Introduction to Digital Signage

Digital signage is a digital display used by businesses to show informational or promotional content. Usually digital signage displays are combined into larger networks for easier remote content and hardware management. This media solution is used across various industries such as retail, restaurants, hospitality, malls, advertising networks, education, healthcare, and more.

Applicability in different sectors

Digital signage plays a crucial role in various sectors. Retail businesses leverage them as in-store media to showcase product information and promotions, whereas in the hospitality sector, they're used to display menus and convey crucial hotel information. Healthcare institutions use digital signs for wayfinding, patient check-in, and health advisories.

Essential components and requirements

You will definitely need internet connection to download content to your advertising display. Also, to use digital signage you will need CMS (that is, if you don't want to do it old-fashioned way with loading your content on USB drives for each screen). Content Management System (CMS) is usually web based software that allows you to connect all your screens and manage them from one place. It may sound simple, but there are many things to consider when choosing your digital signage displays and CMS. For example, not all displays have their own operating systems and thus will need external media player to run content.

Factors to consider when choosing Digital Signage display

When selecting digital signage, several factors come into play. These include the purpose of the signage, the type of content to be displayed, the location of the display, the type of display technology, and the budget.

Types of display classifications

Digital signage displays vary based on technology, size, resolution, interactivity, and application. The following sections delve into each classification in detail.

Display technology

Digital signage displays are available in three primary technologies — LED, OLED, and LCD.

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

LCD digital signage is commonly used due to its cost-effectiveness. They have okay brightness and sharpness and are suitable for indoor environments where the lighting can be controlled.

Light Emitting Diode (LED)

LED digital signage is bright and energy-efficient, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. LED screens offer good brightness, making them perfect for outdoor digital signage where high visibility is required. They are more expensive than LCDs, however they offer much more flexibility and quality. LED is also used for special display panels, that can be combined and connected to large borderless video walls.

OLED

Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) displays offer superior color accuracy and contrast ratios compared to LED displays. They are thinner, lighter, and more flexible, making them ideal for unique digital signage applications. However this technology is much more expensive and, as of now, isn't really suitable for most business use cases.

Display built-in software

If you want to use only your display for the setup, and avoid using additional media players and TV boxes, you will require a Smart TV. Digital displays require robust software to manage and display content effectively. This section covers smart displays and software integration.

Smart TV displays

Smart displays come with built-in software platforms such as Tizen, WebOS, and Android TV. In terms of user base, all three operating systems are on a level field, meaning there is no leader who stands out.

Samsung Tizen

Tizen is an open-source platform, supported and used by Samsung. It supports a wide variety of apps and content, making it a versatile choice for digital signage. However Tizen is notorious for hard development and not many CMS have native support for it. Luckily, DISPL does have a native app for Tizen, allowing you to stream you content without a hassle.

LG WebOS

WebOS is used in LG's smart displays. It offers comparable experience to Samsung's TV OS, but they are not compatible with each other's or Android apps. LG's version of Smart TV is a little bit easier to develop apps for, but it is still quite rare to find native digital signage software for WebOS. However, we at DISPL support several versions of WebOS.

Google Android TV

Android TV is a version of Google's Android operating system designed for televisions and digital signs. It offers a wide array of apps and content options, too. And it is supported natively by DISPL, too.

Size and configuration

Digital displays come in various sizes and configurations. This segment discusses regular displays, large displays, screen constructions, video walls, and totems.

Regular displays

Regular digital signage displays range from small countertop screens to larger wall-mounted screens. They are ideal for displaying promotional content, menu boards, and informational content.

Large displays

Large digital signage displays are used when high visibility is required. They are perfect for outdoor settings or large indoor spaces like shopping malls or airports.

Screen constructions

Digital signage screens can be standalone or built into a kiosk or totem. Standalone screens are versatile and can be placed anywhere, while kiosk or totem screens are more immersive and interactive.

Video walls

Video walls are large displays consisting of multiple screens put together. They are used when a single screen is not enough to grab attention.

Totems

Totems are freestanding digital signage units that can be placed in high-traffic areas. They are perfect for wayfinding, advertising, or informational purposes.

Touch capabilities

Touch capabilities bring interactivity to digital signage. This section discusses touchscreen and non-touch digital displays.

Touchscreen displays

Touchscreen digital signage allows users to interact with the content, providing a more engaging experience. They are perfect for kiosks, wayfinding, and interactive advertising.

Non-touch displays

Non-touch digital signage displays are used for broadcasting content where interactivity is not required. They are perfect for displaying static information or advertisements.

Application areas

Digital sign display can be found in various areas. Here are some common applications.

In-store digital signage

In-store digital signage enhances the shopping experience by displaying product information, promotions, and other relevant content.

Outdoor digital displays

Outdoor digital signage displays are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. They are used for advertising and information dissemination in public spaces.

Menu boards

Digital menu boards display menu items and prices in restaurants, offering an easy way to update and change content as needed.

POS displays

Point of Sale (POS) digital signage displays are placed near the checkout area to promote impulse purchases and display relevant product information.

Interactive kiosks

Interactive kiosks provide self-service options for customers. They are used in various industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare.

Shelf-top display

Shelf-top digital signage displays provide product information and promotional content directly at the product level.

Interactivity and purpose

Digital signage displays serve different purposes, from providing information to promoting interactive user experiences.

Interactive displays

Interactive digital signage engages users through touch or gesture-based interactions. These displays offer a more engaging user experience and are perfect for wayfinding, retail digital signage kiosks, and interactive advertising.

Informational displays

Informational digital signage displays provide static content like news, weather, and other information. They are commonly used in corporate environments, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions.

Display class

Digital signage displays are classified into consumer-grade and commercial-grade displays.

Consumer-grade displays

Consumer-grade displays are designed for home use. They are not suitable for continuous operation and do not include features necessary for digital signage, such as remote content management.

Commercial-grade displays

Commercial-grade displays are designed for constant operation in a commercial environment. They come with professional features like remote content management, larger size options, and higher brightness. They also offer longer warranty which will not be void even if the display is used for 24/7 playback.

Conclusion

Digital signage is a powerful tool that allows businesses to communicate effectively with their target audience. With various display technologies, interactivity levels, and applications, digital signage offers a versatile solution that caters to a wide range of business needs. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative applications and trends in the digital signage industry.

FAQs

Q. What are digital signage displays?

Digital signage displays are electronic displays used to present information, advertising, or multimedia content to a targeted audience.

Q. How do digital signage displays work?

Digital signage displays work by displaying multimedia content on an electronic screen through a media player or digital signage software.

Q. What are the benefits of using digital signage displays?

Digital signage displays offer several benefits, including capturing attention, communicating information effectively, and providing real-time updates.

Q. What are the different types of digital signage displays?

Different digital signage displays include LED, LCD, and OLED. Each type has advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of display depends on the intended use and environment.

Q. How much do digital signage displays cost?

The cost of digital signage displays varies depending on the type, size, and features. Basic displays can cost a few hundred dollars, while more advanced systems can cost several thousand dollars.

Q. What are the best digital signage displays for small businesses?

The best digital signage displays for small businesses depend on the intended use, budget, and environment. Some popular options include Samsung Smart Signage, LG Commercial Displays, and ViewSonic Digital Signage.

Q. How can I use digital signage displays for wayfinding?

Digital signage displays can be used for wayfinding by displaying maps, directions, and other location-based information.

Q. How can I measure the ROI of digital signage displays?

The ROI of digital signage displays can be measured by analysing metrics such as customer engagement, sales uplift, and operational efficiency.

Q. How do digital signage displays compare to traditional signage?

Digital signage displays offer several advantages over traditional signage, including the ability to update content in real time, capture attention, and provide interactivity.