Sharp SDM MPi5 Kit powered by Raspberry Pi

Name: Sharp SDM MPi5 Kit powered by Raspberry Pi, Digital Signage Media Player
Brand: Sharp
SKU: sharp-sdm-mpi5-kit-powered-by-raspberry-pi
Availability: InStock

Overview

The Sharp SDM MPi5 Kit places a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 inside the Intel Smart Display Module format, so it slots into the SDM-L slot of compatible Sharp displays without an external player box or extra cabling. It decodes H.265 video up to 4Kp60, includes 32 GB of eMMC storage, offers an M.2 connector and runs fanless. It suits flight information, wayfinding and mission-critical signage across Qatar.

What the MPi5 Kit adds to a Sharp display

The Sharp SDM MPi5 Kit is an embedded computer built to the Intel Smart Display Module standard and based on the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5. Instead of mounting a separate media player beside the screen, the kit slides into the SDM-L slot of a compatible Sharp display. Power, video, audio, data and control signals pass through that internal connection, which removes the external player and reduces the cabling a installer must route.

The kit is designed for flight information displays, wayfinding screens and other mission-critical signage where a display must keep running and be easy to update. Because it is fanless, it runs silently, which suits distraction-free spaces where fan noise would be noticed.

Playback, graphics and processing limits to check

The quad-core 64-bit ARM processor runs at 2.4GHz and handles hardware decoding of H.265 (HEVC) video up to 4Kp60 and H.264 video up to 1080p60. H.264 encoding is rated up to 1080p30, so any encoding done on site should be planned within that limit. OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.3 support the graphics layer that content management software and custom signage applications depend on.

The kit runs Raspberry Pi OS, optimised for signage applications, and custom operating systems can be supplied on request. The platform is open, so digital signage software providers and system integrators can build on it. Storage is 32 GB of on-board eMMC, and an M.2 connector allows internal storage expansion. The same connector can take Hailo accelerators for AI-powered signage.

Compatible Sharp displays and planning the fit

The kit is designed for the following Sharp display models:

PN-P556
PN-M862
PN-M552
PN-M652
PN-P656
PN-P506
PN-P436
PN-M982
PN-M752
PN-M432
PN-M502
PN-P756

Confirm the exact panel model on your quotation before ordering, because fit and connection depend on the display. Since the player sits inside the display, most planning focuses on the panel model and its mounting position. A free site survey is useful when screens will be wall-mounted in a busy lobby or a corridor with limited access, so the team can check access and mounting before the kit arrives.

Where it fits in Qatar

Hotel lobby near Hamad International Airport: showing transfer and departure information on a screen that runs through the day.
Clinic in Msheireb or a hospital department in Al Sadd: directing visitors with wayfinding screens that stay on through long opening hours.
University building in Education City: presenting wayfinding and event listings, where a fanless unit keeps study areas quiet.
Ministry reception in Doha: publishing bilingual notices across several screens, ordered by purchase order.

Environment and heat

The source data for this kit does not include an operating temperature range, so we do not state one. Summer temperatures in Qatar can exceed 45°C, and lobbies with sun-facing glass or spaces that are not air-conditioned can run hotter than the rest of a building. Ask SmartRooms Qatar to confirm the environment for each screen location before committing to the installation.

Request a quote from SmartRooms Qatar with the panel model and number of units, and we will usually reply with a quotation within one working day. We supply the kit, deliver to all eight municipalities of Qatar, install it professionally, and accept purchase orders (LPOs) and government tenders, including Monaqasat. Payment can be made by bank transfer, cheque or purchase order.

Highlights

Fits the SDM-L slot of compatible Sharp display models
Hardware decoding of H.265 up to 4Kp60
32 GB on-board eMMC storage
M.2 connector for storage expansion or Hailo accelerators
Fanless, silent operation for continuous 24/7 use
Raspberry Pi OS optimised for signage, custom on request

Estimated timeline

Quotation within 1 working day · delivery timing depends on stock availability, and we confirm it with your quotation.

Specifications

4 specifications · Source: manufacturer · checked Oct 2026

Specifications4

CPU: Quad Core 64-bit ARM Cortex 76 (ARM v8) @ 2.4GHz
Graphics: Hardware video encode / decode H.265 (HEVC) (up to 4Kp60 decode), H.264 (up to 1080p60 decode, 1080p30 encode), OpenGL ES 3.1 graphics, Vulkan 1.3
Embedded Storage: 32 GB on-board eMMC
Operating System: Raspberry Pi OS, optimised for signage applications, custom ones on request

Downloads

3 files from the manufacturer

PDF Datasheets Sharp_Datasheets_MPi5_Kit_Raspberry_Pi.pdf 319 KB PDF Brochures Warranty-and-Services_Interactive_Computing.pdf 1.0 MB URL Brochures · Opens on manufacturer site Sharp Product Overview

Questions about SDM MPi5 Kit powered by Raspberry Pi

What is the Sharp SDM MPi5 Kit?

It is an embedded computer module for Sharp professional displays, built to the Intel Smart Display Module standard and based on the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5. It slides into the SDM-L slot of a compatible Sharp display, so the player becomes part of the screen rather than a separate box. It is aimed at digital signage that must run continuously, such as flight information and wayfinding screens.

Which Sharp displays is the MPi5 Kit compatible with?

The source data lists twelve compatible models: PN-P556, PN-M862, PN-M552, PN-M652, PN-P656, PN-P506, PN-P436, PN-M982, PN-M752, PN-M432, PN-M502 and PN-P756. Confirm the exact panel model with SmartRooms Qatar before ordering, because the kit fits the SDM-L slot only on compatible displays. If your screen is not on this list, ask the team to check it before you request a quote.

Does the kit need a separate media player or external mounting box?

No. The kit is designed to remove the need for an external player, since power, video, audio, data and control interfaces run through the internal connection in the SDM-L slot. For a lobby or corridor screen, this means one unit to mount instead of a display, a player box and extra cabling. A free site survey can confirm the wall position and access before installation day.

How much 4K video can it play?

The hardware decodes H.265 (HEVC) video up to 4Kp60 and H.264 video up to 1080p60. H.264 encoding is rated up to 1080p30, so plan any on-site encoding within that limit. Check your content format with your content management software provider, especially when running 4K menu boards or route maps across several screens.

Which operating system does it run?

It runs Raspberry Pi OS, which is optimised for signage applications. The platform is open, so digital signage software providers and system integrators can work with it, and custom operating systems are available on request. If your CMS vendor requires a specific OS build, state it in your quotation request so the configuration is agreed before delivery.

How much storage does the kit have, and can it be expanded?

The kit includes 32 GB of on-board eMMC storage. An M.2 connector allows internal storage expansion, which is useful for a larger library of video loops, high-resolution images or logs. Ask SmartRooms Qatar which M.2 storage module is compatible with the kit, and include the expansion in your quotation request.

Can it run AI features for signage?

The M.2 connector can take Hailo accelerators, which the source data links to AI-powered signage. The specific application depends on your software and the accelerator chosen. The source data does not describe supply or fitting of an accelerator, so ask SmartRooms Qatar to confirm the module and its availability in your quotation.

Is it suitable for flight information displays in Doha?

Yes, flight information display systems are one of the target applications named for this kit, alongside wayfinding and other mission-critical signage. A hotel lobby near Hamad International Airport, for example, could show transfer or departure information on a screen that runs all day. Confirm data feed and content management support with your integrator, then request a quote listing the panel model and quantity.

What does fanless operation mean for a Qatar installation?

Fanless operation means the kit runs without a cooling fan, so it is silent in use. In a quiet space such as a university library in Education City or a school library in Al Rayyan, that avoids fan noise from the player. Fanless design does not remove the need to review room conditions, so confirm the environment with the team before installation.

Can it work in a hot, sun-exposed lobby in summer?

The source data does not list an operating temperature range for this kit, so SmartRooms Qatar will not quote one. Summer temperatures in Qatar can exceed 45°C, and lobbies with sun-facing glass can run hotter than the rest of a building. Before committing, ask the team to review the screen location, air conditioning and the environmental specification of the chosen display model.

Is the kit a good fit for wayfinding in a hospital or clinic?

Yes, wayfinding is one of the named target applications for the kit. A clinic in Msheireb or a hospital department in Al Sadd can use it to drive directional screens that stay on through long opening hours, with content updated through the content management system you choose. Multiple screens are usually quoted together, and a clinic can issue a purchase order for the full set.

How do government and school buyers order this kit?

Government ministries and public schools can order through a purchase order (LPO) or a government tender, including Monaqasat. Payment can be made by bank transfer, cheque or purchase order. Send the panel model, number of units and installation location in your request, and SmartRooms Qatar will usually reply with a quotation within one working day. Products are covered by the manufacturer's warranty.