Choosing a digital signage system: what should you look for?

If you want to show information, offers, or messages on screens, you need a digital signage system. But what exactly does that include, and what should you look for when choosing one? In this article we explain what a digital signage system consists of, which points matter when choosing, and when a complete digital signage system setup or a ready-made digital signage solution is the better fit.

What is a digital signage system?

A digital signage system is everything you use to show targeted digital content on screens: the screens themselves, a media player that drives them, and the software in which you create, schedule, and manage your content. Instead of operating each screen separately, you handle everything centrally from one place. Want to know first what digital signage actually is? Then read our page about narrowcasting.

What does a digital signage system consist of?

Almost every digital signage system consists of three components that work together:

• The screens — the TVs or displays your content appears on. Any screen with an HDMI port can join.
• The Stremo Player — a small player or app behind the screen that fetches your content and plays it reliably, 24/7.
• The digital signage software — the place where you create slides, schedule content, and manage all your screens. This is the heart of the system.

With one provider you buy these components separately, with another you get them as a single system. That saves hassle: the better the components are tuned to each other, the less you have to connect yourself.

What should you look for when choosing a digital signage system?

Before you choose a digital signage system, it's best to run through these points:

• Ease of use — can you get started without technical knowledge or a designer? Drag and drop saves an enormous amount of time.
• Templates — are there ready-made templates in your own branding, so you're live quickly?
• Central management — can you control multiple screens and locations from one account, with individual permissions per user?
• Integrations — does the system connect to tools you already use, such as Google Sheets, calendars, social media, or dashboards?
• Scalability — does the system scale with you from one screen to dozens, without extra installations or servers?
• Costs and terms — do you pay per screen, is software included, and can you cancel monthly?

One system for multiple screens and locations

Do you have more than one screen, or multiple locations? Then you don't want to manage them one by one. With a system like Stremo you group screens by location or room, schedule your content ahead, and see in real time which screen is online. This way you manage one screen or hundreds of screens — and several digital signage systems across different locations — from the same overview. Want to know more? Check out how Stremo works and the screen groups feature.

System or ready-made solution?

If you're mainly after the standalone technology, it comes down to the digital signage system: the player, software, and screens. If you'd rather have a working whole that fits your situation right away, you choose a ready-made digital signage solution with templates and integrations that match your industry. With Stremo you get both in one: a complete system and a solution you can have live within 1 minute. Also check out the solutions by industry.

What does a digital signage system cost?

The cost of a digital signage system depends on the number of screens and whether the software is included. With Stremo you pay per screen, including software, updates, and support — with no surprises afterward. Check out all pricing for a full overview.

Getting started with your own digital signage system

A good digital signage system saves you time, keeps your screens up to date, and grows with your organization. Want to experience it yourself? With Stremo you're live within 1 minute — try it free for 14 days or see the complete digital signage system.