Intel Compute Stick and Windows Digital Signage Setup

If you’re a fan of Windows, it’s likely you’ll sway towards it when it comes to setting up and running your digital signage displays. A Windows device or a media player that runs Windows, such as the Intel Compute Stick or an even better option, the Azulle Access 4, are very easy to set up and get content playing immediately. The Intel Compute Stick used to be a great option but we no longer recommend it for digital signage, the main reason being it is almost at the end of its life and only has about 6 months left of operating system updates, meaning this device will no longer receive updates. Secondly, the Intel Compute Stick has low processing power and there are NOW much better devices at a cheaper price point. However for those who have already purchased an Intel Compute stick, this article will explain how to set up your ScreenCloud account and get your first pieces of content up on screen. 

If you haven't already purchased an Intel Compute Stick, here are some alternatives:

Windows: If you like a stick device, we recommend purchasing the Azulle Access 4. This device costs a bit more but it's much more reliable. Similarly, there's also the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, one of the cheapest digital signage devices out on the market ($39.90). It comes with many features such as HDR support and a selection of apps to choose from.

Android: We suggest the Chromecast with Google TV. Similar to the windows operating system, there's also the Intel Nuc Celeron or the low entry Ugoos AM6 Android box. Both have great remote device management systems, are far more durable and have much better processing power – you can run difficult content and they will still push it without dropping quality. Although if you decide to switch to a Chrome OS operating system, we suggest purchasing an AOpen Chromebox Mini or Asus Chromebox 4

For the time being (until its discontinued) the Intel Compute Stick can run ScreenCloud through our Windows App. This is great for displaying images, video files, social media and more. 

The Station P1 Pro device is another great example of a purpose built digital signage device. It comes with ScreenCloud’s software pre-installed and has minimized security risk and great deployment and procurement capabilities.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to set up ScreenCloud using the Intel Compute Stick on Windows for digital signage and start using content like images, videos and apps.

Part one: How to set up ScreenCloud digital signage on Windows 

1. Download the Windows app

On your Windows machine of choice open Google Chrome (or any browser) and head to https://release.screen.cloud/. From here, you can download the ScreenCloud player for Windows. 

Once the app has downloaded, open the downloaded file which looks something like ScreenCloudPlayer.setup(version number).exe

2. Pair ScreenCloud

Once you’ve downloaded the ScreenCloud Windows app, the ScreenCloud player will start up. You’ll see a pairing code, similar to the below on screen. Make a note of this - you’ll need it in a second. 

3. Set up a ScreenCloud account

Once you have your pairing code, visit screencloud.com on your laptop or PC. If you haven’t already, set up a free trial by selecting “try it now” or login to your account using the Login button. 

Once logged in, you can navigate to Screens and add a screen easily to your account by typing in the pairing code and choosing your screen size and orientation.

That’s it - your screen and your Windows device are paired, ready for you to control content from wherever you are.

Part two: Setting up an Intel Compute Stick with Screencloud

If you’re looking to get started with an Intel Compute Stick plugged into your TV screen to make it “smart”, one of the easiest ways to set up the device is through Windows OS. There are many other factory-installed operating systems, but in our experience, Windows is the way to go! 

Here’s how that works:

1. Plug in your Intel Stick

The Intel Compute Stick can be plugged into the HDMI port of any TV screen or monitor you’re using. If you need a little help, check out the video below which tells you more about the Intel Stick and how it connects to your TV:

The Intel Compute Stick can be plugged directly into your HDMI port, or you can use the mini USB adaptor which usually comes with it, to help secure it to your screen. 

It’s also best to plug in the power adaptor, connected to the mains at all times.

The start up of the Intel Compute Stick looks similar to starting up a computer with Windows desktop - so it should be familiar if you’re a Windows user! 

2. Open your browser

Once your Intel Compute Stick is running, connect your TV to WiFi or a network using the same method you would use to connect a PC to WiFi. 

Once you’re connected, open Chrome or any other browser and download the Windows app from https://release.screen.cloud/.

3. Download the ScreenCloud player

Once the app has downloaded, open the downloaded file which looks something like ScreenCloudPlayer.setup(version number).exe. 

Once you’ve downloaded the ScreenCloud Windows app, the ScreenCloud player will start up. You’ll see a pairing code, similar to the below on screen. Make a note of this - you’ll need it in a second. 

Note - if you’ve followed the steps in part one you’ll notice that these next steps are exactly the same. So feel free to go back and complete the same steps.

Your Intel Compute Stick will begin to play ScreenCloud automatically each time your TV restarts. If you need to access the settings you can do this by opening the ScreenCloud settings menu.

Digital signage and the Intel Compute Stick = simple!

ScreenCloud is perhaps the easiest way to get your Intel Compute Stick up and running using digital signage software. What’s more, is that ScreenCloud also offers a super easy CMS that allows you to begin showing rich images, videos, social media feeds, apps, presentations and more to your digital screens. 

If you’re ready to get started head to screencloud.com/getstarted today.