What is digital signage ?

1. Introduction to Digital Signage

Definition and Basic Principles

Digital signage refers to the use of digital screens to display changing visual content, often programmed and updated via content management software. Unlike static signage, digital signage allows for attention-grabbing messages that are varied, engaging, and contextually relevant.

History and Evolution of Digital Signage

Digital signage has evolved with the rise of digital technology. Initially limited to simple display boards in the 1990s, it has gradually expanded to include high-resolution screens, sophisticated software, and connected networks that enable centralized content management.

2. Components of Digital Signage

Screens and Display Devices, Digital signage players

Screens are the core of any digital signage system. They come in various sizes, resolutions, and types (LED, LCD, OLED) and are often placed in strategic locations to maximize visibility. Display devices also include media players, computers, or Raspberry Pis that drive the content being shown.

Content Management Software

Content management software allows you to create, schedule, and display content on the screens. These tools often offer advanced features like message scheduling, real-time data integration, and campaign performance analytics.

Communication Networks

Communication networks (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, 4G/5G) are essential for connecting screens to the content management software, allowing for instant content updates, no matter where the screens are located.

3. Benefits of Digital Signage

Real-Time Communication

One of the main advantages of digital signage is the ability to broadcast real-time information. This allows businesses and institutions to quickly respond to events or communicate urgent messages.

Flexibility and Content Customization

With digital signage, content can be easily modified to suit different occasions, audiences, or times of day. This flexibility enables more targeted and relevant communication.

Interactivity and Customer Engagement

Some digital signage systems allow for direct interaction with the public through touch screens or QR codes, increasing engagement and customer involvement.

Enhanced User Experience

By offering clear and engaging information, digital signage enhances user experience, whether it's customers in a store, passengers at an airport, or visitors at a museum.

4. Applications of Digital Signage

Retail and Point of Sale

In stores, digital signage is used to promote products, announce special offers, or simply create an ambiance that matches the brand.

Education and Training Sector

In schools and universities, digital signage can be used to broadcast practical information, upcoming events, or safety messages.

Doctor dentist or medical office waiting room

Creating a welcoming atmosphere in a waiting room contributes to the well-being of visitors and patients. Digital signage can educate, inform and possibly calm before a medical procedure.

Hospitality and Catering

Hotels and restaurants use digital signage to inform guests about available services, display digital menus, or promote special offers.

Town hall, administration

n the waiting room or entrance hall, a digital signage is essential for a town hall or administration, it allows various information to be disseminated concerning: visitor orientation, legal documents, communication on local events or internal organization (timetables, appointments, etc.).

Garage waiting room

Digital signage allows you to present your dealership, broadcast maintenance advice, present the services of your auto garage, broadcast promotional videos of your new vehicles.

Transportation and Public Spaces

In stations, airports, and other public places, digital signage informs travelers about schedules, delays, and safety information.

Businesses and Offices

n a professional setting, digital signage can be used for internal communication, by broadcasting important information for employees, legal display, the cafeteria menu, company committee offers or displaying company KPIs in real time.

Factories, workshops and production sites

In a production environment, digital signage allows the volume produced or information relating to current production to be displayed at any time, by broadcasting important information for workers, or by displaying KPIs in real time, often available on the production server. A simple web page to refresh allows operators on the production line to be informed.

Church or religious institutions

Displaying mass times, upcoming events or simply a beautiful, comforting image, digital signage is a modern way to communicate while respecting traditions.

5. How to Implement a Digital Signage System

Choice of equipment and software

The first step is to select the right displays and management software that fits your specific needs. It is important to choose reliable hardware and software that offers the necessary features for effective content management.

The digital signage player

The digital signage player is a box that plugs into a screen to display multimedia content. Linutop has developed its own digital signage software to help businesses modernize. This software can be used on a Mini PC or with a Raspberry Pi. This software is called Linutop Kiosk player. It is usually sold with its own operating system Linutop OS.

The digital signage player: Linutop Kiosk player is represented by its logo logo : an arrow with a black outline framed by an orange rectangle. The software has many features such as adjusting the display time of each file: photos, videos, web pages, PDFs.

By combining the Linutop Kiosk player with its Linutop OS operating system, your digital signage system will operate 24/7 24 / 7 and its configuration will be simplified.

Multi-screen Digital Signage management

Content Design and Management

The content should be designed to be clear, attractive, and relevant to your target audience. Good content management involves planning messages in advance and updating them regularly to maintain audience interest.

Installation and Maintenance

Installing screens and setting up the management system should be done by professionals to ensure optimal operation. Regular maintenance is also essential to ensure the system's longevity.

6. What are the costs of digital signage?

Free digital signage?

A simple TV screen with a USB key can act as a digital signage, but updating the content can be time-consuming and an automatic update for several screens presents a real gain. There is an incompressible cost which is that of the screen, it is necessary to add a player (around €200 to €300 excluding VAT) with its software and possibly a server to facilitate management.

Cost of on-site digital signage

Software cost (player + Linutop server) €275 excluding VAT per screen.

Cost of digital signage

Software cost (Linutop kiosk player) €79 excluding VAT and TV service €96 excluding VAT per year per screen.

7. Conclusion

Digital signage is a powerful tool for capturing attention, communicating effectively, and enhancing user experience. Whether in retail, education, transportation, or business, it offers endless possibilities for tailoring messages to context and audience. Technological advancements, such as AI and IoT, promise to make this tool even more indispensable in the coming years.