Essential Guide to a Digital Signage Network

Digital signage is everywhere.

We’ve all seen large advertising billboards in and outside of shopping centres, no matter where we are in the world. But, this is just one example of digital signage, there are hundreds more. Almost every country across the globe, in a multitude of different industries, has some form of digital signage in their big cities.

In recent years, digital signage boards and advertisements have proven effective marketing channels that help display key messages and promotions to mass audiences. If you want to get your message across, digital signage is a great way to go about it. This is because the graphics displayed on the billboards catch our eye. They are effective at getting their message(s) across to us in just a handful of words.

Digital signage is typically found in public spaces, such as in waiting rooms and lobbies, libraries, bus stops and more. Throughout your life, you have probably seen lots of different examples of digital signage in operation, from digital menus in restaurants to queueing systems in waiting rooms or advertisements at bus stops.

What is a digital signage network?

A digital signage network is concerned with the creation and management of multimedia content (such as images, videos, news and web content) through one or more displays. The network consists of a series of digital signs that either display images or video to a select audience. The videos or images shown on the signage can be for informational purposes or advertising; this is very much dependent on the industry and company’s intended use. The main purpose and use of a digital signage network is to disseminate and present information and content.

The digital signage network can be used in multiple different locations with various different functionalities, such as the ability to update the display content remotely.

Where to use a digital signage network?

The ideal placement for digital signage, particularly if you want to use it for advertising purposes, is a location with heavy foot traffic and there is a reason for people to slow down. That short pause where people have slowed down, allows them to take a moment and observe your digital signage advert.

A digital signage network is often used by marketing and advertising agencies to operate a fleet of signs across multiple locations. The agency will then manage the display screens and deploy the advertising content across them. Typically, companies will pay a fee to have their advertisement displayed across those display screens.

Using a digital signage network

All sectors use some form of digital signage network, including cinemas, hotels, petrol stations, cafes and restaurants, shops and stores, and many more.

If you would like to use a digital signage network, then you need to invest in both the hardware and software that will make screen management as simple as possible. For multiple locations, you’ll need to be able to manage the devices remotely. Therefore, the digital signage hardware you need will have to be reliable, secure and intuitive.

Digital signage software - will enable you to manage your display screens and schedule content. It is best to invest in software that is both easy to use and robust with the ability to work across multiple screens and across a variety of different scenarios. Another must-have is the functionality to be able to manage the content of your digital signage screens remotely.
Digital signage media player hardware - this device will run your digital signage software and push the content onto the display screen. For each display screen, and depending on what you want to display and how much power it requires, you will need at least one digital signage device in the network.

For example, if you’re looking to install a video wall controller then this may require two output players to drive the one screen display, alternatively, you could use two screens and one player. What combinations are required are very much dependent on what you want to show on the display and how much computing power it will need to drive one screen.

Take a look at the full range of digital signage hardware available at AOPEN, from media players to panel PCs and all-in-one PCs, box computers, mini PCs and more.

We also supply a variety of different accessories, including mounts, stands, peripherals to better facilitate your digital signage network needs.

What are the objectives of a digital signage network?

Before creating a digital signage network, it is important to set your objectives. Ask yourself, what do you want to achieve with these displays? Here are some examples of the different objectives you can achieve by implementing a digital signage network for your project, campaign or business.

Inform
Update content in real-time
Reduce waiting time
Provide attractive visual content and displays
Decrease on printing costs
Create effective advertising space
Promote different brands

When your objectives have been defined, you can then think about what type of displays you want to use and the locations of where to implement your digital signage.

Before installation across multiple locations, it is worth checking with local agencies about the different standards and regulations necessary for the signage you’d like to implement.

What are the advantages of using a digital signage network?

There are a number of different benefits of digital signage networks, from reducing print costs and transportation to endless possibilities with graphic design and opportunities for more effective branding.

If you’d like to find out more about digital signage networks, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert team who can help you through the process.

We hope that this guide will help you to gain a better understanding of the industry and act as a starting point to assist you with implementing a digital signage network solution for your business.

Other resources you might find useful:

Contact AOPEN Computers

Interested in using digital signage or installing a digital signage network for your business? Then contact AOPEN today. We manufacture an array of digital signage hardware, perfect for creating a digital signage network. Call us today at +31 (0)73 646 6400, or email us at request@aopen.com and we’ll be in touch with you shortly.