Harsh Environment

With so many facets to a digital signage campaign – screens, media players, content, LCD enclosures – it can be extremely daunting for those without much technical know-how to get involved. And when you just want a simple solution to promote products having to outsource several aspects can make the whole scheme seem too much trouble to be worth it, especially as every third party will increase the rate it will take to get a return n your investment.

So, making digital signage as simple as possible can be a real benefit for somebody who just wants a simple system that they can mount, turn on and upload content to; fortunately, such a system is available in the form of a digital poster.

All in one

Digital posters are an all-in-one digital signage screen, complete with media player. These are simple to mount as they usually come equipped with a VESA bracket, and content can be uploaded directly via USB to the onboard media player.

Digital posters are a simple turn-key solution for digital advertising and digital signage and are finding their way to a myriad of locations for a whole host of uses.

Common uses

Digital posters are not just a replacement for that traditional static 2D posters so commonly used for advertising and promotion, they have a whole number of different uses but digital advertising is one common use. If the digital poster is mounted flat against a wall like a traditional poster they are, however, very effective. With moving images, bold use of colour and transitions a digital poster will be far more eye-catching and noticeable than a standard print poster.

As menu boards – Digital menu boards are a common use for digital posters. Often used in fast food restaurants as a way of visually displaying food items, and promotions they are being seen more and more frequently, in not just the large chain stores but also the smaller independent eateries.

Point of sale promotion – another common use for digital posters is as a point of sale screen. A good method of advertising is using the digital posters here because the audience is – captive – in other words, has no choice but to view the message as they are in a check-out line.



Digital Poster –digital signage made easy is a post from: Armagard written by Richard N Williams – About the Author: Richard N Williams is a technical author and a specialist in the digital advertising industry helping to develop outdoor digital signage and computer, printer and touch screen enclosures for all environments. Please visit us for more information about an LCD enclosure or other digital outdoor signage solutions.

Whilst the continued growth of the digital signage industry is a strong sign that more people are using display screens for advertising purposes, there are still many put off by the technicalities of digital advertising.

Many small to medium sized business are often uncompelled to embark on digital signage because of the need to out source nearly every aspect of the digital advertising campaign.

This is a shame as the advantages of digital advertising for small and medium sized businesses are great and no other media can reach such high numbers of people for the same cost, and it does have to be too technical either – there are methods of embarking on digital signage that require little of no technical expertise at all.

Digital Posters

These are perhaps the easiest method of getting involved in digital signage. A digital poster consists of everything you need to run a digital advert – barring the content. The LCD screen, available in a wide range of sizes, comes with an internal media player that allows content to be uploaded via USB.

Digital posters can be easily mounted and normally come with a bracket that is VESA compatible meaning they can be mounted and used by virtually anyone.

Standalone digital advertising displays

Another plug and play digital signage option is a standalone advertising display. These are similar than the digital poster in that they also contain a media player and are a turn-key solution but rather than being mounted flat against a wall they are free standing.

Outdoor digital signage – LCD enclosures

For an easy outdoor solution an LCD enclosure will allow a standard LCD screen and media player to be protected in an outdoor location preventing the need for expensive outdoor devices. They also offer protection to enable secure use in an unsupervised location.

Digital Signage Made Simple – Taking the headache out of digital advertising is a post from: LCD-enclosure.com written by Richard N Williams – About the Author: Richard N Williams is a technical author and a specialist in the digital advertising industry helping to develop outdoor digital signage and computer, printer and touch screen enclosures for all environments. Please visit us for more information about an LCD enclosure or other digital outdoor signage solutions.

Outdoor Digital Signage is one of only two forms of advertising that is still growing in the UK (the other being mobile advertising) according to the Outdoor Advertising Association (OAA).

This is possibly due to outdoor digital signage not only being more engaging to consumers compared to traditional static media but it is also perhaps the only advertising sector that is not completely saturated so it becomes even more attractive to advertisers because of the lack of competition.

But there are other benefits to outdoor digital signage and it is not just advertisers and retailers that are finding outdoor displays and screen useful. Churches, schools and other public buildings are utilising outdoor digital displays to provide information as the advantages of such a media far outweigh the alternatives.

Advantages of Using Outdoor Digital Signage

• Remote uploading – Unlike other forms of outdoor advertising, digital outdoor signage enables content to be uploaded remotely. This means that ad agencies do not need to pay a technician to change content every fortnight but that advertising content can be changed more frequently and even scheduled for specific times and events – making advertising more targeted. For non-advertisers this is also allows important information to be uploaded in real-time which means important messages can be passed on almost immediately.

• Multiple content on a single screen – while the old six sheet outdoor advertising displays could revolve six different adverts on the same space, with outdoor digital signage the number of advertisements on a single screen can be unlimited.
• Modernity – and perhaps another factor that is helping to make outdoor digital signage a growing media is the modern and contemporary feel a digital screen provides compared to other outdoor advertising methods. This raises the profile of businesses and locations.

As more and more people get involved in the outdoor digital signage market then the less attractive the market may become – not least because the newness and uniqueness of outdoor digital signage will slowly wear away and the competition will inevitably increase; so if you are thinking in embarking in outdoor digital signage perhaps now is as good a time as any.

Advertising with Outdoor Digital Signage – A Growing Media is a post from: Armagard written by Richard N Williams – About the Author: Richard N Williams is a technical author and a specialist in the digital advertising industry helping to develop outdoor digital signage and computer, printer and touch screen enclosures for all environments. Please visit us for more information about an LCD enclosure or other digital outdoor signage solutions.

Outdoor TVs are increasingly becoming more and more popular for both businesses and homeowners alike. For businesses outdoor displays act as great mediums for advertising and information. While for home use – they provide a great way of enjoying the sunshine and garden.

But the hurdles in placing a screen in an outdoor location can often be daunting, not to mention expensive.

There are different options for providing an outdoor TV but all of them need to take into account three factors:

• Protection from the sun
• Protection from the weather
• Protection from environment

The sun

The sun is an important but often underrated factor in using a modern LCD screen outdoors. You may have experienced the annoyance of sun-glare on your set at home on a bright day so in an outdoor location the sun glare can make the screen completely unreadable.

Some high brightness and outdoor displays can counter this but the cost of such a device can often make any outdoor TV display seem too expensive; however, an alternative may be to use a standard device in a shaded area or under a canopy or hood.

The Weather

If a standard device is used then it is going to need protection from the elements. Many outdoor TVs are already manufactured to be waterproof but to avoid such a high cost device a waterproof LCD enclosure will allow the use of almost any standard, low cost device in an outdoor location. These enclosure also provide cooling and temperature control to prevent over heating and allow all-year use.

Environmental protection

But weather and the temperature are not the only concerns of using a TV in an outdoor location. Vandalism in public or unsupervised areas needs to be considered as do accidental impacts.

This is where the advantage of an LCD enclosure supersedes the outdoor display because for a fraction of the cost of an outdoor TV and LCD enclosure will protect from vandalism and impacts and the temperature and weather – providing an all-round and cost effective alternative to outdoor TV use.

Choosing a Screen for Outdoor use – Outdoor TV Hurdles and Alternatives is a post from: LCD-enclosure.com written by Richard N Williams – About the Author: Richard N Williams is a technical author and a specialist in the digital advertising industry helping to develop outdoor digital signage and computer, printer and touch screen enclosures for all environments. Please visit us for more information about an LCD enclosure or other digital outdoor signage solutions.

Now TV screens have become flatter, lighter and have better picture qualities we are used to seeing them everywhere. Digital signage is the next step in out of home advertising and more and more leisure areas such as gyms, swimming baths, beer gardens and patio areas are starting to install outdoor TVs.

More and more homeowners are installing TVs in backyards, patios, barbecue areas and even bathrooms too but these outdoor LCD TV screens come at a cost – and quite a high one.

While the cost of outdoor TVs is falling all the time, they are still several times the price of a standard TV device. And while outdoor TVs are weatherproof and able to operate at almost any time of year, there are still issues that need to be resolved before you decide to place a screen outdoors.

Security

If you are to place a screen outside permanently then it needs to be secure. Failing to mount a TV device or protect it from vandalism will see it either damaged of stolen and this can be one of the difficulties in using an outdoor TV – they may have all the weatherproofing required for outdoor use – but it can be exceptionally difficult to secure and protect them.

The best method for protection of any LCD device is to use an LCD enclosure. These steel cabinets will not only protect the enclosed LCD from impacts – including on the screen itself, but also can be securely mounted to walls, ceilings and floor stands – preventing any attempts at removal.

Furthermore, as LCD enclosures are also waterproof and usually contain the required environment systems such as cooling fans, heaters and other controls – they can make almost any standard TV device suitable for outdoor or washroom locations.

As protection for an outdoor location is needed anyway, the need for buying an expensive outdoor TV system is reduced if an all-weather LCD enclosure is used as any standard or commercial LCD TV will be protected from the weather and environmental elements.

LCD Outdoor TV Enclosure – Now anyone can have an outdoor TV is a post from: Armagard written by Richard N Williams – About the Author: Richard N Williams is a technical author and a specialist in the digital advertising industry helping to develop outdoor digital signage and computer, printer and touch screen enclosures for all environments. Please visit us for more information about an LCD enclosure or other digital outdoor signage solutions.

Visibility for an outdoor sign is perhaps even more important than the content being displayed on it. If the sign is not visible enough it will get unnoticed and there is little difference in the mounting of digital signage as to other forms of outdoor advertisements.

There is always a compromise in mounting outdoor signage – whether digital screens or conventional signs – as no outdoor advertisement can be in a position where it can cause a nuisance or an obstacle to commuters (including the disabled, elderly and mums with prams).

But most importantly any outdoor screen has to be noticeable and be aimed at the oncoming eye-line (see previous blog post – http://www.lcd-enclosure.com/digital-signage-%E2%80%93-why-viewing-angle-is-so-important/)

There are basically three options for mounting an outdoor TV:

• Floor mounted
• Wall mounted
• Ceiling mounted

Floor mounted

Perhaps the best solution for visibility; a floor mounted screen can either be a free standing unit or mounted on floor poles. Floor standing digital signage can become an obstacle though which for visibility is a good thing (you can’t miss what a sign is displaying if you have to walk around it) but equally can be a nuisance to pedestrians.

Ceiling Mounted

Ceiling mounted digital signage take up less space and are preferred by many installers. There is often a shortage of ceiling space in outdoor locations, although they are commonly mounted under awnings and other bridge like structures. The big disadvantage of mounting a screen in this way is that the viewing angle has to be correct otherwise it can unnoticeable – especially if it is mounted too high as people will walk directly under it.

Wall Mounted

There are various options for wall mounting a digital display. The first is the basic digital poster that lays flat against the wall. While this takes up less space than any other mounting option it is also less visible – especially as the viewing angle for modern LCD TVs is fairly narrow meaning the content won’t be viewable until the audience is very close to the sign.

The second option is to place the device on a bracket so it overhangs; in essence in a similar position to a ceiling mounted screen – only bolted to a wall. While this method ensures the screen is out of the way it is important to get the angle of the screen right as it can be all too easy to miss the sign and walk underneath without noticing it.

The third option for wall mounting is to use an elbow or perpendicular sign where the screen juts out at a right angle from the wall. For double-sided displays this is a real boon because both sides will be prominent and hard to miss – especially if it is not too high.

Mounting Outdoor Digital Signs is a post from: LCD-enclosure.com written by Richard N Williams – About the Author: Richard N Williams is a technical author and a specialist in the digital advertising industry helping to develop outdoor digital signage and computer, printer and touch screen enclosures for all environments. Please visit us for more information about an LCD enclosure or other digital outdoor signage solutions.

Using outdoor TV screens brings real benefits to many businesses. Whatever message or information that you want to get across – more people will see it outside your premises than will inside.

There are main two reasons why screens are placed outside premises: advertising – promoting their own or products or brand or those of an affiliate or third party; and information – providing news and event information.

Outdoor TVs and outdoor digital signage are ideal for this because no matter how many people visit your premises each day, far more will walk past it.

For retailers an outdoor screen placed on the frontage can also help draw people draw people in and the same can be said for other locations, not just retail.

Churches are now finding outdoor digital signage useful, not only as a tool for providing information to a local congregation; such as upcoming events and timetables of worship, but also to help engage other members of the community. As outdoor digital signage is more engaging than regular advertising this is helping to attract larger attendances to events and to worship.

Another area that advertisers find attractive is outside pubs, bars, hotels and cinemas. These locations are prime, not just to advertise the products and service of the premises, but also for affiliate and third parties as these locations are often meeting places and locations of large social gatherings – often of key demographics for many advertisers.

But perhaps the best location for outdoor digital signage and outdoor advertising displays is in transport hubs. From coach stations and railways stations, to simple bus stops and taxi ranks – these captive audiences often fall into the key demographics advertisers love (young and single with disposable income). This is probably why the transportation industry is still leading the way in the use of outdoor digital signage and displays.

Ideal Outdoor Display Areas is a post from: Armagard written by Richard N Williams – About the Author: Richard N Williams is a technical author and a specialist in the digital advertising industry helping to develop outdoor digital signage and computer, printer and touch screen enclosures for all environments. Please visit us for more information about an LCD enclosure or other digital outdoor signage solutions.

The biggest hurdle in convincing somebody to embark on a digital signage campaign is the expected return on investment. No installer can make promises as to the extra revenue that it can create and for outdoor digital signage the problem is intensified.

Not only are outdoor screens more expensive to set-up – needing as they do, protection from the elements – but unlike a screen placed directly outside a store you can’t easily account for any increase in traffic with the screen itself.

Even if revenue is up after installation of the outdoor digital signage screen it can’t automatically be attributed to the sign as so many other variables can affect short-term sales. To make any assessment like this then at least two quarters need to have gone by to make any attribution to the outdoor screen.

Costs of Outdoor Digital Signage

The price of an outdoor digital signage campaign is also quite often a lot higher than the cost of indoor screens. This is due mainly to the added protection and need for high brightness screens. And while these costs can be curtailed with the use of LCD enclosures – it still leads enough uncertainty in people’s minds when it comes to thinking abut recouping that investment.

However, there are methods to help you increase the ability to establish the return on investment:

Tips to help evaluation of ROI

Be specific – ensure your outdoor campaigns are not too broad. Promote particular products and target particular audiences. Digital signage is a flexible medium so advertisements can be time sensitive or tailored for a particular audience.

A good example is the way restaurants use outdoor screens to promote lunch menus, or special offers during times of the day. In this way it can be easier to establish a link between increase in sales of a specific item and the outdoor digital signage campaign.

Establish clear goals – always ensure you know what you want to achieve. Too many people embark on digital signage with just the intention of increasing sales with little thought as to how they are to achieve this.  Be specific in what you want to achieve and set goals.

Evaluating the Success of an Outdoor Digital Signage Campaign is a post from: LCD-enclosure.com written by Richard N Williams – About the Author: Richard N Williams is a technical author and a specialist in the digital advertising industry helping to develop outdoor digital signage and computer, printer and touch screen enclosures for all environments. Please visit us for more information about an LCD enclosure or other digital outdoor signage solutions.

The outdoor digital signage market is growing strongly in the UK. In the second quarter of 2010 the industry is up 16.2 percent on the previous year, reports the Outdoor Advertising Association (OAA).

The UK outdoor digital signage market is now contributing to 12.8 percent of the entire outdoor advertising sector making the United Kingdom one of the fastest growing areas in the industry.

While still lagging behind the indoor market – which is also healthy in the UK, the UK outdoor digital signage market is expected to continue to grow.

Types of UK industries involved in Outdoor Digital Signage

The largest users of outdoor screens in the UK are the transportation industry. UK railways, which play a far more integral role in public transportation than in the USA, have been keen users of outdoor screens for several years while other aspects of the transportation industry are now seeing the benefit.

Large digital bus stop advertisements are now being implemented and even taxi ranks are becoming prime locations for outdoor digital signage advertising.

Retail is also implementing its fair share of outdoor screens. More high streets are having digital billboards and free standing kiosks installed as the aesthetic benefits are even being realised by local authorities.

Fair Market Share?

There are some concerns, however, about the size of some of the UKs largest outdoor advertisers taking too much market share. This has been primarily been brought about by a large acquisition from the UK market leader of another large outdoor advertiser last year and the industry is being analysed by the Office for Fair Trading (formerly the Monopolies Commission)

But at least the UK market is healthy and is expected to continue to grow throughout 2010 and for several years to come.

Outdoor Digital Signage in the UK – Grows to 12 percent of all outdoor advertising is a post from: Armagard written by Richard N Williams – About the Author: Richard N Williams is a technical author and a specialist in the digital advertising industry helping to develop outdoor digital signage and computer, printer and touch screen enclosures for all environments. Please visit us for more information about an LCD enclosure or other digital outdoor signage solutions.

A digital signage screen that isn’t working is an all too common sight these days. Damaged, badly maintained or software issues often lead to screen failure but the effects of which have a strong bearing on, not just the screen owners and advertisers who are losing revenue and wasting their investment, but as Raji Kalra on Sixteen-nine points out, “black or damaged DOOH networks hurt the industry as a whole when their product is down or showing problems. It causes another kind of ripple effect none of us want.”

And this is certainly true, for the digital signage industry, our best promotion for what we do are the screens themselves and for every damaged, blank or dead screen and potential user can be put off – not wanting to invest all that money on a system that is flawed.

Obviously, as David points out, accidents and incidents happen and getting screens repaired and up and running is important to prevent the industry from being shown in a bad light – but surely preventing screens from going down in the first place is a better solution.

Outdoor Digital Signage

Ironically, despite the conditions that outdoor screens have to cope with, the problem of dead screens is less prevalent in outdoor areas. This may because outdoor digital signage screens are more obvious and a dead screen gets repaired quickly; however, there is another possibility – because of the environment they have to operate in, outdoor display screens are far better protected and less liable to fail.

Many indoor screens are simple devices. Digital posters or standard LCD displays hooked up to a media player, and this may seem fine, in the warm confines of a shopping mall or retail unit. But are these locations really the types of environment these types of screens are designed for?

In outdoor digital signage because of the demands of weather, temperature and the vulnerability to vandalism, outdoor screens are well-protected by weatherproof LCD enclosures – and while many of the protective facets of such enclosures may not be required in an indoor location – such as waterproofing, they do hold other advantages.

Inside an LCD enclosure the exact operating conditions for a display screen is created. The temperature, dust free environment not only protects the screen from harmful exterior elements but also keeps the screen operating in optimum conditions.

If more and more indoor screens were protected in such environmental enclosures many of the dead screens so commonly found may not have been damaged in the first place.

Digital Signage – Preventing Dead Screens is a post from: LCD-enclosure.com written by Richard N Williams – About the Author: Richard N Williams is a technical author and a specialist in the digital advertising industry helping to develop outdoor digital signage and computer, printer and touch screen enclosures for all environments. Please visit us for more information about an LCD enclosure or other digital outdoor signage solutions.