Digital Signage: Choosing the Right Display for Your Business
Different kinds of businesses have different needs for digital signage displays. If you are a small business owner or restaurant operator, you want to attract and engage customers with the right digital signage, something cost-effective, super reliable and easy to install. If you are an enterprise AV or IT professional whose job is to select the right digital signage for your organization, you want to make sure the equipment is reliable and delivers a great viewing experience, and is hassle-free to operate and maintain. But with so many display options available, it can be overwhelming to know which one to choose. This blog post will help you understand the differences between consumer and commercial displays, and provide guidelines on selecting the right one for your particular application.
Consumer vs. Commercial Displays
First, let's talk about the differences between consumer and commercial displays. Consumer displays, such as smart TVs, are designed for home use, with built-in apps and streaming services. They're great for viewing a few hours a day, but not built for commercial use. Commercial displays, on the other hand, are specifically designed for business use. They come in a variety of options, including monitors, digital signage displays, and outdoor displays, and are built to run 16/7 or 24/7.
Expected Lifespan
One key difference between consumer and commercial displays is their expected lifespan. Consumer displays are built to last around 5 years, while commercial displays can last up to 10 years. This is because commercial displays are built with higher quality components, designed to handle the stress of continuous use.
Conformal Coating
Another consideration when selecting a display is whether it has a conformal coating. A conformal coating is a protective layer that is applied to the electronics inside the display. It helps protect the display from dust, moisture, and other environmental factors. Displays without conformal coating may be more susceptible to damage, especially in outdoor or harsh environments.
Cost
A common misconception is that Commercial displays are by default a lot (2x+) more expensive that Consumer ones by default. This is simply not true. Even though Commercial displays can have a higher price, there are some Commercial application displays that are very affordable, and perfectly well suited for business use. It is almost funny how some business owners think nothing about spending 1k-2k plus on the latest OLED, QLED, 8K, HDR, or whatever high end Consumer TVs for their homes with all the bells and whistles and watch them only a few hours a week, but have a hard time investing in high quality but affordable ($600-$800 range) Commercial monitors for their businesses which will be used 24/7.
LED vs. LCD vs. OLED
LED Displays: LED displays use light-emitting diodes to create bright and vibrant images. They are highly energy-efficient and can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications. LED displays are also highly customizable, allowing for a wide range of sizes and shapes. However, they can be more expensive than other display types.
LCD Displays: LCD displays use liquid crystal technology to create images. They are typically less expensive than LED displays and are often used in indoor applications. However, they can be more susceptible to glare and have limited viewing angles.
OLED Displays: OLED displays use organic materials to create light, resulting in deep blacks and vibrant colors. They have excellent contrast ratios and wide viewing angles, making them ideal for high-end applications. However, they can be more expensive than other display types and are not yet widely available in larger sizes.
Choosing the Right Display Technology
When choosing a display technology for your digital signage application, it's important to consider the specific needs of your business. For example, if you need a bright and energy-efficient display for outdoor use, an LED display may be the best choice. If you're looking for a high-end display with excellent contrast and wide viewing angles, an OLED display may be the way to go.
Ultimately, the right display technology will depend on your budget, the specific needs of your digital signage application, and the environment in which the display will be used.
Selecting the Right Display
When selecting a display, consider the specific needs of your digital signage application. If you're using the display indoors, a commercial monitor may be the best option. If you're using it outdoors, consider an outdoor display with high brightness and weather-resistant features. If your application requires a 24/7 operation, make sure to choose a display specifically designed for that purpose.
