What Is Marketing?

Posted on: 24 September 2020

Digital display signage is one of the better ways to catch people's attention. Folks deploying digital signage, however, need to plan for an array of potential issues to make sure their projects will be successful. Here are 5 things you should plan for before putting a sign out in the world.

Regulations

Many local governments have regulations regarding what types of digital signs can be installed and where they can go. It's wise to contact your local code enforcement officer to find out what rules apply to your proposed signs. For example, there may be limitations on the use of videos or changing still images within so many feet of a highway.

Power

Unless you already have electricity run out to the spot where the sign will go, you'll need to run power there. It's best to contact the company that's making the signs to learn what the power requirements are. You can then pass these regulations along to an electrical contractor.

Size

A ballpark figure for general readability with basic fonts is that every letter displayed should have one inch of height for every 10 feet the viewer will be away from the sign. Notably, this figure is intended for traditional signs. Depending on the circumstances, such as parking the sign in a brightly-lit area, you might need to go a bit bigger.

The net effect is that you should plan the size of your digital signage around what you display on it. Measure how far your average viewer will be from the sign, and then figure out how big the sign will have to be for them to read it at that distance. Also, if the signs will be visible to drivers, it's best to plan for a bigger sign. That's especially the case if the drivers will be moving at 45 mph or higher.

Programmability

Most folks who put up digital display signage will want to be able to easily alter what will be displayed. Talk with the sign company about the interface and how it works. Ask them for a demonstration so you can get hands-on with the software to ensure you'll be comfortable with it. You will want a system that is highly programmable and features an intuitive interface.

Cooling

Digital signs often have to be cooled because they use a fair amount of onboard computing power. You should plan for the maximum amount of cooling required to keep the sign running on the hottest days that are likely to occur each year.