The hidden layer behind every screen
Most people never see the media player behind a digital sign. It sits behind the screen or inside a cabinet. Its job is to make sure the right content plays, all day, every day.
Leading Solutions supplies Qbic media players to the AV integrators, signage providers and IT partners who design and support digital signage across New Zealand. We hold stock locally, help with model selection and give our partners technical support, so screens keep running long after the install.
Built for Signage Partners
Why use a media player when the screen already has one built in?
A lot of commercial screens come with a built-in "smart" player, called a system-on-chip (SoC). It sounds simpler on paper, but it often isn't. Most signage networks are a mix of new and old screens from different brands, and each built-in system works a bit differently. When one batch of screens gets replaced, the rest can stop matching.
A separate media player fixes this. It sits behind any screen, whatever the brand or age, and gives every display the same content, the same software and the same management. A school can replace its classroom screens this year and keep using the older screens in other buildings, all on one content management system (CMS).
It usually saves money, too. You can keep older screens in service, avoid replacing the whole system, standardise across buildings and cut down on maintenance call-outs.
Three layers that keep a screen secure and running
A commercial media player is a networked computer in a public place, so the questions behind it are about more than the picture. Qbic builds its players around three layers:
- Layer 1: security in the hardware
- Layer 2: central management of the whole fleet
- Layer 3: long-term Android support
Together, they're what get an IT team to approve the project.
Layer 1: Security Design
Secure from the hardware up
Qbic builds security into every layer, from the chipset to the software. Protection starts before the operating system has even loaded:
- Secure boot. The player only starts with digitally signed, verified software, so unauthorised code can't run.
- Verified firmware. Confirms the operating system hasn't been tampered with, every time the player powers on.
- Hardware encryption. Protects data even if the player is physically stolen.
- Tamper detection. Detects physical and software attempts to compromise the device.
On top of the hardware sits Qbic Fortify+, Qbic's award-winning security framework. It locks down and hardens the operating system, applies role-based access, validates signed firmware, prevents rooting and controls access to USB, debug and storage ports. Fortify+ comes in two tiers. Standard gives every deployment a strong security foundation, and Premium adds extra controls for high-risk or compliance-driven sites.
Layer 2: Device Management
Manage every screen from one place
No small IT team wants to visit every screen to install an update. Qbic offers two management platforms, and both work across its full range:
- ArgusControl is cloud-based. It gives you one dashboard for screens across many sites, with remote firmware updates, app deployment and policy settings. A free tier covers the essentials. Premium adds automatic registration and setup when a new player first powers on. Download the ArgusControl datasheet (PDF).
- Remote Configuration Center (RCC) runs entirely on your own network. It's built for sites with strict IT policies, regulated environments and air-gapped networks, where data must stay on site. It includes remote firmware updates, configuration deployment and remote desktop access.
Both platforms give real-time diagnostics and status monitoring, and both are protected by Fortify+.
Layer 3: Qbic Android
Android built for commercial use, and supported for the long term
Consumer Android is designed for phones that get replaced every few years. Signage players often stay in service much longer. Qbic's commercial Android is built for that kind of lifespan, and aligned with chip partners NXP and MediaTek for stable firmware.
Qbic's lifecycle policy includes:
- Quarterly security updates for the latest Android version Qbic supports.
- Continued security updates for older Android versions after Google has stopped supporting them, for the life of the product.
- Firmware fixes, technical support and customisation during the warranty and product lifecycle.
- Optional extended warranty for long-term deployments.
Qbic is also quick to adopt new Android versions, so supported players can upgrade without losing stability.
What to specify
Each signage project needs something slightly different. Here's what our partners specify, and what most often gets missed.
| Use | Hardware | Key specification | Most commonly missed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mixed or older screens | Qbic media player | HDMI output matched to the screen; one CMS across the site | Replacing screens that only needed a new player |
| Hard-to-reach or 24/7 screens | Qbic BXP-100 | Dual watchdog timer; fanless | A frozen screen that needs a site visit to restart |
| Two screens side by side | Qbic FHD-200 | Dual display output; 4K | Buying two players where one will do |
| Video walls and large format | Qbic BXP-350 | 8K at 60fps | Content not created at the screen's resolution |
| Sensors, triggers and Linux | Qbic BXP-320 | 8 GPIO; Android 14, Debian or Linux | Operating system not confirmed with the CMS provider |
| Screen and device control | Qbic FHD-100 | PoE; RS-232 control port | No power outlet planned at the screen |
| Multi-site estates | ArgusControl (cloud) | Remote firmware updates and monitoring | No record of which firmware each player runs |
| Regulated or air-gapped sites | Remote Configuration Center | On-premises; data stays on your network | Choosing cloud management before IT has approved it |
Signage software that works with Qbic media players
These digital signage and CMS platforms confirm support for Qbic media players. Compatibility can vary by model and firmware, so check your setup with us before you order. See all Qbic partners here.
Ready to Trial Qbic Hardware?
Whether you already use one of the platforms above or want to test a new one, you can trial it with Qbic hardware before committing to a wider rollout. Most of Qbic's software partners offer free trials, making it easy to test the software and hardware together in a real setup.
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Control Panels & Automation
Learn MoreQbic's control panels bring AV control, room management and automation together in one intuitive touch device. Manage displays, sources and connected room systems from a single interface, integrating with your existing calendar or booking platform. Available in a range of screen sizes to suit any space.
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Digital Signage & Wayfinding
Learn MoreQbic's BXP media players deliver 4K and 8K playback in compact, reliable hardware. Lobby displays, wayfinding, campus communications, or full digital signage networks, all running on an open platform you control. Fanless and built for 24/7 operation.
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Desk Booking Pucks
Learn MoreQbic's desk pucks bring the same open-platform philosophy to individual workspaces. A small footprint solution that shows real-time desk availability, enables on-the-spot booking, and feeds data back to your facilities team, without the bulk of a full panel.
Qbic Video Tutorials
See Qbic in action. Quick, practical videos that make setup simple - from installing APK files to connecting media players and mastering PoE.
Frequently Asked Questions
My screens have a built-in player. Do I still need a media player?
My screens have a built-in player. Do I still need a media player?
Often, yes. Built-in players (SoC) differ between brands and models, so a mixed fleet gets hard to manage. A separate media player gives every screen the same software and management, whatever brand or age the screen is.
What is a watchdog timer?
What is a watchdog timer?
It's a feature that restarts a player automatically if it freezes. The Qbic BXP-100 has two: a CPU watchdog for software problems, and an independent watchdog that can still recover the player if the processor locks up. Read more about watchdog timers.
How long will Qbic players get security updates?
How long will Qbic players get security updates?
Qbic provides quarterly security updates for the latest Android version it supports, and keeps sending security updates for older versions after Google has stopped supporting them, for the life of the product. Ask us about the Android version for a specific model.
Should we use cloud or on-premises management?
Should we use cloud or on-premises management?
ArgusControl (cloud) suits most multi-site projects. Remote Configuration Center runs on your own network, for regulated, air-gapped or strict IT environments where data must stay on site.
Do you supply the CMS or signage software?
Do you supply the CMS or signage software?
No. We supply the hardware, and Qbic players work with a wide range of CMS platforms. See our Qbic software partners page.
Can we buy directly, or do you work with integrators?
Can we buy directly, or do you work with integrators?
We supply through AV integrators, signage providers and IT resellers. Partners can become a wholesale partner for volume pricing and dedicated support. Get in touch or call 09-979-5479.