Welcome to the ultimate buyer's guide to digital signage hardware. Even if you’re quite seasoned or just dipping your toes, this guide is comprehensive enough to polish what you already know or get you started. By the end, you’ll be able to make informed decisions that contribute to a signage system that captivates your audience and drives the results you intended.
To be more specific, we’ll cover:
- Various display types, including LCD, LED, OLED, and QLED.
- Explore the latest models from top brands like Sony, LG, and Samsung.
- How to choose the right media player for your needs, from budget-friendly to high-performance options.
- Different mounting solutions for optimal display placement.
- Demystify technical terms.
Key Components of Digital Signage Hardware
Digital signage hardware comprises the following key components:
Displays: Also known as digital signage boards, these are responsible for showing your signage content in a visually striking manner that catches attention. They come in various types, such as LCD, LED, and OLED, and sizes, from small to massive video walls.
Media Players: Media players are the brains of the signage deployment and are responsible for storing and playing content on screens.
Mounting Hardware: This refers to the equipment used to securely and aesthetically place your displays.
Connectivity Components: These include cables and modules that connect the media player to the display and the internet to enable content updates and remote management.
Digital Signage Screens
Flat Panel Displays
LCDs and LED LCDs work by using electric currents to control how liquid crystals between two layers of glass filter the backlight. However, liquid crystals don’t produce their own light, they use cathode or light-emitting diodes(LED) for backlighting. These displays are the go-to if you need a budget-friendly option for indoor displays like menu boards or informational kiosks.
Advantages
- They are more affordable since the initial purchase price and maintenance costs are low.
- LCDs produce high-resolution images even at larger sizes.
Disadvantages
- Slower response time which can result in motion blur or ghosting in fast-moving content.
- Limited viewing angles
OLED displays work based on organic LEDs. Unlike traditional screens that need a backlight, each pixel in an OLED display emits its light, which results in true blacks and vibrant colors. Because of this self-lighting property, OLED screens can be made very thin and flexible enough to achieve creative designs for installation.
Advantages
- High contracts and true blacks are perfect for high-impact visual content like advertisements.
- Fast response time.
Disadvantages
- They are more expensive than LCD and LED, in both initial purchase price and maintenance costs.
- Pixel burnout in static pictures; if static images are left on the screen for too long, it can lead to permanent discoloration. The problem can be prevented by regularly changing content and using a large number of dynamic videos.
- Relatively low brightness
QLED displays take the best qualities from the previous options. In this case, an additional layer consisting of quantum dots that emit light is placed between the LCD matrix and the LED backlight. This technology provides the highest brightness and clarity. QLEDs are ideal in brightly lit environments and where image quality is paramount such as high-end retail stores or art galleries.
Advantages
- Long life span and thus suitable for long-term installations
- Bright and vivid colors for advertising and promotional content
- High brightness levels
Disadvantages
- The price of QLEDs can be on the highest end.
- Since they rely on a backlight, QLED displays cannot achieve the same level of true blacks and infinite contrast as OLED displays.
- Although less prone to burn-in than OLEDs, there is still some risk if static images are displayed for extended periods.
LEDs
LEDs use a vast array of tiny light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to create the image directly, rather than filtering a backlight like LCDs. Each LED is a semiconductor that emits light when an electric current passes through it. By varying the intensity of red, green, and blue LEDs, they can produce a wide spectrum of colors and create the images we see on the screen. These flat-panel displays are widely used for outdoor signage.
Advantages
- LEDs are more energy efficient and consume less power compared to LCDs.
- Faster response times.
- They have a longer lifespan and are more durable in extreme weather and rough handling.
- The installation's design is more flexible since they can be made in various shapes and sizes.
Disadvantages
- The upfront cost of LED displays can be quite high.
- Some LED displays can have limited viewing angles, meaning the image quality may degrade when viewed from the side.
- For very high-resolution requirements, especially for close-up viewing, the pixel pitch (distance between LEDs) can be a limiting factor. Smaller pixel pitches (higher resolutions) are available but are more expensive.
Video Walls
Video walls consist of multiple screens that are tiled together to create a massive, high-impact display. They are perfect for making a statement in lobbies, sports arenas, or large public spaces. The video wall can also be made with a daisy chain connection. A daisy chain setup involves connecting multiple displays in a sequential manner, where the output of one display is linked to the input of the next. This creates a chain-like configuration that allows a single video source to be distributed across multiple screens. The main of setting up your video wall using a daisy chain is that no intermediate third-party devices are needed. Instead, the displays themselves handle the signal distribution, simplifying the overall setup and reducing potential points of failure.
Interactive Touchscreens
Touchscreen displays turn passive viewers into active participants, making them perfect for wayfinding kiosks, self-service checkouts, or interactive exhibits.
Transparent Displays
Transparent displays are quite unique but not that common. They allow viewers to see through the screen while displaying content, creating a futuristic and engaging effect. They are ideal for retail window displays, museums, or product showcases where you want to merge the physical and digital worlds.
Tablets and iPads
While not traditional digital signage screens, tablets, and iPads can be repurposed as interactive displays or used in smaller-scale installations. They are more flexible and easy to use, especially for temporary or mobile signage setups.
The Case for Commercial vs. Consumer Displays for Digital Signage
It’s not unusual to find digital signage deployments comprised of consumer TVs, especially if a business wants to cut down on initial setup costs by using existing hardware. But you have to keep in mind that consumer TVs are not made for the demands of digital signage. They typically have shorter lifespans, and limited warranties, and may lack features essential for digital signage, such as high brightness for outdoor visibility or robust connectivity options.
Your vendor might refuse to provide support or honor warranties if the TVs are used in a commercial setting, leaving you without recourse in case of malfunction. Commercial displays are a much safer and more efficient choice:
- They are built to withstand 24/7 operation
- Commercial displays typically have longer lifespans, often 3-4 times that of consumer TVs.
- They have more robust and varied connectivity options for integration with different systems. That is multiple HDMI ports and the DisplayPort which is less common on consumer TVs, among others.
- Unlike most standard TVs, they can often be used in portrait orientation without issues.
- Extended warranties that cover commercial use, often including on-site service.
- Better color and brightness uniformity across the screen which is important for multi-display setups.
While commercial displays offer these advantages, they do come at a higher initial cost. Typically, commercial displays can be 2-3 times more expensive than consumer TVs of similar size.
However, when considering the total cost of ownership over time, including factors like longevity, reliability, and reduced maintenance needs, commercial displays often prove to be more cost-effective for digital signage applications in the long run.
When it comes down to a choice between the two, keep in mind the viewer experience you want to make and the operating hours because your display of choice will affect the effectiveness of content delivery and the overall impact of the message.
Leaders of Digital Signage Displays
In this section, our focus is on commercial display models designed specifically for digital signage applications. These are professional-grade displays with features and durability tailored to the demands of business environments.
But keep in mind - you can totally start your digital signage project using consumer-grade displays. Many businesses do this to reduce initial costs, especially when testing the waters with digital signage. With that said, let’s explore some of the leading commercial display options:
SONY
In 2023, Sony expanded its BRAVIA Professional Display lineup with several series designed to meet the diverse needs of the digital signage market. These displays combine Sony's renowned image quality with features specifically tailored for commercial environments. Let’s look at them in detail:
- BZ30L Series
Features
- Screen size options: 85", 75", 65", 55", 50”, 43”
- Brightness 440 nits
- Display resolution (H x V, pixels) 3840 x 2160
- Operation time 24/7
- Operating System - Android TV
- Energy-efficient design
- Cost-effective solution
Ideal for: Small businesses, waiting rooms, and information displays.
Price: From $780.00 for 43” to $3200.00 for 85”
- BZ35L Series
Features
- Screen size options: 85", 75", 65", 55"
- Brightness 550 nits
- Display resolution (H x V, pixels) 3840 x 2160
- Operation time 24/7
- Operating System - Android TV
- Slim and light design
- Easy integration with third-party systems
Ideal for: Corporate offices, educational institutions, and hospitality venues.
Price: From $1170.00 for 55” to $4000.00 for 85”
- BZ40L Series
Features
- Screen size options: 85", 75", 65", 55"
- Brightness 650 nits for 85", 700 nits for other screen sizes
- Display resolution (H x V, pixels) 3840 x 2160
- Operation time 24/7
- Operating System - Android TV
- Deep black non-glare coating with high haze and low reflection
- Wide viewing angles
Ideal for: Brightly lit environments, such as shopping malls, airports, and outdoor displays.
Price: From $1320.00 for 55” to $4324.00 for 85”
- BZ50L Series
Features
- Screen super-size option: 98”
- Brightness 780 nits
- Display resolution (H x V, pixels) 3840 x 2160
- Operation time 24/7
- Operating System - Android TV
- Deep black non-glare coating for reduced reflections
Price: around $14000.00
LG
LG Standard Ultra HD LCDs
UL3J-M Series:
Features
- Screen size options: 43”, 50” and 55”
- Brightness 300 nits for 43”, 400 nits for 50” and 55”
- Display resolution (H x V, pixels) 3840 x 2160
- Operation time 16/7
- Operating System - LG webOS 6.0
- IPS panel for wide viewing angles
- Creston Connected compatibility
- Matrix Life: 30,000 hours
Price: From $650.00 for 43" to $1300.00 for 55”
UH7J-H Series
Features
- Screen size options: 43”, 49”, 55” and 65”
- Brightness 700 nits
- Display resolution (H x V, pixels) 3840 x 2160
- Operation time 24/7
- Operating System - LG webOS 6.0
- Conformal coating for protection
- IP5X dust-resistant.
- Matrix Life: 50,000 hours
Price: From $1100.00 for 43" to $1800.00 for 65”
UH5N-E Series
Features
- Screen size options: 43”, 49”, 55” and 65”
- Brightness 500 nits
- Display resolution (H x V, pixels) 3840 x 2160
- Operation time 24/7
- Operating System - LG webOS 6.0
- UHD 4K Resolution
- IPS panel
- Matrix Life: 50,000 hours
Price: From $800.00 for 43" to $2200.00 for 65”
LG Unique Form Factor Displays
Ultra Stretch Series
37BH7N-H
Features
- Screen size options: 37”
- Brightness 700 nits
- Display resolution (H x V, pixels) 1920 x 540
- Operation time 24/7
- Operating System - LG webOS 6.0
Price: from $1 300.00
86BH5F
Features
- Screen size options: 86”
- Brightness 500 nits
- Display resolution (H x V, pixels) 3840 x 600
- Operation time 24/7
- Operating System - LG webOS 6.0
Price: from 5300$
105BM5N-B
Features
- Screen size options: 105”
- Brightness 400 nits
- Display resolution (H x V, pixels) 5,120 × 2,160
- Operation time 16/7
- Operating System - Android 13.0
Price: from $16000.00
LG OLED
55EJ5K-B Wallpaper Display
Features
- Screen size options: 55”
- Brightness 400 nits
- Display resolution (H x V, pixels) 1,920 X 1,080
- Operation time 18/7
- Operating System - LG webOS 4.0
- Ultra-thin (5mm) and lightweight design
- LAN daisy chain is supported
- Matrix life: Up to 30,000 hours
Price: from $5 600.00
55EW5TK-A Transparent Display
Features
- Screen size options: 55”
- Brightness 400 nits
- Display resolution (H x V, pixels) 1,920 X 1,080
- Operation time 18/7
- Operating System - LG webOS 4.0
- Transparent OLED panel with touch functionality - achieves a 33% transparency level
- Supports both landscape and portrait orientation
Price: from $16 250.00
LG Specialized Displays
XE4F-M Outdoor Display
Features
- Screen size options: 49” and 55”
- Brightness 4000 nits
- Display resolution (H x V, pixels) 1,920 x 1,080
- Operation time 24/7
- Operating System - LG webOS 4.0
- Operation Temperature from -30°C to 50 °C
- IP56 weatherproof rating
- Anti-reflection coating
- IK10 vandal-resistant.
Price: $4 500.00 for 49” and $7 000.00 for 55”
XS4J-B Storefront Display
Features
- Screen size options: 49” and 55”
- Brightness 4000 nits
- Display resolution (H x V, pixels) 1,920 x 1,080
- Operation time 24/7
- Operating System - LG webOS 4.0
- Operating temperature from 0°C to 40°C
- Ultra HD
- IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- Automatic brightness adjustment
Price: Around $3 200.00 for 49” and $4 200.00 for 55”
TNF5J-B In-Cell Touch Displays
Features
- Screen size options: 32", 43", and 55"
- Brightness 500 nits for 32" and 43", for 55” - 450 nits
- Display resolution (H x V, pixels) 32” - 1,980 x1,080, for 43” and 55” - 3,840 x 2,160
- Operation time 24/7
- Operating System - LG webOS 6.0
- Interactive touchscreens (up to 10 simultaneous touchpoints)
- Open-frame design for custom installations.
Price: Starting at $1 000.00 for 32" to $2 100.00 for 55”
LG Video Walls
55VSH7J-H Flagship Video Wall
Features
- Screen size options: 55"
- Brightness 700 nits
- Display resolution (H x V, pixels) - 1,920 x 1,080
- Operation time 24/7
- Operating System - LG webOS 4.1
- Ultra-narrow 0.44mm bezel
- Daisy-chain capability for simplified installation
- IPS panel technology for wide viewing angles
- Supports landscape and portrait orientation
Price: $4 000.00
Samsung
QBC Series (Crystal UHD Signage)
The QBC series is designed for businesses seeking an affordable yet high-quality display solution. It offers 4K UHD resolution, dynamic visuals, and essential smart signage features for effective communication.
Features
- Screen size options: 43”, 50”, 55", 65”, 75”, 85”
- Brightness 350 nits
- Display resolution (H x V, pixels) - 3840 x 2160
- Operation time 16/7
- Operating System - Tizen 7.0
- Slim design
- Crystal Display with Dynamic Crystal Color
- Crystal Processor 4K
- Integrated MagicINFO S player
Price: Starting at $700.00 for 43", $1000.00 for 55” to $3100.00 for 85”
QHC Series (Crystal UHD Signage)
The QHC series is the slimmest display in Samsung's UHD signage lineup. It has an ultra-slim design that fits seamlessly into any business environment while delivering stunning 4K UHD resolution and vivid colors.
Features
- Screen size options: 43”, 50”, 55", 65”, 75”
- Brightness 700 nits
- Display resolution (H x V, pixels) - 3840 x 2160
- Operation time 24/7
- Operating System - Tizen 7.0
- Ultra-slim design (28.5mm)
- HDR10+ for enhanced contrast and detail
- Crystal Processor 4K for upscaling lower-resolution content
Price: Starting at $1000.00 for 43" to $3700.00 for 75”
QMC Series (Crystal UHD Signage)
The QMC series has a slim and elegant design combined with powerful performance for various business needs. It delivers vibrant visuals and easy-to-use features for efficient content management.
Features
- Screen size options: 43”, 50”, 55", 65”, 75”, 85”
- Brightness 500 nits
- Display resolution (H x V, pixels) - 3840 x 2160
- Operation time 24/7
- Operating System - Tizen 7.0
- Slim design with narrow bezels
- Crystal Display with Dynamic Crystal Color
- 4K UHD resolution
Price: Starting at $800.00 for 43" to $4700.00 for 85”
Samsung QLED 8K Signage displays
These are large, high-resolution digital signage displays that use Quantum LED (QLED) technology. They are meant for commercial use and can be used in a variety of settings, including museums, art galleries, financial trading floors, control rooms, and high-end retail.
QPA-8K
Features
- Screen size options: 85”
- Brightness 500 nits
- Display resolution (H x V, pixels) - 7680 x 4320
- Operation time 16/7
- Operating System - Tizen 6.0
- Anti-glare technology
- Brilliant picture quality with 100% color volume
- Upscale 4K UHD and Full HD content to 8K resolution.
Price: $9 000.00
How to Choose a Digital Signage Screen?
Location is Important: Where will your screen be situated? If it's outdoors, you need a high-brightness screen (at least 2,500 nits) built to withstand rain, dust, and even the harshest sun. LG's Weatherproof Xtreme series or Samsung's OHF Series are good choices. For indoor use, consider the ambient lighting. A dimly lit cafe might only need 500 nits, while a sun-drenched showroom might need a brighter screen.
Outdoor LED screens are particularly well-suited for large-scale outdoor digital signage due to their modular nature, allowing for customizable sizes and shapes. They provide excellent visibility from a distance, even in bright daylight conditions, and are designed to withstand various weather conditions.
Size: You want to consider your viewers and how far they will be from the screen. A massive screen in a tight space might overwhelm, while a tiny display in a vast hall could be overlooked. The sweet spot is a screen size that ensures your message is easily readable and visually appealing from the intended viewing distance.
Resolution: The sharper the resolution, the more vibrant and detailed your content will appear. 4K is becoming the standard, especially for larger screens. If your budget allows, 8K delivers unparalleled clarity, but don't discount 1080p if your content is primarily text-based.
Connectivity and Content: Signage updates in the past were done using a USB for each display, which was time-consuming and inefficient. But today we have Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity options that enable remote content management.
Budget Wisely: Digital signage is an investment, not just an expense. Factor in the total cost of ownership, including installation, content creation, and ongoing maintenance. Remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best value in the long run.
Digital Signage Media Players
A media player is a compact device, roughly four inches by four inches by one inch, that connects to your TV via HDMI. Once connected, you can link it to the internet through Wi-Fi or Ethernet. This device constantly checks for content updates from the cloud and then downloads and displays them on your screen. This ensures your digital signage always shows the latest information.
.webp)
Cheap Media Devices as Digital Signage Player up to 100$
You can think of this category as consumer streaming devices that are designed for home entertainment for streaming content from popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, or playing local media files. They typically connect to your TV through an HDMI port and can access the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
Consumer media players are not specifically designed for digital signage but they can be adapted for simple setups using specific apps or third-party software. However, they may not handle demanding content like 4K videos or complex animations as smoothly as professional players. Here is a list and you may know some of them:
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
Amazon Fire TV Stick is quite popular and can easily be turned into a digital signage player with the right software. It's affordable, widely available, and supports 4K content for high-quality visuals.
Features
- Supports 4K Ultra HD streaming
- Dolby Atmos audio for immersive sound
- Alexa Voice Remote for easy navigation.
- Wide range of apps and streaming services.
Limitation: Limited storage space (8GB)
Operating System: Fire OS, based on Android
Price: Approximately $50.00
Chromecast with Google TV
Similar to the Fire TV Stick, Chromecast with Google TV is a streaming device that can be repurposed for digital signage. It has a user-friendly interface and supports various content formats.
Features
- 4K HDR streaming
- Google Assistant for voice control
- Personalized recommendations based on viewing habits
- Access to the Google Play Store for various apps.
Limitations: Limited internal storage and might not offer advanced features like remote management.
Operating System: Google TV, based on Android
Price: Approximately $50.00
Xiaomi Mi TV Stick
The Xiaomi Mi TV Stick is a compact and affordable streaming device that plugs directly into your TV's HDMI port, transforming it into a smart TV. It's portable and easy to set up.
Features
- Built-in Chromecast
- Google Assistant:
- Dolby and DTS Surround Sound
- Quad-core Cortex-A35 Processor
- 2 GB RAM + 8GB Storage
- Bluetooth 4.2
Operating System: Android TV 11.0
Price: Approximately $60.00
Affordable Commercial Digital Signage Players and mini PCs up to 200$
Look DS HD-2222 Lite
The Look DS HD-2222 Lite is a great entry-level digital signage player for businesses that need a simple and reliable solution for displaying their content.
Features
- Support for 4K resolution with HDR
- 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage
- H.265 Decoding
- Built-in Wi-Fi Connectivity and Gigabit Ethernet
- Rockchip RK3568 processor
- Passive cooling for quiet operation
- Remote Management Capabilities
- Look firmware for easy setup and use
Operating System: Android-based Look firmware optimized for this device and digital signage application.
Price: $129.00
The Intel Compute Stick
The Intel Compute Stick is a compact, plug-and-play device that turns any HDMI-equipped display into a fully functional computer. It's portable and convenient for business presentations and other digital signage applications.
Features
- Windows 10/Linux Compatible:
- Intel Atom Processor.
- 2GB/4GB RAM
- 32GB/64GB eMMC Storage for storing apps, documents, and media files.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity
- MicroSD Card Slot
- USB Ports
Operating System: The Intel Compute Stick is available with Windows 10 pre-installed or as a barebones model that can be configured with Linux.
Price: Older models can be found for around $100.00, while newer models with more powerful processors and increased RAM/storage may cost upwards of $200.00.
Mid-Level Commercial Digital Signage Players up to 400$
AOpen Chromebox Commercial 2
The AOpen Chromebox Commercial 2 is a powerful digital signage player made for 24/7 operation in commercial settings.
Features
- 4K UHD Support
- Supports up to two 4K displays at 30Hz or one 4K display at 60Hz, making it ideal for multi-screen setups
- Intel Celeron processor for smooth content playback and responsiveness
- Compact and Fanless Design for quiet operation and easy installation
- Features multiple USB ports, HDMI, and Gigabit Ethernet for integration with other devices
- Remote Management
Operating System: Chrome OS
Price: around $300.00
Asus Chromebox 4
The Asus Chromebox 4 is a compact, powerful, and versatile mini PC with a sleek design. It’s powered by the Chrome OS operating system which is ideal for businesses looking for a reliable and easy-to-manage digital signage player.
Features
- 10th Gen Intel® Core™ or Celeron® processors for smooth and responsive performance
- Supports up to three 4K displays through dual HDMI and a versatile USB-C port
- Wi-Fi 6 for fast wireless connections, Gigabit Ethernet for stable wired connections, and multiple USB ports for connecting peripherals
- Compact and Fanless Design
- VESA Mount Compatibility
- Google Play Store Access
Operating System: Chrome OS
Price: starts at $289.00
IAdea XMP 7500
The IAdea XMP-7500 is a powerful media player with 4K capabilities and a wide range of features for enterprise-level digital signage.
Features
- 4K Ultra HD support,
- H.265 decoding, dual HDMI output,
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity,
- 8GB eMMC storage (expandable),
- Android 9.0 operating system,
- Built-in CMS.
Operating System: Android 9.0
Price: Around $349.00
High-class Commercial Digital Signage Devices 400$+
BrightSign XT1144
This flagship model from BrightSign is a powerhouse media player for demanding digital signage applications. It has exceptional processing power, 4K video playback, and a wide range of connectivity options.
Features
- 4K60p video decoding
- HTML5 rendering
- Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi
- GPIO for interactive elements
- Live Text support for real-time data integration
- BrightAuthor: Connected software for advanced content management.
Operating System: BrightSign OS
Price: Around $650.00
Recommendation: Ideal for large-scale deployments, interactive kiosks, video walls, and other high-end digital signage applications that require top-notch performance and advanced features.
iBase SW-101-N
The iBase SW-101-N is a waterproof digital signage player used in both indoor and harsh outdoor environments. It can withstand dust, water, and extreme temperatures, which is ideal for industrial and outdoor applications.
Features
- 1.91GHz Intel Atom Processor E3845 Quad-Core
- Intel HD graphics (Gen 7-LP) 4EU
- Operating temperature of -40°C to 75°C
- Designed for wall mounting
- IP68 rating
- Gigabit LAN port (M12 connector) for wired Ethernet connectivity
Operating system: Win7 32/64-bit, Win8, Win8.1. WEI8.1, WEC 2013, Win10 32/64-bit Enterprise
Price: Around $800.00
AOPEN Digital Engine DE7400
This high-performance media player does well in demanding environments that require exceptional processing power and graphics capabilities.
Features
- Intel Core i5 processor,
- 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD
- multiple video outputs (HDMI, DisplayPort),
- Extensive connectivity options (USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi).
Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
Price: Around $1200.00
Recommendation: Perfect for complex digital signage setups, video walls, interactive kiosks, and data-driven applications that require powerful processing and a familiar Windows environment.
SpinetiX iBX440
The SpinetiX iBX440 is a powerful award-winning professional-grade media player designed to simplify the creation and management of video walls. It’s purpose-built to deliver exceptional performance in demanding commercial environments.
Features
- 4 HDMI outputs for 4x4K video walls at 60 fps
- Intel® Core™ I5-1145G7E processor
- 2x 8GB RAM and 128 GB storage
- Latest-gen Intel Core processor for perfect synchronization across multiple screens
- Compact design for easy installation
- External airflow cooling for dust protection and longevity
- Robust hardware with dedicated OS and CMS for easy setup
- 24/7 operation
- TAA compliant
Operating system: DSOS by SpinetiX
Price: Around $1800.00
How to Choose a Digital Signage Player?
Know Your Content's Demands: First and foremost, you need to consider whether you’re showcasing simple images and text, 4K videos, or interactive elements. The complexity of your content will dictate the processing power and capabilities your player needs. For basic needs, an entry-level player might suffice, but for ambitious projects, you'll want a high-performance player that can handle it all without breaking down.
Consider Your Network Scale and Management: Are you managing a handful of screens in a single location, or do you have a network across multiple sites? The BrightSign Series would be excellent for remote management and content updates. For smaller setups, the IAdea XMP-7300 might be more cost-effective.
Software Matters Too: Don't overlook the importance of software. The right digital signage software can elevate your content, streamline management, and even integrate with other business systems. The good news is that Look CMS checks all those boxes and is compatible with most hardware devices. If you’re worried that it takes too long to learn new software, Look DS has the most gentle learning curve and excellent customer service if you need help.
Future-Proof Your Investment: Technology evolves rapidly, so think about the future when making your choice. A player with expandable storage and the ability to handle emerging formats like 8K will keep your signage relevant for years to come.
Benefits of Commercial Media Players
Stable enclosures: Commercial players often come with rugged, weather-resistant enclosures that protect the internal components from dust, moisture, and temperature fluctuations.
Often have VESA mounts: Professional media players are VESA mount compatible which makes it easy to securely install them on walls, ceilings, or specialized mounts.
Adaptable to work 24/7: These players are engineered for continuous operation, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This means they can handle prolonged usage without overheating or experiencing performance degradation.
Have many inputs: Digital signage players have a wider range of input options compared to consumer devices. This can include multiple HDMI ports, DisplayPort, VGA, or even specialized inputs like SDI for professional video sources. These provide greater flexibility in content sources and easier integration with existing systems.
Higher security: To maintain enterprise-level security, these players come equipped with lockable ports, password protection, and encrypted content playback to prevent unauthorized access or tampering with the content.
Self-cooling systems: Due to their continuous operation, professional players generate heat. To maintain performance and extend their lifespan, they have cooling systems with fans, heat sinks, and liquid cooling in some cases.
Mounting Solutions
Wall Mounts: These are the most common and versatile solutions used for wall installations. They come in fixed, tilt, and swivel options to provide flexibility in viewing angles.
Ceiling Mounts: These come in handy where wall mounting is not possible, such as in open areas or where the walls are made of glass. Ceiling mounts can be adjusted in height and angle for optimal visibility.
Freestanding Mounts: These are standalone structures that can be placed anywhere, often where there’s a need for flexibility in positioning. They are often used in retail environments and trade shows for temporary or movable displays.
Video Wall Mounts: These are specifically made for creating video walls. They allow installation teams to precisely align and integrate multiple screens. They often include features for easy maintenance and adjustments.
Kiosk Mounts: Used for interactive digital signage, these mounts are designed to be stable and accessible for user interaction. You’ll find that most kiosks have unique requirements like printers and card readers, thus kiosk mounts are usually purpose-built to accommodate the size, weight, and functionality of that specific kiosk. You’ll find them in informational hubs, wayfinding systems, and self-service stations.
Outdoor Mounts: Outdoor mounts are weather-resistant and often more robust. They include features like weatherproof enclosures and enhanced security to protect against vandalism and environmental factors.
Articulating Mounts: These mounts offer a high degree of flexibility, for cases where a screen has to be pulled out from the wall, tilted, swiveled, or rotated. They are useful in environments where the viewing angle needs frequent adjustment.
Ceiling-to-Floor Mounts: Ceiling-to-floor mounts are a stylish way to showcase your digital signage. They extend from the ceiling to the floor, providing a secure and visually appealing solution for large displays.
Mobile Carts: As the name suggests, mobile carts make the transport of screens easy. They’re used for presentations, events, and environments where the display needs to be frequently moved.
Performance Terminology Before Buying
1. SOC (System On Chip) / CPU (Processor)
The SoC or CPU is the brain of the media player or digital display, responsible for executing instructions and running applications. A more powerful processor means faster performance, smoother playback of high-resolution content, and the ability to handle more complex tasks like interactive elements and data processing.
2. GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
The GPU handles the rendering of visuals, including images, videos, and animations. A capable GPU is essential for high-quality playback, smooth transitions, and visually rich content.
3. Resolution
Resolution refers to the number of pixels (individual dots of light) that make up the image on a screen. Higher resolutions like 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) and 8K (7680 x 4320 pixels) deliver sharper, more detailed images compared to lower resolutions like 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels).
4. Response Time
Response time measures how quickly a pixel can change from one color to another. Faster response times reduce motion blur and ghosting, making it ideal for displaying fast-moving content.
5. Lifespan
Lifespan indicates the expected operational life of a display. Commercial-grade displays are designed for extended use and typically have longer lifespans than consumer models, making them a better investment for digital signage.
What is the best digital signage hardware option for your Project?
The best digital signage hardware for your project depends on your specific needs and budget. If you're looking for a budget-friendly professional grade option for indoor displays, LED LCDs like those from Sony's BZ30L series (at around $700 43”) and the UL3J-M Series series from LG (at around $800 43”) are a good starting point. For Samsung, the QBC series is more affordable starting at around $700 for the 43-inch version.
For outdoor applications or brightly lit environments, the LG 55XE4F-M is worth considering due to its high brightness and durability. If image quality is important, Samsung's QLED 8K Signage series offers exceptional visuals, although at a higher price point.
When it comes to media players, the choice depends on the complexity of your content and the scale of your network. For simple setups, consumer media players like the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K or Chromecast with Google TV can be adapted for digital signage. However, for more demanding content and larger networks, an affordable commercial-grade player like the Look DS HD-2222 Lite provides superior performance, reliability, and advanced features.
In terms of mounting solutions, the choice is dictated by the location and type of display. Wall mounts are versatile and suitable for most indoor applications, while ceiling mounts and freestanding mounts provide flexibility in specific scenarios. Video wall mounts are essential for creating large-scale displays, while kiosk mounts are designed for interactive touchscreens. For outdoor installations, weatherproof mounts with enhanced security will do the trick.
Conclusion
Choosing the right digital signage hardware is an important step in creating a successful and impactful display. Once you understand the different components, their features, and how they align with your specific needs, you can confidently invest in a system that not only meets your current requirements but also has the potential to grow and adapt as your business evolves. With the knowledge and insights from this guide, you're now well-equipped to navigate the world of digital signage hardware and make choices that elevate your brand and engage your audience.
