How Estate Agents are Embracing Digital Signage

Who hasn’t seen digital signage in the high street? It’s hard not to see it, but other businesses apart from retail and food outlets are investing in screens as a contemporary form of advertising.

There are so many benefits to using digital signage – lets look at a few to dispel any myths or uncertainties and encourage businesses that this is the way forward. Not only does it give the edge over competitors, it shows a committed, professional and forward-thinking company who oozes confidence and success.

Digital Signage – Estate Agent Fail!

• Consider the ongoing cost of printing – prices are increasing all the time and of course there is the waiting time, proofs to read and approve and mistakes can be expensive! Compared to the content being uploaded to a screen, where alterations and additions are made in real-time and you are in full control.

• Catching the eye of a prospective customer is crucial to making that sale – by using digital signage it’s easier to entice customers by the clear screen, with bright colours, HD and even a touch screen.

• People are attracted to screens and moving images; we watch TV and use computers all the time, this is just another form of a screen.

• Make your digital signage work for you. Not only by broadcasting your promotions but also by generating income from associates, neighbouring businesses and local trades; an add-on to selling a house, now clients have access to plumbers, electricians, solicitors, etc.

• Interact with your customers through media. When all the office staff are already dealing with customers, let the screens ‘entertain’, by displaying your current houses, adverts and even the news and weather. This is also know as ‘time warping’ – designed to keep customers on your premises. Look at it as another employee (but without the expected benefits of sick and holiday pay).

• These state-of-the-art screens give the impression of a professional business and not only look attractive but are also informative, entertaining and create an individual and unique office layout. Most screens will be sun-bright readable, so they can be seen in bright sunlight or light bulbs conditions, where the image would be distorted – but do check when considering a digital screen.

• You are in-touch with your customers, even without speaking to them, as digital signage has already broken the ice and introduced them to your portfolio. Marketing this way displays an effective communication between employee and customer.

• The versatility of a digital signage screen allows many options of advertising and displaying relevant information – you can add anything, from twitter feeds, photographs and even a news channel – you are in full control and you don’t have to be a computer geek, most screens are plug and play.

For expert and experienced advice call +44 (0) 843 2893717 or contact us through the website lcdenclosure.co.uk

So why have your competitors, already using digital signage, got the upper hand? They are ahead of you…

How floor standing digital signage can attract more customers

Whether your trade is in the food industry, clothing retail or entertainment business, a floor standing digital signage will draw in more customers than the traditional methods of advertising. It’s just a matter of acquiring the right signage for the job. How big? With sound? Indoors or outdoors? Security? Access and power/internet supply?…

There have been some phenomenal fails too! Look at these photos of how NOT to use digital signage – from poor visibility due to sunlight or light bulbs, to installing expensive hardware and not using it properly.

Floor Standing Digital Signage Fails!

One of the extra benefits, to promoting a product, is to enhance the customers’ shopping experience, by including clever content graphics and appropriate messages. This is also known as time warping – passing time quickly for customers waiting in a queue. It increases brand awareness by repeatedly displaying the logo or product, therefore increasing potential sales, which at the end of the day is what marketing is all about.

Another factor to consider is the set-up. When sourcing a floor standing digital sign, decide whether the content is going to be uploaded to individual screens or across a network. Generally this kind of kiosk digital signage is a ‘plug and play’ system, where updates are displayed in an instant – even through a network worldwide. Imagine a well known fast food outlet launching a promotion; every outlet from Hong Kong to Iceland (every everywhere in between) is simultaneously formatted at the touch of a button. Some floor standing digital signs are inaccessible once on place, so the only way to run the content is via the internet. No engineer needs to call onto site as it can be fixed, updated and monitored from a remote data centre.

As you may expect, the screens – most suitably in 50” or 55”, have full HD 1080p flat panel display. With sun-bright readable screens which compensates for the glare of the sunlight or from artificial lighting. They are impact resistant and have safety glass making them ideal for public areas. There are specific floor standing digital signs for outdoors, however they are constructed for use all year through. And because of the engineering in construction, they are dust and moisture free. Maybe a landscape configuration works better for you? This is no problem as they can be ordered in either portrait or landscape kiosks and with the option to have touch screen, it makes sense to have the screen height and position accessible to the public.

Call +44 (0) 843 2893717

to speak to our experienced team, who will guide you through the process and help your business grow through digital marketing

or

visit the website: lcdenclosure.co.uk

There are many more features and add-ons for floor standing digital signage kiosks, including: speakers, a card reader, WiFi points, proximity sensors and a receipt printer.

Installing a mental health TV enclosure to keep patients from self harming.

On admittance to a psychiatric facility, a patient can be assured of the best of care by the authorities, who have their welfare as a priority and a duty of care to keep them safe from harm, include a healthy regime of diet and exercise and also for mental stimulation – quite often by watching television. But to reduce the chances of self harm, an anti ligature TV enclosure is a necessity rather than a luxury.

By far, the greatest risk to psychiatric patients is self harm and suicidal tendencies – a large quotient of patients enter the mental health system both under the NHS and private sector, with variable symptoms of mental illness, which take time to assess, investigate and treat. Pressures on NHS funding and a shortage of medical staff limit healthcare provisions. However, by creating a safe environment for everyone, reduces the chances of self harm, suicide and violent episodes. There is a great range of anti ligature furniture and furnishings, including an anti ligature TV enclosure which will protect against possible suicide incidents.

Mental Health TV Enclosure – Duty of Care for Psych Patients

 

There are several reasons for installing a mental health TV enclosure:

• Firstly, to protect the television set from being vandalised and the broken screen used as a weapon or tools made from internal parts

• Secondly, protecting the patient from self harming – glass poses a big risk of mutilation

• Thirdly, preventing a psych patient from utilising a wall mounted TV as a ligature point. An anti ligature TV enclosure is specifically designed to stop material being looped around the set creating a strangulation point.

These mental health TV enclosures are suitable for installing in all areas of the building and not just in mental health facilities, but also in prisons, refuges and places of safety for vulnerable people. Comfort rooms and communal areas are just as exposed as TVs fitted in private areas, like bedrooms. Where patients can not be watched every hour, protecting the television is a safe and sensible solution at a cost effective price. Be aware of inferior products – there are similar enclosures on the market and found via Google, but these are definitely substandard and do not withstand our rigorous product testing for safety. Most makes and brands of television can be fitted into an enclosure – it is just a case of purchasing the right screen size. Screen size is measured on the diagonal.

For expert guidance; from an experienced company offering the complete package from design, manufacture and supply, contact lcdenclosure.co.uk via the website

or call +44 (0) 843 2893717

We take ‘Duty of Care’ very seriously, particularly for vulnerable people and installing a mental health TV enclosure in any location is of foremost importance – giving freedom without compromising safety.

Safety first for mental health patients with an anti ligature TV enclosures

Anti Ligature TV Enclosures

 

Current health and safety legislation, particularly in the mental health sector, focuses on many issues of anti ligature (also referred to as non-loop) furniture and primarily the television. TV has become a way of life and almost seen as a ‘human right’ and a basic human need, however it is considered a low priority in the grand scheme of things – human life and the ethics of preserving life are far more important. On the other hand, television does have a part to play as it provides an informative, educational and entertainment value. The ultimate decision is down to the governor and committee of the institution, but is generally accepted that a TV set has a place in a mental health facility.

However, the serious issue of self harm must be considered when a patient is in a vulnerable state of mind. Assessments and procedures are part of the duty of care expected, so furniture and furnishings have to be versatile and adaptable to be suitable for psychiatric wards. Avoiding situations where patients can a hurt themselves, yet without physical restraint is preferable. One common area where anti-ligature points are easily accessible are TV sets. This is where material can be looped around a TV wall bracket and cause asphyxiation. The most sensible answer is to enclose the screen with an anti ligature TV enclosure. Whilst every precaution is taken to protect patients from self harm – or harm by others, individuals can not be watched the whole time. A shard of broken glass from a TV screen can also cause self injury or be used as a weapon towards others.

In Scotland, 50 hospital patients in just the last 4 years, have taken their own lives through suicide via various ways – not just hanging from a wall mounted TV. Many of these instances could have been avoided, even though risk assessments were carried out points are missed and follow up action not followed through when potential ligature points are identified. Anti ligature TV enclosures will solve many of the problems, whilst allowing the patients to watch television with dignity. Whether in a community room or a solitary room, television screens are commonly found and should be enclosed for every ones safety. One of the worst culprits for creating a loop is material, like bedding. Sheets can be ripped into strips and are strong enough to take the weight of an adult. Wall mounted televisions are practical but MUST be enclosed in a steel TV housing unit.

Putting to one side the concern of hanging, televisions not securely fixed to a surface are a potential hazard; a smashed screen or hurling the set across a room is enough danger and avoidable.

Contact lcdenclosure.co.uk for the most informative advice and experience for anti ligature TV enclosures, when planning a new or refurbishment facility.

UK enquiries +44 (0) 843 289 3717

How interactive digital signage kiosks are leading the way in hospitality venues.

A great marketing tool, designed to promote, communicate, reinforce, enlighten and captivate the audience, has been developed in the form of interactive digital signage kiosks. For both indoor and outdoor uses, a floor standing kiosk can deliver content in an innovative way. Custom content enhances the images and technology of these electronic notice boards. Hospitality venues are just one scenario where they are most useful. Other areas to benefit are in medical facilities, car parks, receptions, shopping outlets and hotel foyers.

Interactive Digital Signage Kiosks

Because many are designed the be portrait in orientation, they suit many practical uses and as the height is similar to the ‘average’ person the whole screen can be utilised. Alternatively, the screen can be bought in landscape position, which is just as practical. Using the latest LED commercial grade digital signage screen technology, they welcome delegates and are ideal for way-finding – getting from A to B on a virtual floor plan. Clear images and colours from the 1080p HD screen are ideal for displaying maps and symbols and are easy to use with a finger directly on the screen. Finding your way around a huge unfamiliar environment can be daunting, but reassuring with a digital kiosks and has many benefits over the traditional folded paper map: rubbish and waste for one thing. Taking a photo of your desired route, with a smart phone camera, ensures getting from ‘A to B’ via landmarks and visual prompts. Whilst hygiene is a concern in places like hospitals, the screen is wipeable with a antibacterial cloth and hand sanitisers are encouraged anyway.

Floor standing interactive digital signage kiosks

The slim design and small foot print of a floor standing interactive digital sign, means that whilst it can blend into the environment, it is also a statement piece of architecture and practicality. The basic unit can be upgraded to include an Android or Windows media player and has a ‘plug and play’ facility for USB uploading of content. It has a durable outer casing with sun-bright readable screen, meaning that it can be placed in direct sunlight without any distortion of the content.

Another consideration is the security aspect – it may be in an unattended area, but in regular use. This can be a security risk, but as the locking system is designed to withstand force (up to a certain point) the kiosk is quite secure – without the risk of the internal hardware being stolen or vandalised. Thermostatic heating and cooling fans ensure an ambient temperature is constant for 24/7 running, if necessary. Way-finding has never changed – only the way technology has helped us find our way has. A journey is about our physical and mental abilities of accessing a route. Even though the route may change – even without notice – an interactive digital signage kiosk can keep up with changes in real time.

For the best advice and one stop solution contact lcdenclosure.co.uk for interactive digital signage kiosks on  UK   0843 2893717   or   US   (862) 234 5981

Digital posters replace paper billboards for advertising, information and promotions

From budget to high end digital posters, they can be seen in many locations from public displays to offices, from the coast to the deserts of the hottest continents. Digital posters offer a unique and modern approach which can be played in either landscape or portrait mode.

Let’s look at some of the important features;

• What other terms are digital posters known by? This is a generic term to describe an electronic display board and can be referred to as digital signs, electronic posters and digital media systems.

• How are they fixed into place? There are quite a few options for fixing – it depends on the purpose they are intended for, how big the screen is, the orientation of the screen (portrait or landscape), indoors or outdoors, the height of the screen etc. but generally there are only three ways of mounting the screen – via a bracket fixed on a wall, a ceiling mount where the screen hangs from, or on a floor pole. There are totally different alternatives for digital posters, known as floor standing kiosks and also ‘taxi top’ screens.

• Can the screen be seen in full sun or at night? Yes, but it depends on how many lumens the screen has. Don’t be fooled into thinking a domestic TV screen will do – it may cost less, but is a foolish investment for digital advertising as the sun or bright lights will obliterate some of the image.

• What about the content? Consider bespoke content for each screen or group of screens – keeping your customers both informed and entertained. The content can be uploaded via a USB – ideal for single screens and networked for several screens running concurrently.

• What size is suitable for my project? There are a variety of sizes to choose from: a small counter top, point of sale screen – right through to a huge video wall made up of a configuration of connected screens. And if you want something even bigger, then video mapping is the solution. But for the main retail market, a 42”/47” or 50” are suitable.

• How to plan for the content to run. The digital posters can actually run for 24/7 and are guaranteed for thousands of hours running time (compared with a domestic TV). Obviously this only makes sense if the screen will be seen all hours of the day and night – a high foot fall area, like a city transit hub, yet it can be scheduled for hourly, daily and weekly planned screening depending on the target audience.

Digital posters

Making a plan of your requirements; location, mounting, target audience, content and budget is a good starting place, so for a one-stop solution contact lcdenclosure.co.uk on  UK +44 (0) 843 2893717 or US (862) 234 5981 for professional advice and guidance. 

Modern digital posters have virtually replaced and superseded tatty old fashioned paper posters – don’t get left behind!

Gearing up for Christmas digital signage.

From November retailers are gearing up with mass promotions, particularly using Christmas digital signage as way of increasing sales, which is predicted to rise to a 3.7 percent increase over last years figures.

Christmas digital signage encompasses a myriad of shopping opportunities

Christmas digital signage

From seasonal foods to high-end gadgets – all of which are perfect to display on a digital screen. This means that adverts and campaigns can be altered in ‘real-time’ to accommodate changing stock levels, price cuts and tastes in merchandise. On-line sales have accounted for a major share in shopping habits, but nothing beats the atmosphere, colours, sights and sounds of a shopping centre and high street. Not only shops use Christmas digital signage to encourage sales, but also restaurants, coffee chains and party venues find this method of advertising easy to attract customers. Hiring Christmas digital signage may be an option, or making an investment for year round advertising is economical sense. The content can be updated and scheduled either remotely or by a flash drive, depending on how many digital signage screens are being used.

Competition over the festive season is fierce and to find a way of attracting attention from prospective customers is crucial for boosting revenue and achieving sales targets. Converting browsers into spenders happens more within the store than on-line. Customers are intrigued by digital signage, as it is evolving at such a quick pace, that only a short while ago even a basic video screen was seen as innovative. Digital signage helps pass the time, also known as time warping, as people queue to be served and pay for their goods – this is where add-on sales can be displayed.

Even though stylish décor and seasonal staging contributes to a relaxing and festive mood, well placed digital signage screens will deliver your message in a way that traditional methods are outdated. Paper posters and billboards have been replaced with technical wizardry as screens portray a visual feast for the eyes. Background sound helps, but it depends on the situation – will it drown out the Christmas tunes or be competing with a neighbouring shop? Apparently around 70 percent of consumers surveyed, admitted to being aware of digital signage broadcasting videos of seasonal messages, adverts and promotions. This is quite a high number of potential customers.

Early October marks the start of Christmas marketing strategies, even though many of us shoppers moan that Christmas gets earlier every year! So deciding whether to start the tacky promotions early or risk missing out on lucrative sales by leaving it, can be the difference between success or failure. However digital displays provide the answer by scheduling tasteful advertisements from gentle hints at the coming season to full blown ‘in your face’ campaigns later in the festive period. Preparing the content would probably start 3 or 4 months before, depending on how small the store or large chain of stores are. Blending seasons together is another way of year round marketing; as Halloween blends with the start of Christmas…through to the New Year sales…. Really there is no reason to not be using a digital signage screen throughout the retail year.

For a cost effective solution, whatever size and budget and also either a temporary hire or permanent fixture for Christmas digital signage contact lcdenclosure.co.uk for your next promotional campaign.

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Outdoor advertising using sunlight bright digital signage.

If you are lucky enough to live in a sunny climate, then sunlight bright displays are most suitable for your digital advertising campaign. Competing with the glare of the sun on a hot day can often defeat the objective; as passing trade fail to be able to read or even notice the display screens. It can really hurt, or even damage the delicate eye, as the suns brightness is magnified – far more than the human eye can cope with. All that time, planning and effort will go to waste if the screen can not be seen.

Sunlight bright display.

Sunlight bright display enclosures provide a protective covering, which deflects the powerful suns rays of light, giving a clear and comfortable view of the screen. Digital signage is often displayed indoors too, where windows can also magnify the amount of sunlight directed at the screen. However, for this purpose, sunlight bright digital signage for outdoor advertising is the issue.

The screens are usually larger than domestic TV screens (around 70” plus) to capture the public’s attention, so what is the point in mounting it where the sunlight will affect its view-ability? The sensible option would be to change the location; however that is not always possible, so a specific screen will be used. The amount of ‘nits’, ie 2000, is suitable for most sun bright locations, like gaming areas, theme parks, shopping malls and public transport advertising. Having a display monitor which is back lit, also makes a difference to the clarity of the screen. There is nothing worse than shadows, glare, white-out and distorted images – all of which hurt your eyes.

Sun bright readable screens cleverly filter out the unnecessary additional light in the room and can be found in a variety of sizes, shapes, bezels and mountings; something to suit all tastes, locations and budgets. Imagine this scenario; a visitors information display screen, in a theme park, next to a water attraction in the midday sun – the spray is going to work with the sun to obliterate the images on the screen – which could well be a key position for merchandise. This problem can be alleviated by installing sunlight bright digital signage. But be warned against just covering a basic screen with an anti-glare film – this won’t last long as it peels from one corner, is easily scratched or vandalised.

Purchasing a sunlight bright digital advertising screen fulfils many applications which often include rolling script, video, both moving and static pictures, and media streaming. The screens are often used in remote access – meaning the content is altered, changed or updated in quick time, without the need for an engineer to attend site. There are even crisis moments where a screen needs to be clear and highly visible – particularly in the case of an emergency evacuation or procedure.

For all your sunlight bright digital signage requirements, contact us today on +44 (0) 843 2893717.

Understanding DOOH signage.

I say the ‘pros of DOOH signage’, because there really aren’t any ‘cons’! Apart from funding the hardware and creating the software, it is a huge money-making advertising market.

One issue to overcome, however is finding the right location:

• Side of a building
• In a shopping mall
• Floor standing kiosk
• Hung from a ceiling bracket at a music venue

The possibilities are endless. This article though is aimed at land owners and landlords of buildings, as they have the right to apply for permission to install external signage. We are all familiar with the traditional roadside paper-poster hoardings, but these have been revolutionised by technology: introducing the electronic digital signage screen. This can be one single screen or a tiled wall of LED panels, creating a massive and very effective screen. London has caught-on in the last year or so, but there is huge potential for growth in other major cities. The US has a major share of the market, as well as Asia, which is to be expected.

Deploying DOOH signage.

Location, location, location is crucial to a successful advertising campaign. Passing clients and potential customers need to see the screen to be influenced into making a purchase. From passing by in a vehicle, on a particularly slow moving road increases the potential for a sale, to walking through a car park on the way into the mall, and walking through the departure lounge of the airport; digital signage screens are everywhere.

The beauty of this type of DOOH (digital out of home) advertising is that it is kept up to the moment, no delays in altering or updating content, quick change results for obsolete stock, or unavoidable issues – offering an alternative at the click of a button.

So, what are the planning restrictions? Well, that does depend on your state or county: is it appropriate for the landscape? What impact will it have on the environment? These can’t be considered as ‘cons’, just factors to be resolved. Advertising is a multi-million dollar business and has a huge impact on the economy. Regular maintenance will keep the digital signs working to their full potential; cleaning of the LED panels and replacing no-working screens will provide a creative platform on which to advertise.

Building up into ‘free space’, for example a screen hanging from a link building or roof structure, or attached to the side of a large building is more cost effective than using expensive floor space. So as the owner of the building you are renting out space, which otherwise has no economic use, but can bring in a serious income for you. Just think of the icon buildings in Times Square NYC – it is more profitable to rent the outside wall space of certain buildings than to rent the offices within! (and with far less issues).

So, what is the next massive leap for dooh advertising….I know vehicle screens are being developed for lorries and tax-tops, it will revolutionise our landscape, without costing a fortune.

ProEnc has vast knowledge and experience supplying and installing DOOH signage across the UK and Europe.

Ultra slim bezel digital signage.

Technology is focused upon style as well as specification, so an ultra slim bezel digital signage screen is becoming increasingly popular. Indoor and outdoor screens can benefit from this application as there is an almost seamlessness to tiled (adjoining) screens.

Breaking up the content image into ‘parts’ is frustrating and gives a poor quality to the content; advertisement or information. A far more professional approach is to use an ultra thin bezel frame, which gives the impression of one large screen which flows graphically. An ideal size for most applications is 55”, which is used as a video wall, giving the feeling of one screen. This would suit retail stores, transit stations or public art displays.

Using ultra slim bezel digital signage.

Forward thinking ad agencies are willing to use video walls, with a number of individual screens, for pedestrian zones or roadside advertising. Because of its size and clarity, it makes an ideal platform for displaying quite detailed images and/or text. A thick black line between screens is a hideous sight and detracts from the image being portrayed. The only place this may be acceptable is for each screen to display individual content. The large-screen market is growing incredibly well as other uses are found; music venues, public displays and sporting events can broadcast video which some concert-goers may not otherwise be able to witness.

The rising market expectations have engaged commercial-grade screens, along with the ultra thin bezel of around ¼ inch, the resolution is far superior than previously and having an LED back light has also improved the performance. Many of us are also conscious about energy consumption, which features highly in these modern screens. The set up and installation is quick and efficient, which makes it suitable for temporary installations, however these screens are also great for more long term uses. If the thin bezel screens are to be placed outdoors, make sure this is clear when ordering the screens, as some are not; weather-proof, water-proof or fail because of sun glare on the screens. The maintenance and care of these screens is simple and uncomplicated, all because they are sealed units, with very few parts to go wrong, especially if they can be accessed remotely. Downtime costs money, both in lost broadcasting time, but also in engineers time, so lessening problems means that the screen will be running longer and more efficiently.

This way of simplifying digital signage opens up a new market for users, from professional advertising companies to venues hosting events – encouraging a new era of users and viewers. But not only information and relevant content, ie. the band in concert, but also advertisements can be slipped into the content which brings another element to the purpose and also brings in an additional income.

From a minimal configuration of just 4 or 6 screens, through to 100 displays, all daisy-chained together, would create a stunning and practical video wall. Quality thin bezel screens do come at a price; yet at just under $5k (July 2015), it is a small price to pay for an innovative investment, which includes a 3 year warranty for parts and labor for piece of mind.

ProEnc have the answer to your request for ultra slim bezel digital signage.