bluefin BrightSign HS124

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Summary

BrightAuthor and Configuration

Ports

Power in

Defines the pinout for the 12V DC Molex 4-pin power input connector.

Ethernet

Describes the RJ45 Ethernet port, including POE+ and POE++ power capabilities.

Player Specifications

Video Engine Decoder

Specifies the video decoding capability as single 1080p60.

Media Formats

Lists supported video codecs, containers, image formats, and audio codecs.

Hardware Capable Interfaces

Lists all hardware interfaces supported by the player unit.

Installation and Safety

Choosing a Location

Recommendations for selecting a safe and suitable installation location for the display.

Mounting

Instructions and precautions for mounting the screen using commercial accessories.

Support

Limited Warranty

Details the terms and conditions of the product's limited warranty.

The BrightSign Built-In screen is a versatile digital display solution that integrates a BrightSign HD media player directly into an industrial-style LCD screen, offering a convenient and dependable all-in-one unit. These screens are designed for various applications, including wall mounting, kiosks, and point-of-purchase displays, and are available in two primary form factors: Finished screens with a sleek exterior and Frameless screens for integration into custom enclosures.

Function Description

The core function of the BrightSign Built-In screen is to display digital content, leveraging the robust capabilities of the integrated BrightSign HD media player. This allows for seamless playback of various media formats, including video, images, and HTML5 content, making it suitable for dynamic signage, informational displays, and interactive applications. The screens are fully compatible with BrightSign's extensive ecosystem of services and third-party Content Management System (CMS) solutions, providing flexibility in content creation, scheduling, and deployment.

Optional features enhance the screen's functionality. Capacitive touch screens are available across all sizes, enabling interactive experiences for users. Power over Ethernet (PoE) is also an option for screens up to 32 inches, simplifying installation by delivering both power and data through a single Ethernet cable.

The device is configured and managed using BrightAuthor, a free desktop application. BrightAuthor allows users to create presentations, configure player settings, and publish content to individual players or a network of players. This includes setting up network properties (wired or wireless), defining publishing methods (standalone, local file networking, or simple file networking), and managing firmware updates.

For specific applications like room scheduling, certain models feature integrated LED strips on the sides of the screen. These LEDs can display green or red, providing visual cues for room availability or other status indicators. The control of these LEDs is managed through GPIO commands within BrightAuthor presentations, allowing for dynamic changes based on scheduled events or user interactions.

The screen also includes an internal menu for monitor-specific configurations, independent of the BrightSign player settings. This menu provides options for color correction (contrast, brightness, saturation, sharpness), color temperature adjustment (RGB levels), and backlight control. It also offers accessibility features like OSD language selection and the ability to restore factory default settings. HDMI CEC controls are available to manage communication between the screen and the BrightSign player, enabling functions like power on/off synchronization.

Usage Features

The BrightSign Built-In screen is designed for ease of use and deployment in various environments.

Content Creation and Publishing: Users create presentations using BrightAuthor, which supports a wide range of media formats. Presentations can be configured with specific resolutions and orientations (landscape or portrait). For ultrawide screens, content can be adapted by adjusting zone pixel height within a standard resolution. Content can be published via SD card, USB drive, local network, or a web server, offering flexibility based on network infrastructure and deployment scale.
Network Connectivity: The device supports both wired (Ethernet) and wireless (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth via M.2 connector) network connections, allowing for remote content updates and management. PoE+ and PoE++ options further streamline installation by reducing cabling requirements.
Interactive Capabilities: With optional capacitive touch screens, the device can be used for interactive kiosks, wayfinding, and other touch-enabled applications.
Room Scheduling LED Control: For models equipped with LED strips, BrightAuthor allows for precise control over the LED colors (green, red, or yellow) through GPIO commands. This enables visual communication of room status, such as "available" (green) or "in use" (red), directly on the screen.
External Interfaces: The screen provides several external ports for connectivity and expansion, including a micro SD slot for storage (up to 2TB SDXC), a USB 2.0 host port for peripherals, a Phoenix GPIO port for bi-directional control, an RS-232 serial port for external device communication, IR In/Out for remote control, and a 3.5mm audio out (analog and digital). Frameless screens also include amplified audio output for 3W speakers.
Screen Menu Navigation: The on-screen menu is accessed by pressing the MENU key four times (or MENU UP UP UP for older models). Navigation is intuitive, using UP/DOWN buttons for vertical movement and VOL-/VOL+ for horizontal movement, with SELECT to confirm options and MENU to return to the previous screen.
Flexible Mounting: The screen can be rotated 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise to accommodate various I/O placements. However, it is crucial to avoid positioning the screen at an angle exceeding 15 degrees to ensure proper operation and longevity.

Maintenance Features

Maintaining the BrightSign Built-In screen involves several considerations to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Firmware Updates: BrightSign firmware updates are managed through BrightAuthor. When publishing a presentation, users can specify a firmware update to be included, ensuring the player runs the latest stable software version. This is crucial for accessing new features, performance improvements, and security patches.
Environmental Control: Proper installation and environmental conditions are paramount for the device's lifespan. The manual emphasizes the importance of choosing a location free from strong vibrations, dust, direct sunlight, strong overhead lighting, and excessive humidity, grease, rain, smoke, or steam.
Ventilation and Temperature Management: Adequate airflow is critical for cooling the HS124 chipset within the BrightSign Built-In screens. Failure to provide sufficient ventilation can lead to temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, potentially causing permanent LCD discoloration.
- For standard mounting, a minimum gap of 6.35mm (0.25 inches) between the back of the unit and the wall is required.
- For recessed mounting, a minimum of 10cm (4 inches) of space between the unit and the recessed wall is necessary to enable proper ventilation.
- The ambient room temperature should be maintained below 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit).
- The monitor should not be installed near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or amplifiers.
Troubleshooting and Support: Bluefin provides dedicated support for its products, reachable via email or phone. BrightSign also offers extensive resources, including tutorial videos, user guides, and troubleshooting documentation, for BrightAuthor and content management.
Warranty Information: The product comes with a 1-year limited warranty covering defects in material and workmanship. This warranty is contingent on proper use and installation, and it does not cover damage resulting from accidents, misuse, unauthorized repairs, or improper ventilation. Customers are responsible for backing up their data and for inbound freight charges for repairs.
Factory Reset: The screen menu includes an option to "Restore Factory Default" settings, which can be useful for troubleshooting display issues or reconfiguring the screen to its original state.
USB Updating: While network publishing is common, the device also supports updates via USB drive, though an SD card must still be present in the unit for this method to work. This provides an alternative for environments with limited network access.