NEC unveiled two computing modules that follow Intel's Open Pluggable Specification (OPS) for digital signs running Windows Embedded Standard 7. Designed to slot into the back of the company's displays, they're the Intel Core i5-powered N8000-8330 and the AMD-powered SB-02SC-2, according to the company.
Last year, Intel announced its Open Pluggable Specification (OPS), a standardized design for digital signage computers. At the time, not much information was revealed publicly, but the chipmaker said the OPS would involve the use of its Core processors along with Microsoft's Windows Embedded Standard operating system.
We've now unearthed a little more information about what OPS involves -- reviewed later in this story -- and NEC, an early supporter of the spec, has revealed two new devices using it. Both, the company says, are 7.87 x 5.41 x 1.18-inch modules designed to slot into the back of "select NEC X, P and V Series displays, including the new V462, P402 and P462."
According to NEC, the N8000-8330 module incorporates an Intel Core i5 processor (module not specified), a 320GB hard disk drive, and the Windows Embedded Standard 7 operating system. Further specs were not provided, but the images at left and lower below make clear that the device has an Ethernet port, two USB 2.0 ports, audio I/O, and a DisplayPort output for a secondary display.
Intel had touted fanless operation for OPS devices, but the N8000-8330 appears to incorporate a cooling fan. The device features Intel's vPro technology, with keyboard-video-ouse redirection capabilities that allow IT administrators to run diagnostic tests, install upgrades, and view and control the digital display content remotely, according to NEC.
We'd assumed that OPS would be limited to Intel-based devices, but this is not the case. NEC's digital signage website has also listed -- but has not yet pictured -- another model known as the SB-02SC-2, which it says will use a dual-core, 1.6GHz AMD Fusion processor. (Probably the E-350.) According to the company, this device will also come with Windows Embedded Compact 7, and features a 32GB solid state disk.
Pierre Richer, president and COO of NEC Display Solutions, stated, "As the first industry-wide standard for digital signage, the OPS will simplify the use and maintenance of digital signage, and create a smaller product footprint, allowing for thinner displays. The operation of OPS-based products will allow easier installations, resulting in more deployments by current and new customers."
Jose Avalos, director of retail and digital signage for Intel's Embedded Communications group, stated, "Installing digital signage equipment based on Intel architecture results in scalable digital signage networks that are easy to maintain and upgrade to fit customer requirements for lower total cost of ownership. The release of the first OPS-based accessory from NEC Display Solutions is the next step in bringing standardization to the digital signage market segment."
More about the Open Pluggable Specification
As we've mentioned, Intel didn't reveal much about the Open Pluggable Specification when it was first announced last October. A December blog entry clarified matters as follows, however.
According to the posting, OPS defines a standardized module and related interconnections "to insure compatibility and ease of integration between digital signage components from multiple vendors." As shown below, the standard specifies an off-the-shelf 80-pin JAE Electronics TX24/TX25 blind mate plug and receptacle connector system to interface the pluggable module and the display.
A diagam of Intel's Open Pluggable Specification
(Click to enlarge)
The pluggable module itself consists of a printed circuit computing board housed in a protective wrapper chassis, Intel adds. The circuit board should be equal to or smaller than the EPIC (Embedded Platform for Industrial Computing) standard size of 115 x 165mm, and the overall dimension of the module including the mounting frame is 200 x 119 x 30mm, the company says.
It's said the OPS standard also defines the interface signals for all 80 pins of the JAE connector. For example, power input is specified as 12~19V DC at less than 4A and is spread over multiple pins to stay within the connector's maximum current rating. Other pins carry the digital signals for interface to the display, including HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort, audio, serial, plus provision for both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0, according to Intel.
According to Intel, the OPS standard also includes thermal specifications and details cooling requirements for modules based on the Core i7 processor and QM57 chipset. The company adds, "Although it is not required by the specification, installing digital signage equipment based on Intel architecture helps you implement scalable digital signage applications that can network easily with other equipment."
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