NEC Display Solutions has been integrating Raspberry Pi Compute Modules into commercial displays used for digital signage and presentation platforms for over 5 years now.
The company, now called Sharp NEC Display Solutions, has launched a new Intel Smart Display Module (SDM)-like slot-in card based on Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 called “MPi4 NEC MediaPlayer Kit” and designed as an entry-level card alternative to the company’s Intel SDM slot-in cards designed for NEC large format 4K displays.
- SoM – Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 “NEC Edition” with
- SoC – Broadcom BCM2711 quad-core Arm Cortex 72 @ 1.5GHz, VideoCore IV GPU with OpenGL ES 3.0 graphics, H.265 (HEVC) up to 4Kp60 decode, H.264 up to 1080p60 decode, 1080p30 encode
- System Memory – 4GB LPDDR2 SDRAM
- Storage – 32 GB eMMC flash
- Dimensions – 55 × 40 × 4.7 mm
- Interface Board for Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4
- Networking – Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port
- USB – 2x USB 2.0 ports
- Misc – Watchdog timer, real-time clock in combination with supported NEC large format displays
- Dimensions – 114.5 x 26.0 x 133.7 mm
- Certificates – CE, FCC certification
- Warranty 3 Years
The “NEC Edition” Raspberry Pi CM4 module probably just has the same hardware, but the difference is that it comes pre-installed with NEC MediaPlayer designed for digital signage with a user interface to manage and create content, or as the company calls it: “visual experiences”.
The card appears to be compliant with SDM-S (small form factor), but Sharp NEC Display Solutions carefully avoids the term, but it may not be 100% compatible, or the term can only be used with Intel cards.
The short video below shows how the MPi4 NEC MediaPlayer kit is inserted into NEC M Series displays.
The MPi4 NEC MediaPlayer kit will be available in May via distributors located in Europe and Middle Eastern countries for under $200. You can find additional information, and a distributor for your country, on the product page.
Via LinuxGizmos

Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
Support CNX Software! Donate via cryptocurrencies, become a Patron on Patreon, or purchase goods on Amazon or Aliexpress