Digital Signage with Google Chromebase

PLEASE NOTE: Google have recently made a change which will mean that new Chrome OS devices will not support stand-alone kiosk mode. If you require kiosk mode, you will need a Chrome Device Management (CDM) license. Without this, you will not see the option to use kiosk mode on your device. If you need a CDM license you can purchase this through our partner Promevo.

Looking for a way to use your AOpen Chromebase as a digital screen? The latest Google Chrome product is a nifty way to set a screen up either on a desk or a wall, that powers your digital content for all to see.

In this guide we’ll walk you through how to use your AOpen Chromebase to show digital signage, how to install it and what possibilities there are once you’re up and running.

AOpen Chromebase: an introduction

When it comes to digital signage you usually have one of two options: an Android TV or a regular TV powered by a device like an Ugoos X4 Cube Android powered box, a Chromecast with Google TV, or an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K. There are also more commercial-grade devices on the market like the Station P1 Pro, Intel Nuc, or Asus Chromebox 4.

With the AOpen Chromebase all you need is the screen itself. The Chromebase is effectively a desktop PC but its key selling point lies in its ability to share information. If the iMac is for solo designers and the Windows PC is for solo workers, then the Chromebase is for collaboration.

It has a 23.8" screen and full HD resolution 1920 x 1080, which is what most digital signage screens run on. The screen tilts which helps with visibility and it can be wall or desk mounted, creating a more flexible digital screen solution.

The Chromebase also has four mics - something that may come in seriously useful when voice-activated screens come into play.

Generally speaking, you might choose to use the Chromebase as your digital signage display if:

• You’re looking to setup digital signage for your meeting room, where the screen can be used to manually show information as well as to have ambient content playing.
• You already have one! Of course it’s easier and more cost-effective to work with the technology you already have available.
• You want your digital signage on a desk, rather than on a wall.
• Ease of use - the Chromebase lets you setup a digital signage display with no other hardware needed.

Setting up your AOpen Chromebase with ScreenCloud

Once you have your AOpen Chromebase where you want it, use this simple guide to get it setup.

1. Plug in your Chromebase and connect to WiFi

Once you’ve connected to WiFi on-screen, you have two options. If you’re looking to use your Chromebase solely for digital signage you may want to put it into kiosk mode. If you’re using your Chromebase for other means alongside digital signage, skip the next step and instead download the ScreenCloud player direct from the Chrome Web Store.

2. Choose kiosk mode

PLEASE NOTE: Google have recently made a change which will mean that new Chrome OS devices will not support stand-alone kiosk mode. If you require kiosk mode, you will need a Chrome Device Management (CDM) license. Without this, you will not see the option to use kiosk mode on your device. If you need a CDM license you can purchase this through our partner Promevo.

Once you have set up G Suite, have access to Google Admin and have purchased Chrome licenses, you need to go to the Chrome device Management section of Google Admin and add ScreenCloud as the kiosk app for the devices you want to enroll. By doing this the ScreenCloud player app will automatically be installed on the devices you enroll and set to automatically launch and run in kiosk mode when the devices are turned on.

For a more detailed step by step guide on how to choose and setup kiosk mode check out our support article here.

3. Begin playing content

Once setup, you can use your AOpen Chromebase to share any type of content you like. From images and videos, to social media feeds, live news and travel information, everything you'd like to share as part of your digital signage Channel is within reach.

For example, you might choose to use the meeting room digital signage app in order to show who is in your meeting room at any one time.

Visit our App Store to see over 60 apps available for you to add (for free) including social media feeds, image galleries and digital menu boards and even your own custom designs using Canvas app.

4. Organize content into Playlists and Channels

Once you’ve added your content of choice, you can then organize it using the Channels and Playlists tools. This allows you to nest content, pre-schedule when content will play and set content to play or expire in advance.

Sign up fo a free trial of ScreenCloud today to give it a whirl!