To go one more level down, there are companies that make small contact closure touch screens (eight active sections of the screen) that can be used with a custom graphical menu as an interface to trigger content on a larger traditional non-touch display mounted on the wall connected to a solid state media player. These systems are the ultimate in being interactive to a degree, but can be deployed where budgets are much smaller.

Don’t Forget the Audio
Too many digital signage solutions focus on the video, leaving audio out of the equation. I don’t think we need to blast the whole area with 100dB of death metal, but adding some audio in a controlled fashion may be a great way to get and keep someone’s attention.

If you are in a fairly quiet space and want some type of focused audio, spotlight speakers reduce sound bleed in open spaces and can be played over a display. They have a narrower range, but for certain information they work fine.

Other systems can be employed that use the display to tell users to turn on their BlueTooth device and they communicate to the audience in a very private manner without the sanitary and logistic issues headphones and body packs may have.

Using audio just as an attract loop or as an attention getter can be effective as well. I am talking to a gentleman who owns a toy train store and has an actual portion of an engine in his window display. Using a motion-based trigger to flash the train’s light and deliver crossing signal sounds and a train bearing down on its whistle could definitely be used to stop folks in their tracks (pun intended) as they walk by. Having a display in the window to show specials etc., would not go unnoticed at that point.

The goal is to be a resource for our clients, helping them to create buy-in with their potential customers, and to be remembered the next time they need to make a purchase. Creating a “sticky” digital signage system can be a great way to separate ourselves from the “I hang TVs too” crowd.

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About the author

Mark Coxon

Mark started his technology career at IBM in 2000 before migrating into AV integration in early 2002. He currently works at Orange ProAV, a division of Mad Systems Inc., where he helped the company transition from the niche Museum marketplace to the corporate, education, government, and retail markets. Mark lives in Orange County with Lesley, his wife of 11 years and his 3 children.

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