OVERVIEW
Finding the right hardware for your business can be a confusing realm of the digital signage industry. Depending on what your objectives are, you’ll hear all sorts of recommendations about the type of equipment you’ll need. This can range from screens to PCs and other forms of media players. In this article, we’ll break down exactly how all these facets come together and what you should look for when selecting your hardware. Want to learn more and try digital signage yourself? Click here to sign up for a free demo, today!
MEDIA SCREENS
One of the first things people will think of when they start considering digital signage is what kind of screen they will want or use. As with everything, it all comes down to how you plan to use it. For typical digital signage means, such as promoting announcements, calendars, events, and other marketing materials, a 42” LED, LCD, or OLED screen is recommended. The size of these models ensures they are big enough to catch the eye of most pedestrians, but compact enough to fit in most office spaces.
However, perhaps you’re aiming for a bigger, bolder approach with your displays. Through digital signage, you can connect multiple screens at once to display one image to create video walls. If this a route you are considering, you’ll want to invest in 55” screens and possibly even 4k models. No matter what, you’ll want to ensure all your displays are at least full HD, but 4k tends to look better on bigger displays. Ultimately, however, this comes down to preference.
Finally, there are vertical displays. These displays are usually found within kiosks and are meant to serve a specific purpose. For example, many colleges and universities will use vertical displays to provide wayfinding information and tools to visitors. Restaurants such as Mcdonald’s are using touchscreen kiosks to introduce an interactive element to their signage. However, vertical displays are not just restricted to these kiosks. Interactive screens can be purchased and implemented in much of the same way horizontal displays are. You will just have to consider the orientation of your content when streaming to these screens.
PLAYERS & PCS
When it comes to selecting the PC or player that will stream your content, there are countless options. While all of these pieces of hardware are capable of streaming content, some come with additional features that give you some added flexibility. Below, we detail our top choices.
BrightSign
- REACH is an approved and recommended partner with BrightSign media players. Provide a digital signage solution that allows a powerful combination for customers who want a digital signage network that allows for broad participation, helps keep content fresh, and values long-term sustainability.
- Benefits
- Great Performance
- Powerful operating system
- Live TV capabilities
- PoE+
Seneca
- The Arrow Seneca HDs, a Windows digital signage player, is perfect for showing demanding content and supports a wide range of remote device management apps and other apps and systems that can be used alongside REACH. This mini PC with Windows 10 is powered by an Intel Celeron processor and is designed for digital signage.
- Affordable
- Powerful Operating System
- Fast and Easy Set-Up
- Support for Remote Device Management
Azulle Byte 4
- The Azulle Byte4 is a great device designed for digital signage and can handle even demanding content with ease. Windows 10 supports a wide range of remote device management apps and other apps and systems that can be used alongside REACH.
- Affordable
- Powerful Operating System
- Fast and Easy Set-Up
- Support for Remote Device Management
Amazon Fire TV Stick
- The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, which is powered by Fire OS makes for a powerful and affordable Firestick digital signage device that can be used to run a lite version of digital signage. It offers great value for those looking to stay on a budget. It’s great for digital signage projects such as menu boards and static directories.
- Affordable
- Good Performance
- Easy Set-Up
- Easy Form Factor
Chrome Box
- Running a lite version of digital signage, Chrome Box digital signage allows for remote deployment through our player app and is a starter option for those new to digital signage. Perfect for projects looking to deploy static content to main entrances and lobbies.
- Affordable
- Powerful Operating System
- Easy Set-Up
Intel Compute Stick
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- Known as the PC-on-a-stick, the Intel Compute Stick digital signage provides an affordable, Windows-based player option designed to run the standard REACH software package and easily deployed with a few simple steps. Running Windows 10, it supports a wide range of remote device management apps and other apps and systems that can be used alongside REACH.
- Affordable
- Good Performance
- Easy Set-Up
LG WebOS
- The LG webOS digital signage with REACH allows you to display captivating content while keeping your viewers welcomed, informed, and connected in the most seamless way possible using the lite version of the REACH software.
- Good Performance
- Easy Set-Up
