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Signage network

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Signage Network is a collection of digital diplays managed by software and hardware typically over a TCP/IP network. Digital signs (such as LCD, LED, plasma displays, or projected images) are used to broadcast the intended message. The signs are usually refered to as endpoints.

The benefits of digital signage over traditional static signs are that the content can be exchanged more easily, animations can be shown, and the signs can adapt to the context and audience, even interactively. Digital signage also offers superior return on investment compared to traditional printed signs.

Market and applications

While the term "digital signage" has taken hold throughout most of the world, some companies and organisations prefer to use the terms "narrowcasting", "screen media", "place-based media", "digital merchandising", "digital media networks", "digital out-of-home" or "captive audience networks".

Content playback and management

Content is played to the displays of a digital signage network from at least one player machine. Various hardware and software options exist, providing a range of different ways to schedule and playback content. These range from simple, non-networked media players that can output basic loops of MPEG-2 video to complex, N-tier players networks that offer control over many displays in many venues from a single location. The former are ideal for small groups of displays that can be updated via CD-ROM or USB flash drive, while the latter allows digital signage network operators to either push content to many players at once or have each player pull content from a server as needed.

Developments in Web services have meant the APIs for some digital signage software now allow for customised content management interfaces through which end users can manage their content from one location, in a way which suits their requirement.

The recent introduction of free digital signage software may further expand the pool of potential users of this technology.

Network infrastructure

Unless the player server is located at the display, there is usually a network connecting the digital signage displays. The video (and possibly audio) is distributed to the displays through a series of wired network connections (such as Cat 5 cables) or wireless connectivity through the use of wireless adapters. When distributing through anything other than a video/audio cable, the signal will need to be converted with transmitter and receiver baluns.

To manage a network, a management server is usually required. This can be located anywhere, so long as it is connected to the digital signage network. New content will be managed and organised here, while the actual content itself is stored and played on the player servers.

Digital signage networks can either be closed or open to the Web, which will affect how the content on the screens is updated. For closed networks (without Internet access), updates need to be done locally through USB sticks, DVD drives or other 'on-site' updates. Open networks (with Internet access) can be updated remotely and stream data from other Internet sources (such as RSS feeds). The availability and type of Internet access (wireless, broadband, etc.) depends on the location and client.

Technologies such as IPTV allow digital signage to be used as a method of broadcasting. The content is played according to instructions provided by play lists controlled by the digital signage system content management server. Convergence between digital signage and broadcasting allows for real-time distribution of broadcast sources (TV) on a narrowcast network (digital signage).

Other technologies

Digital signage can interact with mobile phones. Using SMS messaging and Bluetooth, some networks are increasing the interactivity of the audience. SMS messages can be used to post messages on the displays, while Bluetooth allows users to interact directly with what they see on screen.

In addition to mobile interactivity, networks are also using technology that integrates social media interactivity. This technology enables end users to post Twitter and Flickr messages to the displays.

Standards

In March 2009, POPAI released the first of three digital signage standards to promote "interoperability between different providers". "Screen-Media Formats"[1] specifies the file formats that digital signage systems should support. The objective of this and future standards documents from POPAI is to establish a foundation of performance and behavior that all digital signage systems can follow.

See also

References

  1. ^ "POPAI Screen-Media Formats Standard". POPAI. Retrieved 2009-04-10.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Signage_network&oldid=291194756"