Outdoor Digital Signage for Businesses

Outdoor signs are extremely important for businesses. They are used to reinforce branding, promote products and services, or advertise sales and promotions on roadside billboards. Businesses have traditionally used static outdoor signage made up of printed materials and painted signs. More recently, advances in print technologies have introduced a range of new materials that can be installed virtually anywhere, and many of these signs can be backlit for night viewing.

Out-of-home advertisers have relied on print media for ages, and the technologies around sign-making evolved slowly over time. However, the introduction of commercial LED panels was a turning point for outdoor signage. For the first time, billboards and outdoor signs could feature bright colors and realistic animation. Now, we’re not talking about mechanical systems that rotate billboard content. This was real computer animation, like in the early days of video games. The text could scroll left and right, or dance around. Basic geometric shapes were even possible.

Back then, first-generation LED signage was extremely limited. Image quality was quite poor, and you could only get one color image on a black background.  Surprisingly, many of these signs are still in use today. They’re often referred to as pixel boards, and at the time they were considered state-of-the-art.

The technology behind LED panels is constantly improving.  The old pixel board technology has given way to fine dot-pitch LED curtains, and the latest generations of panels can render images at amazing resolutions.  Current generation LED technologies support full color, and full motion images and many panels can be used in daylight, making them suitable for many types of applications.

Older LED panels were adequate when viewed from a distance, but the image quickly deteriorated as you moved closer.  In fact, it’s still an issue today with many low-cost panels.

LED panels are here to stay

Today’s high-end LED panels can be viewed up close, and still deliver stunning images.  It’s why we see a growing number of these panels used inside.  Many top-of-the-line panels even compete with traditional video wall displays.

LED panels aren’t the only type of digital display you can use outdoors.  Many commercial and consumer-grade TV manufacturers offer a range of weather and tamper-proof, high-brightness displays.  These displays may look like interior LED TVs but they are specially designed for outdoor digital signage applications.

Not so long ago, installing a LED display outdoors required big, expensive enclosures.  Nowadays, you can buy weatherproof outdoor digital signage displays that look almost like a regular TV and doesn’t require an enclosure.  Some even offer “graffiti-proof” glass for added protection.

Using DooH technologies for business

Digital-out-of-home or DOOH is the digital version of outdoor advertising. The technology behind DOOH that handles content management and scheduling is the content management system (CMS).

Your typical CMS software will perform all the tasks needed to store, create, schedule, and deliver content to a network of media players connected to each outdoor digital signage display. The CMS is the backbone of the entire signage system and it’s what advertising network operators use to manage their digital billboards and outdoor signs.

Businesses are now using this same technology for their own outdoor displays. You see these outdoor digital signage displays used in quick service restaurants, public transportation, stadiums, banking, and retail.

Outdoor digital signage for public transportation

Public transportation has been transitioning to digital media for several years.  The reason behind this push to digital is the delivery of time-sensitive information to passengers.  Train and bus stations use digital signage to inform passengers of arrival and departure times, on-time / delayed notices, route changes, and other important messages.  This follows the modernization of signage in airports and other transportation hubs.

Outdoor Digital Signage for QSR

Quick-service restaurants use outdoor digital signage in their drive-through lanes.  Displays are mounted in strategic locations to deliver “pre-sell” messages and advertise high-margin items.  Ads change over the course of the day to match menu offerings.  Drive-through signage has been proven to lift sales and increase profits.

Outdoor signage for retail

Fuel retailers install outdoor digital signage above pumps and on pylons to increase sales in their convenience stores.  Specials are advertised throughout the day and are changed regularly without any manual intervention.

Outdoor signage for Stadiums

Stadiums have been using outdoor digital signage displays for years.  Displays are installed in and around concession stands, above entrances, and in open areas.  Content is programmed to follow the events calendar for the year.  Outdoor digital signage displays show a mix of advertising, general information, and sports scores.