What exactly is digital signage? 

Digital signage is often touted as a way to boost engagement and sales, but what is it and how can it help? In essence, digital signage is a way to showcase information and/or promotional advertising on indoor or outdoor screens. It includes digital signage software—called content management systems (CMS)—to create, manage, and schedule content, and also consists of digital signage displays and often media players, which display imagery and messaging on-screen.

Digital signage has proven to be an exceptionally powerful communications tool, because it can deliver dynamic content at exactly the right time and place, catching the eye of target audiences. Curious to find out more? Then, read on!

What is a Content Management System (CMS)?

Content management systems (CMS) enable you to create, edit, manage, and schedule your content on-screen.

On-premise CMS Digital Signage Solutions

On-premise CMS solutions are hosted on physical business servers. While they offer more room for customisation, they necessitate ongoing and dedicated IT resources to manage:

• Servers
• Network infrastructure
• Security protocols
• Remote access tools

Cloud-based Content Management Systems

Cloud-based solutions, like Signagelive, provide more cost-efficient, and user-friendly platforms that are easy to scale. Whenever you want to expand your network, you simply update your subscription licence and add more screens. Your platform provider also automatically handles all required maintenance and security.

Hardware Compatibility 

Choose CMS solutions like Signagelive that are compatible with a wide range of digital signage screens and media players. This gives you flexibility to mix and match manufacturers as needed.

How does digital signage ensure timely messaging? 

Unlike traditional print communications, digital signage ensures timely and relevant messaging at exactly the right location.

With cloud-based digital signage platforms, such as Signagelive, you can remotely:

• Pre-schedule content for some or all screens
• Set start and end times so content never overruns
• Edit live content in real-time
• Schedule content across multiple locations

Why choose an enterprise-level digital signage platform? 

Advanced platforms offer enhanced, enterprise-level support for the management of large digital signage networks.

Signagelive offers:

• ISO-27001 certification for secure data handling
• Two-factor Authentication (2FA) for an additional layer of security
• Single Sign-On (SSO) for group logins

Signagelive enterprise features also lightens the content management workload. You can:

• Securely roll out customised user roles with Granular User Permissions (GUP)
• Share messaging simultaneously across categorised groups of screens to save time

Digital Signage Displays

Digital signage displays can make or break your content, impacting how effectively it displays on-screen.

Why use professional-grade displays for digital signage? 

Always opt for professional digital signage displays. While it may be tempting to use cheaper consumer TVs, they’re unreliable and not designed for commercial use.

Professional-grade displays offer:

• 24/7 operation
• Better heat dissipation
• Lifespans of 70,000+ hours

What are System-on-Chip Displays? 

System-on-Chip (SoC) displays are screens with built-in media player functionality. They’re great for minimalistic setups or where space is limited.

Digital Signage Brightness

Choose the right brightness level for your displays, based on their locations. For shopfront windows, 1,500 to 3,500 cd/m² is often necessary for sunlight readability.

What do I need for outdoor digital signage? 

You’ll need specialised screens with:

• Weather-proof IP65 or IP66 ratings
• High brightness and anti-glare displays
• Temperature control systems
• Vandal-resistant, toughened glass

Digital Signage Media Players

Invest in reliable media players that offer:

• Multiple connectivity options (WiFi, Ethernet, Bluetooth)
• Sufficient internal storage for offline content playback

Resolution and Frame Rates 

Digital signage can feature impactful high-resolution videos and complex HTML content, but only with the right digital signage displays and media players.

Check that the displays and media players you plan to use can support:

• The picture resolution of your content e.g Full HD (1080p) or 4K (2160p)
• Higher frame rates – 60fps – to ensure the smooth flow of fast-moving videos or animations

What can digital signage do?

Boost Engagement with Immersive Experiences 

Digital signage can offer interactive experiences to enhance customer service, as well as captivate and engage audiences.

Create touchscreen experiences for:

• Self-service
• Wayfinding
• Personalised product searches

Boost Sales with Digital Signage 

With platforms like Signagelive, you can:

• Deliver immersive experiences by syncing content with connected devices (e.g., lighting) 
• Automatically trigger relevant on-screen product information
• Highlight promotions by scheduling screen takeovers across multiple displays

Inform and Inspire

Digital signage is also a highly effective platform for informing and motivating audiences. Securely deliver:

• Real-time updates 
• Data from multiple business intelligence platforms for data-driven decision-making
• Emergency notifications at the touch of a button

FAQs 

Q: What kind of businesses use digital signage? A: From hospitals to retail, any business needing timely, visual communication can benefit.

Q: Is digital signage expensive? A: Not necessarily. Cloud-based CMS platforms are scalable—you only pay for what you use.

Ready to level up your digital signage? Reach out today