A digital signage network doesnโt have to be complicated. Letโs outline the key components that make up digital signage networks. For each element, we describe what it is and its role in getting your content from your digital signage CMS to your screen.
We have also added an infographic to help visualise how simple digital signage networks are. Our infographic shows the simple process of getting your content from your software to your screens.
What Is a Digital Signage Network?
Essentially, a digital signage network is the group of digital components that get your content from your software to your screens. These networks consist of hardware and software, resulting in a fluid, efficient user experience.
Cloud-based digital signage will utilise the internet for its operation. This allows for some great benefits, such as being able to update a large number of screens from one location. With older digital signage CMS, users would have to update content for different screens individually and physically at different locations. This wasted a lot of time.
Below, we have mapped out each component of the digital signage network and its role in digital signage CMS.
1. Digital Signage Software (Via Laptop or PC)
Digital signage software is the foundation of any digital signage network or project. It gives users the ability to upload, design and deploy content and control their screen network. There is a large variety of digital signage software out there, all with different features to meet end-user needs. Some software even has exclusive features, such as digital signage scheduling.
Once the user has created their content, they can dictate which screens the content goes to. For example, they can choose all digital wayfinding content to go on the digital kiosks and all retail content to go on the retail screens, etc. The user can also choose how long content stays on the screens.
2. Internet
The internet is the glue that holds your screen network together. With a solid internet connection, users are able to update 1000s of individual screens in one click. Without the internet, they would have to resort to other solutions, such as transporting individual USBs to each screen.
An internet connection allows your content to be sent to digital signage servers, to the media player, and then to your screens. All of this happens in the blink of an eye, allowing for smooth content distribution.
For the best experience, we recommend using an ethernet connection for the internet. This allows for the fastest experience possible and results in minimal downtime. However, fast speeds can also be achieved via WIFI and even 4G providing the media player has a strong connection.
When choosing a digital signage provider, itโs important to find out whether or not the media player caches the content. With content caching, your media players will still play content even if it loses internet connection. If a media player doesnโt include content caching, you may be left with a black screen.
3. Servers
The servers are where your digital signage accounts and content are securely stored. When you save a design, it is uploaded to the server. The media player then pulls this design from the server and displays it on your screens. Itโs as simple as that.
4. Media Player
Media players provide the power to pull content from your digital signage CMS and display it on your screens. In most cases, media players are mini PCs that sit nicely hidden behind your screens. Media players can also come in the form of USB dongles, large computers, and are sometimes even embedded within a display.
We talk about all the different kinds of media players you can find in our blog: โWhat Are Digital Signage Products? All You Need To Knowโ.
5. Screens and Displays
In 2021, when it comes to digital signage displays, weโre almost spoilt for choice. We have commercial-grade displays, digital kiosks, video walls, interactive displays, outdoor displays, and even digital hand sanitisers.
The screens are where your content will be displayed. Each kind of display will come with a number of benefits and use cases to suit end-user requirements. For example, digital kiosks are often interactive, making them perfect for digital wayfinding.
As digital signage is a visual form of marketing and communication, you must choose the right screen. If you choose a screen that doesnโt look nice or isnโt bright enough, all the hard work that has gone into creating the content may have gone to waste.
Whatโs Next?
When youโre comfortable with what a digital signage network is, the next step is making your network successful. This includes keeping your content relevant and up to date, utilising cloud-based software, getting familiar with your digital signage CMS, and getting the balance of your content right. We talk all about this in our what makes a successful digital signage network? blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Digital Signage?
What is digital signage? It is a modern communication tool that uses digital screens to display dynamic content, such as videos and images. Image data is sent via the web and displayed using your preferred software service. While there are free software tools available on the web, a professional-grade digital signage network will be a better fit for your business.
What Are Digital Signage Networks?
Digital signage networks are platforms designed to create and manage visual content displayed on screens across multiple locations. These solutions enable businesses to deliver tailored advertising and informational messages to specific audiences in real time. With the support of solutions like TrouDigital, you can remotely manage content, ensuring consistent messaging across various screens.
Robust digital signage hardware and software solutions offer services that cater to diverse industries, including retail, education, and hospitality. These systems often come with built-in data collection capabilities, enabling you to use viewer engagement trends to optimise your content. A solution like TrouDigital provides complementary hardware and software tools that streamline video content delivery, making it easy to create visually engaging displays.
What Are the Benefits of Digital Signage?
Digital signage software offers numerous benefits. For one, it can save you time by making it easier to update your service offerings. Itโs also a great way to deliver education to your audience and support a seamless experience while at your business. You can also create advertising content to encourage customers to buy more services.
Digital signage also supports remote management, allowing businesses to update content and troubleshoot issues from any location. That level of service ensures minimal downtime and maximises impact for customers. Additionally, some providers offer free tools or trials to help organisations explore their platforms before committing.
With features including compliance for value-added tax (VAT) billing, web-based management, and stellar customer support, these systems are incredibly valuable for delivering targeted content and enhancing the customer experience across industries.
Do You Need a Custom Digital Signage Network?
There are basic data tools and hardware options that you can use to set up a digital signage network. However, a custom solution is ideal if you want to take advantage of remote management for multiple screens, all from a single platform.
At TrouDigital, we make it easy to ensure your messaging aligns with your services and the needs of your audience. We will not only build a custom network for your business but also assist with setting up your digital signage Android media player.
If you have any questions regarding digital signage networks and how they work, speak to an expert today. Call โ 02380 981110 or Email โ info@troudigital.com. Alternatively, click the button below.
