The downsides of digital signage

As with any new technology, the buzz surrounding digital signage can often mislead people into believing that it is a simple and straightforward method of advertising, generating awareness and general marketing.

Of course, there are many advantages to using LCD screens outside the home. It’s vibrant, dynamic, flexible, and far more eye-catching and engaging than standard print media. However, while many people in the digital signage (DS) industry will explain how beneficial it can be and how digital displays can increase brand awareness, few will explain some of its downsides.

However, there are some downsides to using LCD or plasma screens for use outside the home:

Difficult to establish a return on investment.

One of the main disadvantages of digital signage compared to regular media is that there is often a high initial outlay. When setting up a DS campaign, you not only have to buy the displays, but also the content creation software and media playback devices, not to mention that you have to pay someone to create and manage the campaign if you can’t. yourself.

Technology requires some experience.

Creating content and networking a set of displays requires some technical knowledge, and while it is possible to do almost every aspect of implementing digital signage yourself, some IT or technology expertise is required. Otherwise, it would be much easier to hire someone to take care of these things for you.

Digital signage requires protection

Unlike the television that sits in the relative safety of the front room, a signage screen can be in a much more precarious position. Not only are they in a public area and are susceptible to bumps and impacts (both accidental and deliberate) and, in the case of outdoor digital signage, they also need to be protected against the elements.

Outdoor TVs can be used as outdoor digital billboards, but they still need impact protection and the costs of these waterproof TVs are extremely high.

However, not all bad news. Outdoor screen protection is available at a fairly inexpensive price in the form of an exterior LCD housing.

Because LCD housings are completely waterproof and manufactured, and can accommodate almost any standard LCD or plasma display, they are ideal for use in digital signage, both indoors and outdoors.