Overview
Yodeck Player (Raspberry Pi) Hardware
1GB vs 4GB: What’s the difference?
The key difference between the two players is how well they handle multitasking, based on their RAM.
ℹ️Random Access Memory (RAM) is the player’s short-term working memory. It’s the space the player uses to actively load, update, and manage content while it’s playing.
💡A helpful way to think about RAM is to imagine it as a desk. A bigger desk lets you spread out more documents and work on more things at once.
Yodeck Player (Raspberry Pi) RAM Differences Visualized
In digital signage terms, more RAM means smoother performance when multiple things are happening at once, such as apps updating, dashboards refreshing, or multiple regions playing content simultaneously.
1GB vs 4GB Yodeck Player — At a glance
Feature / Use Case | 1GB Yodeck Player | 4GB Yodeck Player (Player Plus) |
Best for | Static predictable signage: | Dynamic, data-driven signage: |
Typical content | Images, videos, PDFs | Dashboards, web apps, live data |
Fullscreen media | ✅ Supported | ✅ Excellent |
Simple layouts | ✅ Supported | ✅ Excellent |
Complex layouts | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Excellent |
Dynamic regions (apps, live zones) | A few | Many |
Dashboards | ❌ Not Supported | ✅ Excellent |
Web pages/web apps | ❌ Not Supported | ✅ Excellent |
4K video playback | ❌ Not Supported | ✅ Excellent |
Ideal growth path | Start simple | Built for expansion |
Quick decision guide
💡As a general rule, you should:
Choose the 1GB player if: | Choose the 4GB player if: |
A. Your layouts include simple (non-dynamically updated) elements such as text, shapes, and image(s). | A. You use dashboards or data that is frequently updated. |
B. You only have a very small number of dynamic regions updating. | B. You display web pages or web-based tools. |
C. Your layouts are simple and don’t rely heavily on live apps. | C. You use dashboards, reports, or data that is frequently updated. |
D. You want extra performance headroom as your signage grows. |
When should I upgrade from 1GB to 4GB?
You should consider upgrading if:
Your content is evolving from simple media to dashboards or web-based content.
You’re adding more apps or dynamic regions to your layouts.
You want smoother performance as layouts become more complex.
Upgrading is common as signage needs grow, especially when screens shift from passive content to live, data-driven displays.
How to upgrade from a 1GB to a 4GB Yodeck Player
We offer a straightforward upgrade process. All you have to do is contact our support team and request an upgrade today, either by logging in to your Yodeck platform account and clicking the help button in the bottom-right corner, or by sending an email to [email protected]!
Note on Yodeck Player Upgrades & Replacements
We offer a straightforward upgrade process and a return-and-replace option. When it comes to player upgrades, the process is similar to that of replacements. If the player is still within the warranty period, it is eligible for an upgrade. You will need to return the 1GB player(s), and once we receive them, you will cover the price difference between the 1GB and 4GB models, along with any shipping fees and applicable taxes. Once that’s done, we’ll ship your 4GB player(s) to you in no time!
Real-world Use Cases
In real-world use cases, the key differences between the two players can be summed up with the following visualization:
Yodeck Player (Raspberry Pi) RAM Differences Visualized for Real-world Use Cases
1GB Player - Real World Example
Three static elements and one simple yet dynamic element.
Simple Content Example with highlighted static elements explained in green
4GB Player- Real World Example
One static element and seven dynamic elements.
Complex Content Example with highlighted dynamic elements explained in green
Typical use cases for the 1GB player and 4GB player
Please check the typical use cases provided in the following two tabs below:
Typical use cases for the 1GB player
These scenarios involve limited multitasking and predictable playback:
Retail promotions
Fullscreen image or video playlists.
Simple offer rotations.
Restaurant menu boards (simple)
Static menus or looping videos.
Occasional PDF updates.
Office lobby signage
Welcome slides.
A clock or small ticker alongside media.
Typical use cases for the 4GB player
These players handle everything the 1GB player can handle as well as more “live” activity at once:
Performance dashboards
Real-time Dashboards
Operational metrics
Live status boards
Information-rich corporate screens
Calendars, announcements, and slides combined
Multiple apps are updating simultaneously
Web-driven signage
Embedded web pages
Internal tools or live data views
Layout complexity: Static vs Dynamic regions
When choosing a player, it’s not just how many regions your layout has. It’s what type of regions they are.
Yodeck Player (Raspberry Pi) RAM Differences Visualized for Static & Dynamic Regions
Static Regions (lighter on resources) | Dynamic Regions (heavier on resources) |
The following modules do not continuously update in the layout: | The following modules, may continuously update while the layout is playing: |
- Images | - Apps (e.g., calendars, tickers, dashboards) |
Layout Example with Static Regions
Static Regions' Example with highlighted elements in green
Layout Example with Dynamic Regions
Dynamic Regions' Example with highlighted elements in green
💡General Guidelines:
Layouts with mostly static regions and only one or two dynamic elements usually run well on 1GB.
Layouts with several dynamic regions updating simultaneously are better suited to 4GB.
ℹ️ Good to know:
Even small apps (like clocks or tickers) count as dynamic regions.
Multiple “small” dynamic regions can add up in complex layouts.
F.A.Q.s
Got questions? We’ve got answers! This section addresses common questions about choosing between the 1GB and 4GB Yodeck Players.
Is the 4GB player always the better option?
It’s more powerful, but not always necessary. For simple signage with limited dynamic content, the 1GB player remains a reliable and cost-effective choice.
I’m not sure how complex my layout is. What should I check?
Look at how many dynamic regions (apps, playlists, videos, web content) your layout uses. The more live elements updating at once, the more beneficial extra RAM becomes.
Can I start with 1GB and upgrade later?
Yes. If your needs change, Yodeck supports upgrading through the return-and-replace process described above.
Still not sure which player to choose?
Ask yourself:
- Does my screen show mostly images or videos? → 1GB is usually enough
- Does my screen show live data, dashboards, or web content? → Choose 4GB
- Does my layout have several apps updating at the same time? → Choose 4GB
When in doubt, choosing 4GB gives you more flexibility as your content grows.
Related Topics
Need Help?
The Yodeck Support Team can help you out! Log in to your Yodeck account and send us a message from the bottom right corner!