DSA Signage
If you’re looking for a way to display digital content for your business, you’ve probably entertained the thought of using standard televisions. At first glance, using TVs for digital signage sounds like a cost-effective and convenient option; after all, they’re cheaper than they’ve ever been, and they can obviously display images and videos.
However, while consumer TVs will work as a temporary fix, they aren’t designed for continuous use. Your business needs equipment that offers vibrant colors, bright imagery, and durability. Using TVs would require swapping them out all the time, which means they won’t make much of an impact on customer engagement (not a positive one, anyway).
As such, when you stop and ask, “Can you use TVs for digital signage?” the short answer is, in fact, “No,” or at least, “You shouldn’t.” There are plenty of more applicable options out there, as you’ll discover below.
Why TVs Aren’t Ideal for Digital Signage
Using TVs for digital signage is a bad idea due to the following:
They’re Not Built for Continuous Use
Consumer televisions are only designed for intermittent use; in other words, they aren’t built to be run all day long. Using TVs for digital signage means leaving them on 24/7 (or at least as long as your business hours each day), and that can lead to overheating, screen degradation, and a drastically shortened lifespan. Ultimately, the hardware will degrade much faster than expected, leading to costly repairs and frequent replacements.
Risk of Screen Burn-In & Image Retention
On a similar note, displaying static images like a directory or menu for prolonged periods can cause screen burn-in, a phenomenon in which a semi-transparent image remains on the screen even when content changes, which can reduce the quality of the display. Today’s TVs, which primarily use OLED screens, are especially susceptible to permanent burn-in.
Commercial-grade digital signage screens and displays, in contrast, are engineered for long-term, non-stop use. They are specifically crafted to handle static images without the risk of burn-in. They also include advanced cooling systems to prevent overheating.
Lower Brightness & Poor Visibility
Your signs need to be bright and visible in all environments, but consumer TVs are designed for viewing indoors and in areas with controlled lighting. As such, they’re going to be hard to see under bright indoor lights or when displayed on patio or outdoor lounge areas.
Commercial displays, on the other hand, offer higher brightness and anti-glare coatings. In turn, they are readable in a wide range of environments and light conditions. No matter where you are displaying content or what you are showing your audience, they will have a clear view of what’s on the screen.
Limited Software & Connectivity
To make the most of your digital signage, you must be able to schedule content and remotely update what’s on the screens. That can be tough when using standard TVs, as, unlike professional systems, TVs typically don’t support third-party digital signage software. You may also struggle to sync the content across all screens, which can lead to inconsistencies in your messaging.
Best Alternatives to TVs for Digital Signage
Instead of using TVs for digital signage, consider the following options:
Commercial-Grade Digital Displays
Digital displays are engineered for 24/7 operation. You can run them all day long without worrying about burn-in or hardware malfunctions, and they’ll also offer the following advantages on top of that:
- Higher durability
- Optimized for professional signage software
- Offer remote content management
- Feature anti-glare, high-brightness screens
Commercial-grade displays make it easy for your business to update and manage its digital content effortlessly. You can order custom displays that fit your space, and both indoor and outdoor options are available, ensuring your screens function flawlessly, regardless of where they are installed.
LED Video Walls & Displays
For a large-format display option that will help you draw in more customers and increase foot traffic in your store, an LED video wall is an excellent choice. These massive displays are sure to grab the attention of any passersby and deliver your content with unmatched clarity.
LED video walls are a great way of making your business stand out in business shopping centers and malls, and they’re also highly customizable. You can order a bespoke solution based on your intended use case and the space of your business.
Digital Kiosks
When you want to provide your guests with a more interactive signage experience, look no further than digital kiosks. These are great for customer engagement in retail and service industries; you can use them for wayfinding, product research, and more. You can even sell digital ad space on your kiosks to create a secondary revenue stream.
Kiosks also allow you to provide self-service opportunities for your customers. You can give your guests a chance to find sales and locate products within the store, putting them in control of their own consumer experience.
Static Signage for Low-Maintenance Needs
Static signage is a long-lasting and economical option for presenting content to guests and customers. Something like a static LED lightbox is cost-effective, durable, and requires zero power.
It’s best to consider static signage to display content that isn’t updated frequently, such as a map of your shopping center or your primary menu. It can be used as a standalone engagement tool or as a complement to other resources, such as digital displays and video walls. Together, they create an immersive experience for your guests while presenting relevant products, offers, and deals.
The Right Signage for Your Business Is Built to Last
Returning to the original question, can you use TVs for digital signage? It’s certainly possible, but it isn’t plausible; the performance will be underwhelming, and you’ll probably be swapping out your TVs quite often. Not to mention, your content quality and visibility will suffer.
If you want to unlock the benefits of digital signage and commercial-grade displays, you need high-quality solutions that are designed for continuous use. Custom, commercial-grade digital signs can elevate customer engagement and help you connect with the ideal audience as they explore your business. Don’t cut corners when it comes to customer engagement; use robust digital signs and create an immersive experience for your guests.