Hardware Options

Please note: SJS do not provide hardware - we give our customers the freedom and flexibility to choose the hardware option most suitable for them.

Any device running a modern browser which can connect to the Optymyse Server Software via a network, can be connected to any TV, Monitor or Projector.

Please note: SJS recommend using 1 device per display/screen

As stated above the Optymyse product is browser based and should work on any device with a browser but unfortunately we can’t test every possible device out there. Some devices we have tested are listed further in this article. 

If you have a Smart TV it may be possible to use the browser and processor embedded in the TV to display your Optymyse templates, however we recommend mini PCs,  because of their power, reliability and speed.

To test a device or smart TV yourself you can use one of these demo links to one of our resource intensive screens which you can put into the browser on the device or smart TV to test how it performs:

http://www.optymyse.com/hardware-test-1

 

For situations where sound will be required we have tested using HDMI.

If you require HDMI please ensure the device you purchase has this capability

 

SJS have recently tested the ASUS Chromebit which retails around £99

https://uk.store.asus.com/asus-chromebit-cs10-stick-pc-rockchip-quad-core-2gb-ram-16gb-emmc-with-wireless-keyboard-mouse.html
The Chromebit worked adequately on basic screens incorporating animations, backdrops and scrolling messages

 

SJS have tested using an Intel NUC with Porteus Kiosk software installed.

We have successfully tested the following models of NUC:

Intel NUC i3 ($250 / £200) – Tested on complex screen designs incorporating complex backdrops, animation, scrolling messages and multiple grids.

Intel NUC i5 ($300 / £250) – As above but also including the use of video as seen here: https://youtu.be/ eKKupWyuz3M

Intel NUC i3 model: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/nuc/nuc-kit-nuc5i3ryk.html

Intel NUC i5 model: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/nuc/nuc-kit-nuc5i5ryk.html

Please note: The above models may no longer be available. We haven’t as yet tested any of the newer models, however the fact that they are newer more powerful models would suggest they should be ok. 

For all the latest NUC models and specs please visit here:  https://www.intel.co.uk/content/www/uk/en/products/boards-kits/nuc.html

The Intel NUC can be purchased as either a complete unit or bare bones PC. If a bare bones PC is chosen RAM and a hard drive need to be purchased separately and installed into the unit. 

The following SSD and RAM are a recommended minimum according to the Crucial website:

SSD - Crucial MX200 250GB M.2 Type 2280 (Single Sided) 

Internal SSD RAM - 8GB Kit (4GBx2) DDR3 PC3-12800 Unbuffered NON-ECC 1.35V

 

SJS have also tested the Raspberry Pi 3 and AOPEN Chromebox Commercial

http://www.aopen.com/eu/chromebox-commercial (£400 approx - comes as a complete built unit) 

https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/raspberry-pi-3-model-b/ (£30-£50 approx)

Will I need to install an operating system?
Yes, whatever device you choose needs to have an OS installed with the capability of running
a modern browser. You can use any OS you choose.
SJS have tested running Porteus Kiosk on an Intel NUC. Porteus Kiosk is a free lightweight Linux OS which has been restricted to allow only use of the web browser. Furthermore, the browser has been locked down to prevent users from tampering with settings or downloading and installing software. When the kiosk boots it automatically opens Firefox or Google Chrome browser to your chosen home page. The history is not kept, no passwords are saved, and many menu items have been disabled for total security. When browser is restarted all caches are cleared and application reopens automatically with a clean session to ensure no trace of history is left.

Advantages of using Porteus Kiosk with Optymyse™
-Free software
-Very Secure
-Installed easily and has been tested on a NUC by SJS
-Allows you specify a specific URL which the NUC will load to on boot up
-No need to constantly load a browser and type a URL each time the NUC is booted.
For more information please visit the Porteus Kiosk website: http://www.porteus‐kiosk.org

PLEASE CHECK THE HARDWARE OPTIONS DOCUMENT ATTACHED BELOW, FOR FURTHER DETAILS 

Optymyse has successfully been tested on:  
Microsoft Edge, Chrome 40+ (Preferred) and FireFox 30+ 

Internet Explorer is not supported on Optymyse Version 6

Attached Files
Optymyse Hardware Options.pdf
404kb