In case you have used a digital signage solution before, you have probably discovered it is nothing less than a building project. There can be so many hidden costs that you don’t expect. So, where can you possibly get cost effective digital signs? How do you know that you are going to get the value you deserve for the money you invested?
The answer to this is you cannot, unless you have a professional on board who takes up complete responsibility for your digital signage. Therefore, if you wish to get the most out of your signage, you must review it regularly and make sure you take professional advice along the way.
Go to a Provider Who Offers Variety in Hardware:
Hardware refers to the physical parts of a digital sign, including the displays. There are numerous kinds of display units, such as:
Menu boards
Digital displays
Interactive screens
Tablets
Kiosks
Video walls
The hardware you choose will decide your budget. You can use a consumer-grade TV for cutting down on costs. These devices can be bought from any showroom specializing in electronics. To cut costs, you can even buy a second-hand display. However, these may not work as commercial solutions. Being the most visible part of the advertising project, it is best that you spend on a quality commercial set. Naturally, the price for buying is higher, but you are going to see its ROI, return on investment, in the future. This is because commercial displays come with extended warranties, have powerful processing, and can last longer.
Media Player
The next extremely important part of a digital signage budget is the media player. You need a media player to stream content onto the display device.
Media players have three categories:
Plug and Play Sticks – These sticks are known to be the cheapest but offer only basic functionality.
Media Players – If you require durability, storage and strong processing power, they are the best solution.
Built-In Solution – These can be a hassle-free solution as they are built into the unit. However, their functionality or processing power is less compared to a media player.
The cost of the players may vary depending on the way you intend to utilize the digital display. Having said that, the variation is not as much as with a digital display unit. To get the best bang for your buck, hire a digital signage expert to help you choose the right unit.
Also Read: Advantages of Using Digital Display Banners
Mounting Hardware
Once you have bought the display unit and a media player, you will also require a mounting hardware. There are a range of display mounts, depending on the place you wish to mount your display. These include:
Ceiling mount
Video wall mount
Flat wall mount
Tilted wall mount
Normally, there are commercial-grade and consumer mounts. To cut back, you can visit a hardware store to buy cheaper consumer grade mounts. However, they are not recommended. It is always a better idea to go for a commercial offering as it offers a superior build quality. In addition, it will offer better specifications since service, installation and adjustments are easier.
Content Creation:
Remember, you require fresh and impactful content for display. A professional sign maker is competent enough to create informative, creative and fresh content to keep the audience engaged. They have the required know-how when it comes to graphics to compile design assets, fonts and stock photos on a regular basis. By hiring a professional you are not only saving money on re-edits but are also making more money because of attractive content.
Once your digital signage is ready, you have to think of installation. Make sure you hire resourceful and equipped staff so that your investment is not in vain. You can look for professionals online by searching with the term “digital signage near me”. Smart choices help you keep your signage cost-effective.