While they might look like oversized televisions, LED digital signage is so much more. However, there is a time and place for both. Here’s what you need to know to determine what is right for your current needs. Or for each area of your business.
#1 Technology
Modern televisions are far more advanced than they were even a decade ago. However, their primary purpose is to watch TV and listen. They come with built-in tuners/audio, a remote control, ports, and Bluetooth technology so that they can connect with third-party apps and gadgets. They are purchase-ready in a variety of sizes, most are high-definition, and some are built to be weatherproof for outdoor placement.
LED Digital Signage are custom-built to your desired size, scale, and resolution. You determine if you want your sign to post high-definition images and videos or text only. While they can connect to third-party apps and gadgets to stream live TV and play audio, their primary purpose is to be utilized for advertising and communications. Text-only signs come with a remote-style keypad. Advanced displays operate more like a computer and connect remotely with their built-in software. They can be built with the components required to place outside.
They are also designed to stay on much longer. Whereas with regular tv’s you get a burning effect if kept on for too long. With LED Digital Signage, they are designed to stay on 24 hours a day 365 days a year!
#2 Warranty and Duration of Use
Televisions are designed for general daily viewing for a couple hours a day. Yes, they continue to function if you binge-watch a show for hours or if you game the day away. However, the more you use your television the sooner it will wear out. The warranty is limited, but you can purchase an extended warranty.
LED digital signage is built to last. They are durable commercial devices that can be utilized 24 hours a day. The average sign lasts between 11 and 13 years. However, many signs last closer to 20 years. To protect your investment, Mega LED Technology offers a 5-year parts and labor warranty. Further extend the lifespan of your digital display with annual maintenance.
#3 LED Digital Signage provides fantastic Viewing Range
Make no mistake, the larger your flatscreen TV, the farther the viewing distance. That being said, most TVs are designed for in-room and short-distance viewing. While you can adjust the brightness, contrast, gamma, and a few other color and viewing-enhancing features—the viewing distance remains about the same. If the sun is shining bright against the screen, you need to close the curtains or shade the screen for clear viewing. That is unless you have an outdoor or “shade” TV, which costs significantly more.
LED Digital Signage are custom-built to cut through ambient light (aka. sunlight). They counteract glare, are up to 8 times brighter than televisions, and deliver the same clarity when it’s pitch-black outside. They are also built with your desired mounting height and viewing distance in mind. Small scrolling signs can be viewed from a block away or more and larger signs can be viewed from multiple blocks away.
#4 Screen Orientation and Design
Flat screen televisions are rectangular in shape and designed to display and play television landscape/horizontal only. The screen is one large monitor. However, some models can play 2 different channels at the same time and route the audio to external headphones.
LED digital signage can be custom built in any square or rectangular shape and can display both landscape/horizontal and portrait/vertical. The display looks like a single monitor but is actually a series of modules. This ensures easy repair if an area of the screen is damaged.
More than one ad or communication can be posted at a time. A series of layered or side-by-side signs can be programmed individually or together to create an oversized display. They can connect with stage sound systems, but most aren’t designed to play audio.
#5 Frame, Mounting, and Branding
Televisions have a sleek black frame that features the name of the brand you purchased from. They are large and heavy so you may need to add additional reinforcements before mounting them. You can choose from a variety of mounts or lifts for viewing and storage.
Digital displays are customized in every way. Standard black frames are most common for interior displays, but exterior frames are often the color of the mount. The size and weight of the sign determine what type of wall or building mount is required. Signs can also be mounted on pedestals, poles, masonry, and other mounts. There is no brand name on the front of the display as your branding is the priority.
#6 Programmability
Televisions can be connected to apps and gadgets that allow you to manually post images and commercial content. However, their programming capacity is limited, as operating as a television is their primary function. If you regularly utilize your TV to game, post art, ads, or communication you shorten its overall lifespan.
LED digital signage operates more like a computer. It connects remotely to the software it comes with so that you can program it in a variety of ways.
You can:
- Upload and store your ads, text, images, videos, and custom communication displays.
- Preschedule your content and update content remotely in real time.
- Display one ad or video on repeat or preprogram alternating content.
- Program how long each display remains on the screen, from seconds, to minutes, hours, or days.
#7 Pricing
Make no mistake, televisions can be an investment. Price varies by factors such as brand, size, and picture clarity. The price difference between standard-definition, high-definition, ultra-HD, and full-shade (aka. outdoor) televisions can increase the price by $1,000 or more. That being said, you can shop around and find mid-sized televisions for $500 or less.
LED Digital Signage is built from scratch with custom components. The size, picture clarity, whether they are interior or exterior, and how they are mounted all impact the price. A small text-only interior scrolling sign is just $500. Larger and fuller function signs start at $2,000 and run upwards of $10,000.
If you are intrigued and would like to learn more about digital displays, we invite you to reach out to Mega LED Technology for your FREE quote.
