networked media player

The digital signage sector is generally considered an advertisement driven industry; however as a display medium it is equally suited to information dissemination. This article considers these alternative uses of digital signage and its usefulness. Hospitals and Doctor’s Surgeries: To reduce workload on reception staff a touch screen check-in service can be implemented where the patient is guided through a number of simple questions to determine who they are and then to check in. An indication of wait time can also be displayed. Typically there are a lot of static wall posters and messages scattered around a surgery. Having a stylish display that can rotate around these notices can reduce clutter as well as have more impact upon patients. Hospitality Environments: Restaurants and take away outlets are finding digital signage to be a great long term money saving venture, using them as animated menu boards and to display the latest food offers. Choosing digital signage over traditional light boxes means that updating information is a lot easier and less costly and the content can be made more interesting. Schools, Colleges and Universities: Student unions use digital signage to highlight ongoing or upcoming events or gigs that often change frequently. Digital Advertising Displays can be used as an educational tool, helping students by making them aware of the resources that are available to them such as study guides and student support. Another useful application is informing students of timetable updates and room changes. To find out more, visit our Digital Signage page. For more information, please email info@crystal-display.com or call our main office on +44 (0) 1634 327 420

Our very popular and price efficient Outdoor Freestanding Screen Posters now includes touch. As a result these displays are even more innovative and perfect for any business. Customers can not only view company information, but can now interact with the display enabling for more engagement and making the display a highly effective Digital Signage Screen.These new great displays now include the following features: 10 Point PCAP Touch Technology – Using the most responsive and sensitive commercial touch technology available. Not affected by dust or debris on the screen surface. Toughened Glass – Extra strong glass protects the screens internal components and adds an extra layer of security against vandals. Sturdy Enclosure – Made from mild steel the enclosure is strong enough to protect the displays components from outside harm such as vandals. Anti Reflective Glass – Diffuses direct sunlight making the display easily readable in bright weather. Attach Devices – Run the screen from the integrated Media Player or attach your own device either in the screens small internal locker. Removable Base – If desired the base can be removed before installation for a more streamline appearance. Weather Proof – An IP65 Rating means the display is able to withstand all weather conditions; wet and dry and also features waterproof over molded AV connectors. Easy Maintenance – The screen is designed to allow for easy and quick access using hydraulic cylinders when maintenance is required while still being secure. Dust Tight – The screen has the highest intrusion protection rating possible meaning it is virtually impossible for dust to enter the enclosure. Ultra High Brightness Panel – 2500cd/m2 makes sure this display will always be seen whatever the weather. Over 6 times brighter than that of a standard domestic television to improve the displays image clarity. Modifications – The screens can be upgraded in various ways including the addition of network features, a camera, more screen sizes or even having a double sided display. Advanced Temperature Control – Designed to run 24/7 in constant use the display has an advanced temperature control system to keep it running at the optimum temperature no matter the environment. Along with all of these features, these Digital Signage displays are the most competitively priced on the market. Or to simply find out more information and request data sheets contact the team via email or call our UK main office +44 (0) 1634 327420  

In the congested fast food market, restaurants are looking for new, exciting and cost effective ways to showcase their products; Digital Signage menu boards seem to be the answer. Firstly the benefit of motion can be taken advantage of, enticing customers and ensuring that their attention is not only captured but retained. Digital Signage menu boards attract 10 times more customer attention than traditional static menu boards. Even when no videos are used, having multiple images in a slide show makes for a much more efficient use of space when compared to backlit menu boards. As well as being easier to update, they also allow you to target your content by scheduling the appropriate slides for a particular time of day. For example you can set the screen to display breakfast menus in the morning and lunch menus after 11:00 without any extra hassle. Digital Signage menu boards are also more vibrant and have more impactful colours due to the high contrast ratio of their LCD panels. With the advantages offered by Digital Signage menu boards to food outlets and the ever decreasing costs of LCD displays it is no surprise that more fast food chains, and independent retailers, are converting from backlit to Digital Signage menu boards. For more information, please email info@crystal-display.com or call our main office on +44 (0) 1634 327 420

Digital signage was once thought of as being a high end luxury item that only large corporate chains could afford to utilise. This is no longer the case. The rising use of digital signage by small and medium sized companies can be attributed to many factors. Falling equipment costs, increased awareness and a realisation of the competitive advantage that can be gained are all positive drivers. As an advertising medium, digital signage offers many advantages over traditional methods. Exceptional design, marketing skills and resources associated with large corporate budgets are required to captivate potential customers with traditional static signage. Conversely with digital signage similar results can be achieved by using simple striking communicative designs. Not only does digital signage raise the profile of a company, but it also gives companies a “high-end” appearance. This can be achieved by any small business with a vision and desire to stand out from its competitors. As digital signage becomes more established as a mainstream marketing technique it becomes more accessible to smaller businesses. The days of only seeing digital signage in Piccadilly Circus and Times Square are over; the age of digital marketing is upon us. For more information please email info@crystal-display.com or call our main office on +44 (0) 1634 327 420

The Networked Slimline Freestanding Advertising Displays feature an Android PC board and also has a host of improved functions, new features include: • Display a Live Webpage – perfect for estate agent’s software, live currency exchange rates or a social media page to enhance customer engagement. • Synchronise Multiple Screens – ideal for a number of screens in one location; screens can play the same content, or content that is synchronised to play at the same time. • Easy USB Updates – conveniently switch your screen to ‘plug and play’ mode in a matter of seconds, allowing you to update it directly using a USB stick. • Integrated Wi-Fi Card – allowing you to easily switch between LAN and Wi-Fi connection mode. • Super-Fast Updates – the screen will process data transfer and content at unprecedented speeds. • Use Your Own CMS Software – if you have your own Android supported Digital Signage CMS software this can be loaded onto the integrated Android PC board. • Optional 3G Module – it’s never been easier to upgrade your screen to feature 3G connectivity for areas with no internet connectivity. Our network solutions are still the most competitively priced on the market. Get in touch today to take advantage of this remarkable upgrade. To find out more, visit our Networked Displays page. For more information, please email info@crystal-display.com or call our main office on +44 (0) 1634 327 420

With the digital signage revolution well underway and the price of touch screens falling year on year, important questions for marketers have emerged; when does a digital signage project need to be interactive and in which scenarios are touch screens most effective? Digital signage is widely recognized as being the most effective and noticeable means of delivering a message to consumers and its advantages over the more traditional printed alternatives are clear to see. So when is interactivity wanted? In large scale examples such as billboards or unreachable hoardings, having a touch function would of course be rather pointless. Digital signage and touch screens simply play in different spaces. Retail outlets are deploying touch screens to give customers a more comprehensive online-style service. As online shopping continues to take over, large high street chains are being forced to rethink their sales strategies. It would therefore seem that the retail environment is ideal for touch screen deployment. Touch screens are also being used to dispense information. Another non-essential, but very convenient application for touch screens is disseminating information in museums and art galleries. In any given exhibit or art installation there is nearby literature or notices describing the work and the artist. The use of a touch screen in this situation makes for a much more efficient use of space, allowing supplementary accompanying information to be displayed. Touch screens have amazing functions and provide businesses with entirely unique possibilities to promote their products and services. To find out more, visit our Digital Signage page. Or to turn any display into a touch interactive sensation check out our Displax Touch Foil Page. For more information please email info@crystal-display.com or call our main office on +44 (0) 1634 327 420