Do you want a SMALL computer?

spannerzone

Bowling_4_Gold wrote: »

I've been tasked with researching and implementing a digital signage solution at my organisation. I'm really tempted with something similar to this- where I can plug it straight in to the HDMI socket on the display and that's it.

It will need power to run as HDMI can't power it direct, you'd use the micro USB port and the supplied power supply so take into account. Some devices like Chromecast can be powered by a TV's USB port (if it has one) so that may apply here too, not sure if this would need more than 500mAh that USB ports provide.

I think these will soon drop in price and look to be very useful

Bowling_4_Gold

spannerzone wrote: »

It will need power to run as HDMI can't power it direct, you'd use the micro USB port and the supplied power supply so take into account. Some devices like Chromecast can be powered by a TV's USB port (if it has one) so that may apply here too, not sure if this would need more than 500mAh that USB ports provide.

I think these will soon drop in price and look to be very useful

We went with these in the end- they've got a NIC built in so we have the flexibility to connect it to the network via cable instead of via WLAN.

Our electrician is already running plug sockets for the TVs to get power, so asked them to put double-sockets in for not much more so we can power the PCs.

I was looking hard for a suitable device to power from the TVs USB sockets but was struggling- and as you say, it's likely these devices will be pulling more than 500mAh

dealer_wins

Bowling_4_Gold wrote: »

We went with these in the end- they've got a NIC built in so we have the flexibility to connect it to the network via cable instead of via WLAN.

Our electrician is already running plug sockets for the TVs to get power, so asked them to put double-sockets in for not much more so we can power the PCs.

I was looking hard for a suitable device to power from the TVs USB sockets but was struggling- and as you say, it's likely these devices will be pulling more than 500mAh

That looks like a nice little pc there!

buglawton

Looks like a good choice, does HDMI work on all catch up services from iPlayer to Demand 5?

almillar

Looks like a good choice, does HDMI work on all catch up services from iPlayer to Demand 5?

Eh? You been using iPads for too long?
HDMI is the ONLY output option, and since this is a Windows PC, you'll be using the real web, instead of apps. That means any streaming video that this little thing is capable of displaying, will work.

buglawton

The question was a serious one, since ITV catch up and 4OD used to ensure that their Android apps block the HDMI output, to drive people to another solution like YouView.

In a similar way, Microsoft has colluded with the PC makers and blocked software recording of sound direct from the sound card of most modern PC hardware.

So feedback from people who've actually got on of this Mele mini PCs would be appreciated - does everything stream through HDMI?

(I see that VGA is offered on the Mele but expect resolution and smoothness to trump VGA every time).

almillar

buglawton - ah OK. Well if it's not blocked on any other Windows 8.1 PC, it won't be on this little stick. Nothing specific here. And considering the number of PCs that are connected to TVs or monitors via HDMI, they'd be daft to attempt to block it.

buglawton

You mean, it's not blocked on any other Windows 8.1 PCs when streaming through their HDMI socket.. or?

The free Windows 8.1 license that MS is dishing out has a limit on screen size of 9 inches or less. So on any such cheapo devices I can certainly wonder if HDMI will be blocked for some streaming. This is based on previous MS and content providers' behaviour.

Ominous comments as seen here:
http://helpforum.sky.com/t5/Sky-Go/Sky-Go-on-a-TV-linked-via-HDMI-to-an-Acer-eMacjines-laptop/td-p/2299183
...."It can be blocked, its a choice for them NOT to . The technology is allready in use in windows 7 - 10, not just using silverlight using HTML5 apps as well.... Its NOT a requirement they support Mirror mode... they only have to support the MAIN monitor usage...."

Be interesting to see when more people have these mini PCs, if they report any such blocking of HDMI.

almillar

This device is not a tablet or laptop, it's a 'desktop' computer, so you're using the SOLE video output. It's absolutely daft for any content provider to block that content.
I understand that Sky etc block the video out on iPads, because that could be used to display their tablet content on the 'big screen' whereas they want you to pay for it.
I also understand that it may be technically possible to block stuff from anything but the 'primary' screen, but that doesn't apply to little device, and any other desktop compter. I think you're being a bit paranoid.

Waywardmike

This is amazing IMO...

Remove windows, install openelec put in a 128GB micro SD for media storage and have a fully functional media centre that takes up not much more room than a chromecast. Of course I'd question its ability to handle 1080p HD content smoothly but I think it would work.

Now if only I had some spare cash lying around...