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Frequently Asked Questions

read our digital displays faq's

Digital Displays FAQ’s.

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When starting your digital display project, there are several important factors to consider. These include the size of the screens required, the purpose of the displays, identifying the best options to meet your specific needs, and determining how to upload and manage your content effectively.

 

Below, you'll find answers to some frequently asked questions about digital displays. If you can't find the information you're looking for, don't hesitate to reach out—we're here to help!

Digital Displays FAQ’s

A digital display is a screen used to showcase multimedia content such as images, videos, text, and animations. These displays are commonly used for advertising, information sharing, and engagement in a variety of settings, including retail stores, corporate environments, public spaces, and events.

Key features of digital displays include:

  1. Versatility:
    • Content can be easily updated or scheduled through various methods, including USB, Wi-Fi, or a Content Management System (CMS).
  2. Enhanced Visibility:
    • High-definition visuals and vibrant colours ensure the content grabs attention and communicates effectively.
  3. Various Types and Sizes:
    • Available in a wide range of formats, such as indoor screens, outdoor displays, touchscreens, video walls, and more, to suit different applications.
  4. Engagement:
    • They offer dynamic and interactive ways to connect with audiences compared to traditional static signage.

Whether you’re looking to inform, advertise, or entertain, digital displays are a powerful tool for delivering impactful messages in modern environments.

There are many benefits to utilising digital displays: 

Energy consumption: Most digital displays are either LCD or LED which are very energy efficient 

Eco Friendly Power Timer : Set on & off times to ensure that the displays are only in use when required 

Sustainability : Reduces the requirement for static, printed display materials therefore reducing your carbon footprint 

Flexibility in content : You can showcase a variety of content formats such as video, images and text (including scrolling text) and widgets 

Increased customer / client engagement : Moving visuals and animations naturally attract more attention than static signage. Dynamic content like videos, interactive ads, or live feeds keeps customers engaged 

Real Time updates : No need to wait for printed posters, just create your content using applications such as PowerPoint, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite and then upload it to your display 

Scheduling: Display different playlists at different times (daily / weekly) to your target audience e.g. breakfast, lunch and evening menus, special promotions etc

Digital displays are versatile tools that can be used for a wide range of purposes across various industries. Here are some of the most common applications:

Healthcare: Display waiting times, gather patient feedback, show Health Board and site-specific information for staff, patients & visitors, promote vaccination uptake (e.g. flu jab). 

Retail: Promote new products, sales & special offers, loyalty card schemes. 

Corporate: Share announcements, updates, or motivational content with employees. Display meeting schedules, KPIs, or company goals. Showcase latest projects to clients and visitors, display job vacancies. 

Gyms & Fitness: Showcase membership offers, highlight range of fitness classes available 

Hospitality: Promote in-house dining options, events (e.g. wedding fayres), weekend breaks, display information regarding local visitor attractions and places of interest, highlight venue hire, recruitment opportunities, showcase spa or gym facilities 

Automotive: Highlight finance options, service plans, deals of the week and promote latest models. 

Food & Drink: Display menu options, allergy information, daily specials, events (e.g. bottomless brunch)

Digital displays offer endless possibilities for engaging audiences, improving communication, and driving results. They are a powerful tool to deliver dynamic content.

CMS stands for Content Management System, a software platform that allows users to upload, organise, and manage content displayed on digital screens. It serves as the backbone for digital signage, enabling efficient control of content across one or multiple displays. Our Content Management System (My Signage Portal) has been specifically designed for use with the displays and media players that we supply

Key Features of a CMS:

Centralised Management:

Manage content for multiple displays from a single platform, whether they are in the same location or spread across different regions.

Content Scheduling:

Schedule specific content to play at different times, ensuring your messaging is always relevant and targeted.

Remote Access:

Update and manage displays from anywhere when linked to a secure, private, internet connection, making it convenient and time-efficient.

Customisation and Templates:

Use pre-built templates or create customised layouts to fit your branding and messaging needs.

Real-Time Updates:

Quickly update displays with new content, whether for promotions, announcements, or emergencies.

Multi-User Support:

Grant different levels of access to team members for collaborative content management.

Using a CMS simplifies the process of managing digital signage, allowing businesses to deliver dynamic, engaging, and timely content.

Digital displays come in various types to suit different environments and applications. Here’s an overview of the most common options:

  1. Indoor Displays:
    • Designed for use in controlled environments like retail stores, offices, or restaurants.
    • Typically feature moderate brightness levels and slim, lightweight designs.
  2. Outdoor Displays:
    • Built to withstand harsh weather conditions and high levels of sunlight.
    • Equipped with IP65 rated weatherproof enclosures, anti-glare coatings, and high-brightness screens (2,500 cd/m² or more).
  3. Touchscreen Displays:
    • Interactive displays that allow users to engage directly with the content.
    • Commonly used for wayfinding, self-service kiosks, or educational purposes.
  4. Video Walls:
    • A seamless display made up of multiple screens arranged in a grid to create one large visual experience.
  5. LED Displays:
    • High-brightness and scalable, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
    • Commonly used for large-format displays in arenas or billboard advertising
  6. Standalone Digital Signage Displays:
    • Freestanding units that are portable and easy to set up, perfect for events or promotional campaigns.

Each type of display has its own unique features and applications. If you’re unsure which is right for your project, we’re happy to help you choose the perfect solution!

Digital displays come in a wide range of sizes to suit different needs and environments. Standard options typically range from compact 10” screens, ideal for point-of-sale or shelf displays, to large 86” displays for impactful visual experiences in conference rooms, retail spaces, or public venues. For even larger setups, video walls can be created by combining multiple displays (LCD) or cabinets (LED)

If you have specific size requirements, we can help you find the perfect solution for your project.

Uploading content to a digital display depends on the system you are using. Here are the two most common methods:

  1. Using Plug-and-Play:
    • Content is uploaded via a USB drive.
    • Simply save your media files (images, videos, etc.) to the drive, plug it into the display. Once the files have transferred, they play in a continuous loop.
  2. Using a Content Management System (CMS):
    • A CMS allows you to upload, schedule, and manage content remotely via a PC or laptop
    • With internet connectivity, you can update multiple displays simultaneously, ensuring your content stays fresh and relevant.

Each method has its advantages, but our CMS offers more flexibility and control, especially for managing multiple displays or dynamic content.

If you’d like assistance choosing the best method for your needs, feel free to get in touch!

The following file formats are supported/recommended for use by our content management system. 

Media and Web Images : JPG, GIF, BMP, PNG 

Videos: MPG, AVI, MP4, MOV, WMV, RM, RMVB, TS

 Audio (MP3, AAC, WMA) 

 Webpages/HTML5 

Office and Documents: Microsoft Word (DOC, DOCX) Microsoft Excel (XLS, XLSX) Microsoft PowerPoint (PPT, PPTX)  PDFs 

Widgets  (Time Date, Weather Widgets, Social Media) 

Text: RSS Feeds, Static Text, Scrolling Text

Yes. We offer the opportunity to test our CMS (My Signage Portal) before making a purchase. We can provide access to a demo account allowing you to explore features and evaluate whether it meets your needs. We also offer customer support during the trial phase to help you understand and maximize the CMS’s potential.

Testing the CMS before purchasing is a great way to ensure it fits your specific requirements and is user-friendly for your team. Contact us to set up a demo account!

Yes. When you purchase your digital display, you will be provided with access to a range of free online video tutorials, covering a range of topics, to help you make the most of your digital display.

Whether you’re new to digital displays or looking to enhance your skills, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Training can also be customised to meet your specific needs, either on-site (depending on location) or remotely via Microsoft Teams

Renewing your CMS (Content Management System) license is a straightforward process. Here’s how to ensure uninterrupted access to your CMS platform:

  • Renewal Date:

Log in to your CMS account to view the license expiration date. We will also be in touch, one month before expiry, to notify you of your options.

  • Choose Your Plan:
    • Review available options, including the duration of the license (e.g., annual, 3 year or Lifetime) and notify us. We will then send you an invoice
  • Complete Payment:

Once payment is received, your order will be processed and your license will be renewed, You’ll receive a confirmation email. Please allow 2 working days for your order to be processed

To determine the required size (in pixels) for content in either landscape or portrait orientation, you need to consider the resolution of the digital display you are using. Common resolutions include:

Landscape Orientation:

  • Full HD: 1920 x 1080 pixels
  • 4K UHD: 3840 x 2160 pixels

Portrait Orientation:

  • Full HD: 1080 x 1920 pixels
  • 4K UHD: 2160 x 3840 pixels

No. A TV is manufactured for domestic use whereas digital displays are manufactured with commercial grade components, meaning they can be in use 24/7 if required and have an estimated lifespan of up to 70,000 hours. 

Most digital displays have an in-built Android media player which offers advanced connectivity to a content management system (CMS) which enables remote content updates and touch screen functionality. 

Unlike a TV, digital displays can be used in either landscape or portrait orientation. 

A digital display can also provide multi-zone functionality i.e. video zone, image zone, ticker tape zone etc.

Yes, it’s possible to convert existing TVs into networked displays with the right equipment and setup. Here’s how:

  1. Purchase a Media Player :
    • Connect one of our Android Network Media Players to your TV via HDMI.
    • These devices act as intermediaries, enabling the TV to receive content from a Content Management System (CMS).
  2. Use a Content Management System (CMS):
    • By purchasing a CMS licence (1 year, 3 year and lifetime options available) you can remotely manage and schedule the content displayed on your TV.
    • Our CMS platform is cloud-based, allowing you to control your displays from anywhere.
  3. Ensure Internet Connectivity:
    • Connect your media player to the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet to enable content uploads and updates.
  4. Check for Compatibility:
    • Ensure your TV supports external devices and has the necessary input ports (e.g., HDMI).

Converting existing TVs can be a cost-effective solution for creating a networked digital signage

Yes, digital displays can be used outdoors, but they must be specifically designed for outdoor use to ensure durability and optimal performance. Here are some key considerations:

Weatherproof Design:

  • Outdoor displays are built to withstand various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. Our displays have an IP65-rated enclosure for protection against wet weather conditions and airborne dust particles.

Brightness Levels:

  • Outdoor environments require displays with high brightness levels (usually 2,500 cd/m² or higher) to ensure content is clearly visible, even in direct sunlight.

Anti-Glare and UV Protection:

  • Many outdoor displays come with anti-glare coatings and UV protection to enhance visibility and protect the screen from sun damage.

Temperature Control:

  • Outdoor displays often feature built-in temperature control systems, such as fans or heaters, to operate reliably in extreme hot or cold climates.

Mounting and Security:

  • Ensure the display is securely mounted and protected from theft or vandalism with an appropriate enclosure.

Yes, in most cases, planning permission is required for installing an outdoor digital display. This is due to regulations that govern outdoor advertising to ensure safety, aesthetic standards, and compliance with local planning laws. Here’s what you need to consider:

  1. Consult Local Authorities:
    • Planning permission requirements vary by location. Contact your local council or planning authority to understand specific regulations in your area.
  2. Factors Considered for Approval:
    • Location: Proximity to residential areas, public spaces, or heritage sites may impact approval.
    • Size and Brightness: Larger displays or excessively bright screens may require additional scrutiny.
    • Traffic Safety: Displays should not distract drivers or pedestrians, especially near busy roads or intersections.

Failing to secure planning permission may result in fines or removal of the display, so it’s essential to follow the necessary steps. Contact us if you need further guidance or support in the application process.

The standard delivery time for a digital display depends on several factors, such as the type of display, availability, and customisation requirements. Here’s a general timeline:

  1. In-Stock Displays:
    • For standard, in-stock displays, delivery typically takes 3–4 working days, depending on shipping method. Express delivery is available which takes 2-3 working days
  2. Customised Displays or Bulk Orders:
    • If your display requires customisation (e.g., enclosures, branding, or specific configurations) or if you’re placing a bulk order, the delivery time may extend to 4–6 days.
  3. Bespoke Displays:
    • Custom built displays (such as outdoor double sided touch displays) may take longer to deliver due to additional manufacturing and testing requirements, typically 12–16 weeks.

We strive to provide accurate delivery estimates at the time of purchase. If you’re working with tight deadlines, let us know, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.

Need more assistance?

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch, we’ll be happy to answer all of your questions.

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