Q: How can I display perfectly synced video on two 32" screens in the UK?
A: You have 3 reliable options, depending on budget and setup preferences:
1. HDMI Splitter (Cheapest & Simplest)
✅ How it works:
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Single media source (PC, Raspberry Pi, Blu-ray player) → HDMI splitter → Both screens.
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Ensures perfect sync (no lag between displays).
💰 Cost:
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Basic HDMI Splitter (1x2): £15-£30
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4K/HDR Splitter (for future-proofing): £40-£100
✔ Pros:
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Plug-and-play, no software setup.
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Works offline (no internet needed).
✖ Cons:
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Limited to identical content on both screens.
2. Raspberry Pi with Dual Output (Flexible & Low-Cost)
✅ How it works:
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Raspberry Pi 4 (£50-£70) → Two HDMI ports → One Pi powers both screens.
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Use OMXPlayer or Kodi for seamless looping.
💰 Cost:
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Raspberry Pi 4 (4GB): ~£60
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MicroSD Card + Power Supply: ~£15
✔ Pros:
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Supports different content per screen (if needed).
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Can auto-loop videos without manual input.
✖ Cons:
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Requires basic setup (OS install + media player config).
3. Professional Digital Signage Player (Best for Future-Proofing)
✅ How it works:
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BrightSign or Yodeck player (£150-£300) → HDMI splitter → Screens.
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Cloud-based content management (update remotely).
💰 Cost:
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BrightSign LS424: ~£250 (one-time)
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Yodeck Player + Annual Subscription: ~£120/year
✔ Pros:
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Enterprise-grade reliability
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Remote updates (if internet is available).
✖ Cons:
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More expensive upfront.
Q: Do my screens support internet?
A: Your Discount Displays monitors likely do not have built-in Wi-Fi/Ethernet (standard commercial screens rarely do).
Workarounds for Internet Connectivity:
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Add a media player (Raspberry Pi, Fire Stick, BrightSign).
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Use HDMI + USB dongle (if screen has USB port).
Q: Which is the best budget option?
| Solution | Cost | Sync Accuracy | Ease of Setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI Splitter | £15-£100 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Raspberry Pi | £60-£80 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| BrightSign/Yodeck | £120+ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Recommendation:
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Cheapest? HDMI Splitter (£20).
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Most flexible? Raspberry Pi (£60).
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Most professional? BrightSign (£250).
Q: How do I hide cables for a clean look?
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Floor-mounted screens? Use PVC trunking or in-wall conduits.
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Construction help? Ask them to run HDMI cables behind walls.
Final Tip:
For simple, looped video, an HDMI splitter + media player is the easiest & cheapest solution. Need remote control later? Upgrade to a Raspberry Pi or BrightSign.
