TelemetryTV is renowned for its robust and versatile digital signage solutions, offering unique features across a range of supported platforms. However, these platforms are distinct and may perform differently. This guide aims to clarify these differences and help you find the best fit for your needs.

Supported Platforms

TelemetryTV supports a range of platforms, each with unique strengths and capabilities. Understanding these options will help you choose the best platform for your digital signage needs.

TelemetryOS

Our recommended option for most digital signage deployments, given its comprehensive compatibility and capabilities.

Progressive Web Application (PWA)

Our browser-based solution, easily added as a device from the Devices tab in your TelemetryTV account.

Android

Best suited for users who prefer a mobile-first approach. Ideal for environments where Android-based hardware is already in use but may lack some enterprise-grade features.

Electron-Based Platforms

Electron-based platforms include Linux and Windows. Highly versatile but not signage-optimized. Works well in corporate environments with existing Windows or Linux infrastructure.

ChromeOS

Suitable for users with existing ChromeOS deployments.

The differences between these platforms arise from their inherent capabilities, which affect how developers like TelemetryTV can leverage them. We work hard to ensure consistency of features across platforms as much as possible. However, inherent constraints of certain operating systems may limit some features.

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Key Feature Limitations by Operating System

TelemetryOS

TelemetryOS contains all the features of other options here, but stands out due to the additional functionalities that are bundled with it, such as an optimized FFmpeg for IPTV support.

TelemetryOS also offers a comprehensive graphical configuration and management interface for things like network connectivity. Being a purpose-built operating system, there may be future TelemetryOS-exclusive features that are not available on other Electron platforms.

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TelemetryOS Benefits

Remote management, patching, and updating are all automatic on TelemetryOS, reducing user-side management compared to Windows or Linux OS.

Progressive Web Application (PWA)

This is an option suitable for environments where a full OS installation isn't possible or necessary. Limitations include:

• No serial port support.
• Limited file storage.
• No USB-device provisioning.
• No ability to identify screens on the device.
• Limited device statistics.
• No mixed content.
• SDK limitations.
• No IPTV (Internet Protocol TV) support.

Android

Android is ideal for organizations that already use Android-based hardware. Android devices provide a familiar, flexible environment, but may have the following limitations:

• Practical serial port support is missing (the OS prompts for access after every reboot due to its interactivity).
• Auto-start missing on certain OS versions.
• No support for multiple screens.
• Restrictions on mixed content in HTML/Web embedded content.
• No IPTV support.
• Not recommended for 24/7 use due to its unstable environment.
• Security patching varies widely depending on the device.

Electron: Windows, Linux, TelemetryOS

Electron-based platforms such as Linux and Windows are compatible with large scale deployments and work well in corporate environments with existing infrastructure. Limitations include:

• Windows may not be ideal for 24/7 use.
• Windows platforms tend to be expensive.

ChromeOS

While ChromeOS is supported, it is not recommended for new deployments as Google has started to phase out Chrome apps, limiting future support.

• Restrictions on mixed content and embedded websites.
• ChromeOS does not support IPTV streaming.

Selecting the right platform for your TelemetryTV deployment depends on your unique needs and constraints. This guide should help you make an informed decision. For more information, feel free to reach out to our team.