Digital Signage FAQs

Digital signage uses electronic screens to show information such as menus, advertisements and directions. A system usually combines a display, a media player and software for managing content. The player may be built into the screen or connected as a separate device.

Related reading: how LCD digital signage works.

A digital sign can change its message without replacing a printed sheet. It can show moving images, alternate between messages and follow a schedule. Printed signs remain useful for fixed information, while digital signs suit content that changes by time, location or audience.

A digital advertising display is a screen used to present promotional material, such as product images, offers or videos. It can be wall-mounted, freestanding or installed in a shop window. The term describes its purpose; it does not specify a particular screen technology or brightness.

Related reading: floor-standing digital displays.

A digital poster presents poster-style information on an electronic screen, often in portrait orientation. Unlike a printed poster, it can rotate through several designs or include animation. The artwork should match the screen layout so that text and images are not stretched or cut off.

Related reading: floor-standing digital displays.

A digital menu board displays menu items, prices and related information on one or more screens. Its content can be updated manually or connected to a menu system when the software supports that integration. Scheduled layouts can show different menus at breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Related reading: digital menu board features.

Digital wayfinding helps people find a destination using electronic maps, directories or directional signs. Some screens simply display directions; interactive versions let visitors search for a shop, room or service. A useful wayfinding system needs accurate location information and routes that are easy to follow.

Related reading: interactive information kiosks.

Commercial displays are designed around business uses, with model-dependent features such as scheduled operation, remote control and portrait installation. A consumer TV is primarily intended for home viewing. Check the stated operating hours and installation limits rather than assuming that all screens of the same size are interchangeable.

Related reading: commercial displays versus consumer TVs.

These figures describe the intended operating schedule: 16 hours a day, seven days a week, or 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They are not a lifespan or a promise of uninterrupted service. Temperature, ventilation and other conditions in the product documentation still apply.

Related reading: commercial displays versus consumer TVs.

Standalone signage plays content stored on the device, often updated locally. Networked signage can receive content and management commands over a network. Networked players may still play downloaded files when the internet connection is interrupted; that depends on the player and software. See our online and offline signage options.

An SoC display has a built-in computing platform that can run supported signage software, reducing the need for a separate media player. Check the operating system, supported applications and playback limits before choosing it; a built-in processor does not make every CMS compatible. See our indoor digital signage displays.

Interactive signage responds to input, such as a touch selection, while a normal advertising display follows its programmed content. Adding a touchscreen alone is not enough: the application also needs an interface that responds to the user. See our interactive information kiosks.

An LCD video wall combines several display panels into one larger viewing area. The panels can show a shared image or separate content when the controller and software support it. Panel alignment, visible bezels and the content resolution all affect the result. See our LCD video wall displays.

A double-sided digital display has viewing surfaces facing two directions, for example toward a shop window and into the store. The two sides may need different brightness levels and content. Confirm whether each side can be controlled independently.

A digital A-board is a movable sign with an electronic screen in an A-frame or similar portable housing. Some models use batteries, while others need mains power. Portability alone does not indicate outdoor suitability, weather protection or battery runtime. See our battery-powered outdoor displays.

Yes. A display can alternate between promotional content, directions and service information, or show them in separate areas when the software supports it. Keep essential information easy to read instead of filling the screen with competing messages. See our digital signage applications in shopping malls.

Place it where the intended audience can see and read it during a natural pause or approach. Consider sightlines, viewing distance, daylight reflections and safe access around the installation. A large screen in a poor location can be less useful than a smaller, well-positioned one. See our advertising display placement guide.

An LCD forms an image by controlling light from a backlight through a liquid-crystal panel. A direct-view LED display creates the visible image with light-emitting diodes themselves. An “LED-backlit LCD” is still an LCD, so the word LED alone can be ambiguous when comparing screens.

Related reading: LCD video wall displays.

Full HD normally means 1920 × 1080 pixels, while 4K UHD normally means 3840 × 2160 pixels. That gives 4K UHD four times as many pixels, which can preserve finer detail. The visible benefit also depends on screen size, viewing distance and the quality of the original content.

Aspect ratio is the relationship between the width and height of the picture. For example, 16:9 is a common landscape format and 9:16 is its portrait equivalent. When content uses a different ratio, the player may add borders, crop the image or stretch it, depending on its settings.

A nit is a unit of luminance, equal to one candela per square metre (cd/m²). A higher nit value generally means a brighter screen under comparable measurement conditions. It does not describe resolution, and brightness alone does not account for reflections or determine how readable every image will be.

Luminance explained

Related reading: screen brightness and window visibility.

Contrast ratio compares the luminance of the brightest white and darkest black a display can produce under stated test conditions. A larger ratio can help distinguish light and dark image details. Compare like-for-like measurements: dynamic contrast figures and native contrast figures describe different measurement conditions.

Pixel pitch is the distance between the centres of neighbouring pixels, usually stated in millimetres for LED displays. A smaller pitch puts more pixels into the same area and can suit closer viewing. The appropriate pitch depends on viewing distance and the detail people need to read.

Pixel pitch explained

Optical bonding fills the gap between a display and its cover glass or touch panel with a transparent bonding material. Removing that air gap reduces internal reflections and can improve visibility in bright surroundings. It is different from an anti-glare surface treatment and does not itself establish an enclosure’s weather resistance.

How optical bonding works

A stretched display has a much wider or taller shape than a conventional screen, making it useful where installation space is narrow. Common applications include shelf edges, transport information and directional signs. Content needs to be designed for the display’s actual pixel dimensions rather than stretched from a standard video.

Related reading: stretched bar displays for retail shelves.

Viewing angle describes how far off-centre a screen can be viewed under a specified test condition. In a shop or public space, people may approach from the side, so check how contrast and colours look from those positions. A quoted angle does not guarantee identical image quality everywhere. See our LCD video wall selection guide.

Refresh rate, measured in hertz, describes how often the image can be refreshed. Response time, usually measured in milliseconds, describes how quickly pixels change between specified states. Both affect motion, but they measure different things and should not be compared as interchangeable specifications.

The bezel is the border around a panel. On a tiled wall, the visible join usually includes the borders of two adjacent panels, so check whether a specification describes one bezel or the combined bezel-to-bezel gap. Smaller joins make the division between panels less noticeable. See our video wall bezel sizes.

Start with the smallest text or detail viewers must read and the distance from which they will see it. Test a sample layout at that distance before selecting the screen size. Increasing resolution alone does not make physically small text easier to read. See our advertising display placement guide.

Anti-glare surfaces scatter reflected light, while anti-reflective treatments reduce reflection at the surface. Neither replaces adequate brightness or careful placement. Review the finished display under the intended lighting because surface treatment can also influence perceived sharpness and contrast. See our screen brightness and window visibility.

No. Native resolution is the physical pixel grid of the panel; supported input resolution describes signals the display can accept. A screen may accept a higher-resolution signal and scale it down. Check native resolution when comparing how much detail the panel can actually show. See our LCD video wall selection guide.

On the same LCD, raising the backlight level generally increases power use. Across different models, efficiency, panel size, content and operating settings also matter. Compare power figures measured under similar conditions rather than estimating consumption from the brightness rating alone. See our screen brightness and window visibility.

Usually the artwork should be adapted to the stretched screen’s native resolution and aspect ratio. A standard landscape design may be cropped, distorted or shown with empty space. Design text and images for the actual canvas, then test readability on the finished screen. See our stretched bar displays for retail shelves.

Outdoor displays must address the light and environmental conditions at their installation site, which can include rain, dust, direct sun and temperature extremes. Indoor models may not provide these protections. Brightness, enclosure protection and temperature limits are separate specifications, so one strong specification cannot stand in for the others.

Related reading: IP66 outdoor display designs.

No. A window-facing display is typically installed indoors and viewed through glass from outside, while an outdoor display is designed for exposure at its rated installation location. Both may need high brightness, but a window-facing model should not be assumed to tolerate rain or outdoor temperatures.

Related reading: high-brightness window displays.

Daylight and reflections on the window can make screen content difficult to see. Higher brightness can improve visibility, but glass tint, screen placement and the content’s contrast also matter. The required brightness should be assessed at the actual location, including its brightest daytime conditions.

Related reading: screen brightness and window visibility.

Not necessarily: brightness that works in strong daylight can be excessive after dark. A display with a supported light sensor or brightness schedule can adjust output as conditions change. These settings can also reduce energy use, but the available controls depend on the display and management software.

An IP rating classifies an enclosure’s protection against ingress under defined test conditions. The first digit concerns access and solid foreign objects; the second concerns water. It does not describe screen brightness, impact resistance or the full operating temperature range, which must be checked separately.

IEC 60529: enclosure protection

IP66 indicates a dust-tight enclosure with protection against powerful water jets under the specified test conditions. It is not a rating for immersion in water. The claim applies to the tested enclosure configuration, so doors, cable entries and installation details must follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

IP protection levels explained

Related reading: IP66 outdoor display designs.

Excessive panel temperature can disturb the operation of an LCD and cause darkening, sometimes called blackening. A screen can become hotter than the surrounding air when exposed to direct sun. Check suitability for solar exposure and cooling requirements; dark patches can also have other causes that need diagnosis.

Related reading: outdoor signage cooling systems.

The screen, electronics and sunlight all contribute heat that must be controlled within the equipment’s operating limits. Depending on the design, this may involve passive heat transfer, fans, heat exchangers or air conditioning. A weather-protected enclosure still needs its specified clearances and maintenance to manage temperature properly.

Related reading: outdoor signage cooling systems.

Both ratings indicate a dust-tight enclosure under the relevant test conditions. IP65 addresses water jets, while IP66 addresses more powerful water jets. Neither rating by itself establishes immersion protection, impact resistance or the display’s operating temperature range.

No. Water protection and sunlight readability are separate requirements. An outdoor display also needs suitable brightness, reflection control and thermal design for its installation. Confirm direct-sun operating conditions rather than choosing only by the enclosure’s IP rating. See our IP66 outdoor display designs.

An awning does not remove exposure to humidity, dust, wind-driven rain or temperature changes. Use equipment specified for the actual environment and installation method. A sheltered location should not be treated as an indoor environment without checking those conditions. See our outdoor wall-mounted displays.

The choice depends on ambient temperature, solar heat, internal power dissipation and enclosure design. Fans move air but do not cool it below the temperature of the air being supplied. Select a thermal system from the expected heat load and environment, rather than screen size alone. See our outdoor signage cooling systems.

Operating temperature is the specified range for equipment while it is running. Storage temperature applies when it is not operating and may allow a wider range. A storage rating does not mean the screen can safely run at those temperatures. See our IP66 outdoor display designs.

Condensation can form when a surface falls below the surrounding air’s dew point, allowing moisture to collect inside or on equipment. Outdoor designs may use sealing, controlled ventilation or heating to manage moisture. Follow the manufacturer’s humidity and installation requirements. See our outdoor signage cooling systems.

Usually a lower setting improves viewing comfort and reduces unnecessary light and energy use after dark. Automatic adjustment requires a suitable sensor and control settings. Set the night-time level for the surroundings and check any local lighting restrictions for the installation. See our screen brightness and window visibility.

No. IP ratings concern ingress of solids and water. Mechanical impact resistance is assessed separately, often using an IK rating. Check which part of the product was tested, because a glass rating does not necessarily describe the entire enclosure. See our IP66 outdoor display designs.

A touchscreen combines a display with a sensor that detects where a user touches the surface. The connected computer and software then interpret that touch as an action, such as selecting a menu item. A touchscreen by itself does not provide the application or business workflow.

A self-service kiosk lets a customer complete a defined task without an employee entering each step for them. Examples include ordering food, checking in or looking up product information. It combines suitable hardware with an application, and may need connections to payment, booking or other business systems.

Related reading: self-ordering kiosks.

A self-service kiosk is arranged for the customer to use, while a conventional point-of-sale terminal is arranged for an employee to operate. They can share software and transaction data, and some hardware supports both roles. The key difference is the user and workflow, rather than simply the screen size.

Related reading: self-service kiosks versus POS systems.

PCAP detects touch through changes in an electrical sensing field across the screen. It is commonly used with a flat glass surface and can support multiple touch points. Operation through gloves or thicker cover glass depends on the sensor, controller and settings, rather than being guaranteed for every PCAP screen.

Infrared touch systems typically use emitters and sensors around the screen to form a grid of light beams. A finger or suitable object interrupts that grid, allowing the controller to locate the touch. The frame needs to remain clear, and environmental suitability depends on the specific system.

Multi-touch means the system can detect more than one touch point at the same time. This can support gestures such as pinch-to-zoom or interaction by several fingers. The touchscreen, operating system and application all need suitable support; a high touch-point count alone does not add gestures to an application.

A touchscreen monitor generally supplies the display and touch input, while a separate computer runs the application. A touchscreen computer also includes computing hardware and an operating system in the device. This distinction matters when planning software installation, connectivity, upgrades and the available space behind a kiosk.

Related reading: self-service kiosk selection guide.

No. Some kiosks only provide information, issue tickets or handle check-in. Taking payment requires a supported payment device or service and compatible software integration. A mounting bracket or NFC component alone does not mean that a complete payment workflow is ready to operate.

A modular kiosk uses components that can be configured for a particular task, such as a screen, payment-terminal bracket, scanner or printer. Modules still need compatible mechanical, electrical and software interfaces. Modular construction does not mean every accessory can be attached without integration work. See our modular self-service kiosk hardware.

An open-frame touch monitor is intended to be built into a larger enclosure, machine or kiosk rather than used as a finished freestanding product. The integrator provides suitable mounting, protection and cable access. Check the mechanical drawing and permitted mounting conditions before designing the cabinet. See our self-service kiosk selection guide.

It depends on the touch technology, controller settings and glove material. Some projected-capacitive systems support selected gloves, while thick insulating gloves may require a different solution. Test the actual gloves on the proposed hardware instead of relying on a general touchscreen label. See our interactive information kiosks.

Yes. Water can interfere with some touch systems and cause missed or unintended touches. Weatherproof enclosure construction and reliable wet-touch operation are separate requirements. Test the complete assembly in the expected conditions, including any protective cover glass. See our self-service kiosk selection guide.

Calibration aligns detected touch positions with the image shown on the display. Some systems need manual calibration, while others work without routine calibration. If a touch lands in the wrong place, check display mapping, orientation and the touch driver before assuming the panel is faulty.

In many installations, HDMI carries the picture and audio while USB carries touch input back to the computer. A visible picture therefore does not prove the touch connection is working. Some USB-C setups combine functions, but the monitor, computer and cable must all support the required features. See our self-service kiosk selection guide.

Yes, when it includes a suitable scanner or camera and compatible application software. Confirm the code types, reading distance and whether codes must be read from paper, phone screens or both. Reading a code and using its data in a transaction are separate integration steps. See our modular self-service kiosk hardware.

No. A printer is needed only when the service requires a paper receipt, ticket or label. Other applications may use an on-screen reference or a digital confirmation. Decide from the customer workflow and application requirements before adding printing hardware. See our self-ordering kiosks.

A content management system (CMS) is software used to organise and publish what screens display. It commonly handles media libraries, playlists and schedules, while some systems also manage devices. Compatibility with the player and required features should be checked because different CMS products support different hardware and workflows.

A media player reads or receives content and sends the picture and sound to a display. It may be a separate box, a computer or a processor built into the screen. Its capabilities determine which file formats, resolutions and interactive functions can be played reliably.

No. A compatible player can play files stored locally without continuous internet access. Online features such as remote updates, live feeds or streaming may need a connection, and behaviour during an outage depends on the software. Check whether content is downloaded in advance and what still works offline.

Related reading: online and offline signage options.

Many systems support common images and videos, but the exact formats depend on the player and software. A file extension such as MP4 does not fully describe its video codec, resolution or bitrate. Test content against the player’s supported specifications before sending the same files to many screens.

Yes, when the player is connected to a compatible remote management or content system. An operator can publish updated content to the selected screen or group through that system. A disconnected player cannot receive new remote updates until its connection is restored, even if it continues playing downloaded content.

Yes. A management system that supports separate devices or groups can assign different content and schedules to each screen. This differs from a simple signal splitter, which normally duplicates one source. Showing one image across a video wall also requires suitable layout and processing support.

No. Portrait installation should be explicitly supported by the display, and the mounting direction and ventilation requirements must be followed. The player must also output the correct orientation. Designing content at the portrait pixel dimensions avoids relying on stretching or cropping a landscape design.

A VESA mounting pattern describes the spacing of mounting holes on the back of a display, such as 100 × 100 mm. Matching the hole pattern is only part of choosing a mount. The mount must also support the display’s weight and use the correct screws and installation method.

VESA mounting guide

A playlist is an ordered set of content items that a player displays, often repeatedly. It may define how long images remain on screen and when videos play. Some systems also support validity dates or automatically updated playlists. See our digital menu board features.

Yes, if the software supports scheduling. For example, a restaurant can switch between breakfast and lunch menus automatically. Confirm the player’s clock, time zone and schedule priorities so the intended content appears at the correct local time. See our scheduling seasonal digital menu content.

A multi-zone layout divides a screen into areas that can show different content, such as a main video, a price list and a message strip. The player and software must support the layout. Keep text large enough to read after the screen has been divided. See our digital menu board features.

Black bars commonly appear when the content aspect ratio differs from the display or assigned layout area. Fitting preserves the complete image, while filling may crop it. Match the artwork dimensions to the intended canvas and check the player’s scaling settings. See our stretched bar displays for retail shelves.

MP4 is a container format, so two MP4 files can use different video or audio codecs. Playback also depends on resolution, bitrate, frame rate and the player’s limits. Export using a supported profile and test the finished file on the actual device.

No. A display may be supplied with basic playback tools, an optional CMS or no content-management software. Check what the quotation includes, how licences are charged and whether updates or support require an ongoing subscription. Hardware compatibility should be confirmed separately. See our digital menu board features.

Depending on the platform, remote monitoring may report connection status, storage use, playback logs or a screenshot. An online player does not necessarily prove that the physical screen is powered on or visible to customers. Display control or an on-site check may still be needed. See our online and offline signage options.

USB updates can suit a small number of accessible screens with infrequent content changes. Network updates are more practical when screens are spread across locations or need frequent changes. Check the device’s update process and confirm that the new files play correctly after deployment. See our online and offline signage options.