Sharp PN-B401 User Manual

PN-B501
PN-B401

Professional LCD Monitors

Professional LCD Monitors with

Built-in SoC for Versatile Signage Solutions

A variety of signage support functions come standard with the PN-B501/B401

monitors. 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 soware opens up more advanced possibilities

when it comes to creating, scheduling, delivering the signage programs and

monitoring status with the PN-B501/B401 monitors. You have a streamlined

solution designed to satisfy a range of signage needs.

Versatile Solution for Content Creation and Management

Thanks to the HTML5 browser pre-installed on the SoC, web content
can be easily shown on the PN-B501/B401 monitors 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.

Web-based Signage

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-B501/B401 monitors let you enjoy the benefits of simple digital
signage without any extra soware, special skills, or even a PC.

Autoplay with Media Player

Simple Standalone Signage

This versatile signage soware 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-B501/B401 comes bundled
with the standalone edition of SHARP e-Signage S soware,
accompanied with its player pre-installed on the integrated Android
OS. SHARP e-Signage S soware (standalone edition) lets you
create/edit signage programs easily via 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-B501/B401.

SHARP e-Signage S

Total Signage Support Soware

monitors operation PCs via network

Standalone edition Bundled 1 1 No

Player Pre-installed

Note: The standalone edition of SHARP e-Signage S software is available via the
downloader on the bundled CD-ROM.

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 50" Class (49.5" diagonal) PN-B501 and 40" Class (39.5"

diagonal) PN-B401 monitors deliver out-of-the-box digital signage solutions even without external devices such as PCs.

What’s more, the PN-B501/B401 monitors come standard with original software for simple content distribution and SHARP

e-Signage S software for professional content creation and management. The PN-B501/B401 monitors offer versatile

solutions for a wide range of digital signage applications.

Out-of-the-Box Digital Signage Solution

Built-in SoC (System on a Chip)

The PN-B501/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 soware.
This means the PN-B501/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-B501/B401 monitors feature the SHARP Open Architecture
Platform, which allows third-party soware developers to create
custom signage applications that open up rich possibilities for digital
signage in retail, office and other settings.

Note: For details please consult with your local authorized Sharp dealer or representative.

Flexibility and Expandability

The PN-B501/B401 monitors feature excellent image quality and are designed for flexibility in a variety of settings. They come 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-B501/B401 monitors express all of the detail and visual impact
of your selected full-HD content. A brightness of 300 cd/m
these LCD monitors.

2

supports

Flexible Settings

Whether in a landscape or portrait orientation, the PN-B501/B401
monitors 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, they 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.

Tilted angle
(portrait)

Wall-mounted
(portrait)

Note: Please consult with your local authorized Sharp dealer or representative regarding
tiltable angles and other installation conditions.

Face-down

Face-up

Tilted angle
(landscape)

Wall-mounted
(landscape)

DisplayPort™ Daisy Chain

Multiple PN-B501/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-B501/B401 monitors support 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 these monitors 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*
HDBaseT 2.0 support, you can use fewer cables
and reduce the time and cost of installation.

*1 Category 6 or higher shielded cable (available commercially)
*2 Requires an HDBaseT 2.0-compatible transmitter (available commercially). Not all

USB devices are supported.

Wireless Connectivity

An optional Wireless Board (PN-ZB03W) allows up to 10 devices—
including Mac or Windows® computers, smartphones, and
tablets—to connect to the PN-B501/B401 monitors 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.

1

2

. With

(Option)

.

An optional board can
slide into the slot on the
back of the monitor.

Ready for Versatile Signage Support

A variety of signage support functions come standard with the PN-B501/B401

monitors. 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 soware opens up more advanced possibilities

when it comes to creating, scheduling, delivering the signage programs and

monitoring status with the PN-B501/B401 monitors. You have a streamlined

solution designed to satisfy a range of signage needs.

Simple Standalone Signage

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-B501/B401 monitors let you enjoy the benefits of simple digital
signage without any extra soware, 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-B501/B401 monitors 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.

Total Signage Support Soware

SHARP e-Signage S

This versatile signage soware 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-B501/B401 comes bundled
with the standalone edition of SHARP e-Signage S soware,
accompanied with its player pre-installed on the integrated Android
OS. SHARP e-Signage S soware (standalone edition) lets you
create/edit signage programs easily via 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-B501/B401.

Easy Content Distribution

SHARP Content Distributor

This soware 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.

Intuitive drag-and-drop operation with
thumbnail view

Note: SHARP Content Distributor is available via the downloader on the bundled CD-ROM.

Easy editing of distribution schedules

monitors operation PCs via network

Standalone edition Bundled 1 1 No

Player Pre-installed

Note: The standalone edition of SHARP e-Signage S software is available via the
downloader on the bundled CD-ROM.

Product name

No. of target No. of Distribution

Specifications

PN-B401Model Name PN-B501

Installation

LCD Panel

Max. Resolution

Max. Display Colors (approx.)

Pixel Pitch (H x V)

Max. Brightness*

1

Contrast Ratio

Viewing Angle (H/V)

Active Screen Area (W x H)

Response Time

Backlight

Computer Input Video

Synchronization

Plug & Play

Power Management

Input Terminals*

Output Terminals*

2

2

Android OS

CPU

Memory

Storage

Input/Output Terminals

Expansion Slot

Speaker Output

Mounting

Power Supply

Power Consumption

Environmental Operating Temperature*
Conditions

Operating Humidity

Dimensions (W x D x H) (approx.) (display only)

Weight (approx.)

Main Accessories

*1 Brightness depends on input mode and other picture settings. Brightness level will decrease slightly over the lifetime of the product. Due to the physical limitations of the equipment, it is not possible to maintain a precisely constant level of brightness.
*2 Use a commercially available connection cable for PC and other video connections. *3 When using the monitor laying flat on a surface (when the monitor is tilted more than 20 degrees upward or downward from the perpendicular in relation to a level

surface) the ambient temperature must be within the range of 0°C to 30°C. Temperature conditions may change when using the monitor together with the optional equipment. In such cases, check the temperature conditions specified by the optional
equipment.

Landscape / Portrait / Face-up / Face-down

50" Class (49.5" diagonal) TFT LCD 40" Class (39.5" diagonal) TFT LCD

1,920 x 1,080 pixels

16.77 million colors

0.5708 x 0.5708 mm 0.45735 x 0.4494 mm

2

300 cd/m

5,000 : 1

178°/178° (CR 10)

1

/8" x 24 1/4" 34 9/16" x 19 1/8"

43

9.5 ms (gray to gray, avg.)

LED, edge lit

Analog RGB (0.7 Vp-p) [75Ω], HDMI

Horizontal/vertical separation (TTL: positive/negative)

VESA DDC2B

VESA DPMS

DisplayPort x 1, Mini D-sub 15-pin x 1, HDMI x 2, RS-232C x 1, 3.5 mm-diameter mini stereo jack x 1

DisplayPort x 1, RS-232C x 1, 3.5 mm-diameter mini stereo jack x 1

Android 4.4

Quad Core (Arm Cortex-A17 processor)

2 GB

8 GB

LAN port (10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-TX), SD card slot (SD/SDHC) x 1, USB port (2.0-compliant) x 3

12 V, 2.5 A (power supplied when expanding the functions with an optional part)

7 W + 7 W

3

VESA (4 points), 400 x 200 mm (15

/4" x 7 7/8") pitch, M6 screw

100 V – 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz

120 W 92 W

3

0˚C to 40˚C

20% to 80% RH (no condensation)

3

/16" x 2 11/16" x 25 1/2" 35 1/2" x 2 5/8" x 20 3/16"

44

49 lbs 34 lbs

AC power cord, remote control unit, battery (AAA size) x 2, CD-ROM, set-up manual, cable clamp x 2, USB flash drive/SD card cover, USB flash drive/SD card
cover fixing screw, logo sticker

Dimensions

(PN-B501)

43 3/16* (1,097)

* (618)

16

/

5

24

44 3/16 (1,123)

(PN-B401)

34 5/8* (879)

(513)

16

/

* (486)

3

8

/

1

20

Units:inch (mm)

* Screen dimensions

* To use the VESA-standard mounting bracket, use M6 screws that are 8 to 10 mm plus the thickness of the bracket.

35 1/2 (902)

PN-ZB03H HDBaseT Receiver Board

Supported standard HDBaseT 2.0

Max. resolution 4,096 x 2,160 (30 Hz)

Copy protection HDCP pass-through

Transmission distance Up to 328 feet / 100 m

Input/output terminals HDBaseT x 1,
LAN x 1 (10Base-T/100Base-TX),
USB x 1 (USB 2.0)

Power supply From the monitor

19

1

2 11/16

(647)

2

/

1

25

(68)

2 5/8

(66)

/16
(2)

VESA holes*

1

/

16

(2)

VESA holes*

7 7/8
(200)

7 7/8
(200)

PN-ZB03W Wireless Board

Max. resolution 1,920 x 1,080 (30 Hz)

Wireless communication 2.4 GHz, IEEE802.11b/g/n
method 5 GHz, IEEE802.11a/n

Input/output terminals LAN x 1 (10Base-T/100Base-TX),
USB x 1 (USB 2.0),
Wireless adapter x 1 (USB 2.0)

Power supply From the monitor

7 7/8
(200)

18 3/4 (477)

7 7/8
(200)

14 1/2 (367)

Input/Output Terminals

[standard]

(Side) (Bottom)

16

/

15

(100)

3

16

/

15

(100)

3

LAN port

DisplayPort
output

USB port

SD card

16

/

15

(100)

3

16

/

15

(100)

3

slot

RS-232C
output

PN-ZB03AO

Gigabit LAN

USB 3.0

PC Analoginput
RGB (D-sub)

PC/AV input
(HDMI)

PN-ZB03H PN-ZB03W

LAN port

USB

HDBaseT

Audio
output

DisplayPort
input

Audio
input

Option

RS-232C

control

input

USB
(for wireless adapter)

USB

LAN port

Options

PN-ZB03H: HDBaseT Receiver Board

PN-ZB03W: Wireless Board

PN-ZW01: Wireless Adapter

PN-ZB03AO: Computing Board

SHARP ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
100 Paragon Drive, Montvale, NJ 07645
1-800-BE-SHARP • www.sharpusa.com

©2019 Sharp Electronics Corporation. All rights reserved. 04/19 Printed in the U.S. PDD-18-003

Sharp is a registered trademark of Sharp Corporation. Arm and Cortex are registered trademarks of ARM Limited (or its

subsidiaries) in the US and/or elsewhere. Android is a trademark of Google Inc. The Android robot is reproduced or modied from

work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.
Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries. MirrorOp is a registered trademark
of Awind Inc. HDBaseT and the HDBaseT Alliance logo are trademarks of the HDBaseT Alliance. DisplayPort and the DisplayPort
Compliance Logo are trademarks owned by the Video Electronics Standards Association in the United States and other countries.

The terms HDMI, High-Denition Multimedia Interface and the HDMI logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI

Licensing Administrator, Inc. Mac is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Windows is a registered
trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. All other brand names and product names may be
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. All screen images appearing in this brochure are simulated.

Design and specications are subject to change without prior notice.