The Digital Signage Hardware Buyers Guide
The Digital Signage Hardware Buyers Guide
When choosing your digital signage hardware, the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming. The variety of LED or projection displays, combined with the variety of player options (system on a chip and cloud-based or media players?) can make it hard to select the right digital signage hardware for your job. Sawink offers a range of solutions to help simplify your decision-making process.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Sawink.
Step 1: Choosing Your Display Type
First, you'll want to decide which display hardware you want to use, depending on your use case. For example, in high-brightness areas such as storefronts or daylit concourses in transportation hubs, a high-brightness LED screen or ePaper displays might be essential.
If you're installing an informational or wayfinding kiosk, smaller touchscreens along with kiosk furniture might be more appropriate. Darker areas, like the side of an entertainment venue at night, benefit from traditional or laser projectors. Brands like Epson offer projectors that can cover large surfaces cost-effectively, in comparison to LED panels which require weatherproofing hardware.
For fast-food drive-thru systems, high-brightness LED screens are usually necessary for visibility in various light conditions, including sunlight. Ensure weatherproof furniture and durable mounting solutions especially in regions prone to severe weather. Investing in quality displays from reliable suppliers like Philips Professional Display Solutions can save money in the long run by reducing e-Waste and improving sustainability.
Step 2: Choosing Your Content Player Type
System-on-a-Chip TVs, smart TVs, and cloud-based digital signage offer benefits such as central control and lower initial costs. However, these require a reliable internet connection. A restaurant using these might face outages unless redundant systems like 5G connectivity are implemented, adding another layer of cost.
On the other hand, media players are robust and can continue operating during internet outages. However, they come with higher upfront costs, including potential ongoing maintenance or licensing fees. Whichever you choose, look for robust service and warranty options, ensuring compatibility with your business software to avoid inefficiencies.
Some companies, like Screencloud, offer online tools to help you choose your hardware.
Step 3: Choosing Your Installation/Mounting Hardware
Building strong relationships with suppliers or choosing an integrator who has those connections can simplify your hardware selection process. For example, proper connections can help you get good pricing and premium options for your mounting needs.
If your project is unique, integrating with specialists experienced with unusual installations can be beneficial. For example, Samsung Electronics America provided comprehensive installation services for Allegiant Stadium, while Red Dot Digital Media specializes in unique projects like digital koi ponds in LA banks.
Reading interviews with integrators like Darryl Kuder from Red Dot Digital Media can provide valuable insights into hardware options. Kuder, for instance, endorses BrightSign's media players based on his extensive installation experience.
Step 4: Do Your Research, and Don't Be Shy
If an installation catches your eye, don't hesitate to reach out to business owners to learn more about their suppliers. Observing DOOH screens at gas stations or touchscreens in fast-food restaurants provides a starting point. Gathering a list of hardware and software contacts from these projects can be extremely useful.
Online resources like Screencloud's Buyer's Guide to Digital Signage Hardware and Digital Signage Today's Supplier Directory are also valuable. Keeping updated on industry trends through relevant news can help identify potential suppliers.
Industry non-profits such as the Digital Signage Federation or Women in AV and IT can be great informational sources. Events focused on your industry, such as restaurant summits, can provide insights and networking opportunities with fellow operators and suppliers.
For example, in the case of drive-thrus, attending summits like the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit or the Self Service Innovation Summit can be extremely beneficial.
Want more details? Visit our advertising display solutions page for additional information.
If digital signage specific events interest you, the Exertis Almo E4 Experience in North America or Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) in Europe are notable examples. Prioritize sustainability and accessibility in your digital signage installations.
Digital Signage and Retail - Benefits for Retail Stores in 2022
Digital Signage and Retail - Advantages for Businesses
Today, digital signage and retail are inseparable. Brick-and-mortar stores use signage displays to increase revenue, enhance the shopping experience, and communicate important messages. MagicInfo Services provides top-tier signage solutions globally, specializing in B2B clients. Here are the top advantages of digital signage for retail:
Main Advantages of Digital Signage Solutions for Retail
Digital signage is a relatively new marketing tool, but it offers several key benefits for retail:
1. Remote Management
One of the biggest benefits is the ability to manage content remotely, saving time and money by updating content from anywhere. MagicINFO’s remote control tool allows you to see and change display content in real-time.
2. Increase In-Store Visits
76% of people enter a store after seeing a digital sign. This trend drives higher turnover for businesses by attracting more foot traffic to physical stores.
3. Influence Purchasing Decisions
8 in 10 brands see a significant sales increase (up to 33%) after implementing digital signage. Digital displays enhance impulse purchases and overall sales.
4. Easily Create High-Quality Content
Digital signage simplifies content creation, saving time and money while maintaining high quality. MagicINFO's Web Author tool is an efficient way to create content that meets brand goals.
Other Advantages of Digital Signage in Retail Stores:
- Improve the overall customer experience
- Advertise in-store discounts
- Prompt customers to take specific actions
- Provide information (e.g., store maps)
- Save money on print advertising
- Improve the experience at the queue
Curious how digital signage can benefit your store? Schedule a meeting with a MagicINFO expert to explore additional revenue-boosting opportunities for retail. Want more information on commercial display products? Feel free to contact us.
```