> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pickcel.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Media players and display hardware FAQs

> Answers about Pickcel signage hardware, media players, smart screens, running on Android TV, using your own device, touchscreens, Chromecast, Wi-Fi, and SIM.

Common questions about the hardware behind a Pickcel screen, media players, displays, and what's supported. For setup steps, see the [Player Installation](/player-installation/windows) guides.

### What is a signage media player?

A media player is an internet-connected device that drives content on a screen. It sits between your content management software (the Pickcel console) and the display, receiving instructions from Pickcel and rendering the content on screen. Players come in two forms: **external** media players and **built-in** media players. Pickcel supports a wide range, including Android, Windows, and Raspberry Pi. See the [Pickcel digital signage player page](https://www.pickcel.com/digital-signage-player/) for the full supported list.

### Do I always need a media player?

No. If your screen has a **built-in media player**, you don't need a separate device. A built-in player means the signage player is embedded in the display itself, for example, smart TVs based on **Android**, **LG webOS**, or **Samsung Tizen**.

### Do I need a smart screen for digital signage?

No, a smart screen isn't mandatory. You can either use a smart screen such as an **Android TV**, or attach a **signage media player** to a regular display to get the same result.

### Can I run Pickcel directly on an Android TV or tablet?

Yes. If you have an Android Smart TV or Android tablet, you can install the Pickcel app directly. The app is compatible with **Android 5.1 (Lollipop) and newer**. Pickcel can't guarantee optimal performance on hardware outside its recommended specifications. See the [supported hardware list](https://www.pickcel.com/digital-signage-player/) for details.

### Can I use my own Android media player?

Yes. You can use your own Android device as long as it meets the **minimum requirements**:

* **Android 5.1** and above (7.1+ recommended)
* **2 GB** RAM minimum
* **8 GB** storage minimum
* **Quad-core** CPU

If your device runs an older Android version (5.0–7.0), you can install the [older Pickcel APK](https://console.pickcel.com/players/android/digital-player-v3.4.apk). Note that Pickcel can't provide support for hardware issues. For those, contact your device vendor.

### Do I have to buy the media player from Pickcel?

No. Pickcel has tested 20+ media players and **recommends** [Android media players](https://www.pickcel.com/digital-signage-player/) for the best results, but you're free to use any Android player that meets the [minimum system requirements](#can-i-use-my-own-android-media-player). Pickcel doesn't guarantee performance on non-recommended hardware.

### Does Pickcel provide display screens?

Pickcel doesn't sell screens directly, but can help you source them. It partners with panel manufacturers such as **LG**, **Samsung**, and **Philips**. Contact the [sales team](https://www.pickcel.com/company/contact) for details.

### How do I choose a display screen?

The right display depends on where it will run and what you want to show on it. Work through these five factors to narrow down the screen that fits your needs:

* **Display type.** LED and LCD are the most common panels for digital signage. All-in-one smart signage displays (with the player built in) are increasingly popular because of their versatility, so decide whether you want a plain panel plus a separate player, or a single integrated unit.
* **Expected lifespan.** Check how many hours a day the screen is rated for. Commercial displays are built for **24×7** operation, while consumer TVs are often rated for far fewer hours and can wear out early in an always-on signage setup. If the screen will run all day, choose a commercial-grade panel.
* **Size.** Match the screen size to the viewing distance and location. Smaller screens suit kiosks and close-up interactions, while larger screens work better for storefronts and open commercial spaces where people view from a distance.
* **Resolution.** Resolution drives how readable your content is. Aim for at least **1080p**; step up to **4K** for sharp clarity on larger screens. Pick the resolution that matches your content and screen size rather than always defaulting to the highest.
* **Bezel.** The bezel is the frame around the panel. Thinner bezels put more focus on your content and are the current trend, and they matter most when you tile several screens into a video wall, where slim bezels keep the combined image looking seamless.

### Does Pickcel support touchscreens?

Yes. The Pickcel app works seamlessly with touchscreen devices, any touch-capable display can run Pickcel for interactive use cases.

### Can I run Pickcel on Google Chromecast?

No. Chromecast is a simple mirroring device with very limited storage, so Pickcel can't run on it. For supported Chrome-based devices, see the [Pickcel Chrome players](https://www.pickcel.com/digital-signage-player/#chrome).

### Do the recommended players support Wi-Fi and Ethernet?

Yes. Pickcel-recommended media players support both **Wi-Fi** and **Ethernet**.

### Can I add a SIM card for connectivity?

If your device or screen supports inserting a **SIM card** for data, you can use it to connect to the internet, and the Pickcel app will run on that SIM's data connection. For questions about device features, contact the [support team](mailto:support@pickcel.com).

### Which Samsung models are supported?

Pickcel supports **SSSP 6** and **SSSP 7** Samsung screens, including the **QHC, QMC, QHB, QBC, QMB** models, and subsequent models. Check the [device matrix](https://www.pickcel.com/digital-signage-player/comparison-chart.html) to confirm your model, and contact [support](mailto:support@pickcel.com) if you hit any issues.

### Does Pickcel offer a scheduled sleep (on/off) option on all hardware?

No, scheduled sleep is available only on **select hardware**, such as Android, Samsung, and LG devices. See the [device comparison chart](https://www.pickcel.com/digital-signage-player/comparison-chart.html) for the full list. (For Samsung signage TVs specifically, see [Schedule Sleep on Samsung TV](/faqs/schedule-sleep-samsung).)

## Related guides

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Player Installation" icon="desktop" href="/player-installation/windows">
    Step-by-step setup guides for every supported platform.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Android APK Download" icon="android" href="/player-installation/android/apk-download">
    Install the Pickcel player on Android, including older devices.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Screen Registration" icon="tv" href="/screen-registration/screen-registration">
    Pair your player with the Pickcel console.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Back to FAQs" icon="circle-question" href="/faqs/faqs">
    Browse all Pickcel FAQ articles.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>
