Blogpost was published on November 19, 2024
The world of digital signage has come a long way. Forget clunky servers and complicated network setups – these days, it's all about the cloud! With cloud-based digital signage solutions like Play Digital Signage, you can say goodbye to expensive hardware and hello to streamlined simplicity.
While cloud-based solutions simplify digital signage, selecting the right display is still crucial. This guide equips you with the essential knowledge to make an informed decision.
First things first, let's break down the two main types of TVs you'll encounter: Smart TVs and Regular TVs.
Smart TVs come with built-in media players, essentially like having a FireTV stick integrated into the TV itself. This means you can power it up, connect to Wi-Fi, download the Play Digital Signage app, and get started with your digital signage in just a few minutes…Sounds convenient, right? While that's true, there are some trade-offs. Smart TVs tend to be pricier, and their performance can sometimes be limited when handling demanding digital signage content. Plus, since the media player is built-in, you might be stuck with outdated technology sooner, as TVs generally outlast media players.
On the other hand, Regular TVs are your standard TVs that require an external media player (like a FireTV Stick, Raspberry Pi, Windows PC, etc.) to run digital signage software. This adds an extra piece of hardware to your setup, but it offers greater flexibility and longevity.
Regular TVs are generally more affordable, readily available, and compatible with a wider range of media players. Plus, with proper care, a good quality regular TV can last for 10 years or more.
Beyond the Smart vs. Regular TV debate, the real technical distinction lies in whether you choose a Commercial or Consumer TV. This choice significantly impacts the screen's image quality, brightness, and overall lifespan.
Consumer TVs are designed for home use – watching movies, playing games, and casual viewing. They're optimized for shorter viewing periods and controlled environments. This means they're not ideal for the demands of 24/7 operation in a business setting. Over time, continuous use can lead to color distortion and even dead pixels. Plus, consumer TVs are more sensitive to direct sunlight, which can degrade image quality and shorten their lifespan. Commercial TVs are engineered for the demands of professional environments and are capable of running continuously for extended periods. They're often rated for 12/7, 20/7, or 24/7 operation, ensuring they can handle the rigors of constant use. This durability, combined with higher brightness levels suitable for bright environments and direct sunlight, translates to a longer lifespan and consistently better image quality..
Speaking of brightness, it's a critical factor to consider. Brightness is measured in nits, and the ideal level depends on the environment where your digital signage will be placed.
For dimly lit indoor spaces, 400-600 nits might suffice. But for well-lit areas or places with indirect sunlight, you'll want to aim for 600-1000 nits. And if your screen will be in direct sunlight, you'll need a high-brightness display with 1000-2500 nits.
Summary:Brightness is crucial for digital signage because it directly impacts how well your content can be seen and how effectively it grabs the viewers' attention. In bright environments, like those with sunlight or strong artificial lighting, a dim screen will struggle to compete, making your message practically invisible. Sufficient brightness ensures that your audience can easily read text and see the details in your visuals, regardless of where they're standing. It also plays a vital role in maintaining accurate and vibrant colors, preventing your content from looking washed out and dull.
Think of it this way: a bright, dynamic display acts like a magnet, drawing people in and making them more receptive to your message. Furthermore, higher brightness is essential for continuous digital signage, especially in bright settings, to prevent the screen from overworking and experiencing premature wear and tear. In essence, brightness is like the volume control for your digital signage; it ensures your message is heard loud and clear, making a lasting impact on your audience.
Choosing the right hardware involves a careful assessment of your needs and priorities. Consider your budget, the operating hours, the surrounding environment, and the type of content you'll be displaying. By understanding the technical nuances of different TV options, you can make an informed decision that will ensure your digital signage looks stunning and performs reliably for years to come.
By carefully evaluating your needs and understanding the technical aspects of different TV options, you can make an informed decision that will ensure your digital signage looks its best for years to come
Check out our ‘Find a Player’ guide! Our development team has rigorously tested different TVs, providing performance-based ratings to help you make the best decision.
When setting up your cloud-based digital signage, choosing the right screen is key. While Smart TVs offer convenience, consider their limitations in performance and lifespan, especially for demanding content or 24/7 operation. A regular TV paired with a separate media player might be a more robust and cost-effective solution in the long run. If you need your signage to run continuously, handle bright environments, and resist sunlight damage, invest in a commercial-grade TV.
These displays are built for durability and superior image quality. No matter which type of screen you choose, make sure it's bright enough for its environment to ensure optimal visibility. Finally, pay close attention to the TV's usage rating (e.g., 20/7) and match it to your actual operating hours to maximize its lifespan.
Choosing the right hardware is the first step toward creating a captivating digital signage experience. With Play Digital Signage, you can seamlessly combine high-quality displays with powerful software to achieve your marketing goals.
From engaging content creation tools to advanced scheduling and analytics, Play Digital Signage empowers you to make a lasting impact. Try it for free and see the difference!
Start with our latest and most-read blog posts.
Digital signage has a ton of features that make it such a powerful tool for your business. Here at Play Digital Signage, we continue to add features that we know you need and want.
Today...
Learn More >
Digital signage is a technology that uses screens to display images, videos, texts, web pages, designs, and more. Essentially, anything that you would print on paper can be displayed on digital signag...
Learn More >
In schools and universities, there is a lot of communication that has to happen between the administration, staff, and students for everything to run smoothly on a daily basis. Previously, daily annou...
Learn More >
Digital signage consists of three main components that include a screen, a media player, and software that manages your content. When people think of digital signage, they might only think of pictures...
Learn More >
If you haven’t found what you were looking for here, we still have lots to show you! Check out sample digital signage solutions by industry to see how digital signage fits into your business, case studies from those who have come before you to see how they have taken advantage of digital signage, or reach out to us using the live chat below with any questions you might have!
