In a world overflowing with information getting your message noticed can feel like an uphill battle. From social media feeds to the constant stream of advertisements, our attention spans are shorter than ever. That's where digital signage devices come in. They give you the power to break free from the clutter through dynamic and visually engaging content that demands attention. You get to effortlessly update promotions, share timely announcements, and create eye-catching displays that truly connect with your audience.
If you're ready to leave outdated communication methods behind, this guide has you covered. We'll cover digital signage devices, their types, and how to choose the right fit for your needs.
What are Digital Signage Devices
Any digital signage network requires certain hardware components to operate. These components are called digital signage devices. They consist of digital displays and media players that work together to provide continuous display and playback of digital content.
Types of Digital Signage Devices and How They Work
Digital Signage Displays
Digital signage displays are flat-panel screens similar to your TV at home but specifically for commercial use. Unlike a regular TV, they continuously play pre-designed content instead of requiring you to select something to watch.
There are two main types of digital signage displays: LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and LED (Light Emitting Diode). But you can also use a projector display, tablet, smartphone, or computer monitor.
Some displays also have a touchscreen interface for interacting with content via kiosks, product information displays, or interactive menus.
If you’re wondering whether you can save money by using your standard TV for digital signage, the answer is yes. But it will only suffice if your signage is for shorter durations in less demanding environments, but be prepared to potentially replace it more often.
Commercial-grade displays are better because they are built to operate for extended hours(sometimes even 24/7) without overheating or suffering image burn-in. Commercial displays usually carry better warranties suited for business use. In an instance when your standard TV starts to underperform, your vendor might refuse to replace it since you used it for commercial purposes.
If your digital signage is mission-critical with long hours of operation in bright areas, a commercial-grade display is a worthwhile investment.
Digital Signage Players
Digital signage media players are small, dedicated computers that power digital signs. They process and display the content you want to showcase, including images, videos, animations, and more.
There are two main types of media players:
- Hardware Media Players: These are specifically for digital signage and continuous operation. They prioritize powerful video and image processing for smooth playback of high-definition content. Physical players connect to displays via HDMI cables and can be networked for remote content updates. This means you can manage and schedule content from a central location. Popular physical media players include Chromeboxes, Amazon FireStick, Apple Mac Mini, etc.
- Software apps(Cloud-Based Media Players): These are software applications run on cloud-based platforms. They have a user-friendly interface and support remote management of multiple displays. Content is typically stored on the cloud platform and streamed to the displays through an internet connection.
At Look, we also offer a line of compact, Android-based hardware media players designed for the rigors of continuous digital signage use. Our models include:
- Look HD-2222: It has a powerful quad-core CPU, 4K resolution support, and a vibrant green design that makes it stand out.
- Look HD-2220 4G: For use in mobile or stationary outdoors and indoors with the ability to receive data via 4G.
We are keen that our players provide reliability, affordability, and ease of use across the entire lineup. All the players support WiFi and Ethernet connectivity, HDMI output, and they easily integrate with our Look cloud-based content management system (CMS) for remote content updates and scheduling.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Digital Signage Devices
Connectivity Options
Wired connections (Ethernet) are more reliable and have high bandwidth but may limit device placement. Wireless (Wi-Fi) connection is flexible but depends on your network's strength and can be subject to interference, on the other hand. Some devices may even offer cellular connectivity (4G/5G) as a backup in remote locations.
Your choice will depend on the specific needs of your digital signage setup and the environment in which it will operate. Consider factors like reliability requirements, distance from your network infrastructure, and potential sources of wireless interference when making a decision.
Compatibility with Digital Signage Software
Signage devices may experience issues of poor performance, limited functionality, or even complete system failure if they are incompatible with the intended software.
Different signage software platforms are often tailored for specific operating systems (Windows, Android, Chrome OS, etc.). Ensure your device runs a compatible OS or that the software has a version suitable for your choice of hardware.
Be mindful of the software's minimum or recommended hardware specifications (processor, RAM, storage). Choose a device that meets or exceeds these requirements for smooth performance and content playback. Some software platforms may offer dedicated apps or built-in support for specific devices. This can simplify setup and management, so check for any such integrations in your software solution.
Scalability and Future-Proofing
Digital signage implementations can evolve over time. You will need to anticipate the potential need for more screens or devices in the future. Ensure your devices and software support easy scaling of your signage network.
Choose devices with hardware that can remain relevant as technology progresses—modern processors, sufficient RAM, and the ability to handle higher-resolution displays (4K and beyond).
Verify your signage software receives regular updates and is likely to support newer hardware. This ensures the system stays up-to-date and secure.
Once again about Digital Signage Hardware and Software
Key Differences and Complementary Roles
Digital Signage Hardware is the physical component of your signage setup. They include displays and media players, as we have discussed above.
Digital Signage Software is the "brain" that drives your signage solution. It provides tools to design layouts and add images, videos, animations, live data feeds, and other attention-grabbing elements.
You use the software to schedule when content plays, set up content playlists, and manage multiple displays from a central location.
Digital Signage software can be cloud-based (accessed over the internet) or on-premise (installed on local servers).
Complementary Roles: Hardware and software work together to create a successful signage solution. The hardware physically displays the content, while the software provides the intelligence to manage, distribute, and optimize that content and the whole system.
Integration Considerations
Compatibility: Your software needs to integrate seamlessly with your hardware. Check operating system support, hardware specs, and if there are any optimized pairings offered by vendors.
Performance: Select hardware that meets the performance demands of your software and content. Higher-resolution content or complex layouts might require more powerful media players.
Features: Does your project demand any special features such as interactive elements, touchscreens, outdoor durability, etc? Make sure both hardware and software support these requirements.
Management: Your software should have user-friendly and efficient tools to manage your hardware devices remotely, including configuration, troubleshooting, and updates.
Additional Tips
Proof of Concepts (POCs): Whenever possible test your software with your shortlisted hardware to verify smooth operation before large-scale deployment.
Vendor Support: Work with vendors who provide robust support for hardware and software elements, making collaboration and troubleshooting easier.
Choosing the Right Digital Signage Devices for Your Needs
Digital signage devices can elevate your communication, but navigating the options requires careful consideration. Understanding your display requirements, content goals, connectivity needs, and the desired management approach will guide you toward the best hardware choices.
For powerful and reliable media players that prioritize ease of use, Look Digital Signage offers a compelling solution. Explore our product to find the perfect fit for your digital signage setup.
