Hardware Overview
This article outlines the different types of hardware that can be used for digital signage, to help you find the perfect screens for your projects.
Below is an overview of some of the most popular digital signage hardware we offer at TrouDigital. For each one, we’ll define some use cases that demonstrate their proficiencies. This will give you a comprehensive understanding of how each one fits into a digital signage strategy, ultimately assisting you in deciding which hardware works best for you.
It’s important to note that this article groups hardware into overarching categories (i.e. Wall-Mounted Screens). For each category of hardware, there will be a range of models available. These models may have slightly different features, but their principle functions will be the same.
You may already have a few screens already that are not being used effectively. Optimising them for digital signage saves you the trouble of buying new hardware where it is unnecessary.
Wall-Mounted Screens
Let’s start simple. Wall-mounted screens are the most common hardware choice for digital signage. We see plenty every day: waiting rooms, retail outlets etc. Among our customers, wall-mounted screen tends to be the most popular choice. This is due to the fact they are highly visible, don’t take up floor space, and are easy to set up.
Wall-mounted screens are an ideal choice for visual content that does not require physical interaction. You can place them at eye level, or even slightly higher, to ensure they receive maximum visibility.
If you are looking to facilitate touch interactions with your digital signage, these screens are not the optimal choice. The vast majority are not touch-enabled and are typically placed in areas that can’t be easily reached. If you’re looking for interactive signage, freestanding kiosks may be the answer.
Freestanding Kiosks
Freestanding kiosks refer to floor-mounted displays that audiences can directly engage with. Examples include wayfinding kiosks in shopping malls and self-serve kiosks in fast-food restaurants. These kiosks tend to be touch-enabled (hence why they are great for interactive solutions), however this isn’t always the case. If you’re looking to utilise touch interaction, double-check that the kiosk is touch-enabled before purchasing.
The key benefit of freestanding kiosks lies in their accessibility. Customers can walk straight up to it and interact instantly. Designing a user interface that aligns with your vision may seem complex, but TrouDigital is more than happy to help you craft an engaging application for your audience.
With a freestanding kiosk, you must take into accounts its surroundings. For example, it’s best not to place a freestanding kiosk in the centre of a hallway that experiences high traffic during the day. Not only will this deter individuals from interacting, but it may cause congestion and safety hazards. Place kiosks near walls so customers can interact with them without crowding in busy spaces.
If you still want your signage to be interactive but not as big as a kiosk, we would recommend touch tablets.
Touch Tablets
Touch tablets refer to a smaller, more personal version of a freestanding kiosk. These are commonly seen mounted in receptions and offices, as a means to check in and book meeting rooms. They can also be hand-held.
They are perfect for interactive experiences that require the customer to input personal information. The smaller screen reduces the visibility of personal information, whilst information input is made easier by a familiar medium and compact keyboard.
Even though tablets are an adequate choice for information gathering, it’s less effective when looking to engage and captivate audiences. The smaller screen inhibits the ability to capture the attention of a passersby and limits its visibility from longer distances.
When considering a touch tablet for your solution, consider the purpose and location of the digital signage. A touch tablet is effective for minimal but intimate interaction such as booking a room, but if you are looking to captivate audiences with vibrant content that demands attention, this may not be the solution.
High-Brightness Screens
High-brightness displays are essential for presenting digital signage in direct sunlight, such as window displays outside estate agencies or outdoor advertisements on bus stops. These screens are typically commercial-grade, designed for 24/7 operation at maximum brightness.
When you’re purchasing screens, it’s worth considering whether your screen will be exposed to direct sunlight. It would be a costly mistake to purchase a standard screen, only to realise that your signage isn’t visible due to inadequate brightness. If you intend to keep your screens outdoors or in well-lit areas, a high-brightness screen is the best choice.
If you’d like to learn more about screen brightness, click here.
Video Walls
Video wall displays are a great choice for businesses looking to showcase extravagant, immersive signage. It involves installing multiple screens next to each other, but connecting them all to a single Media Player. This enables all the screens to work as a single unit.
Primarily, this hardware offers a high-level of flexibility. You can choose whether a single piece of content stretches over multiple screens, or whether each screen showcases distinctive content. This allows you to synchronise content across the screens, as all content is managed and monitored through the same Media Player.
Video wall displays are perfect for showcasing ambitious designs, hence why they are often seen in art galleries and technology exhibitions. This setup is highly customisable, giving you total control of the dimensions of each screen, model of the screens and overall size of the video wall.
Aside recreational use, video walls have plenty of functional applications. The most prolific example is menu boards. Businesses can craft the perfect sequence of content, integrating wall-wide animations with separated content showcasing the latest products. There is also the benefit of being able to amend content with ease, which is essential for restaurants that frequently change their menus and special offers.
Large Format LED
Large Format LED is the epitome of commercial signage. Think Times Square and Oxford Street – any location that showcases digital signage at the largest scale. This hardware is tailored for advertisers, providing the screen size and visual clarity needed to captivate the masses.
Despite its size, digital signage of this scale still runs the same as it would on touch tablet. Simply create your content on our studio and send it to your screens.
However, digital signage of this size typically requires adequate permissions. Whether that’s acquiring Advertisement Consent from the Local Planning Authority, or conducting site surveys to assure structural integrity, a project of this size is lengthy and complex.
We are more than happy to provide guidance on this process. Get in touch and communicate your interest in large format signage, and we’ll tell you everything you need to know.