Digital Signage Without Vendor Lock-in

tl;dr

What is Digital Signage?

Modern digital signage is a network of public displays which can be in different locations all over the world. Content and screena are controlled remotetly by a web application. You can upload and schedule media, create play reports or maintain the screen devices.

What Advantages has Digital Signage?

Digital signage is able to display dynamic and interactive content, customize and update messaging, deliver targeted messaging to specific audiences, display real-time updates, be energy-efficient, and be cost-effective in the long run. Overall it can be embedded in a digital infrastructre like a CRM or ERP.

How Digital Signage works technically?

To set up digital signage, you will need:
  • a display connected to network capable media player
  • a content and device management system
  • network connectivity
  • content and a publishing concept
  • power source, and possibly mounting equipment
  • measurements of success

Let's dive into some more details.

Display Screens

The display is the visual component of digital signage and can be a TV, monitor, or projector. The size and type of display will depend on the location and purpose of the digital signage.

  • Types: Includes LCD, LED, OLED, and projection screens.
  • Size and Resolution: Depending on the application, screens may vary in size and resolution. Large screens with high resolution might be used in public spaces, while smaller ones may be appropriate for individual retail or information kiosks.
  • Orientation: Can be landscape or portrait, and some screens allow interactive touch capability.
  • Durability: Outdoor screens typically need to be weather-resistant and may require additional features like glare reduction.

Content and Device Management System

This ist the central software that allows you to create, manage, and schedule the content that is displayed. It can be in a cloud or installed on your PC. Modern systems are most web-based.

  • Functionality: The CMS is where content is created, scheduled, and managed. It's the central hub for controlling what's displayed.
  • Cloud-Based vs. On-Premises: Some systems are hosted in the cloud, allowing access from anywhere, while others may be installed on local computers. Both concepts have advantages and disadvantages
  • User Interface: Modern CMSs offer intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces, making it easy for users to compose their content into playlists.
  • Integration API: Important to communicate with other systems to pull in live data, like weather or social media feeds.

Media Player

A digital signage media media player is a device which connects to the screen or in so-called Alli-in-One or SoC devices is a builtin part of the screen. Three compoennets are important.

  • Hardware:At the end it is a small PC and sometimes it is. Low-cost hardware ist most Android based. It should be robust like the screen and should have sensors for temperature to send heartbeats.
  • Software: The installed software on hardware which. The main job ist to get information from the content management and scheduling content, execute orders like reboot. Normally it can run unattended 24/7. Therefore the software must be robust collecting informations like a heartbeat and sending it perodically back to the CMS. If network is unavailable the player will continue working.
  • Compatibility: The media player must be compatible with both the CMS and the display type, supporting the necessary formats and resolutions. SMIL is a free platform independent industry standard to connect players with a CMS.

Network Connectivity

Digital signage networks require a stable internet connection. This can be achieved through wired or wireless connectivity.

  • Internet Connection: Most digital signage systems use an internet connection to receive updates from the CMS.
  • Wired vs. Wireless: Connections can be made via Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi, depending on the setup and location.
  • Bandwidth Requirements: High-quality video and frequent updates may require robust bandwidth and a smart cache handling.

Content

The content is the information and visuals that are displayed on the digital signage.

  • Types: Includes text, images, videos, animations, interactive elements, and live data feeds.
  • Creation: Content can be created within the CMS or imported from other design tools.
  • Scheduling: The CMS allows users to schedule when and where different content will appear.

Power Source

Digital signage will require a power source to operate the display and media player. This can be achieved through a standard electrical outlet or through a battery backup system.

Mounting

Depending on the location and purpose of the digital signage, you may need to mount the display on a wall or other surface using a suitable mounting bracket or stand.

  • Mounting Options: This includes wall mounts, ceiling mounts, freestanding kiosks, or custom installations.
  • Outdoor Enclosures: Outdoor signs may require special enclosures to protect against weather and vandalism.