive option for digital signage. It is cost-effective and portable, making it ideal for small-scale projects that don’t require high levels of processing power. Additionally, Raspberry Pi is easy to set up and use, even for non-technical users, which allows for efficient content management and updating. With these advantages in mind, Raspberry Pi can be a viable option for digital signage projects with the right scope and requirements.

Using a Raspberry Pi for digital signage with Advision is an effective and affordable solution for displaying dynamic content. Here are the ten steps to set up a Raspberry Pi for digital signage using Advision:

Create an Advision Account

1. To use Advision, you need to create an account on the Advision website. Follow the onboarding instructions to start using the digital signage software.

Download the Latest Raspberry Pi OS Image

2. Download the latest version of the Raspberry Pi OS from the official website. You can choose between a full desktop version or a minimal image without the desktop environment.

Flash the Raspberry Pi OS Image onto the SD Card

3. Using a tool like Etcher, flash the Raspberry Pi OS image onto an SD card. Insert the SD card into the Raspberry Pi.

Connect the Raspberry Pi to a Display

4. Connect your Raspberry Pi to a display using an HDMI cable or VGA connector. Ensure that your display supports the resolution and aspect ratio of your digital signage content.

Connect a Mouse and Keyboard

5. Connect a mouse and keyboard to your Raspberry Pi. This will allow you to configure the Raspberry Pi and install software.

Connect the Raspberry Pi to the Internet

6. Connect your Raspberry Pi to the internet using an Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi adapter. An internet connection is necessary to install and update software.

Configure the Raspberry Pi

7. Follow the on-screen wizard to configure the basic settings of the Raspberry Pi. Update the password, enable SSH, and set the timezone.

Disable Overscan

8. Overscan is a feature that causes the Raspberry Pi to crop the edges of the screen. Disable overscan if your digital signage content includes text or graphics near the edges of the display.

Install Advision

9. Refer to the Advision help center article to install the digital signage player software onto the Raspberry Pi. The installation process may vary depending on the version of the Raspberry Pi OS and the version of Advision.

Connect to Advision

10. Once you have installed Advision, open the software and sign in with your Advision account credentials. Configure your digital signage content and settings to start displaying your content on your Raspberry Pi.

The Raspberry Pi has gained popularity as a cost-effective and energy-efficient media player for digital signage. However, it may struggle with displaying more complex content, such as high-resolution videos and animations. While some users have reported success with formatted 720p videos, more demanding content may require a more powerful media player.

Despite its limitations, the Raspberry Pi offers numerous advantages that make it a popular choice for digital signage projects. Its low cost has made it a preferred option among non-profit organizations, schools, and businesses looking to implement digital displays without breaking the bank. With over 10 million units sold worldwide and thousands of Advision displays powered by the device, the Raspberry Pi has proven to be a reliable solution.

The Raspberry Pi’s low energy consumption not only helps to cut down on operating costs but also reduces its impact on the environment. It is readily available in stores worldwide, making it easy to purchase and add to an existing network of displays. Its lack of proprietary hardware also means that it can be used with a variety of digital signage solutions available in the market, providing flexibility and versatility for different projects.

In addition, the Raspberry Pi’s open-source software ecosystem offers a wealth of resources and support from a large community of users and developers. This means that users have access to a vast range of software tools and applications to customize and enhance their digital signage displays.

Overall, while the Raspberry Pi may not be the most powerful media player on the market, its affordability, energy efficiency, and versatility make it a popular choice for digital signage projects of all sizes.

Advision is a provider of digital signage solutions, that have projects in various industries including schools, hospitals, restaurants, retail stores, and the HoReCa sector. As a leader in Raspberry Pi digital signage, we have developed a comprehensive range of digital signage software for different purposes.

For schools, we offer digital signage software that enables seamless communication between administrators, teachers, and students. Our software is designed to display important announcements, school events, and other important information, making it easier for everyone to stay informed.

Hospitals and healthcare facilities can also benefit from our digital signage software, which can be used to display important health messages, patient education materials, and appointment schedules. This can help improve patient experience and reduce wait times.

In the food industry, we offer digital signage software for restaurants, fast food outlets, and cafes. Our software is designed to display menus, specials, and promotions, making it easier for customers to make informed choices.

Retail stores can also benefit from our digital signage software, which can be used to display advertisements, promotions, and other marketing materials. This can help drive sales and improve customer engagement.

Whatever your industry or business needs, Advision has a digital signage solution that can help you achieve your goals. Our software is easy to use, customizable, and can be tailored to your specific requirements. With Advision, you can create a stunning digital signage system that will enhance your brand image and improve customer experience.

In general, the Raspberry Pi is a compact and budget-friendly computer that has versatile applications, one of which is digital signage. Any business or organization that are keen on utilizing the Raspberry Pi for their digital signage projects can commence with a cost-free digital signage software on a Raspberry Pi 1 device.