How to select the best digital signage solution

A study by IFOP indicates that 33% of French people have taken concrete action after encountering digital screen information, highlighting digital signage’s effectiveness in engaging audiences. Unlike traditional print methods, digital signage offers impactful, memorable messaging through interactive displays and targeted, customized content. This article delves into the technology behind digital signage and provides guidance on choosing the right solution for your needs.

What is Digital Signage?

Digital signage is a visual communication form that uses screens to broadcast multimedia content across various sectors like corporate buildings, retail, education, healthcare, and transportation. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to capture attention and deliver timely, relevant messages.

Components of a Digital Signage Solution

A comprehensive digital signage solution includes content playback devices (ranging from PCs to dedicated servers or media players), a Content Management System (CMS) for agile, centralized content management, a distribution network (using technologies like specific Ethernet networks, classic AV links, shared IP networks, or the Internet), and AV distribution hardware and software (like extenders, AV switches, or system-on-chip technologies).

It also involves screens or video wall processors for displaying the content, offering a wide range of presentation capabilities including video, audio, static images, HTML pages, RSS feeds, and Flash animations.

Deciding on the Best Digital Signage Solution

Assessing Needs

The first step in choosing a digital signage solution is evaluating your organization’s specific needs. Considerations should include the key message, target audience, content types (video, images, text, interactive content), and who will be responsible for content updates.

Choosing Hardware

Hardware is an essential part of any digital signage solution.

• Screens should be chosen according to their size, resolution, brightness and durability. Screens for outdoor use, for example, require greater brightness and weather resistance than those for indoor use.
• What’s more, selecting the right content playback device, whether it’s a PC, a dedicated media player or a system-on-a-chip, is crucial to ensuring that content is delivered smoothly and reliably.
• It is important to choose a CMS that can be easily updated and maintained, while offering the functionality required for your specific needs. For example, a CMS for a chain of shops should allow centralised updating of the content displayed in all the shops, while a CMS for a hotel could allow each establishment to customise its content locally (restaurant menu, events, weather, etc.).

Choosing a Provider

Choosing the right supplier for a digital signage solution is important to ensure optimum return on investment.

The quality of the after-sales service, the reliability of the hardware, the ease of use of the software and the supplier’s ability to offer responsive technical support are all criteria to consider.

It is also advisable to look at the supplier’s track record, customer references and product evaluations. A good supplier should be a partner who actively contributes to the success of your digital signage project, ensuring that the chosen solution not only performs well, but is also scalable to adapt to future changes in your needs.

If you’re thinking about creating or upgrading a digital signage solution, don’t hesitate to call on an audiovisual integrator like Motilde.