Digital signage – understanding technical explanations & technical terms | Whitepaper highlights & tips

Digital signage refers to the use of digital display systems such as screens or projectors to present information, advertisements, or other content in public environments.

This technology is commonly used in stores, train stations, airports, and hotels to communicate visually engaging messages.

The main advantage of digital signage lies in its flexibility and efficiency. Content can be updated and adjusted quickly, making it ideal for time-sensitive information or offers. In addition, digital displays are often more engaging and can be designed to be interactive, which attracts viewers' attention more effectively and enhances communication..

Digital signage typically consists of the following technical components:

1. The display / screen

These can be LCD or LED screens, large-screen projectors, or interactive kiosks.

2. A media player

A hardware device or software program that plays back content on the display devices.

3. Software (CMS)

A software platform through which content is uploaded, managed, and distributed to the display devices.

4. Network connection

Systems are often connected via a network (LAN, Wi-Fi, or mobile) to remotely update and manage content.

These components work together to enable flexible and dynamic content presentations.

For use in a digital signage system, a display should meet several specific requirements:

1. High brightness and good readability

The display should be easily readable even in brightly lit environments or direct sunlight. Typical brightness levels are above 500 cd/m² (Candela per square meter).

2. Robustness and weather resistance

Displays used outdoors or in high-traffic areas should be impact-resistant and weatherproof. They may also feature a special coating to protect against vandalism.

3. Continuous operation (24/7)

Many digital signage displays are designed for continuous operation, ensuring reliable performance around the clock.

4. Network capability

The display should have built-in network features (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) for seamless integration into the content management system.

5. Resolution

Depending on the application, high resolution may be necessary to ensure clear and detailed content display.

6. Interactivity

For specific applications like information kiosks, touchscreen interaction capability may be required.

7. Energy efficiency

To keep operating costs low, displays should be energy-efficient, especially during continuous operation.

Our BOE/LG Displays

Refers to displays from manufacturers BOE or LG, globally renowned for their high-quality screen technologies.

The Casing

Constructed from steel and technopolymer for high stability and durability.

The Glass Front

Equipped with tempered, anti-reflective laminated safety glass (VSG) for enhanced visibility and resistance to impact and breakage.

IP Protection Rating

Protected according to IP standards, indicating the display's suitability for specific environmental conditions such as dust and water.

Our digital signage products are available in different IP protection classes to meet various environmental requirements:

IP44:

Protection against solid objects ≥ 1 mm and splashing water from all directions.

IP55:

Protection against harmful dust ingress and water jets (nozzle) from any direction.

IP65:

Complete protection against dust ingress and protection against water jets from any direction (nozzle).

Monitor Size in Inches

Describes the screen diagonal in inches, a common unit for screen size.

Brightness in Candela

Brightness ranges from 350 to 3000 candelas per square meter, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions.

Resolution

Ranges from HD to 4K, with higher resolutions providing sharper and more detailed images.

Full HD (Full High Definition) 1920 x 1080 pixels:

Often referred to as 1080p, this resolution offers excellent image quality for television and movies and is the most widely used.

Ultra HD (UHD): 3840 x 2160 pixels

Also known as 4K, this resolution offers four times the pixel count of Full HD, enabling extremely sharp and detailed images.

Contrast Ratio

Contrast ratios range from 1300:1 to 4000:1, describing the difference between the brightest and darkest parts of the image.

Display Colors

Capable of displaying 16.7 million colors, enabling realistic and vibrant color reproduction.

Color System

Supports PAL, NTSC, and SECAM, international color systems for video playback.

Viewing Angle

Horizontal and vertical viewing angles of 178 degrees allow clear viewing from almost any direction.

Operating System

Selectable with Android 7.0 to 11.1 or a PC-based Windows system with various Intel processors, providing flexible software options.

Ports

Multiple ports including USB 2.0/3.0, HDMI, VGA (PC only), audio, and microphone for extensive connectivity.

Internet

Connectivity via LAN Ethernet and Wi-Fi for network access and online features.

Power

Power consumption ranges from 100 to 480 watts at AC 100-230 V depending on display size.

Signals

Connection via RJ45 and Wi-Fi for network communication.

Operating Hours

Manufacturer-rated display lifespan up to 50,000 hours.

Operating Temperature

Operational in temperature ranges of -0°C to 40°C or -20°C to 50°C, depending on the model.

Audio

Equipped with two 5-watt speakers for audio playback.

Certifications

CE (Conformité Européenne):

Indicates compliance with applicable European safety, health, and environmental protection standards.

CCC (China Compulsory Certificate):

A mandatory safety mark for many products sold or imported in China to ensure compliance with Chinese safety standards.

FCC (Federal Communications Commission):

Indicates that the electronic device complies with electromagnetic interference limits in the USA.

RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances):

This directive restricts the use of certain hazardous materials in electrical and electronic devices.

Warranty

Provides a 12-month manufacturer's warranty for the product.

A media player for digital signage is a specialized device or software designed to play digital content such as videos, images, and text on screens and displays. These players can either be physical hardware boxes connected directly to the displays or integrated software solutions running on the displays themselves or connected computers.

They enable centralized management and content updates over networks, allowing flexible and timely adjustment to advertising and information needs.

A media player is always delivered as standard at W.P. highlights.

Our digital signage software is a modern, cloud-based solution that includes an integrated editor and monitor player. It allows users, regardless of their location or operating system, to design and manage their displays attractively.

Content control and management are made simple and convenient through the Google Chrome browser, enabling access over the internet. This provides great flexibility in handling and updating advertising and information displays.

Additionally, each project includes a free version of the software, allowing new users to test functionalities without an immediate investment.

Digital signage systems: Indoor vs. Outdoor

Indoor (IP44):

Brightness:

Moderate, optimized for well-lit indoor environments.

Protection:

Against solid objects ≥ 1 mm and splashing water from all directions.

Temperature Management:

No special climate control required.

Outdoor (IP65):

Brightness:

High, readable in direct sunlight.

Protection:

Complete protection against dust ingress and water jets, weather-resistant against rain, snow, and frost.

Temperature Management:

Controlled climate conditioning to protect against heat in summer and frost in winter.

Our digital signage enclosures are constructed from robust steel with fronts made of tempered glass.

Optional:

Front glass made of VSG for IK10 impact resistance

Upon request, we can equip the fronts with VSG glass for IK10 impact resistance to ensure even higher protection against vandalism.

Remote monitoring

Options for monitoring local settings and querying respective functions and status.

Temperature monitoring

Two temperature detection points and one cavity temperature detection point ensure optimal temperature conditions.

Humidity and smoke detectors

Environmental humidity testing and a smoke detector with automatic shutdown protection for additional safety.

Water level alarm

Automatic shutdown protection to prevent water damage.

Explosion-proof alarms

Two alarms (high and low sensitivity) adjustable remotely.

Access control alarm

Monitors unauthorized access.

Brightness monitoring

Monitoring brightness of two LCD screens, adjustable individually.

Low-temperature heating control

Starts and stops heating according to actual conditions.

High-temperature protection

When reaching the preset protection temperature, the backlight and motherboard power automatically shut down until the temperature decreases.

Backlight control

Adjustable brightness and timer function for the backlight.

Skew detection

Detection of skewing.

These comprehensive measures ensure that our digital signage systems are not only protected against vandalism but also operate reliably and safely.

Mounting on flat surfaces or on the wall:

Our digital signage displays can be mounted on a flat surface or on the wall. Ensure that the ventilation outlets are not obstructed and sufficient circulation is maintained for cooling the device. Also, avoid direct sunlight exposure to optimize visibility and extend the device's lifespan.

Building permit for digital steles in outdoor areas:

Digital steles occupying an area of 1 square meter or more require a building permit in public spaces. These steles are mounted either on a visible or underground foundation.

Foundation planning and necessary connections:

A detailed foundation plan with all necessary connections will be provided upon delivery. This ensures correct and secure installation of the digital signage steles.

Optional: Structural engineering for building permit:

Upon request, we can also provide structural engineering calculations for your building permit, subject to an additional charge.

These comprehensive installation and planning services ensure that your digital signage displays are installed safely and effectively.

 Service, Installation, and Support for Digital Signage Displays

Service:

We offer comprehensive planning for digitizing information processes. Our service includes regular maintenance and checks to ensure that your systems are always up to date and operational. Our team is available to assist with any technical questions and ensures that any issues are resolved quickly and efficiently.

Upon request and for an additional fee, we prepare the building application including static calculations for submission.

Development of Brand TV:

According to your specifications, we create a customized Brand TV with templates and a Linked Data concept integrating blogs, social media, and DPA news.

Installation and Commissioning:

Our Digital Signage displays are installed and commissioned on prepared foundations in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

Support:

Our support team is always ready to assist you. Through our Digital Signage support page, we offer short, free instructional videos for training. These videos cover all important aspects of using and managing your Digital Signage system. Additionally, we provide telephone and email support to promptly assist you with technical questions and issues.

With our comprehensive service, installation, and support offering, we ensure that your Digital Signage displays are securely installed, optimally operated, and well-supported at all times.

Comprehensive Planning

We offer comprehensive planning for digitizing information processes. Our service includes regular maintenance and checks to ensure that your systems are always up to date and operational. Our team is available to assist with any technical questions and ensures that any issues are resolved quickly and efficiently.

Upon request and for an additional fee, we prepare the building application including static calculations for submission.

Development of Brand TV

According to your specifications, we create a customized Brand TV with templates and a Linked Data concept integrating blogs, social media, and DPA news.

Installation and Commissioning

Our Digital Signage displays are installed and commissioned on prepared foundations in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

Technical and Content Support

Our support team is always ready to assist you. Through our Digital Signage support page, we offer short, free instructional videos for training. These videos cover all important aspects of using and managing your Digital Signage system. Additionally, we provide telephone and email support to promptly assist you with technical questions and issues.

With our comprehensive service, installation, and support offering, we ensure that your Digital Signage displays are securely installed, optimally operated, and well-supported at all times.