Digital Signage Displays : How to Choose?

Digital signage, also called digital display, is increasingly adopted by companies as it helps capture the public’s attention and convey impactful communication, whether for commercial, institutional, or informational purposes. Digital signage requires professional displays to be used intensively in businesses, continuously, and sometimes even 24/7. But not all displays are equal: formats, technologies, durability… Several criteria must be considered to make the right choice.

1. What is a digital signage display?

A digital signage display is a device dedicated to professional use, designed to broadcast commercial, institutional, or informational content intensively, even 24/7. These displays, also called monitors, generally operate with digital signage software (CMS) integrated into the OS. Although using USB sticks is possible, this manual, inefficient and time-consuming method does not allow any remote control, either for content or in case of technical issues. 

2. What is the difference with a regular TV?

At first glance, a standard TV and a digital signage display may seem similar. However, their uses and technical features are very different. We speak of digital signage when the display is coupled with a player that allows audiovisual content and settings to be managed remotely via dedicated software, unlike a standard television. 

But what if I add a player to a consumer TV?

The digital signage display is designed for professional use, sometimes operating 24/7, whereas a standard television is optimized for domestic use for a few hours per day. This robustness of professional displays translates into higher quality internal components: increased brightness, better ventilation and heat dissipation, and extended lifespan. Moreover, the warranty of a consumer TV will not be valid in case of intensive professional use.

3. Display Technologies: OLED vs QLED vs LCD vs LED

The technology of digital signage displays is evolving rapidly, offering a multitude of options to meet various needs. However, navigating through the different acronyms and specifications can be complex. Although the terms OLED, QLED, LCD, and LED are commonly used to describe consumer displays, they are not the most relevant features when it comes to professional displays. For the latter, criteria such as brightness, resolution, resistance to the elements, and connectivity are much more decisive. Professional displays are generally LED-based, and these other features make the difference in demanding environments.

4. SoC Display, OS and Players: How to Run Content on Your Devices?

Digital signage displays require local intelligence, a kind of mini-PC with an operating system to function, thus allowing the installation of digital signage software. When acquiring a display, three main options are available to you:

1. Professional display with external player

• Advantages: Allows you to choose the player and operating system according to your specific needs: power, storage, integration. 
  
• Disadvantages: Bulkier, requires space for the player and cable management. Two devices, so more packaging, two power supplies instead of one, and therefore a greater ecological impact. 

2. SoC (System On Chip) display with integrated player

• Advantages: Practical solution with a single acquisition, reducing bulk and simplifying installation. 
  
• Disadvantages: Generally limited to Android or a proprietary OS. In case of failure of one of the elements, the entire unit must be replaced. 

3. OPS (Open Pluggable Specification) display with slot for a player

• Advantages: Convenient, compact, offers a choice between Android and Windows, and therefore powerful solutions. Allows easy replacement of the player in case of problems.
  
• Disadvantages: Requires separate acquisition of the player but offers great flexibility. Ecological impact equivalent to the display + external player solution.

Android or Windows systems offer different possibilities. Although Android is the most widespread, Windows remains more suitable, flexible, and robust for advanced uses requiring specific APIs. 

5. Display Size, Orientation and Format: The Right Questions to Decide

The size, orientation, and format of the display play an important role in the effectiveness of your digital signage. Here are some considerations to choose the display best suited to your needs:

• Landscape Orientation: One of the most common formats, ideal for presentations, videos, and traditional displays. It is well suited for lobbies, conference rooms, or advertising spaces. 

• Portrait Orientation: Perfect for vertical displays such as digital menus, directional information, or advertisements in shopping malls. This format attracts attention in narrow spaces. 

• Stretch Format: This elongated format is ideal for information tickers or advertising displays in shopping malls and transit areas. Also used vertically between aisles to highlight promotions or product info, or horizontally at aisle ends to guide customers. 

• Compact Format "Small Form Factor Display": Practical for touch interactions and information points, this compact format is suitable for small spaces such as kiosks or reception counters. 

• Multi-Displays and Video Walls: For maximum visual impact, consider using multiple displays or a video wall. Ideal for control centers, live events, or large-scale advertising spaces. 

In terms of size, displays from 32 to 43 inches are suitable for small spaces or individual information points. For greater visibility, choose large displays (55 to 86 inches) in spacious places like lobbies, conference rooms, or advertising areas. These sizes ensure that your content is clearly visible, even from a distance.

6. Resolution: Full HD, 4K or More?

The resolution of the display is a key factor for the visual quality of your digital signage. It directly affects the sharpness and clarity of displayed images and videos. These elements also impact cost, so understanding your needs is essential:

Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)

Ideal for most professional uses, offering a good balance between image quality and cost. Suitable for presentations, standard videos, and text displays.

4K (3840 x 2160 pixels)

Four times more pixels than Full HD, offering exceptional clarity. Perfect for large conference rooms, exhibitions, or high-end advertising spaces where visual quality is key.

4K+ (8K and more)

Ultra-high resolution displays are ideal for massive video walls or spaces where viewers are close to the display. They ensure that no pixels are visible even up close, which is crucial for immersive or detailed content.

Always match your resolution choice to the display size and expected viewing distance. Also ensure your content is created in the appropriate resolution to make the most of the display’s capabilities.

7. Brightness: Importance and Recommendations

The brightness of a display, measured in nits, is critical for visibility in different environments. Here's how to choose:

Indoor Environments

250 to 500 nits are generally enough for offices, meeting rooms, and moderately lit commercial spaces.

Bright Indoor Spaces

In areas with strong natural or artificial light, such as glass-fronted lobbies or shopping malls, go for 700 to 1500 nits to ensure readability.

Outdoor Environments

Displays used outdoors or exposed to sunlight require 2000 nits or more. Outdoor-rated displays often offer even higher brightness to overcome glare and maintain legibility.

Be mindful that higher brightness = higher power consumption. Some displays integrate ambient light sensors that adjust brightness automatically. Good digital signage software can also manage brightness settings to optimize both visibility and energy efficiency without manual input.

Finally, brightness in nits is the most obvious parameter, but it alone does not guarantee optimal display quality. The quality of the panel, its resistance to glare, the type of glass, and the treatment of the display are also decisive.
A high-quality panel ensures better color uniformity and wide viewing angles, while an anti-glare treatment reduces reflections, especially in bright environments.

8. Resistance to elements: for tough environments

In some contexts, the robustness of the display is a key factor. Whether for outdoor use, in a warehouse, or an industrial workshop, exposure to the elements can affect the durability and performance of the display.

Displays designed for such environments come with specific protections: resistance to dust and moisture (IP ratings), shock protection (IK ratings), and the ability to operate in extreme temperatures. Some models also feature anti-glare treatment to ensure visibility in full sunlight. Others include built-in ventilation or heating systems to prevent overheating or freezing.

Investing in a display adapted to its environment ensures reliable long-term performance and helps reduce maintenance costs linked to failures or premature damage.

9. Connectivity: stay flexible

Connectivity options are essential for optimal operation. HDMI and DisplayPort ports ensure high-quality video transmission, while USB ports allow the connection of various peripherals. An Ethernet (RJ45) connection ensures a stable network link, and Wi-Fi offers wireless flexibility.
Make sure the display provides the necessary connections for your player and your network, including audio inputs for optimal sound output if required.

10. Touch display for digital signage: useful or not?

Touch displays can enhance user interaction by offering a more immersive and engaging experience. They allow, for example, browsing an interactive catalog, making appointments, or accessing personalized information.
However, their cost is generally higher than standard displays, they require an appropriate solution, and their use must be justified by a real need for interactivity.
If your project involves direct interaction with the public—such as at a reception desk, point of sale, or information area—this option may be relevant.

11. Display mount: a point not to overlook

The choice of mount is essential to ensure the stability and durability of your setup. It must be robust, secure, and adapted to the display environment. Wall mounts, floor stands, or interactive kiosks—each option meets specific needs in terms of space and accessibility.
Ensure the selected mount is compatible with the size, weight, and usage of the display, while providing an aesthetic and functional installation.

12. Display manufacturer: stay agnostic

If there’s only one rule to remember, it’s to avoid any dependency on a specific manufacturer—whether due to built-in software or a proprietary OS.
Beyond that, you’re free to choose the hardware that best fits your needs. This flexibility allows you to adapt easily in case of technical issues, expansion of your fleet, or a change of supplier, without constraints or limitations.

13. Consider the digital signage software

Make sure the display you choose is compatible with your digital signage software and can meet the project’s future needs.
For displays that include an integrated player (SoC), it is crucial to ensure that the player meets the software provider’s requirements (OS, versioning, power, storage, etc.) so it can function properly with the chosen software, and also evolve as the project grows (richer media, data integration, etc.).
It is therefore important to anticipate and avoid specifying hardware that is “barely sufficient” to allow the project to scale and meet future customer needs. 

Choosing the right digital signage display requires careful consideration of your specific needs, usage environment, and software compatibility.
By taking these factors into account, you can ensure effective and engaging communication for your audience or team. With the right choice, your digital signage displays can transform the way you connect with your viewers.