As with any new technology, the buzz surrounding digital signage can often mislead people into thinking it’s a simple, straightforward method of advertising, awareness-raising, and general marketing.
Of course, there are many advantages to using outdoor LCD screens. It’s vibrant, dynamic, flexible, and far more eye-catching and engaging than standard print media. However, while many people in the digital signage (DS) industry will explain how beneficial it can be and how digital displays can increase brand awareness, few will explain some of the downsides.
However, there are some drawbacks to using LCD or plasma screens for use outside the home:
Difficulty establishing a return on investment.
One of the main disadvantages of digital signage compared to regular media is that there is often a high initial outlay. When setting up a DS campaign, not only do you have to buy the screens, but also the content creation software and media playback devices, plus you have to pay someone to create and manage the campaign if you don’t feel up to it. to do it yourself.
The technology requires some experience.
Creating content and networking a set of displays requires some technical knowledge, and while almost every aspect of digital signage implementation is possible to do yourself, some technology or computer experience is required; otherwise it would be much easier to hire someone else to do it. of these aspects for you.
Digital signage requires protection
Unlike the TV in the relative safety of your front room, a signage screen can be in a much more precarious position. They are not only in a public area and are susceptible to knocks and impacts (both accidental and deliberate) and, in the case of outdoor digital signage, must also be protected from the weather.
Outdoor TVs can be used as outdoor digital billboards, but they still need impact protection, and the costs of these waterproof TVs are extremely high.
However, not all bad news. Protection for outdoor screens is available quite cheaply in the form of an outdoor LCD housing.
Since LCD enclosures are fully waterproof and manufactured and can house almost any standard LCD or plasma screen, they are ideal for use in digital signage, both indoors and outdoors.
