Out-of-the-box Digital Signage Solution
A standalone signage solution with the flexibility and expandability to support various applications and usage styles. Thanks to its built-in SoC (System on a Chip) controller, the 40" Class (39.5" diagonal) Sharp PN-B401 monitor delivers out-of-the-box digital signage solutions even without external devices such as PCs. What’s more, the PN-B401 monitor comes standard with original software for simple content distribution and SHARP e-Signage Software for professional content creation and management. The PN-B401 monitor offers versatile solutions for a wide range of digital signage applications.
Built-in SoC (System on a Chip)
The PN-B401 has a powerful integrated SoC controller driven by the Arm® Cortex®-A17 quad core processor (max. 1.8 GHz) with 2 GB memory and 8 GB storage. It integrates Android™ OS (4.4) and comes pre-installed with several types of signage support software. This means the PN-B401 is ready to display signage right out of the box, even without a PC. It is also compatible with various third-party Android apps, which further expands the usability.
Supports H.265/HEVC
The built-in SoC controller supports not only H.264/AVC but also H.265/HEVC, a next-generation high-efficiency video codec.
SHARP Open Architecture Platform
The PN-B401 monitor features the SHARP Open Architecture Platform, which allows third-party software developers to create custom signage applications that open up rich possibilities for digital signage in retail, office and other settings.
Flexibility and Expandability
The PN-B401 monitor features excellent image quality and is designed for flexibility in a variety of settings. It comes with an Intel® Mini OPS-compatible expansion slot that gives you the added choice of expandability: an HDBaseT™ receiver board that supports various types of media and control signals or a wireless board for easy wireless connection with multiple devices.
Excellent Image Quality
Thanks to its 1,920 (H) x 1,080 (V)-pixel resolution, the PN-B401 monitor express all of the detail and visual impact of your selected full-HD content. A brightness of 300 cd/m2 supports these LCD monitors.
Flexible Settings
Whether in a landscape or portrait orientation, the PN-B401 monitor can be installed face-up, face-down, or tilted forward or backward at an angle of up to 90 degrees. Designed for easy hanging installation, it can be suspended from four corners of the rear housing with wires. Such flexibility gives you more freedom to meet today’s demanding signage needs.
Note: Please consult with your local authorized Sharp dealer or representative regarding tiltable angles and other installation conditions.
DisplayPort Daisy Chain
Multiple PN-B401 monitors can be set up in a daisy chain configuration by connecting between the DisplayPort terminals, so you can display the same content simultaneously on all screens.
16-Hour Daily Operation
The PN-B401 monitor supports 16/7 operation, bringing reliable daily performance to retail, office, and many other locations.
Note: When POWER SAVE MODE is set to OFF, the integrated SoC controller stays on even in standby mode. It is highly recommended to reboot the OS once a day to maintain stable operation.
Support for HDBaseT 2.0 (Option)
Installing an optional HDBaseT Receiver Board (PN-ZB03H) allows the PN-B401 monitor to receive HDMI™ video, audio signals, and control signals sent up to 100 meters via a single LAN cable. This brings convenient connectivity with HDMI devices such as PCs and BD players. Compatibility with the HDBaseT 2.0 standard allows you to remotely operate a PC from a USB device connected to the optional board. With HDBaseT 2.0 support, you can use fewer cables and reduce the time and cost of installation.
Wireless Connectivity (Option)
An optional Wireless Board (PN-ZB03W) allows up to 10 devices— including Mac or Windows® computers, smartphones, and tablets—to connect to the PN-B401 monitor simultaneously without any cable hassles. You can display the content of one device on the whole screen, or you can display the content from up to four devices in a 2 x 2 split screen. This wireless collaboration is a great way to enhance productivity in the workplace.
Ready for Versatile Signage Support
A variety of signage support functions come standard with the PN-B401 monitor. For an instant signage solution, the built-in media player allows you to easily use existing materials to make attractive signage. The integrated SoC also features an HTML5 browser that enables easy web-based signage operation. Furthermore, SHARP e-Signage S software opens up more advanced possibilities when it comes to creating, scheduling, delivering the signage programs and monitoring status with the PN-B401 monitor. You have a streamlined solution designed to satisfy a range of signage needs.
Autoplay with Media Player
Displaying still images or videos as signage content couldn’t be easier. The built-in media player automatically starts playing the content that is stored either on USB memory device, SD card, or internal storage when the monitor is powered on. It also has a simple schedule function that allows you to pre-register seven patterns for when to start/stop the content playback. In a slideshow, you can add visual effects between the still images. You can make playlists that combine still images and videos. The PN-B401 monitor lets you enjoy the benefits of simple digital signage without any extra software, special skills, or even a PC.
Web-based Signage
Thanks to the HTML5 browser pre-installed on the SoC, web content can be easily shown on the PN-B401 monitor as signage content. All you need to do is enter the URL in the HTML5 browser.
Note: Requires Ethernet or optional wireless adapter. For more stable connection, Ethernet is recommended.
SHARP Content Distributor
This software makes it easy to update the content to be displayed on multiple LCD monitors. Through simple and intuitive PC operation, you can schedule what content gets distributed, when it gets delivered, and which monitors show it. Take advantage of a convenient signage solution that lets you distribute content in a timely manner to multiple monitors.
SHARP e-Signage S
This versatile signage software provides total support for satisfying individual user needs in the creation, scheduling, distribution, and management of a wide range of signage programs for Sharp LCD monitors installed in offices, commercial establishments, public spaces, and many other locations. The PN-B401 comes bundled with the standalone edition of SHARP e-Signage S software, accompanied with its player pre-installed on the integrated Android OS. SHARP e-Signage S software (standalone edition) lets you create/edit signage programs easily via a simple drag-and-drop operation. You can intuitively lay out diverse content, such as still images, videos, HTML, and horizontal message bars, in a free layout frame to make attractive and suitable signage programs with minimal effort. You can also create display schedules and timetables and monitor the operational status of a designated PN-B401.
Note: The standalone edition of SHARP e-Signage S software is available via the downloader on the bundled CD-ROM.