Microsoft and Intel spin Windows Embedded signage platform

Microsoft and Intel announced a "validated digital signage platform" that runs Windows Embedded Standard 7 on a 2.4GHz Intel Core i5-520M processor. The Digital Signage Evaluation Kit (DSEK-10) is said to include DisplayPort, DVI-D, HDMI, and VGA video outputs, a 2.5-inch hard disk drive, and 802.11a/b/g/n wireless networking.

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According to Microsoft and Intel, their new "validated digital signage platform" is designed to "address the market's need for a more streamlined, high-performance, and highly reliable solution." The Digital Signage Evalulation Kit, manufactured by Winmate, will apparently be one of the first devices to ship with Microsoft's Windows Embedded Standard 7.

Winmate says the DSEK-10 will be available at the end of this month. Software will include a preinstalled OS image optimized for digital signage usage, plus a recovery DVD, the company says.

Winmate's DSEK-10

According to Winmate, the DSEK-10 uses Intel's Core i5-520M, one of the embedded-specific CPUs launched by the chipmaker in January. The CPU has a base clock speed of 2.4GHz and Turbo Boost speed of 2.93GHz, dual cores, and a 35-Watt TDP. It's teamed here, as intended, with Intel's QM57 Express chipset.

Winmate says the DSEK-10 has 4GB of DDR3 memory, supplied via two SODIMM sockets, plus a 2.5-inch SATA hard disk drive of unspecified capacity. Intel-supplied components also provide gigabit Ethernet and 802.11a/b/g/n wireless networking, the latter via a Mini PCI Express module (WiMax is orderable, the company says).

Ports on the Winmate DSEK-10
(Click to enlarge)

The DSEK-10's front panel (pictured above) includes audio jacks (mic in, line in, line out) and two USB 2.0 ports, says Winmate. The rear panel (also above), meanwhile, has two more USB 2.0 ports, the gigabit Ethernet port, and four video outputs: DisplayPort, DVI-D, HDMI, and VGA. (Winmate does not cite potential resolutions nor how many of these outputs may be used at once.)

Features and specifications listed by Winmate for the DSEK-10 include:

* Processor -- Intel Core i5 520-M clocked at 2.4GHz
* Chipset -- Intel QM57 Express
* Memory -- 4GB of DDR3 RAM via two SODIMM slots
* Storage -- 2.5-inch SATA hard disk drive
* Expansion -- Mini PCI slot (occupied by WLAN card)
* Networking:
o LAN -- 1 x gigabit Ethernet
o WLAN -- 802.11a/b/g/n
o WiMAX (optional)
* Other I/O:
o 4 x USB 2.0 (2 front, 2 rear)
o Audio -- mic in, line in, line out
o DisplayPort
o DVI-D
o HDMI
o VGA
* Power -- 12VDC via external AC adapter
* Operating temperature -- 32 to 104 deg. F (0 to 40 deg. C)
* Dimensions -- 7.24 x 4.92 x 1.96 inches (184 x 125 x 50mm)


The Intelligent Digital Signage Concept
(click to play)
Source: Intel

Further information

According to Intel and Microsoft, the DSEK-10 is being shown off at this week's Screenmedia Expo Europe 2010 show in London, scheduled for May 5 and May 6. Also being displayed is the Intelligent Digital Signage Concept (see video, above) that made its debut at a January convention in New York.

The Intelligent Digital Signage Concept features a seven-foot six-inch multitouch screen touted as having holographic glass. More information may be found on Intel's website, here.

Winmate did not release pricing for the DSEK-10, but said the device will be available later this month. More information may be found on the company's website, here.