16 Essential Digital Signage Terms to Know Before Attending LOOKBEYOND24

We know that LOOKBEYOND24 is still a few months away, but we wanted to address something that we think will enhance your experience.

During the event, you will encounter a lot of industry jargon. There is a chance you may hear terms that are new to you or that you might have overlooked before.

That's why we have decided to put together a guide to help you understand all those terms well ahead of time.

1. Narrowcasting

Narrowcasting in digital signage means showing specific messages to a targeted group of people in a particular place. Instead of reaching a wide audience, it focuses on delivering relevant content to those who will find it most interesting or useful.

For example, screens in mall stores show different deals. Clothing stores display fashion offers, and electronics shops show tech specials. This makes the messages more engaging and relevant for viewers.

2. CMS

A Content Management System (CMS) is a software tool for creating, managing and scheduling content on digital displays. It lets users easily upload images, videos and other media. Then to organise them into playlists and set times for each content to be shown. MagicINFO and VXT are perfect examples of CMSs.

3. Server

A server is a central computer system that stores and manages all the content for the digital displays. It sends the right images, videos and messages to each screen according to the schedule set in the CMS (Content Management System). The server ensures that the content is distributed efficiently and can be updated remotely, so all connected displays show the correct information at the right time.

4. On-premise (Installation)

An "on-premise installation" means installing the necessary software and hardware on the user's own physical location, such as in their office or store. Instead of using cloud services, all data and management tools are hosted locally on the user's servers. This setup gives the user full control over their system, including data security and software updates, but also requires more maintenance and IT resources.

5. Cloud

A cloud refers to online servers that store and manage content for digital displays. Using cloud-based services, users can upload, schedule and update content from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing for easy remote management of multiple screens.

This ensures they all display up-to-date information without needing physical access, greatly reducing the need for extensive IT resources and offering the convenience of automatic updates. Additionally, relying on third-party providers can enhance data security and system performance. This is to provide users with a reliable and efficient solution.

6. Licence (for Software)

A digital signage software licence is an agreement that allows users to legally use the software needed to create, manage, and display content on digital signs. These agreements come in various types to suit different needs, including lite options for basic features, premium options for advanced capabilities and remote management options for controlling displays from afar.

Additionally, there are cloud subscriptions that provide access to cloud-based services for easy remote content management and automatic updates.

7. Tizen OS

Tizen OS is the operating system used by Samsung digital signage screens. It helps by providing a fast, reliable platform that supports various multimedia formats, ensuring smooth and efficient content playback. Tizen OS enhances Samsung signage with robust security features, easy integration with hardware and a user-friendly interface for straightforward content management.

8. Samsung Smart Signage Platform

The Samsung Smart Signage Platform (SSSP) is an all-in-one digital signage solution that simplifies installation and maintenance. SSSP is built directly into Samsung's smart signage displays, eliminating the need for external devices to manage and display content. It includes a powerful System-on-Chip (SoC) media player and supports various display sizes and orientations, providing a flexible and efficient signage solution.

SSSP leverages Tizen OS to offer robust performance, security, and compatibility with a wide range of multimedia formats. It supports features like remote device management, which allows users to control displays from afar, adjust settings and perform troubleshooting. This platform enhances user engagement through interactive content, driven by sensors that respond to environmental and audience cues, making the signage more dynamic and personalised.

9. Interactive Digital Signage

Interactive digital signage allows users to engage with content through touchscreens, motion sensors, and other interactive technologies, creating a dynamic user experience. Unlike static displays, it offers personalised content, real-time feedback and enhanced engagement.

Common applications include retail for browsing catalogues, wayfinding with interactive maps, and information kiosks in various settings like museums and airports.

10. QR Codes

QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes that store information, like website links or text, which can be quickly accessed by scanning with a smartphone. In digital signage, QR codes are used to create interactive experiences. It allows viewers to scan the code to get more information, access special offers, or visit a website.

11. Omnichannel Integration

Omnichannel integration in digital signage ensures that all your marketing messages and promotions are consistent across different platforms.

This means that our brand shows the same messages and offers to customers whether they see it online on their phones or in a real store. It enhances the customer experience by providing personalised and relevant content through real-time updates and interactive features like QR codes and touchscreens.

Connecting different systems helps create a smoother experience for customers. For example, a store can use its customer data to show the same message in different places. A customer might see a product on a website, then get an email about a sale for that product, and finally see the same sale advertised on a screen in the store. This keeps the customer interested and informed while they shop.

12. AR

Augmented Reality (AR) in digital signage overlays digital content like images, videos and information onto the real-world environment, creating interactive and immersive experiences.

In retail, it allows virtual try-ons, while in museums, it brings exhibits to life with animations and information. AR transforms billboards into dynamic experiences, enhancing user engagement by blending digital and physical elements.

This technology provides personalised content and real-time updates. It also opens up innovative ways to captivate and inform audiences across various settings.

Here is an example of how AR can work with digital signage.

13. VR

Virtual Reality (VR) in digital signage immerses users in a completely virtual environment, allowing them to interact with digital content in a simulated setting. By wearing VR headsets, users can experience 3D worlds and scenarios that feel real.

In retail, VR can provide virtual store tours or let customers visualise how products would look in their homes. In education, VR can offer interactive lessons and virtual field trips. This technology enhances user engagement by providing immersive and interactive experiences, transforming how people interact with digital content. VR in digital signage creates innovative opportunities for brands to captivate their audiences in entirely new ways.

14. Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) in digital signage refers to the integration of connected devices that communicate and share data with digital signs to create more dynamic and responsive experiences. IoT-enabled digital signage can gather real-time data from various sources, such as sensors, cameras and other smart devices, to deliver personalised and contextually relevant content.

For example, in retail, IoT can adjust digital displays based on customer demographics or behaviour, offering tailored promotions. In smart cities, digital signs can provide real-time information on traffic, weather and public transportation.

This technology enhances user engagement by making digital signage more interactive and adaptive, improving the overall effectiveness of the communication. IoT in digital signage opens up new possibilities for creating intelligent and responsive environments that better serve user needs.

15. Smart City

Smart city digital signage refers to the use of interconnected digital displays in urban areas to enhance the quality of life, provide real-time information and improve city management.

These digital signs are integrated with various technologies and data sources to deliver relevant content to residents and visitors.

For example, in a smart city, digital signs can provide real-time updates on public transportation schedules, traffic conditions and weather forecasts. They can also display emergency alerts, local news and event information.

This technology enhances urban living by making information easily accessible and improving communication between the city and its inhabitants. Smart city digital signage contributes to a more efficient, informed and connected urban environment.

16. Faux Out-of-Home (FOOH)

Faux Out of Home (FOOH) in digital signage refers to the use of digital displays to replicate the experience of out-of-home (OOH) advertising within indoor or controlled environments. This approach creates the feel of traditional outdoor advertising, like billboards and transit ads, in places such as malls, airports and office buildings.

For example, FOOH can be used in a shopping mall to display advertisements that mimic the look of street billboards, capturing the attention of shoppers in a familiar format. In airports, FOOH displays can simulate transit ads, engaging travellers with content that feels like it belongs in an urban outdoor setting. This technology leverages the visual impact and familiarity of OOH advertising while taking advantage of the versatility and interactive capabilities of digital signage.

This is an example of one such advertisement:

Now that you have a solid understanding of these essential digital signage terms, you are well-prepared to dive into the LOOKBEYOND24 conference this November. With this knowledge, you will be able to follow along more easily and fully grasp the innovative technologies and concepts discussed. We are confident that you are ready to explore these exciting advancements and how they can enhance your digital signage strategies. Enjoy the webinar!