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Display technology is a part of a rapidly growing communication trend that is engaging viewers in the way they are already accustomed to retrieving information. Education, Retail customers, hospitality services, healthcare providers, and all aspects of the business world are committing to this new technology. There are several types to choose from, each with its own advantages and features. This article will highlight features and help you to choose the right Display for your needs.
Digital Signage is the most effective tool for marketing a new product, promoting awareness, engaging your audience, or communicating with staff or students. You can find Digital Signage everywhere – mall, restaurants, universities, hospital, and lobbies. It works and engages people more than email, print or static signs. Below are the stats for the effectiveness of digital Signage.
In fact, if you have followed the AV industry for the last few years, you would have certainly noticed that there is considerable amount of growth on large displays and digital signage products year-over-year. It is more powerful than ever and has the potential to revolutionize the world of business. Some industries are reaping exceptional benefits from these signs.
There’s still an ongoing trend of Hybrid learning, providing online and offline classes. So, schools need technology to bring clear, detailed visuals in the classroom. This ensures that it is engaging students to enhance the lessons with vivid imagery. Advanced displays also enable the schools and universities to showcase information and events in real time to provide timely content.
Using High Ed tech encourages a hands-on learning approach, which makes it easy for students and teachers to collaborate through seamless sharing of images, videos, and ideas with peers, both in the classroom and from their homes.
With more companies continuing to work from home due to pandemic and post pandemic, video conferencing is becoming the norm in the way we collaborate and communicate in the workplace. A large, shared screen is essential for video conferencing and presentations to work effectively.
Video meetings, webinars with business-critical conversations are increasingly happening via video conference calls. It is a great way to do a quick team sync and ensure everyone is working together as one unit. You can present your project details by sharing your screen, slide deck, or playing a video thus getting everyone on the same page. Meeting spaces using interactive flat-panel displays are more collaborative workspaces with improved convenience and high-performing productivity. They help to brainstorm concepts for the product roadmap, analyze data in a sales report, connect people over video and screen share for your conference room.
Collaboration displays effectively facilitates lessons, instructive games, general technological integration, and standard group-based work. They are used in business as well as in the education industry.
In the business setting, they come along with various connectivity, visibility, sizing options, and software compatibility. They come with PC interfaces, native software and tools which allow you to sync external computers, tablets, phones to properly mirror or upload necessary data in a group collaboration business setting. Collaboration Displays are also used to facilitate remote collaborations through which Remote members can have project collaborations between teams located in different parts of the world. They facilitate it from a centralized location, like the company’s headquarters, and remote members can then join through collaborative tools and software thus providing solutions to limitations imposed by distance.
Not sure of which display to go for? Below are helpful tips for right display size to support the right visual environment helping to enhance viewing experience. This guide will help you understand and decide on the screen size based on room size.
Interactive displays ranging from 55" to 98" are most suitable for most classrooms, with 65" to 84" as most popular sizes. The size of the display depends on the size of the room, the key is the display should be large enough to allow the students at the back of the class to be able to easily read a 20pt font.
Every student to be able to see content clearly from his/her seat is critical. A person’s ability to see is referred to as “visual acuity,” and it’s measured based on Snellen Eye Chart. This is based on the simple fact that something twice as far away needs to be twice as big for equivalent visibility and to achieve 20/20 vision. This means that you can clearly see a standardized chart of letters from 20 feet away. So, the further away a student is from the display, the bigger the text content should be.
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For the conference room - The size of the display you select depends on the size of the meeting room. There’s no specific rule when choosing a size for your meeting room. When there are small groups of people collaborating on detailed content, such as Excel spreadsheets, Powerpoint slides, or text documents, you would need a display with high resolution for the text to appear sharply. For small-to-medium sized rooms or huddle space (less than 5 people), 65" would work. For a medium-sized meeting room(5 to 10 people), 75" would work. Whereas 86" and above are good for a board room area and beyond (i.e. more than 10 people). As for Resolution, when you are in a smaller-scale huddle room, 1080p FHD display works, for larger meeting rooms, boards, 4K/UHD (3840 x 2160 pixel) resolution works well.
The 4/6/8 Rule is widely used by audio/visual professionals to determine the right size Displays for classrooms, conference rooms and large venues. This rule states that ideal viewing distance, in correlation with room size, should be four, six or eight times the height of the screen for proper viewing. This supports the idea that students should be within certain distances of a display for different types of viewing.
The differences in the types of viewings are:The differences in the types of viewings are:
Sometimes there is a primary flaw with the 4/6/8 - while it defines an absolute maximum, it does not define an optimal experience.
With more employees and students who still work remotely or while travelling, Classroom and Conference room AV has become more and more popular as they provide open-ended solutions for learning, collaborating, brainstorming sessions, video conferencing or formal presentations.
Apart from the actual size, how do you choose the right display for a Classroom and Conference room? Below are some considerations and features to look for when choosing one.
LED TVs are simply familiar ones that we have in our living room which are the most popular and most accessible options for adding technology to the classroom. It’s simple – plug and turn it on. Today’s models have a basic function of connectivity that allows to play video or show a presentation from a nearby laptop/tablet. TVs are more budget friendly and readily available; this can be a viable option.
However, it is limited to just playing a video and looking up information online. If you are looking for more than true interactivity, then you need to look for Interactive displays.
Interactive Displays are LCD screen, though they look like TVs, they are much more than that. They have touchscreen features that make them interactive i.e. touch and pen-enabled, multiple people can use them at once as large as 85".
Other than the type of display, you might want to find out exactly how you intend to use it.
As for the Business setting, if you want a display for small meeting rooms where few groups of people are collaborating on detailed content, like Spreadsheets, PowerPoint slides or any texted contents, you will need a high-resolution display for the text to appear clearly.
When you are in larger conference or long lecture halls and want to do video conferencing, apart from the projector, consider two displays – one for viewing content and the other one to see the audience on the far end of the call. Multiple displays allow viewers around the room to read the content more easily.
So the layout of the space can affect the size and number of displays you choose.
Interactive display technologies rely on embedded interactive software to deliver annotation/inking capabilities and other collaborative features. When choosing a display technology, look for ones that come pre-loaded with robust collaboration software which allows both teachers and students to work on solving the same problem and share information to a display. Through this, displays can be split-screened so that multiple students can use them at once. Collaborative software and wireless presentation systems allow teachers and students to share content from their mobile devices and display their screen for the class to see.
There are some displays that come with built-in Android Operating system, along with it comes with an Ethernet network interface (LAN- RJ45 Connection) or with embedded Wi-Fi capability. This means that you switch the Interactive Flat Panel on without having any computer connected to it. So you can browse the web, run an annotation program and other Apps that are available for the Android operating system. The drawback - this does not have access to the Google Play store, as the Google license is incredibly expensive, so it's a good idea to check what the display is offering in terms of annotation App.
Similarly in a corporate setting, you can make the meeting room a fully collaborative, interactive experience for all the participants to encourage the sharing of ideas and higher levels of comprehension among colleagues. With embedded Android OS, it allows you to start meetings in an instant. Also make sure they also support Microsoft Office file formats like work, PowerPoint, Excel that are commonly used. This works well when you are having a huddle, urgent meeting, or some participants who bring a laptop for a meeting.
Consider Cloud connectivity, which is a collaborative tool for saving and sharing documents via cloud drives. As opposed to some older devices which are not able to offer cloud-based connections, OneDrive and Google Drive should be regarded as essential features for Business and educational settings.
We are seeing an increase in popularity in multi-touch interactive displays. Before first-generation interactive screens often only featured basic “button pressing” technology, however for more sophisticated interactive, there’s 2-point multi-touch, and then a 10pt, 15pt, 20pt touch-points are available. With 2-point touch, you can have two students at the Interactive at any one time, along with some gestures like pinch to zoom and twist to rotate. To find out how many touch points you need, you can ask yourself how many students will typically be working at the display, and how many of them can be comfortable working at the display at the same time. Keep in mind, due to the multi-touch screen, the software has to be designed to be ‘multi-touch friendly’.
When there are large screens mounted in a landscape orientation for classroom and corporate meeting rooms, multiple users interaction is involved, anywhere between 4 and 20 touch points is recommended. Different environments will cater to different user experiences, each requiring for a different number of touchpoints.
Typically, a consumer TV which is designed just for viewing TV at home are less expensive than commercial grade displays and are not interactive. You are using Consumer TV at home to watch Blu-ray, streaming services etc. which are used a few hours a day. Whereas a commercial Displays are specifically designed for digital signage. They are built for long hours to operate in commercial environments like lobbies, restaurants, malls, etc. Sometimes the amount of time is typically being used for 24/7 and 365 days in a year. Commercial displays are designed to operate in both landscape and portrait modes. Commercial displays recognize all PC resolutions including wide formats and different refresh rates (1024x768 @60, 72, 75, 85Hz) in addition to TV/video resolutions. Whereas Consumer displays are designed for home theater entertainment in specific TV/video formats with very limited PC resolutions.
Because of the differences in these two displays, there are features to be looked at when deciding to them.
Earlier a 42 and 50-inch TV seemed large enough, now TVs with 55 and 65-inch screens are common for consumer display at home. There is no hard-and-fast rule for determining the right size display for home, it depends on visual acuity, field of view and personal preference.
Your room size and viewing distance are to be considered when choosing a size display. You should be far enough from the display that programming looks natural. And if you’re too close, you might easily notice the individual pixels making up the image, and graininess. On the other hand, you do not want to sit so far away from the display that you are unable to perceive and appreciate the crisp detail of HD programming. Roughly you can sit at least 5 or 6 feet from a 40-47 inch set with good quality HD content and at least 6-8 feet from a 50-inch and larger display.
There has also been recommendation for a distance of 1 to 1.5 times the diagonal screen size for 4K TVs and 1.5 to 2.5 times for 1080p displays.
In commercial setting, to determine the right size of display depends on the size of the area that your screen is located and how far you expect people to be located from your TV. The bigger the TV- the more engaging and emotional your effects could be to grab the attention of the viewer. Be careful if you place a digital signage too close to viewers, the individual pixels on the image might be noticeable. In that case, you’ll want to invest in an UHD 4K TV that can be viewed super up-close without losing fidelity. For quiet large space, you can consider using a video wall by combining multiple displays. There have been technology improvements and drop in digital signage prices, so considering a stunning 4K video wall to get your message out might be a good idea.
Consumer displays are designed to work well for lighting conditions that are controlled to some extent. Brightness is rated for displays in terms of Nits or Candelas squared(cd/m2). This usually falls in the range of 150-250 nits which is good for viewing at home. However higher brightness is required in commercial displays in brightly lit conditions. It can range anywhere from 300-2000 Nits for outdoor, full sunlight applications.
Screen resolutions are the number of pixels arranged in a grid horizontally and vertically. Screen size and Screen resolution are not directly related. A decent resolution of HD(1920p x 1080p) sounds good for a good video experience for Consumer display, however if you want a bigger screen(like above 40 inches), go for ultra-HD (UD) or 4K(3840p x 2160p) resolution.
There are 8K TVs available &emdash; however broadcasting compatibility with 8K resolution does not exist yet, so we're seeing a bit of a repeat from the 4K revolution starting to happen, i.e. early adopters seeking the enhanced resolution will be paying a premium price until manufacturing capabilities are ramped up and the prices start to come back down.
For the digital signage purpose, viewing distance also plays a role for selecting screen resolution. If the display is going to be viewed from a long distance away, you can get away with less resolution, most print billboards are also fairly low resolution. Whereas for up-close impact and fine detailed content, higher resolutions works better. 4K display gives more sharper and detailed images that makes your text sharper and easier to read, which can lead to higher sales and better customer interaction.
Consumer TVs typically do not have RS232 control, and if it has, it is extremely limited in functionality or is mostly used for input switching, whereas commercial displays will often have full RS232 and RJ45 control which allows the owner to control and monitor screens without a remote. This is an essential function for digital signage as it allows the precise management of screen functions, features using a computer. You can adjust which television sound you want to hear, the contents and channel displayed using a central controlling remote system. It has public security features to protect controls in a public environment that includes locking of front panel and IR remote lockout.
Recently, HDR is the most exciting feature in TV displays. This boosts a TV’s brightness, contrast, color, making the picture look vibrant and real life. So if you are looking for realistic colors and better contrast, look for HDR- Compatible set. HDR brings out a vast difference between the dark and bright parts of a scene producing a more detailed, punchy image that really stands out. HDR formats such as Dolby Vision push this even further and are available through streaming services like Netflix, Amazon and on Ultra HD blu-rays.
HDR is important in commercial display as well. It’s the latest trend and the prices for HDR displays are coming down. The future of HDR is now certain to expand into all large screen entertainment displays, especially tiled seamless LEDs and does have huge a impact on the commercial industry as well.
Among the overwhelming number of TV displays on the market, most mid size and larger models are Smart TVs that come with a bundled software. They can access online content such as streaming video services from Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu etc. Others also offer a vast assortment of apps, i.e. smart TVs can respond to voice commands, using microphones built into the TV’s remote control or using an app on a smartphone. And if you don’t want to go for Smart TV, you can smart-ify a non-smart TV with an HDMI input by attaching a streaming device like Roku or Fire TV.
When it comes to Digital signage, do not get too caught up about the Smart TV features as they are often irrelevant. Instead focus on the ones that come with hardware features which can boost performance.
Data security is the overlooked feature when determining the Interactive Display. There needs to be a provider to offer the high level of data encryption and protection with a foundation of security technologies designed to harden and protect the entire device stack against attacks. Embedded device security offers Real-time protection ,Deep Scan, Web Browsing Security and Wi-Fi security functions.
Price ranges from a few hundred dollars for Consumer TV display to a few thousand dollars for a large 4k Commercial TV Display. When deciding between Consumer TV and Commercial TV display for digital signage display, cost is a big part of the purchase decision. Though Commercial TV have a higher initial monetary outlay than the Consumer TV, they will outlast a consumer TV. In the long run, they cost less as they use higher grade components to act more reliably during the time of more intense usage. So for commercial settings, we recommend a Commercial digital signage display over a Consumer TV – it’s durable, has longer warranties, ability to be controlled over LAN, ability to schedule being turned on and off.
Another overlooked feature is the fact that consumer TV often change its appearance with each model change for about every year. Bezels(screen borders) often changes in thickness and color and displays become thinner with each iteration. Whereas in Commercial TVs, they maintain the same cosmetic look for years, which works very well when adding panels for display especially for video wall purposes. So, when you are adding displays in your facility year after year, you can maintain the same look and feel with commercial ones.
When you are looking for displays for your school, business, consumer or commercial setting, knowing these differences and features can help you plan which one to go for. If you need further help in identifying your needs and recommendations, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help!
Digital signage has become an innovative and powerful tool for communication and engagement. However, it goes beyond being just cool new technology; it’s a fantastic opportunity for businesses to connect with their audience in fun and creative ways.
With panels making an appearance everywhere, from shopping malls to small-town bakeries, the question isn’t whether to adopt digital signage, but how to do it right.
It’s also not just about choosing the most aesthetically pleasing or feature-rich solution, but the digital signage system that aligns with your goals, budget, and the unique aspects of your business.
In this comprehensive buyer’s guide, we take a deep dive into the crucial steps for selecting the best digital signage system tailored to your business needs.
First things first, make sure you know your usage context and goals. Digital signage has many uses, so figuring out your specific needs will shape all your future choices.
Begin by figuring out what you want to accomplish with your digital signage. Just ask yourself:
When you answer these questions, you’re laying the groundwork for the system you require, whether it’s just one or two screens in the local convenience store or a bunch of displays spread across a big city.
Knowing your financial limits is key. Your budget needs to cover the following costs:
There are ways to save on costs. Cloud-based software typically requires a lower upfront investment than buying software licenses. You can also explore creating your own content using templates or free design tools, although this might require more time on your end.
When choosing, remember that going for the most expensive option might not always match your needs. It’s wise to strike a balance between what you wish for and what your budget allows. It’s essential to consider both aspects to ensure a decision that satisfies your desires without straining your financial resources.
Selecting the right digital signage hardware is crucial because it directly affects the appearance, performance, and lifespan of your digital signage system.
Different display types have their own perks and work better for specific needs.
In addition to the screen, you’ll need media players, mounts, enclosures, and potentially other accessories to create a comprehensive and well-equipped setup for your multimedia needs. Each component plays a crucial role in ensuring a seamless and efficient multimedia experience, allowing you to enjoy your content.
The software you choose will play a critical role in shaping the functionality and versatility of your digital signage system.
When you’re looking at software options for the best digital signage system, make sure to pay attention to these key factors:
There are significant differences between cloud-based and on-premise digital signage software:
The success of your digital signage deployment largely depends on its installation and subsequent content management.
Consider the logistical challenges of your installation, like these:
It’s key to have enough power outlets for the displays and any extra gear needed. For remote management and content updates, make sure the network connection is good. Think about using surge protectors or UPS to shield the system from power changes.
It’s crucial to choose the right mounting hardware depending on the size and weight of the best digital signage displays for your business. Ensure the displays are securely fastened to the mounts to prevent accidents or theft. Also, make sure the mounting spot offers the best viewing angles for the audience.
It’s smart to use cable management solutions like cable trays, raceways, or cable clips to tidy up cables. Planning cable routes to reduce visibility and tripping risks is key. And don’t forget to label cables for easy identification during maintenance or troubleshooting!
Content creation should be an ongoing process. Consider the following:
When creating content, consider using eye-catching visuals, compelling storytelling techniques, and interactive elements to captivate your audience. Incorporating relevant data and insights can also enhance the informative value of your content, making it both engaging and educational.
Remember to tailor your content to your target audience’s preferences and interests to ensure maximum impact and relevance.
By implementing these strategies, you can elevate the quality of your content and effectively connect with your readers on a deeper level.
Elevate your content strategy by meticulously planning the timing of updates to ensure they resonate with your audience.
Additionally, craft curated playlists tailored to keep your viewers captivated, encouraging repeat visits and prolonged engagement with your content offerings.
Understanding the costs and exploring ways to manage them is an essential part of the buying process.
The initial costs of displays, media players, mounts, and any additional equipment you may need will vary depending on the quality and specifications of each component. It’s important to consider factors like durability, compatibility, and scalability when budgeting for hardware expenses.
This category encompasses not just the initial purchase cost but also any licensing fees or subscription costs associated with maintaining and updating the software over time. Consider the features, support, and integration capabilities of the software to ensure it meets your business needs effectively.
For many businesses, creating compelling visuals might require an investment in software, training, or professional services. Explore different content creation tools and techniques to enhance the visual appeal and effectiveness of your displays.
Budget for setup and anticipate ongoing costs like device monitoring and remote troubleshooting. Prioritize regular maintenance to prevent downtime and ensure the seamless operation of your digital signage system.
To keep your investment in check:
Choosing the best digital signage system is a significant decision that should not be rushed. By understanding your needs, assessing your budget, and carefully evaluating hardware and software options, you can ensure that your investment pays off in terms of engaging content and positive customer experiences.
While it might seem overwhelming at first, particularly for those new to digital signage, this guide provides a strong framework to simplify the process. Take your time to research, compare, and, if possible, test different systems before making a final decision.
Remember, in the world of digital signage, customization is key, and what worked for another business might not be the best fit for yours.
Make the jump from traditional to digital signage a breeze with FTx Digital Signage, our one-stop-shop that will quickly kick-start your journey.
You can showcase your business with eye-catching digital signs with 1,000s of free digital signage templates to choose from! You can also easily create real-time promotional messages in stores or schedule them ahead for days, weeks, or even months.
Explore our digital signage system using FTx AdPro, our graphic design tool. Effortlessly create and modify professional designs with our intuitive drag-and-drop interface, vast stock photo library, and more – all included at no additional charge!
Ready to get started with us? Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation and experience a demo!
One of the major benefits of digital signage is the substantial reduction in costs associated with traditional printing and materials. By eliminating expenses for printing, distributing, and replacing physical advertising materials like posters, menus, and flyers, businesses can experience cost savings that contribute to overall efficiency and sustainability.
Digital signage provides a platform to effectively promote products, special offers, and upselling opportunities. By leveraging visually engaging content, businesses can capture the attention of customers and influence their purchasing decisions positively. This targeted approach to showcasing promotions can lead to increased sales and revenue generation.
Engaging customers through dynamic content is key to building brand loyalty and recognition. Digital signage allows businesses to create immersive experiences using videos, animations, and interactive elements that resonate with their target audience. By enhancing customer interaction, businesses can establish a deeper connection with customers, driving brand engagement and loyalty.
Enhancing customer satisfaction is crucial for fostering long-term relationships with customers. Digital signage plays a vital role in improving the overall customer experience by providing real-time updates on wait times, product information, and service details. This level of transparency and convenience contributes to a seamless and positive customer journey, ultimately leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty.
How well it works really comes down to how it fits your business and target audience.
Start by doing your homework. Look into how digital signage is used in your industry online. Consider who your audience is and how they like to see content to figure out if they'll like visually engaging stuff.
Also, see if your competitors are using digital signage and how well it's working for them.
Here is a breakdown:
Low Budget
Mid-Range Budget
High Budget
Indoor
Outdoor
Desired Features
What you need all comes down to your specific goals. However, it’s important to focus on these key features:
Even if you're not a graphic designer, you can whip up cool content for your digital displays.
Here are some tips to jazz up your content and catch your audience's eye:
Beyond the initial cost, it's important to consider the ongoing expenses linked to running a digital signage system.
These may include costs for content creation and management, software updates, maintenance, technical support, and potential upgrades to keep the system running smoothly and effectively.
Considering these factors will help you plan and budget for the long-term success of your digital signage deployment.
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