If you’re new to the world of digital signage, one of the most confusing aspects may be hardware. What do you need? How much will it cost? Where can you buy it from? In this article, we’ll discuss what hardware you need to get your displays up and running, as well as how much it will cost and where you can buy it from. We’ll also discuss some handy accessories that can make your life easier!
#1 – Monitors:
Monitors are a key component of digital signage hardware. They are device that displays what is shown on the screen, and they come in a variety of sizes, resolutions, and quality levels. Digital signage monitors also have different connection types, such as VGA, HDMI, or DisplayPort.
#2 – Computer:
Monitor cables are the most essential part of any digital signage setup. They’re also arguably the most confusing, as there’s a lot to know about them. This guide will help you make an informed decision by explaining all the different types of monitor cables available, as well as how they compare to each other.
1) VGA – VGA is one of the oldest types of monitor cable and it’s used in many places including homes and offices. The downside is that it doesn’t have a high resolution like DVI or HDMI, which can be very important when you’re trying to show images or videos on your screens.
#3 – Monitor Cable:
Monitor cable is the most basic form of display connectivity and is used in digital signage installations where one PC is connected to more than one monitor. This type of cable typically has a male-to-male connector on each end, with a length of around 6 feet. Commonly, this will be connected from the HDMI port on the computer to the DVI or VGA ports on the monitors.
This type of digital signage hardware will depend largely on what you want your displays to show and how many screens you want to connect together. For example, if you’re going for a basic setup that just connects two displays together, an HDMI-DVI cable should suffice.
#4 – HDMI Extenders/Splitters:
Cases/Mounts: They can help you to keep your signage safe and secure while also making it easy to transport and set up. Whether you need a hard case, soft case, or mount, there are many options available.
There are many reasons why people need a digital signage solution. The most obvious one is that they want to attract more customers by displaying their products in high-traffic areas. But there are other reasons too – such as advertising upcoming events or reminders of daily specials. Whatever the reason may be, if you’re looking for a way to make your business grow, digital signage might just be the answer for you.
#5 – Riser Cables/Stands:
Riser Cables/Stands are used to place your display on top of a table or counter. They come in different heights and can either be a stand-alone unit or attached to another piece of equipment that is already sitting on the table. Risers are typically used with smaller displays but can be used with any size display. The height of the riser is important as it will dictate how far away you will have to sit from the screen. A typical height would be 24 inches which leaves you about 3 feet away from the screen.
#6 – Cases/Mounts:
Digital signage hardware doesn’t have to be expensive, and this is where a digital signage case or mount can come in handy. One of the key components of any digital signage setup is what type of display you want to use. This will determine the size and resolution, as well as how many displays you need. When looking into a case or mount, make sure that it can fit your desired display size. Mounts are often used when using two displays side-by-side, while cases can be used with a single screen up front.
#7 – KVM Switches:
A KVM switch is an easy way to connect devices that use different types of video outputs to a single monitor, keyboard, and mouse. This device can be used with both PCs and Macs, as well as any device with a USB port. A KVM Switch will allow you to plug your monitor, keyboard, and mouse into the input side of the device. The output side has many ports for connecting other devices. For example, you could connect your computer and laptop with one port on the switch, or if you are using it with a PC (with no built-in display card), then you would need two ports.
#8 – Video Decoders:
Videos are one of the most popular types of content on digital displays. However, videos can’t be shown without video decoders. Video decoders take the signals from a video source and convert them into an analog or digital signal so that they can be displayed on a display device. Video decoders come in different forms, such as internal and external. Internal video decoders are installed inside your computer while external video decoders are devices that connect to your computer via cables. Your choice of video decoder depends on your needs and how you want to display the videos you create or find online.
#9 – Laptops:
Computer software is a vital component of any digital signage system. Without it, you can’t show images or videos on the screens. There are two types of software – content management systems and the media player. A content management system allows you to customize your displays to show information such as flight updates, weather, and advertisements. The media player runs clips that are either stored locally on the computer or streamed from an online service like YouTube. To find the right software for your needs, it’s best to first identify what features you need, then shop around and compare prices before making a purchase.
1) Content Management System
2) Media Player
#10 – Computer Software:
In order to turn your computer into a digital signage player, you will need digital signage software. There are many different options to choose from, each with its own unique features. One option is Screensaver Pro, which enables you to display videos and images as screensavers. This can be a good option if you only want to show photos or videos on a single screen and not broadcast them across the network. The downside of this program is that it does not have a scheduler feature, meaning you must manually change the content every time you want new information displayed. Another popular piece of software is Contour TV; this tool enables businesses to create slideshows using photos or videos that are stored on the computer’s hard drive.
