What is digital signage? The complete guide

Digital signage — in short

Digital signage means digital screens that display content and are controlled centrally — from the menu board in a café to the shop-window display in retail to the information wall in a company reception. Instead of printed posters that somebody has to swap out, you play out images, videos and live content digitally and update them in seconds — across many sites at once.

How does digital signage work?

Every digital signage system consists of three building blocks that work together: the screen, the player and the CMS. You create content in the CMS, schedule when it runs, and the content is played out to the players and therefore onto the screens — automatically and remotely.

1. The screen

This is the visible display. For continuous operation, professional displays pay off: brighter, more durable and rated for 16/7 or 24/7 use — unlike an ordinary television. Available in portrait and landscape and from Full HD to 4K.

2. The player

The player is the computing module that plays the content. It can be built into the screen (system on chip) or plugged in as a small external device. An affordable way to upgrade existing monitors is the Amazon Signage Stick — plug in, pair, done.

3. The CMS

The content management system is the heart of the solution. Here you design content by drag and drop, build playlists, schedule times and control all screens centrally from the browser. A good digital signage CMS keeps running offline if the internet fails, and grows from one screen to hundreds.

What is digital signage used for?

• Hospitality: digital menus and offers that change at the click of a button.
• Retail: shop-window displays, promotional and checkout screens.
• Practices & pharmacies: information and entertainment in the waiting area.
• Companies: reception, internal communication, KPI dashboards.
• Education: notices, timetables and wayfinding in schools and universities.
• Hotels: lobby, conference rooms and floor displays.

The advantages over print

Digital content is up to date immediately, can be controlled remotely and scheduled to the minute. Moving images draw more attention than a static poster, and over time you save on printing and logistics — with no paper waste. One screen, endless designs.

What does it cost to get started?

The costs consist of three parts: the screen (one-off), the player (one-off or built into the display) and the CMS licence (monthly per screen). If you use existing monitors you save on the screen and start affordably with a stick. You will find the full overview of displays, players and software at lumafy.

Ready to go in a few steps

1. Define the location and the goal (what should the screen achieve?).
2. Choose a suitable screen — or upgrade an existing monitor.
3. Set up the player and the CMS.
4. Create and schedule your first content.
5. Pair — and go live.

Digital signage from one source

It is easiest when screen, player and software fit together and come from one provider. That is exactly what lumafy stands for: displays, CMS and the Amazon Signage Stick from one source — with support in your language.

→ Discover digital signage with lumafy