Nearly everywhere you go on a modern high street TV screens are being used for advertising and information. From store windows to screens in shopping malls, train stations and even outdoor digital signage – this modern new medium is taking hold over many of the traditional advertising sectors.
But what exactly is digital signage and what can it be used for?
Definition
Digital signage, digital advertising, digital out of home, electronic billboards and digital posters are all terms for the same thing; the use of TV screens for out of home advertising or information.
Their use is also prolific with everything from fast food restaurants using digital signage menu boards to our roadsides now littered with outdoor digital signage screens.
In summary, digital signage is just the use of TV screens for advertising or information but how does it work?
There are really two aspects to a digital signage campaign – the hardware and the software.
Hardware
The hardware required for digital signage is fairly simple; a TV screen for displaying your content on and a media player or small PC to upload it. Any type of standard or commercial grade screen can be used as a digital signage display.
There are other considerations for hardware. For instance, if the display is to be placed outside then a good outdoor LCD enclosure will be required to protect the screen from the rigours of the elements. But similar protection should also be considered for screens left unsupervised as damage from deliberate and accidental impacts are quite common.
Software
The software used for digital signage is responsible for the content playback and management. There is a wide choice of different software applications too. Some more sophisticated systems are used by third party advertising companies who generate content for clients. However, simpler software systems can enable almost anybody to create their own digital signage content for uploading.
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