Outdoor Advertising in the Modern Age
Always seen as an effective method of promotion and branding, outdoor advertising can reach large audiences as high volumes of traffic get to view the billboard or poster as people commute or pass by. However, because of the ubiquitous nature of outdoor advertising it is all too easy to become immune to many campaigns that adorn our high street and they become part and parcel of the scenery.
Digital Outdoor signage is one method outdoor advertisers have of getting noticed. The modern, eye-catching nature of outdoor digital signs mean they stand out from the background of static 2D images. As a new advertising innovation, outdoor digital signage has seen a remarkable rise in uptake over the last few years and is now readily seen along high streets, outside retail units and around transport hubs.
Put simply, outdoor digital signage is the use of modern flat panel televisions such as the LCD or plasma screens used to display advertising messages, promotional content, branding or other information.
It is also versatile. Outdoor digital signage is able to schedule advertisements at set times of the day. This makes it attractive to advertisers that can push certain products or promotions at more targeted audiences; as an example, lunch menus from local restaurants can be displayed at lunch-times, or driving schools can advertise in the evening when commuters are rushing to the bus stops and train station.
Outdoor digital signage is also simple. The displays, while modern and engaging are able to catch the eye and appeal to a modern audience far more than traditional static advertisements do. Yet, the televisions used are the same as the TVs that are found in most homes. They are protected, of course, surrounded by an LCD enclosure that blocks out the harmful elements such as rainfall and other weather and also ensures the internal temperatures of the LCD enclosure are the optimum for operating an LCD screen.
The outdoor digital signage enclosure also offers a physical barrier, which is essential for outdoor digital signs, as the displays can become tempting targets for vandals or thieves – and even accidental damage can cause a screen to fail.
The only other facet to a digital outdoor display is the method in which content is uploaded. Commonly, outdoor digital signs are networked together which enables the same content to be displayed on multiple machines. The content can be uploaded centrally which means changes can be done remotely removing the need for technicians to travel around and replace advertisements.
Alternatively, a simple media player can be used to upload the content. These can be stored inside the LCD enclosure alongside the LCD screen and can take the shape of a simple media playing device, or a small PC, which will have the same protection as the LCD inside the enclosure.
Because of the simplicity, versatility and flexibility of outdoor digital signage it is fast becoming a major part of the outdoor advertising market. And, as the costs of LCD screens continues to fall, it is expected that outdoor digital signage will expand further and may possibly completely usurp static 2D advertisements that have been for so long part of the furniture of our high streets.