Digital Signage
By Gary R
Digital signage is the newest player to the world of out-of-home advertising, and has been taking over the industry with a vengeance. The term digital signage refers to screens both large and small that are used to show content and advertising. The screens are usually networked to a main content server which can usually be administered from anywhere in the world where an internet connection is available.
The benefits of digital signage are clear, and are being realized by thousands of retailers, government institutions, and educators world wide. The dynamic digital signage is eye catching, and can be used to up-sell at point-of-sale where add-on purchases might not normally occur. The digital signage also serves to modernize the retail area, making it look cutting edge.
The digital signage phenomenon has become more popular as the cost of equipment has fallen. Large plasma or LCD screens are more affordable today than ever before. The servers and PCs that are used to administer the content are also extremely affordable. This attainability has lead to explosive growth in the digital signage sector over the past two year. The sector is expected to reach new heights in 2007, and reach sales of over $1 billion US.
Because of the affordability, companies both large and small have been taking advantage. Digital signage has also become common place in hospitals, schools, post-secondary institutions, government, airports, shopping malls, and financial institutions, to name a few.