Getting started with digital signage can be a transformative step for your business. It's a powerful way to bring in foot traffic, communicate with your customers and increase sales.
However, not many businesses know where to start. We’ll guide you through the decisions you’ll need to make, including how to source your own screens and get them installed. Be aware that some end to end digital signage companies may lock you into expensive finance plans with subpar support, outdated software, and older screens. Stay informed and make the best choice for you.
We'll be covering 3 topics.
Choosing a Display
Purchasing Media Players
Installing Digital Signage Displays
Choosing a Display
You can’t have digital signage without the displays, so this will potentially be the most important decision you make from a hardware perspective.
Commercial Displays vs. Consumer Displays
When choosing between commercial and consumer displays, consider the demands of your use case.
Commercial displays are designed for continuous operation, offering higher reliability and brightness. While they may be more expensive, they are suitable for 24/7 usage, making them ideal for businesses with long operational hours.
Consumer displays, while budget-friendly, may not withstand continuous operation and could have lower brightness levels, making them better suited for intermittent use.
How to Source and Buy Suitable Displays
When sourcing displays, make sure to engage reputable suppliers and manufacturers. Consider purchasing from authorised dealers or directly from the manufacturer to ensure product authenticity and warranty support.
Evaluate customer reviews, product specifications, and warranty terms.
Consider factors like size, bezel thickness, and mounting options based on your space and aesthetic preferences. Brands like Samsung and LG offer commercial-grade displays suitable for various environments. Others, like Android TV and its derivatives, offer convenient, low-cost, and versatile alternatives.
Purchasing Media Players
Media players are what bring your content and digital signage to life by allowing you to play and manage content on your displays. As this so-called “middleman”, choosing a media player is crucial for ensuring the compatibility and functionality you need:
If you decide to go with a consumer display, aim to purchase one that comes with either the Google Play store or the Fire TV built in. With these options you will be able to install the Luna Screens - Digital Signage app without any additional hardware.
If your display does not come with either of these options then you'll need to purchase a media player. We recommend grabbing a 4K Google Chromecast. After plugging in this dongle you'll have access to the Google Play store where you can install our app.
Otherwise search for 'Android media player box' there are many other options that are also suitable, as long as it runs Android, you're good to go.
Tip: China is a manufacturing powerhouse. If you're looking for good prices, websites like Temu and Alibaba can be great options as you are purchasing directly from the manufacturers. Often when purchasing from other sites the actual product comes from the same manufacturers anyway, by using these sites you can cut out the middleman, that said it's a risk trade off from purchasing from a reputable supplier.
Installing Digital Signage Displays
The process of installing displays for your digital signage is a critical step. Whether you choose to undergo a DIY installation or opt for the expertise of professional installers, careful consideration of placement, stability, and visual aesthetics is paramount.
DIY Installation:
This approach gives you total control over the setup process but may be more risky if you don’t have any experience. Here's a step-by-step guide to guide your DIY installation:
Determine Placement: Begin by identifying optimal locations for your displays. Consider factors such as visibility, audience traffic patterns, and the overall aesthetic appeal of the installation.
Prepare Mounting Surface: Ensure the mounting surface is stable and capable of supporting the weight of the display. Use appropriate tools to locate wall studs, providing a secure foundation for installation.
Mounting Bracket Installation: Attach the mounting brackets to the back of the display, aligning them with the VESA (or alternative standard) mount pattern. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to secure the brackets in place.
Wall Mount Installation: Secure the mounting plate to the wall, ensuring it is level for a polished appearance. Lift the display onto the mounting plate, securing it firmly in place.
Connect Cables: Connect power and signal cables with clean and organised cable management. Conceal cables whenever possible for a professional finish.
Power Up: Turn on the display and configure settings as needed. Adjust brightness, contrast, and other display settings for optimal visual impact.
Professional Installation:
Opting for professional installation brings a level of expertise and efficiency to the process, especially for more complex setups. Consider the following pros and cons:
Pros:
Expertise: Professional installers bring more experience and expertise, ensuring that the installation is executed with precision and adheres to industry standards.
Efficiency: Professional installations are typically quicker, minimising downtime and ensuring your digital signage is up and running promptly.
Customisation: Professionals can handle complex installations, such as video walls or interactive displays, ensuring a customised setup that aligns with your specific requirements.
Cons:
Cost: While the investment ensures a high-quality setup, businesses must consider budget constraints.
Scheduling: Coordination with installers may require scheduling flexibility.
Choosing a Contractor
When opting for professional installation, the choice of a contractor is crucial. Here's a guide on how to choose the right contractor for your digital signage installation:
Research: Look for reputable contractors with a proven track record in digital signage installations. Check their portfolio and inquire about their experience with projects similar to yours.
Reviews and References: Check online reviews and ask for references from previous clients to assess the contractor's reliability, professionalism, and the quality of their work.
Quotes: Obtain quotes from multiple contractors, comparing costs and services. Ensure that the quotes provide a detailed breakdown of expenses, including any potential additional costs.
Contract Agreement: Before proceeding, ensure that the contractor provides a detailed contract outlining the scope of work, timelines, and costs. This ensures clarity and avoids misunderstandings during the installation process.
Final Thoughts
There's a couple items you should also be aware of.
Regulatory Compliance and Permissions
Even if you’re deploying digital signage on private property, there may be some limitations. Check applicable lease agreements, property management rules, fire and safety codes, building codes, and content restrictions. You may also want to ensure you follow certain accessibility guidelines.
In public spaces, it’s even more important that you make sure you have the necessary paperwork and approvals:
Local Regulations: Research local regulations governing digital signage placement, size, and content. Non-compliance could result in fines. In some jurisdictions, digital signage is also subject to local broadcasting standards.
Permissions and Approvals: Obtain necessary permissions and approvals before installing digital signage, especially in public spaces. This may involve obtaining permits from local authorities.
WiFi Connection
You will also need an onsite WiFi connection to be able to connect your media player and remotely download content to your digital signage player.
This should give you a good baseline on what's needed to get your digital signage hardware up and running. Head on over to our Supported Hardware page to see how to install our Luna Screens - Digital Signage player app.