Digital signage is becoming more popular by the minute. Digital signage essentially is a sign on a screen, such as a TV or signage display. The content on the screen is then controlled by something called a signage controller. A signage controller is a small computer that presents the content to the actual display. There are many different platforms, different controllers and even displays. That’s why we’re here to help.
TV or Signage Display
When trying to get any digital signage setup designed, the displays are an important part. Signage controllers usually support connection technologies, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA or DVI. This means that close to any computer monitor and TV would work with these controllers. There are however some considerations that should be made when designing a digital signage setup.
Depending on the setup, some screens may be on for 24 hours a day, which shortens the life span of a normal TV quite significantly. Some applications may call for an outdoor environment as well, which is very much a possibility for digital signage setups, but the hardware has to be matched to support the temperatures, moisture and rain.
Essentially the main difference between a normal TV and a signage display is the longevity. Since digital signage advertisements may be displayed up to 24 hours a day. The signage displays are built to withstand long use and dissipate heat much better. These signage screens usually also have better viewing angles and are available as sunlight readable screens. This ensures your screens can always be seen and won’t have to be replaced any time soon.
Further differences surface on the Smart TV front. Signage displays usually do not support these “smart services”, as it is quite frankly not needed. In terms of resolution, there are 4K signage displays, just like there are 4K TVs, so there is free choice on the image quality.
Signage Controller & Hosting Platforms
As we mentioned, a signage controller is a computer that handles all the files that are displayed on the display. There are a few different options for signage controllers. The setup can be as simple as a USB stick plugged into a smart TV. There are some major downsides to that type of setup, but we will discuss that in a minute.
The signage controller will always have to be present, otherwise no image can be displayed on the screens. The hosting for the digital signage can however differ. There are cloud hosted services available, while the entire solution can also be locally hosted. When creating the graphic design for the actual signage, the way it is hosted is important. Cloud hosted solutions allow for updates from absolutely anywhere to the system, while a local solution will have to be a very complicated setup for that to work efficiently. In a cloud hosted solution, should the internet on site fail, the device will retain the latest version that it was able to download until it gets the internet signal back. For a cloud hosted solution, a very small computer, such as a Raspberry Pi, Intel ComputeStick or Intel NUC can be used.
Cloud hosted digital signage setups usually give you a web interface where you can modify all the content on the screens. Some providers might restrict you to only view the content, if they handle the design and maintenance on all the content.
Local solutions will have to have the files uploaded via the local network to the device. The advantage is that the units will not require an internet connection for an update, but that is only if the update is done locally. Similarly, a Raspberry Pi or Intel NUC can be used for these applications.
Mounts & Enclosures
Having your TVs and controllers mounted correctly is absolutely essential for a digital signage setup. There is the possibility that the screen may fall and injure someone. But poor mounting can also make the screen hard to read. There are specialized mounts that allow for easy access behind the TV when needed, but are very low profile when stowed away. These mounts usually also provide a mounting space and cable routing space for the signage controller, securing everything in one go. There are also so-called video wall mounts that will allow for multiple displays to be flush side by side, in order to create one very large screen with multiple displays. Regardless of the application, there is most likely a mount out there for it.
Content Design
Any advertisement that you want to display on these screens will still have to be designed. Most businesses usually outsource the design of their digital signage content. Most often the company providing the digital signage will have a partner company or will do the designs in house. Regardless of who maintains the designs, they will have to have access to the controllers in order to update them. If the system is a cloud hosted solution, then outsourcing the designs is much easier, and changes can be made on the fly, instead of having to wait for a day or two.
Get in Touch
Are you shopping around for a digital signage solution? Let us help you create a signage setup for your business. Feel free to contact us with any questions or comments. You can call us at any time at (403) 477-4800 or email us at info@authorizedsecurity.ca.