Intel last week announced a specification that will help standardize the design and development of digital signs, a form of communication using digital display screens such as LCD, touch screens or projectors in public venues, and pluggable media players.

The Open Pluggable Specification (OPS) is supported by industry leaders in digital signage, including Microsoft, NEC Display Solutions and the Taiwan Digital Signage Special Interest Group.

"The Open Pluggable Specification was created by Intel to address fragmentation in the digital signage market and simplify device installation, use, maintenance and upgrades," said Jose Avalos, director of retail and digital signage, Embedded and Communications Group, Intel. "With the specification, digital signage manufacturers will be able to deploy interchangeable systems faster and in higher volumes, while lowering costs for development and implementation."

A prototype demonstration design for the OPS was developed based on an Intel Core processor running Microsoft Windows Embedded Standard 7. The first fanless and compact pluggable solution for digital signage applications, the OPS features Intel vPro Technology with Keyboard-Video-Mouse redirection capabilities that allow an IT administrator to run diagnostic tests, install upgrades and view and control the digital display content remotely.

Installing digital signage equipment based on Intel architecture, such as the prototype demonstration, creates scalable digital signage applications that can easily network with other equipment for interoperability or upgrade to fit each customer?s digital signage requirements, future-proofing technology investments.

The Open Pluggable Specification is available today at http://edc.intel.com/Applications/Digital-Signage/OPS.