Digital Signage - Choosing the Best Video Distribution Technology

Digital Signage: An Overview Digital signage is the use of digitally powered signs (such as plasma display panels, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), kiosk stations, computer monitors and normal televisions) to replace and enhance traditional media. Digital signage is revolutionizing the media and information industries by allowing the central and rapid update of content and its immediate delivery to specific audiences in specific locations. Components of Digital Signage The components needed for a digital signage system include: An authoring console, equipped with content management software, allowing the definition of content in a variety of playback formats. A server, to which finished content is uploaded and from where it is distributed to different displays in the network. A distribution infrastructure, consisting of a data network or fiber optic or CAT5 cable, which broadcasts media from the server to the displays. Digital signage displays, which can be plasma displays, LCD monitors, CRT monitors, or kiosk stations. Benefits of Digital Signage Digital signs have already brought significant benefits to businesses and media vendors alike: Attention grabbing advertising A digital sign brings innovation and movement to previously static media locations, and has the power to get customers' attention, making it a particularly effective form of advertising. Real-time advertising and information Digital signage allows advertising and information to be updated on the fly from one remote authoring station and broadcast immediately to audiences regardless of location. Relevant audiences With digital signage, advertising focuses on the best potential customer: an existing one. Supermarkets have already found that current customers are more likely to purchase products advertised on their digital signs. Cost savings Every time digital signage users change their message or campaign, they save on printing costs and processing time. Profit center opportunities Businesses can create instant profit centers by selling advertising time on their digital signs to customers or suppliers. DIGITAL SIGNAGE Uses of Digital Signage It is not surprising that, with all the benefits of digital signage, there are so many uses for it worldwide. They include: Advertising networks In-store advertising Interactive kiosks Tradeshow displays Corporate identity branding Electronic menus and lobby displays Branch office communication Campus bulletin boards Community bulletin boards Arrival and departure schedules Franchise communication systems Emergency announcement systems Corporate communication systems Back office employee training Digital Signage Distribution Technology: