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 Recommendations for a Media Player on Timer?

Emma Thorne-Christy's profile image
Emma Thorne-Christy posted 11-13-2023 04:37 PM

Does anyone have a recommendation for a media player that can be set on a timer? I'm looking for one, maybe two types of devices:

  1. something that can schedule audio only
  2. something that can schedule audio and video (I know some smart TVs can do this, but I'd like a separate device so I can connect it to a projector, etc)

I'm designing an exhibition for a museum that does not have the staffing capacity to turn on and off audio equipment every time the gallery is open to the public, so a scheduling device (beyond a traditional plug-in timer) would be ideal.

All suggestions welcome! Thank you.

Tod Hopkins's profile image
Tod Hopkins posted 11-14-2023 08:03 AM

Brightsign is the standard, and for good reason.  https://www.brightsign.biz/  You can probably use the cheapest versions for your purposes.

But, if you only need the device to turn on and off at a certain time each day and loop your media, as opposed to following a calendar or programmed playback, you can go with the "cheap and cheerful" solution. Combine an inexpensive media player like a Micca Speck ( https://www.amazon.com/Micca-Full-HD-Portable-Digital-Player/dp/B008NO9RRM/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3AVXJ7R7BDNHL&keywords=video%2Bplayer&qid=1699966615&sprefix=video%2Bplayer%2Caps%2C68&sr=8-4&th=1) with a cheap home timer. Since the Micca (and others like it) will autoplay on power-up, turning it on and off with a cheap analog power timer is sufficient. Most also have a remote that allows you to override the autoplay and control manually as well. Power off and on and it will go back to auto-looping.

Honestly, I've installed Brightsigns this way because it allowed the client to easily change timing without going into the computer interface of the Brightsign.

Cheers,

Tod Hopkins

443-472-5978 (feel free to call with questions)

Tod Hopkins's profile image
Tod Hopkins posted 11-14-2023 08:04 AM

Get a timer with an easy on-off switch so you can reboot quickly.

Bart Hays's profile image
Bart Hays posted 11-14-2023 11:52 AM

Hi Emma,

I'm With Tom, a Brightsign is a great solution. they even make an Audio Only Version.

The AU5 above is the latest version but you can find new older models on the web a little cheaper ($140)

For audio and video first figure out if you need 4K and look at the LS or XD versions ($350~)

The programming software is pretty easy to use with a built-in calendar. 

Bart

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