Digital signage has become one of the most effective ways for businesses to capture attention, share information, and influence purchasing decisions. In fact, studies show that 80% of brands using digital signs see higher sales. Beyond sales, customer satisfaction goes up by 46%, and the average purchase increases by 29.5%. So, using digital screens is a smart move for businesses to succeed.
While the benefits are clear, choosing the right digital signage screen can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. A poor choice can lead to unnecessary costs, early screen failure, or delays in launching your signage strategy. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! Here are the top 5 TV screens that may suit your business needs.
Consumer vs. Commercial Grade Displays
Before comparing different types of TVs for digital signage, it helps to understand one simple distinction. Not all TVs are designed for business use, even if they look similar on the surface.
Consumer TVs are built for home environments, where screens are typically on for a few hours a day in controlled lighting. Commercial digital signage displays are designed for stores, restaurants, offices, and other public spaces, where screens often run for long hours and need to stay visible throughout the day.
Brightness is one of the most important differences. Consumer TVs usually offer lower brightness that works well in evenly lit rooms. Commercial digital signage displays are built with higher brightness to handle real-world conditions. Most commercial displays fall in the 300 to 1,500 Nits range. While consumer-grade displays are significantly dimmer, ranging from 150 to 250 Nits.
Understanding these differences helps set a proper baseline for choosing digital signage displays and ensures the options that follow are evaluated for business use, not home entertainment.
How to Choose the Right TV Screen?
With so many screen types and specifications available, it helps to focus on a few key factors first.
1. Screen Quality
Start with resolution. Larger screens or longer viewing distances require higher resolution to keep content clear and readable. However, a low-resolution TV looks less professional and appealing. Today, high-resolution displays such as Full HD and 4K are more affordable than ever.
2. Specifications
Next, consider core specifications such as brightness, size, contrast ratio, viewing angle, and screen orientation, as these directly affect visibility in real-world environments. Pay close attention to the specs if you are integrating digital display software.
Viewing angle and orientation play a role in public environments. Wide viewing angles help ensure content remains readable from multiple positions, while portrait orientation is often preferred for menus, directories, and wayfinding displays.
3. Logistics
Before purchasing a display, decide where the screen will be installed and confirm power, mounting, and network access. For example, if it is placed outside, you need to account for connectivity, weatherproofing, and durability.
4. CMS Compatibility
Not all displays work seamlessly with digital signage software, so confirming Content Management System (CMS) compatibility early can prevent setup issues later.
5. Budget
Finally, consider what you are willing to spend. While digital displays are more affordable than ever, there are premium options.
Consumer vs. Commercial Grade
For many first-time buyers, choosing a digital signage screen can feel confusing because consumer TVs and professional displays often look similar at first glance. However, displays built specifically for digital signage are designed to operate longer hours, handle commercial environments, and integrate more reliably with signage software. Understanding this difference early helps avoid performance issues and unexpected replacement costs.
Top 5 Types of TVs for Digital Signage
Now that you’ve reviewed all the determining factors, you are ready to find a display that suits your business needs. Below are the 5 most common types of TV screens used to create digital signage.
1. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
LCD screens are a common starting point for indoor digital signage because they balance image quality and affordability. They are widely used in offices, retail stores, and restaurants where lighting conditions are controlled and extreme brightness is not required. They use electricity and special liquid crystals between different layers of polarized glass to show images. One of the advantages of LCD technology is its ability to deliver vibrant colors and sharp visuals. This makes them useful for things like digital menus on TVs and info kiosks in offices.
2. Light-Emitting Diode (LED)
LED screens are known for their brightness and sharp contrast, thanks to tiny LED modules that emit vibrant light. Their high brightness makes them especially effective for outdoor digital signage and large public installations where visibility is critical.
3. Outdoor Displays
Outdoor digital displays have become a game-changer in the advertising industry.
These displays are designed to withstand the elements, featuring weatherproofing technologies that protect against rain, dust, and extreme temperatures. They are versatile, finding applications in transportation hubs, retail storefronts, and sports arenas.
4. Touch Screen
For businesses that need interaction, touchscreen displays allow users to browse, select, and explore content directly on screen. Whether for large complex wayfinding, educational museum exhibits, or interactive restaurant menus, touchscreen technology improves digital signage immersion. Users can access information and make selections with a simple touch, fostering personalized and intuitive interactions.
5. Ultra-High Definition Displays (UHD)
UHD displays, such as 4K, set a new standard for visual clarity and detail in digital signage. Whether showcasing intricate product images in retail displays or delivering immersive content in corporate presentations, UHD displays offer precision that captivates audiences.
The enhanced resolution is advantageous for large-format displays, ensuring content remains sharp and impactful even on expansive screens.
Digital Signage Software
While deciding between LED, LCD, and UHD depends on how your business utilizes digital displays, all systems will need software to handle the content. The top digital signage software offers powerful graphics, adaptable functionality, and reliable content storage.
Finding Your Display
Choosing a digital display can be a challenge. However, once you understand your business requirements and the available display options, you can make a confident and informed purchasing decision.
You can learn more about NexSigns’ Digital Signage solution and connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube to get the latest info on digital signage!
