TVs vs Digital Signage — Is There A Difference? | Enplug

A digital signage display is the perfect way to increase communications with both customers and internally. There are so many advantages that range from improved customer satisfaction, more client engagement, more impulse purchases, and more targeted marketing efforts – just to name a few. However, when it comes to implementing digital signage, there is often a fair bit of confusion about the difference between digital signage hardware and simply adopting digital signage residential televisions. Here’s everything you need to know to help your business make the right choice.

What is a digital signage system?

Dynamic digital content is on the dramatic increase, with businesses globally adopting interactive and large-scale digital signage to help reach their customers on a whole new level.

Often referred to as electronic signage, it refers to display technologies such as LED walls, projection and LCD monitors, which can be controlled remotely through Enplug’s digital signage software. There is so many different uses digital signage can be employed for, including:

• Wayfinding in a building.
• Updating waiting times.
• Sharing social media posts.
• Advertising latest offers.
• Sharing inspirational quotes.
• Interactive displays.
• Internal communications.
• Digital menu boards.
• Touch-screen information stations.

Why residential TVs are not designed for digital signage

Understanding exactly how digital signage works and can be employed within a business, it’s understandable why many businesses might look at repurposing a TV for business. Here’s why it doesn’t work:

TVs aren’t designed to run all day

While you might be able to sync the digital menu software for TV, a standard TV isn’t designed to stay on 24 hours a day. When it’s used for prolonged periods like this, it can suffer from image retention issues and colour fade.

On the other hand, digital LCD screens are designed specifically for this purpose. They can run with little downtime with extra cooling fans and ventilation to ensure they never overheat in the process.

It will end up costing more

By choosing to run your TV for large chunks of the day as digital signage, you can end up paying more in repair and replacement costs that come from this overuse.

Most TV warranties won’t cover it being used constantly for 24 hours. This means while it might seem like the cheaper option to begin with, it can end up very costly for your business.

Fewer remote access options

TVs also haven’t been designed with remote access in mind. This means that they often have very limited abilities when it comes to connecting digital signage software to sync.

Commercial digital displays, however, are designed with this in mind. They have connectors that allow for easy access and can even troubleshoot any issues that occur remotely. This ease of use is what makes them such a great business tool.

Choosing a digital screen for your business

Now you know just how valuable it is to invest in a quality digital signage display for your business, how do you choose the right one? Here are some questions to ask yourself when choosing:

What is the purpose of the screen?

Work out exactly how you intend on using your digital signage screen. If you only plan on using it for certain parts of the day, then you can probably get away with a cheaper option.

However, if you’re looking at wayfinding technology to help your customers find their way around a building, then you want to invest in a quality product.

Is it for indoor use or outdoor use?

Depending where you plan on setting up the screen, this will change the type of screen that you actually need to buy. Outdoor screens need to withstand different weather conditions, while also being visible in direct sunlight.

How will your screen be displayed?

The next thing to think about is where your screen is going. This will help determine exactly what type of screen you’re looking for. Here are some of the choices for you to consider:

• Hand-held
• Wall-mounted
• Kiosk

You want to consider what it’s being used for and make sure you set it up in the most prominent place possible, so it actually gets seen.

How big do you need the screen?

Finally, the size of the screen will also factor into the costs. The bigger the screen, the more you can expect to pay. Consider exactly what size you’re after and shop around for the best prices for your business.

Get A Demo Today

If you’re ready to navigate the world of digital signage and put your business on the map, Enplug is here to help. Get in touch today and we can set up a demo to show you exactly how your business can benefit from this new and exciting technology. Trust us, it’s easier than you think!