Posted on 20, November, 2023
Last Modified on 31, May, 2024
Shop These Products
Maybe your devices are scattered across multiple locations, or you need to update the onscreen content frequently and it’s just not feasible to update each device individually. It’s a straightforward problem, but it has many solutions that may leave you wondering where to start and which route to take. Let’s overview some potential strategies to help you manage your content while also managing your time and budget.
There are three basic methods to show the same content on many devices across locations. These methods all utilize some form of a Content Management System. A Content Management System, or CMS, is a platform that allows businesses to manage and publish images, videos, and other digital content. A CMS usually relies on desktop software, cloud-based platforms, external hardware, mobile apps, or a combination.
#1 Cloud-Based Content Management Software
Content management software allows you to build content to send to your digital signage. Once you design your media playlist, you can publish it and display it on your connected devices in real-time. You can schedule your content strategically to show specific content at times that align your business model – all without manually pressing Play.
Our Recommendation: Wallboard
Wallboard is a digital display software for designing, scheduling, and presenting dynamic content for both non-touch and touch devices. It’s designed for managing and displaying content across multiple screens, making it ideal for public spaces, corporate environments, and retail settings. Using their online web application, you can create and manage advertisements, product catalogs, digital menus, calendars, and more. Helpful integrations like Google Drive and Microsoft SharePoint allow you or authorized employees to make direct and instantaneous updates to your digital signage content, ensuring seamless synchronization across all your displays.
- One-time setup fee and annual subscription
- Robust content creation and content management system
- Remotely schedule content campaigns by time and date
- Add weather, clock or calendar widgets
- Access to library of 100’s of design templates and upload your custom branding
#2 Content Management System with External Media Player
You can also get a CMS that utilizes an external media player via HDMI input. External media players often have advanced capabilities, like lossless playback of video streaming feeds, simultaneous video and audio playback, advanced touchscreen support, streaming support, and more. This typically works by subscribing to a CMS service and purchasing their media players for each of your devices. Then, you create a playlist in their online platform and utilize any specialized functionality, like design templates, scheduling, or widget features. Because the media players connect to the same internet as your digital signage, your updates are instantly carried over.
Our Recommendation: DisplayIt!Xpress
DisplayIt!Xpress is software that communicates with an external media player connected to a digital signage device. To start, you'll need one Windows Media Player and a license for each device. The DisplayIt!Xpress desktop software connects to each media player so you can display scheduled content or dynamic updates to all your digital signage at once.
Its interface is based on familiar Microsoft Office apps, so it's easy to get up and running without spending hours learning the program. With DisplayIt!Xpress, you can schedule days or even years in advance and add widgets like weather, clock, calendar, RSS feeds, and emergency broadcasts. If you have a lot of devices to manage, you'll appreciate the grouping feature, which allows you to group displays for more efficient management.
- 1 external media player and license per digital signage device
- One-time licensing fee includes lifetime support and software updates
- 30-day free trial
- Utilizes Microsoft Office software
- Clock, weather, calendar, widgets, and more
- Compatibility with touch, non-touch, and dual-sided displays
#3 Play Store App
Digital signage devices often run on Android OS, meaning you can take advantage of the many available apps in the Google Play store. This creates new abilities for your signage, for example, you can add additional security and prevent customers from interfering with the display with ‘lockdown’ apps like Kioware and FullyKiosk. These apps are great for in-person control of individual devices. If you’re looking specifically for remote content management of many devices, however, apps from the Play Store come with some caveats. The effectiveness of an app is in the hands of the app developers, which means you can’t always get technical support from your device’s manufacturer. These apps typically have recurring monthly subscription fees, so sometimes you have to invest upfront before finding out if the app functions well or meets your specific needs.
Our Recommendation: Google Photos
Based on those considerations, we recommend Google apps like Photos or Slides. Google has an impeccable reputation for well-designed and effective apps for all device types. One strategy to try is creating a Google Photos album of your desired on-screen content and then launching a slideshow. While this basic strategy doesn’t carry the automated benefits of a CMS, your content still syncs across all devices under your Google account. Instead of worrying about filesharing via apps or flash drives, in-person employees can launch the Google Photos slideshow each day to showcase your latest content. Plus, the first 15GB of cloud storage is free!
- No remote control of the device
- No scheduling display of content
- Free storage up to 15GB
- Content is automatically synced across devices
Managing Your Devices
Content management is not a one-size-fits-all. Displays2go is here to help guide you to make the most of your digital signage investment. We carry DisplayIt!Xpress, Wallboard, and a variety of media players that have been tested for best performance and compatibility with our digital signage products. Our products come with helpful pre-installed apps like the Google Play Store and our free slideshow app DiViEX so you can jump right in. Have more questions? Our digital experts are available to talk through your goals and needs and help you determine the best solution for your business. Visit us at www.displays2go.com or contact Displays2go customer service at 1-844-221-3388
Interested in learning more about digital signage content management? Learn about our partnerships here!