Ditto vs. ScreenBeam

Administration and Scalability

Ditto

Ditto includes a web-based application allowing admins to manage receiver hardware, user applications, digital signage and track usage metrics.

The Ditto account portal is cloud-based, accessible from anywhere and allows you to remotely manage digital signage, screen mirroring and administration. Administrators can optionally scale Ditto throughout an organization using Jamf Pro, Jamf School, Cisco Meraki or other preferred MDMs. This includes the ability to zero-touch deploy and configure Ditto from one central place.

Ditto doesn’t require multiple open network ports or mDNS to work and can securely cross VLANS. Users don’t need to search through lists of numerous receivers or networks to connect.

Average Ditto setup time with hardware already deployed: 2-5 minutes per media player.

ScreenBeam

ScreenBeam includes a self-hosted Windows-only application that allows for receiver management. Admins can perform simple tasks such as rebooting receivers, setting screensavers, uploading log files and resetting devices to factory default. MDMs are not supported.

ScreenBeam recommends mDNS be enabled and numerous ports opened in order for users to screen mirror. mDNS is a protocol that sends information about one client or device across the network to a recipient that is also connected to the network. This can flood the network with traffic if many devices are sending out information to seek other devices — and that’s exactly what happens when many users screen mirror on company networks.

Certain ScreenBeam models can be configured without mDNS — to do this, admins must manually configure ScreenBeam receivers to broadcast their own individual wifi networks. With this configuration, users must find and connect to each individual receiver’s wifi network before screen mirroring.

Hosting: Cloud vs. On-premises

Ditto software is cloud-based, allowing IT admins to zero-touch deploy the solution without leaving their desks. Signage assets are hosted automatically in the account portal. Because admins can access the Ditto account portal from anywhere and remotely manage the platform, Ditto is easy to scale throughout any size organization.

ScreenBeam must be hosted solely on-premises and requires dedicated Windows servers and IIS web servers to manage the solution. Servers must be set up prior to rolling out ScreenBeam and require ongoing maintenance and updates. Additionally, admins can configure and provision ScreenBeam receivers wirelessly, but to do so requires enabling mDNS on the network. If admins don't want to enable mDNS, they will have to manually install configuration files via USB flash drive on every receiver within the organization.

This process requires IT personnel on-site, adds expenses and requires additional time to procure, deploy and maintain all the necessary systems to use ScreenBeam.

See what real IT administrators are saying in our fast facts sheet.

Cost

Ditto offers a single all-in-one solution while ScreenBeam has multiple tiers of hardware.

• Ditto: $99-$175 per year per receiver (media player) — the price of Ditto screen mirroring and digital signage software.
• ScreenBeam 1100 Plus: $999 per receiver (media player) — the MSRP price of this model according to a ScreenBeam press release. Contact your preferred distributor for additional pricing information.

Price breakdown

It's likely that you already have a compatible Ditto recevier/media player and can begin using Ditto without purchasing any additional technology or equipment. Ditto includes a free, 30-day trial that is full-featured and allows users and admins to use signage, screen mirroring and administration features. If you do require a receiver/media player, a device such as an Apple TV HD (priced at $150) will make the total cost of Ditto $249-$325 for one display.

All ScreenBeam hardware is procured by third-party vendors. ScreenBeam’s numerous tiers of hardware serve different markets, and each model can differ in certain features and functionality. Reflect on your own business needs to see which ScreenBeam model is right for you. If your organization needs to manage any ScreenBeam 750 or 960 models, you must purchase a CMS subscription license starting at an additional $500 per year for a maximum of 10 receivers. Annual subscription fees increase with additional receivers.

ScreenBeam trials are not readily available and device and digital signage management requires servers deployed on your premises. The additional resources, infrastructure and personnel time must be taken into account when purchasing ScreenBeam.

Get the complete cost of ownership chart here — it includes receivers, media players, TVs, subscription pricing and more.

Final Thoughts

Ditto and ScreenBeam both offer screen mirroring solutions and varying levels of digital signage functionality. ScreenBeam prioritizes screen sharing, while Ditto maximizes the use of every display an organization owns with scalable, easy-to manage screen sharing and digital signage.

ScreenBeam is a cross-platform screen mirroring solution that supports AirPlay, Google Cast and Miracast protocols, but largely prioritizes Miracast connections. Because users are required to utilize native mirroring protocols, the connection process and user experience can be inconsistent and cumbersome for many users. ScreenBeam's digital signage functionality is limited only to HTML services, so third-party platforms are required to adequately display signage. If your organization needs class management features for Chromebooks and Windows devices, consider ScreenBeam.

Ditto focuses on maximizing the value of an organization’s devices with both digital signage and screen mirroring. Ditto’s digital signage editor contains numerous, professionally designed templates that can be easily customized. New signage templates are added to Ditto on a continual basis and included with a Ditto subscription. Ditto doesn’t require mDNS for users to share screens which saves networks from being flooded with traffic.

With Ditto, any display in an organization can become a digital sign, a collaboration hub with screen mirroring, or both. Ditto prioritizes scalability and administration with its robust account portal and support for multiple MDM platforms. If you’re looking for a solution that makes the most of your spaces and displays, go with Ditto.

Download the Ditto vs. ScreenBeam fast facts sheet full of bonus content: Tech specs, cost analysis, product reviews and more.

Updated on 12/13/21

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