Digital signage and interactive screens are transforming how businesses communicate with employees, clients, and visitors alike. As the demand for immediate, dynamic and versatile communication grows, it presents a growing market for AV integrators. Whether it’s a dramatic entrance piece in the foyer, communication throughout the office or warehouse, or interactive presentations and conferencing in the boardrooms, the technology offers plenty of business value benefits for corporates.
For commercial AV integrators, foyer installations represent a significant opportunity to add value as the results are dramatic and immediately visible across the business. Big screens with engaging corporate content establish the brand credentials as soon as employees and visitors walk through the door.
A large, high-resolution display can create a visually striking and professional entrance, setting the tone for the rest of the business experience. Foyer screens can serve multiple purposes: they can display corporate branding, welcome messages, real-time information, and even wayfinding assistance for visitors. By presenting dynamic content, businesses can engage visitors more effectively than with traditional static signage.
DIFFERING COSTS
The cost of implementing digital signage in a foyer can range widely, depending on the display technology, screen size, and additional features like touch interactivity or integration with corporate information systems. While upfront costs may be significant for larger displays, the benefits of branding impact, improved visitor experience, and enhanced communication justify the investment. AV integrators can offer ongoing services, such as content management integration and system maintenance, providing recurring revenue streams.
With 4K UHD signage screens up to 98in readily available, these make an excellent starting point for small-to-mid-size foyers and are an extremely cost-effective solution. Assuming the screen is not facing large south-facing windows (in the UK), screen brightnesses of 400-500 nits will be adequate, and if it is to be shut down overnight and at weekends, a lower-cost 16/7 on-time screen will represent much better value than a model designed for 24/7 use. Screens that do face large windows will need to be brighter, and, if reflections are going to be an issue, specifying a screen with a higher haze (a matt-look coating to the screen surface) is a good idea. Around 25 percent haze will be ideal. High haze screen coating mutes colours and image ‘punch’ a little, so it is a balancing act depending on the foyer’s layout.
MATRIX DISPLAYS
For larger and more dramatic entrance displays, the choice falls between using a matrix of displays such as 2×2, 3×3 and a unique (non 16:9) ratio such as 3×2 – or an LED wall.
LED walls have the advantage of extreme brightness and visual impact without the bezel bars of a matrix or UHD screen, but they are not cheap. While top-end installations for big businesses will naturally gravitate to custom LED walls, matrix displays offer 90 percent of the performance for a fraction of the cost.
Moreover, display screens specifically designed to be used as a matrix wall differ from standard displays in being manufactured with ultra-thin bezels on two of the screen’s four sides. This means that the combined bezel where screens meet is kept to a minimum, reducing the obvious multi-screen effect. Models designed for these installations also come with software that accounts for the gap between screens within the image processing to ensure on-screen objects remain in the correct shape as they span the overall display across bezel joins.
UNIQUE APPEAL
Creating a non-16:9 display from a matrix of UHD displays has a unique appeal for foyers, but it has its challenges. While 16:9 content is likely to be plentiful in the corporate media archives and easy to create, content for non-standard matrix ratios must be custom-created to fit the screen. Creating that wow-factor with odd-ratio corporate presentation may be worth the investment, but it limits the business flexibility in dynamically changing the content. You don’t want to put up a welcome message and picture of a visiting CEO only to find his image is squished into the wrong ratio.
Built-in CMS platforms for screens designed to be used in a matrix wall also have tools to help with content mapping, and several resellers and distributors offer integrated matrix screen hardware for easy mounting, meaning the installation and set-up of a matrix wall is far from onerous.
Beyond the foyer, digital signage within the workplace is an effective way to keep employees informed and engaged. Screens in common areas such as break rooms, hallways, and office cafeterias can display important corporate updates, health and safety messages, performance metrics, and even live news feeds. When used strategically, employee information screens foster a sense of community and keep staff aligned with the company’s goals and initiatives.
GOOD VISIBILITY
Dedicated LCD screens in 4K UHD are versatile and cost-effective, providing good visibility in various lighting conditions. For larger spaces or locations with high ambient light, high-brightness LED screens may be necessary to ensure content remains readable. If the situation warrants a portrait orientation display, don’t be tempted to rotate a standard landscape LCD and flip the content in the software. Displays made specifically for 16:9 or 9:16 portrait use are designed to stop the colour bleed of the LCD panel pixels over time, which would otherwise lead to poor performance and early replacement.
The cost of implementing employee information screens is generally lower than foyer displays, primarily because smaller, less sophisticated screens are suitable for these areas. Additionally, centralised content management systems make it easy for businesses to update information across multiple screens simultaneously, providing an efficient way to communicate with the workforce. This can lead to increased employee productivity and morale, as staff members stay informed about the company’s activities, achievements, and any urgent updates.
Boardrooms and meeting spaces are central to corporate decision-making and collaboration, even for companies with just a handful of staff. Interactive screens in these settings have become indispensable tools for presentations, brainstorming sessions, and conference calls. They allow for real-time annotation, content sharing, and integration with various collaboration platforms, enhancing productivity and engagement during meetings.
The choice of technology for boardrooms and meeting rooms often revolves around interactive touchscreens or large format displays that support video conferencing integration. Interactive touchscreens with 4K resolution and zero-bonded screen technologies, like our own Dynamic Series range, offer clarity and responsiveness like a tablet, making presentations and collaborative work seamless.
PREMIUM SOLUTIONS
Once physically installed, AV integrators can offer a range of premium solutions that integrate popular conferencing platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Webex, creating a unified user experience. Many of these services are run as SaaS, creating an ongoing commission revenue for the installer. AV integrators can further offer managed services, including regular software updates, remote troubleshooting, and user training, adding long-term value to their clients – and their bottom line.
While the cost of implementing digital signage varies depending on screen size, type, and added features like touch capability, the long-term benefits often outweigh these expenses for most businesses. Seamless communication is essential to survive and compete, from high street shops to international services businesses.
As businesses of all sizes continue to embrace digital signage from the foyer to employee information screens and interactive boardroom displays, the demand for professional AV integration will only increase, making it a market full of opportunity.