What Are The Hardware Requirements For Digital Signage?

There are two key hardware components for digital signage: screens and media players. In this guide, we’re explaining the top considerations to have in mind when choosing these physical components. Your choice could impact the overall performance, longevity and effectiveness of your digital signage campaigns. That’s why it’s important to choose the correct solution from the offset.

The screen will show your content. This can be a TV, monitor or a tablet. Alternatively, a projection can be used.

• Image Quality: LED screens offer a better image quality than LCD screens.
• Screen Size: You may want one small screen, or a large video wall. There’s a screen to suit every space, content type and purpose.
• Location: It’s worth getting a site visit from a digital signage expert to ensure maximum visibility or interaction for your intended audience.
• Durability: Different screens will come with varying guarantees and lifespan estimates. If you’re looking for a screen that will last and bring the most value for the investment, the team at Remark can advise on your options.

The media player is a device that will power your display with the visual content that you create. They work like a traditional computer, but are more compact.

• Software Compatibility: Your choice of media player may depend on the content management system (CMS) you choose. The knowledgeable team at Remark prefers to source solutions that are compatible with most CMS solutions. We can advise on the right media player based on the system you’re currently using or would like to use, whilst also thinking about the future of your business.
  • Top Tip: Choose your CMS first, then your media player.
• Processing Power: How much processing power you require will largely depend on the complexity and scale of the content you want to display. Live data feeds, interactive elements and HD-quality video walls will require a higher processing power. For static images or simple slides a lower processing power will suffice. Our expert team can advise on this.
• Operating System: There are four main operating systems, each at different price points. These include Windows, Chrome OS, Linux and Android. Often the most suitable choice is what you’re most familiar with.
• Connectivity & Remote Control: If you’re looking to connect your content using the internet and would prefer your digital signage to be updated and managed remotely, it’s recommended that you choose a Wi-Fi, cellular, or Ethernet connection.
  • Top Tip: Ethernet offers a reliable, fast connection that can work particularly well when managing multiple digital signage solutions across a large area.
• Storage: If you’re choosing to connect content via a network connection, this won’t be an important consideration. However, if you prefer to connect content via a storage device, such as a USB, SD card or DVD then making sure you have enough storage to display your content will be vital.
• Multi-Screen Capabilities: Some media players can distribute the same or different content across various digital displays. This can make multiple signage solutions easier to manage.

Having just read this article, this may seem like a lot of information to take in. Choosing the hardware is only one component of many when it comes to choosing the right digital signage solution. As well as your media player and screen, you will also need to consider CMS software and computer network solutions.

If you require some consultancy advice from an expert digital signage installer, contact Remark Group today to learn more about how we can help you.