What Device is Used for Digital Signage?

Digital signage is an electronic display that uses screens to show dynamic content ranging from advertisements to digital menu boards, wayfinding solutions and other important information. It is a powerful tool for attracting and engaging customers.  

Unlike traditional static signs, digital signage can be easily updated to deliver real-time messaging, keeping content fresh and relevant. This is achieved with a combination of devices, including the display screen, a media player and the software that manages the content.

In this post, we’ll look more closely at the devices used for digital signage made by a signage company in Calgary .

What Device is Used For Digital Signage?

For digital signage to work, two primary devices are used: a display screen and a media player.  The system is completed with specialized software to control and manage the content that appears on the screen.

Let’s examine the components of digital signage more closely:

1. Display Screen: The display screen is the physical monitor that viewers see.  This might be a traditional LCD or LED screen, a touchscreen with interactive capabilities, a large video wall or a commercial-grade screen designed for longer, continuous use.  
2. Media Player:This media player is the device that stores, processes and sends content to the screen.  Essentially, it is the “brain” of the digital signage system.  For the most basic needs, content can be displayed by connecting a USB flash drive directly to a monitor that supports media playback.  Other common media players include external, plug-and-play devices that connect to the display’s HDMI port.  Examples include Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Raspberry Pi.  Some “smart” displays have the media player and software built directly into the screen, simplifying setup.
3. Digital Signage Software – A digital signage setup typically requires a web-based software to function, known as a content management system (CMS).  The CMS allows you to create, manage, schedule, and deploy content to the media player from a central location.

How Do You Update Content on Digital Signage?

There are two main ways to update digital signage, including:

1. Manually with a USB drive: This method is ideal for standalone displays.  It is possible to update many signs at once by using a separate USB for each, but it requires a physical trip to each screen and may not be practical for frequent, real-time changes.  You must first place the USB flash drive into a computer and save the media file before inserting it into the digital signage player.  You can select the files you want to display using the on-screen menu or connected remote.

1. Remotely with a Cloud-Based Content Management System: A CMS is the most powerful method for managing content across multiple digital displays.  With it, you can log in from any web-enabled device to create and modify content, set up schedules and playlists, and select which screens to update.  

Talking to a reputable signage company can help you select the right digital signage device and software based on your specific goals and content needs.  For more information, contact us today at National Neon Signs.