What is digital signage?
Overview
Let’s start from the beginning. Digital signage is the modern alternative to printed signs. It allows you to send campaigns, menus, sales, announcements and more, live all from one dashboard. Instead of printing posters, you can update content in minutes across one screen or thousands.
At it's core, digital signage requires a few key things:
- Display Hardware
- Media Player
- Software
- Network & Installation
- Content
- Display
The display (usually a screen, TV, commercial panel) is what shows your content in your business. If you have a TV at home, you will know what this is!
You aren't just limited to a screen though, you could also use LED walls, projectors, transparent screens, outdoor screens, touch screens and more.
There are hundreds of variations of displays and TVs on the market, but not all are the same.
We recommend getting a digital signage screen and not a Smart TV as it will be built for purpose. You can read more here: Smart TVs vs. Commercial Grade Screenshere.
Key considerations:
- Screen size and resolution (HD or 4K)
- Brightness (especially for outdoor use)
- Orientation (landscape or portrait)
- Operating hours (16/7 or 24/7)
- Media player built in (System on Chip)
- Warranty
- Media Player
A media player is required in order to run your content management system (i.e. Fusion Signage). The player connects to your screen to display your content. Media players can be either external or internal (often called System on Chip or SOC).
You just need to install the Fusion Signage application on your device and connect it to your account.
There are many operating systems and types of players, but the most common are:
- Android
- ChromeOS
- Brightsign
- Tizen (Samsung)
- WebOS (LG)
- Windows
- Linux
- Digital Signage Software
The digital signage software, otherwise known as a Content Management System (CMS), allows you to publish content to your media players remotely. Fusion Signage is cloud based meaning you can log in via any web browser to access all of your screens from anywhere.
Core Features:
- Content upload and storage
- Content creation
- Playlist creation
- Scheduling
- Screen grouping
- User and permissions management
- Device monitoring
- Reporting and analytics
- Network & Installation
You'll need to get your screens installed and connected to the internet. This is usually completed by a certified reseller, integrator or installer.
Connectivity Options
Provides connectivity between displays, media players, and the CMS. Ensuring you have a stable internet connection will save you a lot of headaches in the future. These are the options available:
- Wired Ethernet
- Wi-Fi
- 4G/5G cellular
- VPN connections
Installation
This will depend on the type of screen you have. A standard indoor digital screen can be mounted like any other TV, however you will need to take into consideration what your wall is made from, whether you need pole mounts, or what access is required.
Outdoor screens may require council approval or engineering certificates prior to installation.
We recommend talking with a digital signage reseller or integrator to assist with installing your solution.
- Content
Arguably the most important part of the solution is what you are putting on your screen. There are lots of content creation tools available (i.e. Canva) which can create amazing content very quickly.
Fusion Signage also has a built in Designer with hundreds of templates ready to go.
If you have a marketing team or creative agency, they will be able to create customised content for your screens.
We support:
- Images
- Videos
- Websites
- PowerPoint
- Canva
- Custom Apps
Always ensure your content is created to the resolution and aspect ratio of your screens. Refer to supported media for more information.