BIOS Power on time - using the Compute Stick for Digital Signage

[GBarr4]

We currently have about 50 screens around my work's campus, used to display images and videos to people. These computers power on in the morning, display their content and the power off in the evening.

We're looking at replacing our existing digital signage system with something a bit newer. We don't need extremely powerful computers for this task, so the Intel Compute Stick seemed perfect. I've designed a system that runs almost flawlessly on the Compute Stick, these machines (as advertised) are excellent for digital signage systems.. Except for one little problem:

There does not appear to be a BIOS Power On time, at least not in the version of BIOS I'm running ( FCBYT10H.86A.0010.2015.0330.1117 )

I'm curious about how I'm supposed to get this machine to power on at a given time. Whether I'm missing something or if I'm supposed to be using a different way of doing things? It seems a bit odd to me to have a machine that is advertised as being perfect for digital signage, yet lacks the ability to power itself on at a given time.

Any input on this would be greatly appreciated.

[kfchoong]

I am facing the same problem. The RTC Power On feature is very much needed for a Digital Signage system. For the time being, I had to program the ICS to turn the screens off, but as the ICS, it will be left running.

Would love to hear from Intel if this feature can be added through a future BIOS upgrade?

[GBarr4]

What did you end up using to turn the screens off? I've tried a few different commands, but generally they either just blank the screen (the screen goes black but is still powered on...) or they turn the screens off, but stop running commands (more like a sleep mode).

[kfchoong]

What I am doing now is just to cut of signal to the screens and get the screens to shutdown when no power is detected. It is not the best solution, but I will have to live with this for now.

Depending on the screens you are using, there are possibly more options:

1) Set on/off timer on the screens

2) For digital signage screens, you are able to control it via a RS232 interface. This method will allow you to turn on/off the screens via your software.

[GBarr4]

Ahhh okay, that makes sense.

I think I'll go with your idea of controlling the screens using serial. The problem here is that I'll end up having to buy an USB to Serial adapter, which increases the price of the unit.. It's tempting to just buy a $300 laptop instead...

[kfchoong]

Haha.. ya, once you start adding up all the adapters, the ICS is not that "affordable" and "small".

Does your screen supports on/off timer? Will it be easier to set it in the screen and not control from the ICS?

[GBarr4]

Yes, I agree entirely. It's great for a first try, but as far as a computer for digital signage goes, it's *so* close, yet so far.

The problem I have is that the times of the screens will change frequently. Needing to visit all the screens to change their times would cost us more money than buying a better machine.

[Esteban_V_Intel]

Currently the Intel Compute Stick does not have that feature available in bios. Perhaps this options would be available in future bios releases.

Regards,

Steven V.

[kfchoong]

Does it mean that it is "possible" to add the feature via a BIOS upgrade, ie software upgrade and not hardware?

[Esteban_V_Intel]

I does not have that feature available in bios and is not possible.

Regards,