Display Technologies
The appeal of flat panel displays in digital signage is they are aesthetically pleasing, are lighter and have a smaller footprint than CRT systems and are flexible in their installation and configuration options. Projectors too have been finding their way into creative digital signage solutions, often as part larger display systems.
Media Players
This is a computer that is connected directly to the display that has the signage software running on it to display content. Performance is determined by the specification of the media player system; ie: the more powerful the system the more flexibility in creating complex content in multiple zones.
Video Extenders and Signal Splitters
Instead of laying down new, dedicated wiring for video (to connect the media players to the displays), CAT5 network cabling can be used to achieve the same results. This allows businesses to take advantage of the CAT5 cabling that is normally available in most new office buildings, without a heavy reinvestment in infrastructure.
The Network
By using the Internet as a backbone for a digital signage network, operators can easily and quickly setup complex configurations using established industry standards for connectivity and security. A virtual private network (VPN) is a network that uses a public telecommunication infrastructure, such as the Internet, to provide remote offices or individual users with secure access to their organization’s network.
Software – Content Management Software CMS
The CMS software allows for the proper organization and management of the content that will be displayed on the signage system. CMS software allows inserting new pieces of content into the system’s library, organizing it in a hierarchical fashion using a tree structure or tags based metaphor. CMS software also allows the network owner to build playlists of content segments, since the goal of a digital signage network is to show relevant, time- and place-specific information.
