The Houston, TX CMS software firm OptiSigns is the latest digital signage services provider to add Apple TVs to the list of hardware player options.
The SaaS company’s play-out software was already compatible with Windows, Android, Linux, Raspberry Pi, BrightSign, Roku, and “LG Commercial” – which I assume means webOS smart displays. OptiSigns also supports a variety of Amazon devices, including $30 Fire sticks.
Apple TV is interesting because it’s a very solid device that also has the benefit of the broad familiarity and trust (probably) of consumers. I don’t know, however, how deep the integration goes. There aren’t that many digital signage CMS companies using Apple TVs, but recently a few have introduced software that works in league with device management software tools for the little black boxes. Apple TVs cost more than many to most of the set-top boxes out there, so going with Apple is not going to typically be about price.
The in-venue media network Atmosphere has 1,000s of Apple TVs in the field running its curated subscription video content.