Digital Signage Using an HDMI Stick: 7 Options

To cut the cost of print media that will have to be replaced due to damage, wear, or simple obsolescence, many are turning to digital signage. One option for your digital signage needs is the HDMI stick. Also known as a PC stick, these devices are single-board computers that fit in the palm of your hand.

To use an HDMI stick for digital signage, you will need hardware (HDMI stick and display) and content management software (CMS) to create, manage, and show content on your display. Read below to learn about seven HDMI stick options for turning your TV into a digital signage display. 

Azulle Access4

The Azulle Access4 Mini PC is a small, fanless (i.e., quiet) option that probably isn't going to replace your average PC. This device was mostly designed with commercial digital signage in mind. It streams 4K video well, but so do the other options on this list, so that's not really an edge for the Azulle Access4.

Here are some specs and features of the Azulle Access4:

• Operating System: Windows 10 or Linux
• RAM: 4 GB
• Storage: 64 GB
• WIFI: Intel Dual Band
• Ethernet: Gigabit
• Bluetooth: 4.2
• Power Supply:  5 Volts
• USB Ports: One (1) USB 3.0, one (1) USB-C
• Expandable Storage: MicroSD slot offers storage expansion up to 512 GB
• Antitheft Options: Kensington lock slot
• Weight: 1.31 lbs. 
• Price Range: $250 – $300

Be careful with the information you gather on the internet. The XOGO Content Manager website indicates that the Azulle Access4 comes with the XOGO Player preinstalled. While it can be purchased with this software preinstalled through the Azulle website, that is not a base model feature. 

Pros	Cons
Runs silently due to its fanless design	The power adapter is bulky.
Offers Dual Monitor Capabilities	More expensive than other options coming in at $250+
Can be purchased with XOGO Player preinstalled	1.31 lbs. – heaviest item listed
A Kensington lock would make it more difficult for your device to be stolen	–

Amazon Fire TV 4K Stick

While generally intended for streaming media, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is also excellently suited for use as a digital signage player. In fact, using a Firestick for Digital Signage with Sign Presenter software is the best option for most businesses. One huge advantage is its affordability; it's one of the best options you'll find for less than $50.

Here are some specs and features of the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K:

• Operating System: Fire OS 6 (based on Android 7.1)
• RAM: 1.5 GB
• Storage: 8 GB
• WIFI: 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz dual-band
• Ethernet: 10/100 Mbps (with external dongle)
• Bluetooth: 5.0
• Power Supply:  5 Volts micro USB cable
• USB Ports: micro USB port for power
• Expandable Storage: No
• Antitheft Options: none
• Weight: 1.89 oz.
• Price Range: $40-$50

Pros	Cons
Most affordable option	No Google Play Apps
Comes with Amazon Alexa and Alexa Voice Remote	Micro USB ports tend to get loose over time, and cables fall out easily
Works on any TV	No Ethernet without external dongle
Runs silently due to fanless design	–
Has the best software (Sign Presenter)	–

An external, cloud-based signage editor and storage application is necessary due to the Fire TV 4K stick's storage capabilities. Also, there is no kiosk mode; your media player will have to be manually launched each day. Luckily, this can be done using Alexa and the voice-powered remote that comes with the Amazon Fire TV 4K stick.

Rikomagic RKM V5 Android PC Stick

The RKM V5 Android PC Stick is similar to the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K. The RKM V5 runs on Android, and the Fire TV stick's OS is based on Android. 

Here are the specs and features of the RKM V5 Android PC Stick:

• Operating System: Android 5.1
• RAM: 4 GB
• Storage: 16 GB
• WIFI: 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz dual-band
• Ethernet: Gigabit
• Bluetooth: 4.0
• Power Supply:  5 Volts
• USB Ports: One (1) USB host, one (1) OTG
• Expandable Storage: MicroSD slot offers storage expansion up to 32 GB
• Antitheft Options: none
• Weight: 2.12 oz. 
• Price Range: $95-$150

Pros	Cons
Runs silently due to fanless Design	Reviews state that 4K Video not as smooth as other options
Compatible with Touch screen technology	Even expanded storage is limited

An identical product listed as a generic “Android HDMI PC Stick” was tested and rated for use as a digital signage player by Play Digital Signage. They claim the 4K video wasn't always smooth. The question you need to ask yourself is how much 4K video will you need for your signage purposes.

Terraza Intel Mini PC

There are multiple Mini PCs available by Terryza, but the Terryza W5 Pro Mini PC is named the “Best Budget”: Pc stick in Lifewire's “The 9 Best PC Sticks of 2020.” 

Here are the specs and features of the Terryza Mini PC:

• Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
• RAM: 4 GB
• Storage: 64 GB
• WIFI: 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz dual-band
• Ethernet: No
• Bluetooth: 4.2
• Power Supply:  5 Volts micro USB cable
• USB Ports: One (1) USB 3.0, one (1) USB 2.0
• Expandable Storage: MicroSD slot offers storage expansion up to 128 GB
• Antitheft Options: none
• Weight: 9.9 oz. 
• Price Range: $125-$140

This is the first HDMI Compute stick featured on this list that has a fan in its design. Reviewers state that the fan usually can't be heard if watching a video, but it will be audible in a quiet room. Unless your signage involves sound, the fan could throw off your ambiance. 

Pros	Cons
The micro USB power cable can be connected to a wall outlet or power bank	The fan will produce sound in a silent room
–	Micro USB ports tend to get loose over time, and cables fall out easily
–	No anti-theft device

AWOW Intel N3350 Compute Stick

Weighing in at 14.4 ounces, The AWOW Compute stick is also on the heavy side, but this is due to its aluminum case and large design, both of which are intended for better heat transfer. Another bonus to having a metal case is added durability.

Here are the specs and features of the AWOW Mini PC Stick:

• Operating System: Windows 10 Pro comes preinstalled. LINUX is also an option.
• RAM: 4 GB
• Storage: 64 GB
• WIFI: 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz dual-band
• Ethernet: No
• Bluetooth: 4.2
• Power Supply:  5 Volts micro USB cable
• USB Ports: Two (2) USB 3.0
• Expandable Storage: MicroSD slot offers storage expansion up to 512 GB
• Antitheft Options: Kensington lock slot
• Weight: 14.4 oz. 
• Price Range: $150-$170

Pros	Cons
Runs silently due to its fanless design	Micro USB ports tend to get loose over time, and cables fall out easily
A Kensington lock would make it more difficult for your device to be stolen	–
Metal case less likely to be damaged	–

Source: AWOW

NVIDIA Shield TV 

The design of the NVIDIA Shield TV is a little different from the other items on this list. It does connect via HDMI, but there is no built-in HDMI output. Decide for yourself if that is a deal-breaker after hearing what else it has to offer.

Here are the specs and features of the NVIDIA Shield TV:

• Operating System: Android 9.0 (with Chromecast 4K built-in)
• RAM: 4 GB
• Storage: 8 GB
• WIFI: 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz dual-band
• Ethernet: Gigabit
• Bluetooth: 5.0
• Power Supply:  built-in power supply
• USB Ports: None
• Expandable Storage: MicroSD slot offers storage expansion, maximum not indicated
• Antitheft Options: none
• Weight: 4.83 oz.
• Price Range: $130-$150

The lack of ports can be seen as a con, but it's part of the design. The power cable enters one side of the NVIDIA device, and the HDMI cable enters the other. The design is intended to allow the device to be hidden behind the television. 

Pros	Cons
Built-in Google Assistant and compatible with Amazon Alexa	HDMI not built-in, making extra cable necessary
Comes with voice control remote	No anti-theft device
Chromecast 4K included	Minimal internal storage (8GB), a portion of which is occupied by system software.

ASUS Chromebit CS10

While the rest of the article is listed in no particular order, the ASUS Chromebit CS10 belongs at the bottom of the list because it should be your last option. Its price is comparable to the Amazon Fire TV 4K Stick, but multiple other things set this device apart for the wrong reasons. 

Here are the specs and features of the ASUS Chromebit:

• Operating System: Chrome
• RAM: 2 GB
• Storage: 16 GB
• WIFI: 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz dual-band
• Ethernet: Gigabit
• Bluetooth: 4.0
• Power Supply:  built-in power supply
• USB Ports: One (1) USB 3.0
• Expandable Storage: with USB 2.0 flash drive
• Antitheft Options: none
• Weight: 2.72 oz.
• Price Range: $50-$80

Pros	Cons
Small	USB 2 Port can be used for peripherals or extra storage, not both
Affordable	End of Life Date was November of 2020
–	No anti-theft devices

If you must, the Chromebit can be used for digital signage. It's just not the best option. That is not a comment on the product itself; it just lacks the specs to go toe-to-toe with any of the other devices listed. Also, since it has reached its “End of Life,” there will no longer be system and security updates to this device. 

Conclusion

The options above can cost from approximately $50 to nearly $300. Remember, though, that you are cutting out the cost of printing signs. There are still plenty of digital signage players that cost much more. Almost all of them are decent options; what will be best for you will depend upon your needs and the environment in which you will be displaying your signage. 

If you are displaying digital signage in a commercial or public setting, the AWOW Compute Stick and Azulle Access4 are likely your best option due to their anti-theft options. This is an investment you don't want to lose to sticky fingers. The edge goes to the AWOW for its sticker price. 

If thievery isn't a top concern, or perhaps you'd like to use this to stream media in addition to your signage needs, consider the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K or the NVIDIA Shield TV. Both come with voice-controlled remotes that can be used to control your display.