So, what is digital signage and why would I need it for my business when we’ve done without it (and the cost) for all these years?
I’ll provide two examples. American fast food chains such as McDonalds and KFC use digital signage to great effect. An array of standard sized 16:9 screens displayed in a row, switching between menu, lifestyle images and general information. They keep the customer engaged because the images are fresh, and the data can be changed on demand. In the old days the screens flipped from breakfast to lunch – now the menus change electronically, and they can even omit an out of stock item.
Another is the local holiday park. A simple single large screen at various high-volume areas gives a clean contemporary customer welcome experience whilst subliminal selling additional services and events.
Hospitality (or hotel) TV’s are closely related with the crossover of many features. All our hotel TV’s can start up with a welcome message or display what’s on information and almost all of our digital signs have a tuner inside to display a live picture on screen if you choose.
Basically, a digital signage unit is a super-robust TV with additional features to allow it to be on longer (24h) and brighter (in sunlight) and loaded with software to easily send data to it. Entry level machines plug into your network and receive orders that way and some just need 13a as they receive data via 4G.
You can either operate a single panel or place more together in a group, a row or a mosaic. To be honest you would only be limited by your imagination and budget. We pass by hundreds of digital signs in airports, bus stops, shopping centres and fuel stations but now the price has dropped to be accessible by all, plus they can be rented.
All the famous TV brands have an involvement with digital signage with the most prevalent being LG, Samsung and Philips. At Hughes Trade we have access to them all, but some are better suited to tasks than others.
The cost is lower than you would think too. Like standard TVs, the prices have dropped dramatically comparatively over the years so a long-term rental on a standard 16:9 screen can be as low as £4 per week – with the added benefit that businesses can often sell advertising space to their supply partners and make money back.
Hughes Trade offer no obligation quotations and advice and low-price business rental terms to avoid capital investment. Our in-house marketing team can provide artwork to get you started or on a pay as you go basis ongoing. You come up with the idea and we’ll provide you with a solution.
Visit us online to find out about our product ranges, apply for a trade account and to find details about trade rental. You can also contact your local Hughes Trade branch for more information or call 0345 877 8989 to reach our National Sales team.
If you would like to speak to our Hughes Smart team directly you can contact them on 0845 111 3030 or smart@hughes.co.uk.
