Which Raspberry Pi to use?

[padraigh]

Greetings. I'm looking to set up an art exhibition using multiple screens (monitors), all playing a different video on repeat. The screens will each have their own Pi, which will power up when I throw the main switch in the morning, run all day, and power down at closing time. What is the most affordable Pi model I can use for this purpose? I have it working on a Model B+ (2014), but I suspect this is overkill.

Thanks in advance, Paddy.

[neilgl]

Try the pi zero if you can get one.

[thagrol]

The pi zero (not zeroW or zero2W) is the most affordable assuming you can get them at the recommened price and in the desired quantity.

Failing that, the best Pi is the one you can get hold of in the quantity you need.

[padraigh]

Thank you for the replies. This is more-or-less what I was expecting. Sadly, availability is the problem. Any advice on alternatives? Le Potato (touted as Pi 3 alternative) is available (pack of 4 for 145 quid), but again - this may be overkill. All I'm looking for is single-board video-looper.

[ame]

What quality do you need?

I'm not sure if this is vapourware, but might be worth looking into for a single-task unit.

https://picockpit.com/raspberry-pi/rasp ... eo-output/

[neilgl]

Looking at rpilocator, quite a few places have pi zero W in stock.

[padraigh]

Looking at rpilocator, quite a few places have pi zero W in stock.

You must be psychic - I found a batch of them in South Africa (where I live) for the equivalent of 14 GBP. I've ordered one, and if it does the job, I have my solution. Many thanks for your input, much appreciated.

[padraigh]

What quality do you need?

I'm not sure if this is vapourware, but might be worth looking into for a single-task unit.

https://picockpit.com/raspberry-pi/rasp ... eo-output/

Thanks you, sir! I had a look at that; it appears to be fraught with danger for a noob such as moi..

[padraigh]

The pi zero (not zeroW or zero2W) is the most affordable assuming you can get them at the recommened price and in the desired quantity.

Failing that, the best Pi is the one you can get hold of in the quantity you need.

Thank you, kind sir. I couldn't find a zero, but I did find a zeroW. In fact, i found a bunch of them, so if I can get it to work, then I'm eternally grateful for your advice.

[padraigh]

Try the pi zero if you can get one.

A thousand thank yous, my good fellow. I have taken your advice and ordered a zeroW with all the trimmings. If I can get it to work, then my dilemma is solved, as the source (a Pishop in South Africa, where I live) appears to have plenty of them.

[bensimmo]

As an alternative if you can get 1G Pi4 then you could use them, it can drive two screens, uses on power supply.

Don't forget a Pi Zero needs a mini HDMI cable and a Pi4 needs a (or two) micro HDMI cables, so cost that in as well.

If you can get hold of B+ or A+, original Pi1 style like you have, cheaply they're similar to the Zero but use a normal HDMI.

[padraigh]

As an alternative if you can get 1G Pi4 then you could use them, it can drive two screens, uses on power supply.

Don't forget a Pi Zero needs a mini HDMI cable and a Pi4 needs a (or two) micro HDMI cables, so cost that in as well.

If you can get hold of B+ or A+, original Pi1 style like you have, cheaply they're similar to the Zero but use a normal HDMI.

I appreciate the advice. Again, it comes down to availability. Pretty sure a Pi4 is overkill for what I need. I've managed to source as many zeros as I need, for a good price. I'm confident they're up to the task. Thanks again!

[ame]

As an alternative if you can get 1G Pi4 then you could use them, it can drive two screens, uses on power supply.

Don't forget a Pi Zero needs a mini HDMI cable and a Pi4 needs a (or two) micro HDMI cables, so cost that in as well.

If you can get hold of B+ or A+, original Pi1 style like you have, cheaply they're similar to the Zero but use a normal HDMI.

I appreciate the advice. Again, it comes down to availability. Pretty sure a Pi4 is overkill for what I need. I've managed to source as many zeros as I need, for a good price. I'm confident they're up to the task. Thanks again!

I hope you got the Pi Zero W. It's probably more versatile because it can connect to WiFi.