As 2019 comes to an end, we thought it would be helpful to analyze what is currently trending in the digital signage space, so your organization knows what to expect in 2020. The beauty of technology is that it’s always changing—but that fact can make it harder for businesses to respond and meet consumer expectations. Regularly assessing the retail technology market helps your organization stay ahead.
Without further ado, here are five hardware trends that could affect digital signage for your organization.
Top Hardware Trends for Digital Signage
1. Advanced Media Players
Media players are external devices that send content to your digital display. The device has improved a lot over the years, and there are many options for those looking to add one to their digital display network. The best players can handle still images, web pages, videos, and motion-based images. Many also provide multi-screen support. Most media players can now be connected to the Internet, either via Wifi or through an Ethernet cable for advanced connectivity.
Choosing a media player is not a one-size-fits-all process, as you’ll need to assess your unique needs so you don’t spend extra money on unnecessary features.
2. All-in-One Solutions
Another popular hardware trend is an all-in-one solution. Instead of purchasing a separate device, some displays, like Samsung’s SMART Signage Platform (SSP), contain an internal media player. Apple TV and Smart TVs built on Android-based operating systems also have this capability. While there are projects in which having a separate media player would be advantageous, these all-in-one options offer efficiency, save physical space, and cut costs.
3. Unconventional Screens
Trendsetters tend to be unique, and they certainly aren’t making an exception with this digital signage trend. It turns out that unconventional screens have become increasingly popular. Whether you want your sign to wrap around a corner in an L-shape or have a total-signage pillar, the options are out there. These innovations are inspiring the digital signage market to think bigger and create more out-of-the-box designs. Don’t worry, though: these extravagant screens don’t sacrifice quality. In fact, many use true color technology to create a high-quality viewing experience.
4. Curved Displays
When it comes to unconventional screens, one type has led the way this year: curved displays. While these don’t necessarily wrap around corners like some, they provide viewers with a captivating experience. Some consumer televisions are becoming slightly curved to provide a better viewing experience for everyone in the room, no matter where they are sitting. Curved digital signage creates the same opportunity. These unique screens provide an immersive experience, where the image on the screen seems to extend forever. Capture your viewers’ peripheral vision and transport them with your content.
5. Improved LCD Flat Panels
At the end of the day, though, traditional flat-panel LCD screens are going nowhere fast. They are versatile and can be placed in almost any room or situation. They are what people are accustomed to, bringing an air of familiarity when new, innovative options seem a little too “out there.” Instead, these flat panel screens continue to improve in quality, whether that’s 4K content or better image quality. These are also the top choice for video walls, which are also growing in popularity. If you prefer LCD flat-panel screens, they’ll be around for a long time.
So, those are five hardware trends that could affect your organization’s use of digital signage into 2020 and beyond. Has your business already adopted some of these newer trends, or do you prefer to stick with the standbys, like the flat panels? Would you consider implementing a curved or another uniquely-shaped screen? If these trends have gotten your wheels turning but you have questions, contact Kinettix. Our team will be happy to talk with you about your situation and what types of digital signage might be best for your upcoming deployment.
