Glossary A–ZLetter S
Stick player
A stick player is a media player the size of a large USB stick that plugs directly into a display’s HDMI input.
It is powered by a small power supply or the display’s USB port. It usually runs Android with a player app.
Stick players are the simplest way to bring an existing display into a screen network. They are unobtrusive, quickly plugged in and suitable for simple content such as images, video and scrolling text. They are found behind screens in waiting rooms, small shops, restaurants and offices.
Operators should know the limits: the devices get warm in the tight space behind the display, which can lead to crashes in continuous operation. Many only have Wi-Fi, which causes problems when reception behind metal frames is poor. Processing power and storage are limited. If the display’s USB port switches off in standby, the stick restarts every time. Consumer devices are often not designed for remote maintenance.