Part I, The Basics of Dynamic Digital Signs:

LED Electronic Message Center Signs and LCD digital signage.

Here we are discussing the basics DSA LCD signs displays, players, and software

Basics:

• Hardware, Monitor, Player, and Mounts.
• Software:  Arrange and Manage Content
• Connectivity: Manage remote, update immediate, can be hardwired or Wi-Fi.
• Content Design:  Need to have great initial design and layout.  Content must be kept fresh.  This can be done with in-house graphics department or 3rd party content manager.
• Operations: Installation of System and maintenance, short and long-term
• Business:  ROI, Savings, Revenue

Common Applications:

• Restaurants
• Bars
• Fast Food
• Museum
• Aquarium
• Art Exhibits
• Theaters
• Buildings:  Lobbies, Board Rooms, Commercial Spaces
• Medical:  Waiting rooms
• Institutions:  Colleges, Universities, Government.  Directories, Information and Advertisement.

Basic Questions to determine the type of system

• Why go Digital?
• What are the project goals?  Today, 1 year, 5 years, 10 years.  This will help determine the right software solution.
• Who are the stakeholders:  Marketing / IT.  Are they working together?
• Who is creating and updating Content?
• What content and how is it to be displayed?
• Where is the best location of the Digital Signs?
• Where is the player to be located?  Player integrated into or in close proximity to display monitor will save $$$.  Remote players and cables are expensive.
• What training is required and who is the trainer?
• How many signs in the future.

Commercial grade displays

• Orientation: Portrait and landscape
• Runtime: 24/7 or 16/7.
• Wider viewing angle
• Robust frames and better glass.
• Less image burn issues.
• Run cooler, added fans.
• Better Warranties:  3 years with the better response team.  You will void the warranty of a consumer tV used in a commercial application.
• Added Attributes:  extra brightness, touch screen capabilities, number and kinds of connectors (HDMI, VGA, RSS, DVI).

Trends

• Outdoor
• 4K digital signage:  Next level of high def. 4 times better.
• Augmented Reality Technology:  Actual to virtual
• Analytics Driven Signage
• HTML5 for content:  Latest version of HTML website, future content integration easier.
• Live Video
• Tablet technology
• Interactive digital signs
• Automated/Intelligent retail and vending

Network Options

• Stand-alone:  direct to SD card
• Local Area Network
• Simple file sharing, internet connected.
• Cloud: requires a service contract.

Concludes Part I