More on Panasonic’s OpenPort PLATFORM

Andrew Neale

Joining Samsung’s System on Chip and LG’s webOS, Panasonic is also getting in on the act with their OpenPort PLATFORM now being supported by their AF1 display series.

logo panasonic openportThe AF1 Series features an Android and HTML5-based OpenPort Platform and is equipped with a 1GHz quad-core processor, 1 GB of RAM, and 8 GB of internal storage. Like all of the SoC or webOS type systems, it aims to substitute expensive external ‘Wintel’ devices which also require external cabling, additional mounts and installation.

They claim, same as the others, that an in-built media player and Wi-Fi capability greatly reduces cabling complexity and eliminates the need for an external player device if only simple playback of videos and photos is required.

The display’s open API allows users to control the displays through third party software running on the OpenPort platform.

Robert Duchac, Partner Development Manager at Grassfish – one of the first we believe to support this – told us when we were in Vienna a few weeks ago, “We are very excited that Panasonic and its OpenPort Platform are returning to the Digital Signage market. The underlying Android technology allows for an easy integration of Grassfish’s professional CMS Software offering a huge list of solution possibilities.”

Arthur Damen, Chief Marketing Officer at Net Display Systems in The Netherlands, was quoted as saying: “We welcome the initiative of Panasonic to develop professional displays featuring an HTML5-based OpenPort Platform. Combined with our PADS4 software, offering guaranteed uninterrupted playback in case of network failures, it’s a perfect match to run digital signage networks on Android.”

Also offering support are Swedish digital signage company DISE, German digital signage company Videro and Smartsign AB, whose CEO Martin Romanowski commented, “We are very proud to announce another collaboration with a large and innovative hardware supplier such as Panasonic, it offers our partners in EMEA further options to use our software for digital signage.”

Perhaps the strongest endorsement globally comes from new Scala EMEA vice president and general manager, Harry Horn, who told us: “The OpenPort Platform solution from Panasonic is a solid, easy-to-use digital signage solution that is perfect for 24/7 operation. Combining the OpenPort Platform with Scala software is a smart choice for business owners, brands and retailers looking for an all-in-one cloud solution that’s professional grade.”

More on Panasonic’s OpenPort PLATFORM can be found here.


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