Stream Live Video Content with HDMI-In App and BrightSign Players

Digital signage isn’t just about showing static images or looping videos. Sometimes, you may want to include live TV, high-quality videos, or real-time broadcasts in your displays.

With EasySignage’s External Video HDMI app and BrightSign HDMI-in-supported players, you can stream live video content directly to your screens, delivering clear and high-quality visuals that turn your displays into vibrant, interactive experiences.

This solution is commonly used in retail, corporate settings, hospitality, and sports venues where secure live video content needs to be displayed.

Understanding EasySignage’s External Video HDMI App

The External Video HDMI App by EasySignage connects your digital signage to live video inputs. This app allows you to securely stream real-time videos from HDMI devices like media players or live TV directly to your digital signage, enhancing display dynamism.

Key Features:

• Real-time Video Streaming: With the HDMI input interface, you can receive high-quality video content from external sources and instantly display it on your signage.

• Encrypted Video content: The app supports encrypted video streams, ensuring secure content protected from unauthorised copying or distribution.

• Playback Modes: Choose between fullscreen or picture-in-picture (PiP) mode for dynamic content, displaying either the video stream on the entire screen or alongside the main digital signage content.

• High Compatibility: The app works seamlessly with digital signage players that support HDMI inputs.

BrightSign Players that Support HDMI Inputs

BrightSign players are powerful digital signage media players that output content to displays via HDMI. While many BrightSign models focus on HDMI output, some players also support HDMI input, allowing you to incorporate real-time external video sources into your digital signage solutions.

Supported Models:
The BrightSign models that support HDMI input and work seamlessly with the EasySignage External Video HDMI App include: XT1145, XT2145, XT1144, XT1144-T

XT is the only product line that provides dual 4K video decoding, full 4K resolution graphics, and HDMI-in for Live TV playback through HDMI 2.0a inputs, enabling playback of content from any broadcast channel, including protected HDCP content, on your digital signage.

BrightSign XT5 (XT1145 / XT2145):

The BrightSign XT5 series includes advanced digital signage players designed for modern digital display setups. Both models XT1145 and XT1245 come equipped with HDMI input, making them exceptionally well-suited for integrating live video into signage displays.
These models offer:

• HDMI Output: Deliver high-quality audio and video to displays, featuring an HDMI output for XT1145 and dual HDMI outputs for XT2145.

• HDMI Input: Both models support HDMI 2.0a input to easily integrate live TV playback and the display of live HDTV channels through an external tuner, as well as the capability to show content from any external HDMI-compliant media device that supports HDMI output. This feature is beneficial for venues that need to display live events, news broadcasts or real-time information alongside other digital signage content.

• Designed to handle high-performance tasks with its robust quad-core processor that supports dual decoding of crystal-clear 4K graphics for smooth playback and stunning visuals for any digital signage application.

• Grab attention with outstanding and realistic HDR video quality, from Full HD to brilliant 8K, and power over Ethernet+ with an expanded I/O package.

BrightSign XT4 ( XT1144 / XT1144-T):

The BrightSign XT1144 and XT1144-T are two models in the BrightSign XT4 series, known for their advanced features in the digital signage market.
These models offer:

• HDMI Output: Like most digital signage players, these models deliver high-quality video and audio to displays.

• HDMI Input: to allow live video feeds and TV broadcasts into digital signage.

• Exceptional performance for business use, equipped with a powerful 4K video engine for smooth and vivid displays.

• A fast HTML and graphics engine, along with a powerful CPU.

• Both players come with an expanded I/O package of Gigabit Ethernet for fast and reliable network connections.

Benefits of HDMI Input in Digital Signage

The HDMI input feature in digital signage systems provides a range of benefits that improve the flexibility and functionality of media displays. Here are the key advantages:

✔ Stream Live Feeds: Display sports, news, live TV, or HDMI-equipped video cameras directly on your digital signage screens.

✔ Seamless Video Streaming: Enjoy smooth content without any lag or buffering.

✔ Content Blending: Keep your digital signage content running on the main screen and use a smaller window to display live video feeds, ensuring your audience does not miss out on real-time events or live broadcasts while still engaging with your promotional content.

✔ Universal Compatibility: The HDMI-In app supports various external sources with HDMI inputs allowing seamless integration with most digital equipment.

✔ Versatile Content Management: The HDMI input improves digital signage setups by enabling users to easily switch between static content and dynamic full-screen HDMI sources (full-screen mode).

✔ High-quality Output: HDMI facilitates the display of high-definition video quality for sharp and engaging visuals.

How to Set Up the External Video HDMI App

Setting up devices with HDMI input and the EasySignage external video HDMI app is straightforward.

Step 1 - Connect your HDMI source:

1. Plug your HDMI source, such as live TV feed, camera, or external video device into the HDMI IN port of your BrightSign player.
2. Connect the HDMI OUT port of the BrightSign player to your digital signage screen.

Step 2 - Set up EasySignage:

1. Install the EasySignage app on your BrightSign player
2. Log in to your EasySignage account.
3. Add the digital signage screen to the dashboard.
4. Create a playlist and choose a layout, either a full-screen layer if you want to display the live feed in full-screen mode or any other layer size if you want to blend the live feed into your digital signage content in PIP mode.
5. Add the External Video Source app to your playlist.
6. Assign the playlist to the screen and click publish.

Once set up, your external video content will play seamlessly on your digital signage screen!

Use Cases for HDMI Integration in Digital Signage

Retail & Shopping Malls: Display live fashion shows, product launches, or brand advertisements alongside your digital promotions.

Hotels & Hospitality: Welcome guests with live TV broadcasts, local news, or event streams.

Entertainment & Sports Venues: Stream live sports games, interviews, or behind-the-scenes content.

Corporate & Conferences: Improve business presentations with live feeds from remote speakers or broadcast important meetings and announcements.

Get Started Today

If your digital signage needs real-time video integration, upgrade to the EasySignage External Video Source app and HDMI-enabled BrightSign players to boost your digital signage and make your screens more engaging and dynamic.