I manage a business with two smart TVs that display pricing, membership offers, and other promotional material. At the moment, updating the content means unplugging a USB drive from each TV, taking it to a computer, changing the files, and then climbing up to reconnect it. I'd like a simple, inexpensive way to update both TVs without physically accessing them every time. The solution also needs to be easy enough for coworkers who aren't very comfortable with technology. What would you recommend?
4 Answers
If the TVs already support DLNA or network media playback, you could store the files on a computer connected to the same network and have the TVs play them from there. This avoids plugging anything into the TVs, but it may be less user-friendly because someone might still need to use each TV’s remote to select the correct content.
For a more convenient long-term setup, use a small wireless computer such as a Raspberry Pi connected to each TV. Digital-signage software can automatically display and update files over Wi-Fi. Older models may be enough, so the cost can stay fairly low, although setup takes more technical work than an extension cable.
Digital-signage software is likely the easiest option for the staff once it’s configured. You install a small player on each TV, upload the images or videos from a computer, and manage what appears on each screen through the network. Some services have free or low-cost plans, but you’ll need to check whether your TV models support their apps or require an external player.
The cheapest solution is probably a USB extension cable. Plug it into the TV, run it somewhere reachable, and connect the thumb drive at the end. You could keep two drives and alternate them, so one can be updated while the other is being used. It isn’t wireless, but it avoids climbing a ladder and requires almost no setup.
This would probably be the better option if the displays will be used for a long time. Depending on the TV locations, one small computer might even be able to serve both screens, though separate devices would make different content easier to manage.