What is digital signage?

At a simple level digital signage is the technology which allows fixed signs, posters or adverts to be replaced by instantly changeable, multi-media information points.

Digital signage is an information or advertising medium where delivery to the customer (you and me) is by digital means,  typically a computer generated screen (and possibly some sound) where the content can be changed very quickly and easily, or perhaps a CD or DVD player, or even an iPod.  Digital signage differs from conventional posters in several significant ways:-

1. Images can be animated; moving images capture and, in general terms, retain our attention far more effectively than static posters.
2. Images can be accompanied by sound, which again can attract our attention in a way in which the silent poster cannot.
3. The message can be changed very quickly and easily and can offer a more economical long term solution than posters.
4. Digital images stay bright – they do not fade like printed matter can.
5. Digital signs can be interactive – touchscreen technologies can mean that a world of information is accessible to anybody from anywhere.

What are some examples of digital signage?
Airport and station displays, sometimes accompanied by announcements, are probably one of the most visible common digital signage solutions.

Shop window displays, either by projection or directly onto a large screen.

Advertising hoardings - advertising through neon has produced some iconic images which have helped to build some of the world’s biggest brands. Display technologies now mean that messages can be changed at any time rather then be permanently fixed.

Shopping Mall and store information booths – these can be used in many different ways, for instance Mall wide messages such as special offers can be broadcast or department specific adverts can be run easily from a central location.

How do I create digital signs?
At base level, you can make a presentation on a computer, turn the screen to face the public, run the presentation and voila – you have a digital signage system. The addition of a larger, higher quality screen or projector and possibly some sound is the next logical step, and then you might think that a more complex and interesting program would be nice, so perhaps you will shop for a software package which will show movies and pop-ups along with good sound quality. You will need a lot of processing power to run the new programme, and a very well specified video card to provide the output, at which point you realize that the PC you started out with wasn’t up to the job in the first place.

So what is the best place to start?
Digital signage is all about the end result. The first bridge to cross is the environmental one – what do you want to display, in what conditions (how much space do you have, are there weather considerations, how much room do you have?)

To find out more, please call one of our consultants on 01722 435625 or
email sales@fcit.eu