Want to learn everything about digital signage? You’ve come to the right place! Also known by its English term Digital Signage, this technology transforms how you communicate via screens with your audience or employees. It has never been easier to broadcast digital content. Whatever your industry and the goals of your communications (engaging employees, boosting sales, informing visitors, etc.), whether you're a beginner or experienced, digital signage adapts to your needs! Find clear information here to implement and maximize the impact of your projects.

Table of Contents :

What is Digital Signage?

Digital signage, also called digital displays, is a powerful communication tool for broadcasting a wide range of content on a network of screens in an automated manner. Unlike traditional printed signage, digital signage allows you to mix various content—images, videos, graphics, etc.—within the same loop. External data can enrich this content, allowing it to stay up-to-date or adapt to external contexts without requiring new human intervention.

What is the purpose of digital signage?

Digital signage allows you to modernize and unify your communication, enhancing your brand image. It also helps attract interest impactfully and improves the experience and engagement of your customers/prospects and your employees.

How does Digital Signage work?

A digital signage project relies on three main components: software, hardware, and the network.

The software (CMS) enables the creation, input, and configuration of all the content to be broadcast.

The hardware includes display screens and, in most cases, broadcasting players. Installing the broadcasting software directly on screens with SOC-Android technology is also possible.

The network allows messages and content to be broadcast via the internet or the client's private network.

How to set up Digital Signage?

Here are a few steps to follow to launch your digital signage project:

  • Define the goal of your project and know your audience.
  • Produce the appropriate content.
  • Choose scalable software that can adapt to your future needs.
  • Define the formats and placements for each display screen.
  • GO! You’re ready to install your screens and broadcast your first content.

Why use Digital Signage?

Digital signage provides a unique experience and ensures an unmatched impact on your communications without requiring complex management.

The CMS allows you to create, centralize, and configure content to broadcast on the desired screens at the right time or frequency. Thanks to integrations with your data, your communications can automatically adapt to external conditions and be updated in real time.

Today, digital screens can be found at most contact points: in businesses, factories, retail outlets, fast-food chains, amusement parks, government offices, train stations, and airports. In this hyper-digitalized environment, digital signage is essential if you don’t want to go unnoticed.

WE CAN ASSIST YOU

Would you like to discuss your digital signage needs?

What Equipment is needed for a Digital Signage Project?

Beyond the software solution, a digital signage project requires players and professional screens. You can also take advantage of screens with SOC-Android technology, which eliminates the need for external players. However, opting for an external player will allow for better performance.

Screens, regardless of their format (totem, interactive kiosk, video wall, etc.), can be standard, LED, or specific screens designed for outdoor use.

What is Digital Signage Software?

A digital signage software enables you to manage the visual design of your content and its scheduling and broadcasting on a network of screens, all in a centralized and remote manner.

Which Digital Signage Software should I choose?

Digital signage software is a prerequisite for any project in this field.

As with many other things, there are free software options. However, be cautious of their limited features and the lack of associated services (training, hotline, etc.). Your project should be designed with future developments in mind to avoid being constrained by limited capacities, whether at the hardware or software level.

Most commercial software is available in two modes:

  • SaaS mode: No installation is required, and it is accessible remotely from any computer. Subscription-based.
  • On-Premise mode: Installation of the solution on a server located within your infrastructure. The solution can be purchased or rented.

What Screens should I choose ?

The type of screen you choose will depend on your project. Indeed, several factors should be considered, such as the frequency of use (24/7 or just a few hours a day?), the desired outcome, including screen size and resolution, and the screen location (Will it be exposed to sunlight or located outdoors? In that case, you’ll need higher brightness and more durability to withstand weather conditions). A digital signage project requires a professional-grade screen suited for this use to ensure its longevity.

What is the Role of Players in Digital Signage?

A player in a digital signage project ensures communication between the digital signage software and the screens. Essentially, while the software allows you to create and configure your communications, the player enables content broadcasting on your screens. A player can be external or integrated into the screen (known as a System on Chip (SoC)).

How much does Digital Signage cost?

When implementing a digital signage project, there are two main investments to consider: hardware and software. For both, you can opt for rental or purchase, depending on the nature of your project. Additional costs may include installation, training, and maintenance. Prices will vary based on the size of your project, the chosen hardware and software, and whether content management is done internally or externally.

Who uses Dynamic Signage?

Initially well-suited for point-of-sale advertising (POS digital), digital signage is now used in nearly all industries. At some point, we all need to communicate with our target audience, whether employees, prospects, customers, visitors, or patients. Today, digital signage networks are managed across various industries, including retail, restaurants (especially fast food), healthcare (hospitals and more), public administration, museums, train stations, airports, corporate settings, and industrial environments.

What multimedia content should be used in a digital signage project?

Digital signage software can manage various formats to ensure maximum project flexibility: images, videos, PDFs, PowerPoints, audio, HTML pages, IPTV channels... Most CMS solutions also offer pre-defined widgets to maximize content customization.

Can Dynamic Signage be used Outdoors?

Digital signage can manage the broadcasting of content across your entire network of screens, wherever they are located, including outdoor screens. Additionally, many screen manufacturers today offer weather-resistant screens that are more durable and provide enhanced brightness to ensure the success of outdoor digital signage projects.

How do you manage screen brightness in digital signage?

By default, and like any screen, you can set your screen's brightness during the initial installation. However, digital signage software can go further by automatically adjusting brightness according to the time of day.

Can Digital Signage be Eco-Friendly?

Yes, digital signage and eco-friendliness can go hand in hand. This concept is known as Green Signage.

While the carbon footprint can never be zero in signage, new options are available to minimize energy consumption through hardware and software. Choosing the right software will help you better manage brightness and power screens off when they are not in use (as opposed to software that simply displays a black screen).

Finally, your digital signage should be designed as an ally in raising awareness among your teams and target audience, helping to promote long-term behavioral changes.

Can E-Paper Screens be used for Digital Signage?

In digital signage, E-ink devices (or electronic ink) are commonly used for small-format price tags. However, new large-format screens featuring this technology are now available, opening up new possibilities for use in public spaces, stores, and businesses. These E-Paper Screens are a must when it comes to Green Signage. They can be integrated into digital signage projects for information that changes regularly but less frequently: opening hours, restaurant menus, wayfinding signs, regulatory information, safety instructions, etc. Digital signage will allow you to control and update content remotely.