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: