digital-signage.uk

Guide

How to choose a digital signage screen

In short: Choose a screen based on where it will be viewed, how bright the location is, how many hours it will run, the viewing distance and whether people need to interact with it.

1. Start with the location

Indoor, behind a window, or outdoors? This single question determines more about the right screen than anything else.

2. Brightness

Brightness is measured in nits. Indoor screens suit indoor lighting; windows facing daylight need high-brightness displays; outdoor screens need high brightness plus weather protection.

3. Size and viewing distance

Larger screens suit longer viewing distances. Consider where people will stand, how long they'll look, and how much text you need to show. Fewer words in larger type usually works better than a bigger screen.

4. Commercial vs consumer

Commercial displays are designed for extended operating hours and business use, with mounting and control features consumer TVs lack. Using a TV commercially may also affect its warranty.

5. Orientation

Portrait suits poster-style content and narrow spaces; landscape suits menus, video and information.

6. Touch

Touchscreens add interaction for browsing and wayfinding, but need content designed for touch and a position people can reach comfortably.

Matching screen types to locations
LocationTypical screen typeKey consideration
Inside the premisesIndoor commercial displaySize and viewing distance
Shop windowHigh-brightness window displaySunlight and heat behind glass
OutdoorsWeather-rated outdoor displayMounting, planning and protection
Self-service informationTouchscreen or kioskAccessible height and content design

Frequently asked questions

Which direction does my window face, and does it matter?

It matters a lot. South and west-facing windows typically receive more direct sun and are more demanding for screen brightness and heat. We take this into account when recommending a display.

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