ELECTRONIC SIGNAGE SOFTWARE TIPS

Electronic signage software products are used for out-of-home advertising and public information.  Depending to who you’re speaking with, you may also hear these products referred to as digital signage software or CMS.  There are many products that you can use for electronic signage applications so it’s important to know what to look for because not all software is created equal.

One of the main uses for electronic signage software is to support digital screen installations which often means LED boards mounted in public spaces.  The equipment and software running the show must be reliable and able to perform flawlessly 24 hours a day, all year round.  Otherwise you’ll end up with a totally dark ad space or worse yet, the dreaded “blue screen of death”.  Since no one wants to see that, network operators rely on high quality hardware components and professional software applications to ensure optimal performance.

In most cases, electronic signs will be mounted outside a building so you need components that are able to withstand the elements.  Consider local environments when selecting these products.  Those who are in northern climates will have to deal with extreme cold in winter while others may have to deal with heat or very damp conditions.  Some equipment may need to be mounted inside weatherproof cases to function properly in these conditions.  There are many other considerations such as vandalism or theft so you should always think about where your equipment will be located so you can protect it. 

Performing a site survey is essential before starting any outdoor project.

On the software side, you need to pay attention to player reliability and bandwidth use.  Many electronic signs are installed in remote areas where it’s difficult to get access to a wired internet connection.  This is where mobile data devices come into play.  These wireless modems use 3G and 4G/LTE technology similar to cell phones to download new content and upload log files and proof of playback reports.  It’s important to note data charges can escalate quickly so you should select a software player that is very efficient with bandwidth consumption.  The more efficient, the better…

Ideally, your electronic signage software should track the status of each media player in real-time and report back when there is a problem.  This way you’re always kept informed on the health of the entire network and you can respond quickly if anything goes wrong

Author Bio : 

For the past 12 years, Maurice Doran has provided digital signage consulting, content development assistance and software training services for customers around the globe.  He is an expert in various digital signage products, including the Navori QL digital signage software applications.