Years ago it was really hard to run digital signage on Linux. No real free drivers, old kernels, tons of reverse engineering.
That’s largely over now.
RK3588 is the go-to platform, Mali finally has open drivers (Panfrost/Panthor), and hardware video decode landed in mainline in early 2026.
I’m the dev behind the GarlicSignage stack and dug into the current state:
https://garlic-signage.com/resources/technology/linux-digital-signage/
@refalo
Interesting. What hardware did you use?
In 2009 it was mostly x86 PCs, which run Linux fine since decades.
My research focused more on cheap and efficient ARM devices, where we now have far more alternatives with free drivers than back then.
We mostly used small form-factor mini PCs from Polywell.
Maybe you’re thinking of how it used to be companies with proprietary solutions, like AMX? Yeah, there are lots of ways to replace those devices, now.