AVbyUSB’s Guide to Digital Menu Boards, Kiosks & Window Signage

Even though AVbyUSB began operations 2020, it was not untill early 2023 that we entered digital sigange space. After few repeating requests from some of our corporate customers we started to understand more about signage industry and how it operates. Our focus is to make digital signage a simple, easy and cost effective process. Since then we have served  clients nationwide which encouraged us to delve into all the aspects to digital signage. Interestingly more enquiries started from small business such as Café’s Pizza shop, Kebab shops, local grocery and supermarkets such as friendly grocer or IGA’s. What we realized is that our clients are seeking affordable digital signage, which we have heard their request and worked on the same to deliver a simple cost efficient solutions, with in the digital signage space. We have delivered exactly what a small business owners are seeking and over time they have become the fouindation and backbone for our organisation. We have had requests about traditional print signage to our offering and we have delivered to some. However, we backed out as we would like to stick to current and future trends rather going back in time. AVbyUSB offers full range of digital signage solutions , spanning but not limited to  indoor menu boards, high bright window signage, outdoor Signage, LED signage and  Large format screens. Over these years we have observed customer have numerous questions regarding digital signage. Thi is understandable , as there is frequently a local of clear information about how the digital signage systems function and how can be effectively implemented. Additionally, some organizations tend to present digital signage as a complex or a highly technical undertaking, which can add further confusion among users.  At AVbyUSB, we recognize the importance of simplifying digital signage and provide straightforward, transparent guidance. Our goal is to ensure that customers feel comfortable, confident and well informed through-out the process. We aim to make digital signage easy to use and suited to your needs by answering common questions and keeping things simple. Before we look at most digital signage lets briefly look at types of displays.

Commercial Displays VS Residential TV’s: One of the most important differences that customers need be aware of and yet certain signage companies do not discuss or disclose. It is a key factor that can significantly impact warranty of the screens. In any type of commercial venue, it is recommended to user or install commercial screens. Regardless of the venue, whether it is an office environment, doctors practice, retail such as café, pizza store, kebab store, restaurants, take away etc., AVbyUSB exclusively supplies and installs commercial displays. So what is the difference between residential and commercial screens?  The key differences are that commercial screens are designed to operate longer hours (16-24 hours/day) where as TV's are designed to operate an average of 6-8 hours/day. Commercial screens offer varying brightness levels starting from 300 NITS and can go upto 4500 NITS or higher. High brigtness  screens have a better build quality, designed for durability and anti-burnout when operated in higher temperatures or longer operations. Further, most commercial screens can be installed in both landscape and portrait modes where are residential TV’s can be installed in landscape mode only. Mounting residential TV's in portrait mode may block or redirect airflow that can pottentially cause over heating and impacting lifespan.

Now Let us look at most common types of digital signage quickly in detail. In this blog we focused on common use cases rather than the edge cases.

Digital Menu boards: Most common type of digital signage requirement are the indoor digital menu boards or digital display boards. Especially, demand for this type of signage has increased over past 5 years. These digital displays are available from 32”-100” sizes. Powered by android, signage content can be uploaded from USB or digital signage software. These screens are available with standard brightness of 350 NITS but also available in higher brightness if needed. These displays can be floor, wall or ceiling mounted. Some venues require  arrangements for specialized  mounting  which our team can analyze and discuss where needed. Traditional LED light menu boards or stickers may not look . Modification or changes to the content is not straightforward. In current economic situations price fluctuations are common that we have observed. Upgrading to digital menu boards provides a fresh look to the venue, users can customize content targeting deals, discounts or end of the promotions. Further modifications to the menu is  quick , simply change as required and upload. AVbyUSB has inhouse dedicated artwork team which can design any type of content our customers are seeking.

Window Signage: Digital window signages are specially designed to show content when placed behind the window or in a high bright areas . Generall installed behind shopfront windows or other prominent glass surfaces with street facing. These displays are aimed to maximize visibility, attract attention from passersby traffic. Further,  designed to withstand challenging light and environmental conditions. Brightness is the key in the window based signage screens. Depending on the venue location and user requirements we recommend screens accordingly. If the window is street facing,  exposed to sunlight and user would like to run the screen 24x7 then for best results it is reccomended to opt for a ultra-high bright display such as 2500-3000 NITS . High brightness screens ensures to display the content without glare so that users can see it clearly. If the venue is within a shopping arcade or under cover or user would like to operate only during night times then less brighter screen such as 1000 NITS could be suitable. Brightness of the screen is directly proportional to pricing. Sometimes customers ask us if a standard indoor screen with 350 NITS screen can be used as a window based display? It depends on the venue and how much of a sunlight the screen gets exposed to to. High brightness screens do have a anti light reflection(ALR) and anti glare properties. Further designed to withstand high heat conditions. Standard indoor screen do lack these properties and when placed in a high sunlight light expossed areas there could be chances of failures. Warranty of the indoor screens do not cover these claims  as  the counter would be "They are not designed fo that". Else in a shady area or indoor shopping centres standard indoor screens can be used behind the windows, however due to its lack brightness and screen glare limitations , content may not be visible. High bright window displays are either single or dual sided and can be floor, ceiling or floor-ceiling mounted. Window screens are also android powered, content can be uploaded over USB or signage software.

Kiosks:  Also known as  self-standing digital signage kiosks, these are free standing screens typically in an enclosure. In certain situations we can mounts a display over a floor stand which  in our industry are called “Naked  kiosks”. However , the enclosed screens look good as they are uniformly designed.  These kiosks can be used for digital signage  or even self-ordering kiosk’s(limitations apply). These are perfect for venues where nothing can be mounted on wall or suspended form ceiling. Else you require a good looking free standing display with out any installation requirements.  Initially , these screens were popular among car dealerships and other showrooms ,  however these are more widely accepted in venues such as offices, medical centers, community centers etc. In simple terms Kiosks are regular screens in portrait mode,  houseed within metal casing. USB and HDMI ports are accessible from behind the unit. Kiosks are available in interactive touch and non-touch versions. Touch screen kiosks or Touch screen digital signage can be used as information screens likes the  ones used inside shopping centers or hopitality venues use them called self-ordering kiosks. Mitsumaru 43” , Samsung 24" , BenQ 55" are few popular models in this segment.

Outdoor/Semi-Outdoor Signage: These outdoor or semi-outdoor screens are specifically developed for tougher environments and are IP55 or IP65 rated. These IP ratings provide good protection against heat, dust and water . This high protection ensures reliable operation in outdoors or semi outdoor environents. These units are distinguished by their high brightness capabilities, starting from 1,500 NITS and can go up to 4,500 NITS. Such brightness is essential for visibility in direct sunlight or under strong ambient light. High-brightness outdoor displays employ advanced LED backlighting and optical bonding technologies to maximize visibility and contrast, even in challenging light conditions. Due to their specialized construction and the need for extra durability, these screens are significantly heavier and bulkier than typical indoor screens. The enhanced build is necessary to withstand environmental stressors and to accommodate the additional cooling systems required for safe operation. To manage the heat generated, these screens are equipped with internal fans to maintain safe operating temperature. Due to this heavy-duty construction protection and advanced cooling system contribute to the increased cost of outdoor screens compared to their indoor counterparts. Additionally, outdoor screens prioritize durability and stability over portability. Once installed, these screens are generally intended to remain fixed, and moving them after installation is not recommended due to their size, weight, and the complexity of their integrated cooling and protection systems. LG 75" , Mitsumaru 32" are some of the popular outdoor digital signage displays. 

There are several additonal types of digital signage solutions available. However, in this blog we only focussed on most common and widely used options. For your business, digital sigange may be a new concept or you may be familiar with digital sigange but seeking further clarification or guidance to optimise current setup. If you have aa specific or a unique requirement that goes beyond standard solutions, perhaps a out-of-box or custom application, we are here to assist. Our team has good experience to address your sigange needs,from basic to tailored innovative requirements. There is no too small or too big of a requirement to us. What ever your situation or vision , we can help you fidn the right solution. Please feel free to Contact Us , our team is happy design a solution accordignly.