Advantech, the leading embedded platform and integration services provider, announces three new digital signage players into its expanding product offering. ARK-DS303 is a cost-effective platform powered by the Intel® Atom™ processor N270, and positioned at the value segment market with affordable pricing. ARK-DS350 is a high-end model powered by the AMD 780 chipset with integrated graphic engine for graphic-centric applications, and the ARK-DS302 is an ultra compact, all-in-one Windows XPE ready network appliance and control box powered by the Intel Atom processor Z530 that gives it the power for full HD decoding. Advantech aims to target these three products, all with great cost/performance appeal, at digital signage/digital out-of-home advertising networks.


ARK-DS303: Value Platform with Affordable Pricing

Advantech ARK-DS303 is a cost effective, energy-saving and fanless digital signage media player that uses Intel’s 945GSE chipset with Intel Atom N270 processors. ARK-DS303 can support 720p high-definition video playback via its MPEG-2 decoder integrated into the 945GSE chipset—all at a respectable low power consumption level of around 7 Watts. For applications that require full HD 1080p video playback, an optional Broadcom HD accelerator can be further integrated with ARK-DS303 via the Mini PCIe slot. ARK-DS303 can support dual content output via the HDMI and VGA ports. I/O interface include: four USB 2.0, and one COM port for peripheral connectivity. Furthermore, unlike consumer-grade, off-the-shelf, thin client products, Advantech ARK-DS303 comes with specific BIOS settings for digital signage applications, such as system Wake-on-LAN and Power On after Power Failure setting. The embedded watchdog timer allows for near 100% uptime, and the EWF function can help the system recover from fatal errors or system crashes.

ARK-DS350: Advanced Graphics Platform

Advantech ARK-DS350 is an advanced digital signage platform powered by AMD-780, with an ATI Radeon™ HD 3200 graphics chipset. The discrete graphicchipset offers video acceleration via the unified hardware video decoder for H.264, VC-1, and MPEG 2, thus offering smooth full HD video playback and crisp image transitions—a perfect platform for digital signage applications where vivid multimedia playback is the key to delivering high visual impact. Furthermore, ARK-DS350 is a relatively compact design, low profile and light weight, able to be easily installed behind any large size LCD display. Though this is a fan-based model, it leverages smart fan technology so that the fan runs quiet.

ARK-DS302: Ultra Compact Platform
 

ARK-DS302 is an ultra compact, all-in-one Windows XPE ready network appliance and control box for digital signage application. The Intel Atom processor Z530 gives it the power for full HD decoding. This easy-to-implement network appliance enables centralized control, scheduling and delivery of multimedia content through IP/Ethernet networks. Built on an x86 platform and XP Embedded OS, it is easy for application development. The compact size and standard mounting bracket means it can be easily mounted discretely behind signage display devices.

Industrial-grade with Longevity Support Ensures 24x7 Operation
Advantech’s highly scalable products deliver a lower “ total cost of ownership” for ensuring 24x7 operation, robust product design, longevity support and 2 years warranty. We also provide excellent engineering and customization support for your versatile digital signage applications; with the comprehensive logistics support from one our four logistics hubs. For more information about Advantech Digital Signage Platforms, please visit http://www.advantech.com/applied-computing-systems/digital_signage/

ARK-DS303
-Intel® Atom™ processor N270 1.6 GHz and system controller hub 945GSE
-Supports HD up to 720P; optional support up to 1080P with add-on HDdecoding module
-Dual display of HDMI and VGA
-Built-in Mini PCIe slot for easy expansion e.g. WiFi
-Supports 4 x USB 2.0 (Internal 2 x USB 2.0), 1 x COM
-Supports VESA mounting

ARK-DS350
-AMD 780MN + SB700 platform with selection of value and high-end AMD CPU
-Integrates ATI Radeon™ HD 3200 graphic engine for DirectX 9.0 compliant 2D/3D graphics performance
-Dual display support for HDMI and VGA, supports Full HD up to 1080p
-Built-in Mini PCIe slot for easy expansion e.g. WiFi, TV-tuner
-Supports 6 x USB 2.0 (Internal 2 x USB 2.0), 2 x COM
-Supports VESA mounting

ARK-DS302
-Compact size and low profile for easy installation & mounting
-Fanless design for enhanced reliability
-Excellent power saving and low power consumption platform
-Built-in Intel GMA 500 hardware video decode accelerator
-Supports both landscape and portrait display modes
-Supports Windows XPe Vista & Linux
-Supports WDT (watchdog timer) for signage purposes