The Digital Signage Hardware Buyers Guide

05 Jun.,2025

 

The Digital Signage Hardware Buyers Guide

Hardware

The Digital Signage Hardware Buyers Guide

When choosing your digital signage hardware, the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming. The variety of LED or projection displays, combined with the variety of player options (system on a chip and cloud-based or media players?) can make it hard to select the right digital signage hardware for your job.

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February 28, by Daniel Brown — Editor, Networld Media Group

When choosing your digital signage, the sheer volume of hardware options can be overwhelming. The variety of LED or projection displays, combined with the variety of player options (system on a chip and cloud-based or media players?) can make it hard to select the right digital signage hardware for your job.

Step 1: choosing your display type

First, you'll want to decide which display hardware you want to use. This will depend on your use case. For example, if you are installing a screen in a high-brightness area, like the front of a store or a daylit concourse in a transportation hub, you will need a high-brightness LED screen or an alternate solution that doesn't try to "beat the sun," such as ePaper displays, which can also serve well as lower-cost/more sustainable digital menu boards. If you are installing an informational or wayfinding kiosk, then you might opt for a smaller touchscreen (along with the kiosk furniture).

By contrast, if you are choosing hardware for a dark area, such as the side of an entertainment venue at night, you may want to consider traditional or laser projectors from suppliers like Epson, which can transform entire surfaces into display surfaces for less cost than would be involved in blanketing the side of the building in LED panels (which would also require weatherproofing hardware).

Let's say you're choosing display hardware for a fast-food drive-thru ordering system. You'll need to select a screen that is visible in variable light conditions, including sunlight, so you'll want to invest in high-brightness LED. You will also need to select brand-appropriate furniture, along with a dedicated speaker system, with appropriate weatherproofing for heat, cold, and moisture. If you're installing in an area prone to lots of severe weather, such as hurricanes, you'll probably want to make the investment in ultra-durable mounting and furniture for your screens, along with screen protection.

Lastly, a note on quality — it can be tempting to go with the cheapest TV you can find, and to put some menu images on a USB thumb drive, but investing in quality can actually save you money in the long run; a consumer-grade television is simply not designed for the kind of 24-7 operation most businesses require. Doing your research and investing in a professional-grade display from a supplier, such as Philips Professional Display Solutions, that will run reliably for years to come can be a great step —not only to save money in the long run but to reduce e-Waste and boost sustainability.

Step 2: choosing your content player type

System-on-a-Chip TV's, smart TV's, and cloud-based digital signage can present benefits such as central control and lower initial installation costs (dedicated media players can be costly). However, these systems depend on reliable Internet connection to operate correctly; if you have an Internet outage for any reason, you won't be able to run your content and dependent operations until you restore Internet connectivity.

In our restaurant example, this means you would face potential outages of your drive through unless you have built in redundancy (say, investing in 5G connectivity in case of Internet outages, which would entail another layer of cost).

By contrast, media players tend to be more robust and to keep running even in case of Internet outages, and the best media players enjoy very long shelf lives (sometimes running twice as long or more than the average cloud-based display would do). However, media players tend to require heavier investment during your installation, and you may have to factor in budget costs for things like ongoing maintenance or licensing fees.

Whether you choose media players or cloud-based/System-on-a-Chip signage, make sure to look for robust service and warranty options, and ensure that your chosen hardware is compatible with all relevant business software from your operations. Choosing hardware that doesn't play nicely with your software systems is a recipe for chaos and inefficiency, all of which can eat into your bottom line.

Some firms like Screencloud have online tools to help you select your hardware.

Step 3: choosing your installation/mounting hardware

Having good relationships with your ecosystem of suppliers, or making sure that you choose an integrator who cultivates those relationships, will greatly simplify your journey as you select your hardware.

For example, sourcing the right integrator (or having relationships in place with suppliers) can help you find good pricing on your mounting needs, along with making it easier to select the right mounts and furniture for your job. For example, if you're installing your drive-through digital signage in a hurricane-prone area, having an integrator with the right supplier connections can save you money on ultra-heavy weatherproofing hardware, which could cost you more if you try to source the hardware yourself.

Also, if you have an extremely unique or intricate installation, you may need to select a specialty integrator that has experience with unusual use cases; for large projects like digital signage in Allegiant Stadium (home for the Super Bowl), Samsung Electronics America provided a wide spectrum of installation services, but for smaller boutique projects, you might find a specialist like Red Dot Digital Media installing a digital koi pond in an LA bank transformation project.

Speaking of which reading interviews with integrators like Red Dot Digital Media president Darryl Kuder can be a great way to get insight into solid hardware options — for instance, Kuder does not have a promotional relationship with BrightSign, but he enthusiastically recommends the famously purple media players from his many years of installation experience.

Step 4: Do your research, and don't be shy

Don't be shy! If an installation catches your eye, and you think that you would like to install a similar system, don't be shy about reaching out to other business owners to learn more about their suppliers. It could be as simple as noticing a DOOH advertising screen at your local gas station or EV charging station, or a touchscreen at your local self-serve fast-food restaurant. Get a list of all relevant hardware and software contacts from the project, including the integrator that installed the system; happy business owners are usually glad to share details on a project that went well.

There are a number of helpful references online as well, such as Screencloud's Buyer's Guide to Digital Signage Hardware, along with useful resources like the Digital Signage Today Supplier Directory. Make sure to follow topics related to your business; in our drive-thru example, following Restaurant news can help you get a feel for trends in your industry, and you just might find a few suppliers mentioned in a story about a successful deployment that you may want to choose your hardware from.

Additionally, industry non-profit organizations can sometimes be sources of information for starting your digital signage journey, such as the Digital Signage Federation, Women in AV and IT, or AVIXA.

If you already have selected your desired software systems, reach out to your vendor to see what hardware recommendations they have; that will save you time on compatibility questions later on!

Events can be helpful depending on your industry; you may want to start with well-reputed networking events in your sector, such as restaurant summits or small business mixers, rather than digital signage focused events.

In our drive-thru example, you might start not with digital signage industry events but with restaurant-focused events, where you can meet not only suppliers but fellow operators who can offer you insights illustrated by their own successes and failures; summits like the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit or the Self Service Innovation Summit can be powerful tools for selecting your digital signage hardware.

If you do decide that you'd like to attend a digital signage summit, well-known examples can include the Exertis Almo E4 Experience for North America businesses. If you're based in Europe, you may want to check out Integrated Systems Europe (a.k.a. ISE), which is the European digital signage industry's biggest event.

Whichever route you follow, don't forget the growing importance of topics like sustainability and accessibility in your digital signage installation.

About Daniel Brown

110-Inch Interactive Display: Buying Guide & Key Considerations

Many customers come to us looking for interactive displays, and most of them choose standard sizes like 65-inch, 75-inch, or 86-inch. However, in some cases, people are interested in the massive 110-inch model.

With competitive price and timely delivery, COSUN Digital Signage sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

To give you a sense of scale, it’s almost as big as a two-person bed—you could lie down two or even three people on it! Of course, with that size comes a higher price tag. So the big question is: Should you invest in such a large display? Is it the right fit for your space, usage, or budget? In this article, I’ll share my real-world experience and professional suggestions to help you make a smart decision. Let’s get started!

What Is a 110-Inch Interactive Display?

To give you a clear impression of just how large a 110-inch interactive display is, let’s start with a size comparison. With a diagonal of 110 inches, the screen measures approximately 2.41 meters wide and 1.36 meters tall. That’s nearly the size of a two-person bed—imagine lying side by side with two or even three people across it! Compared to the popular 86-inch screen, a 110-inch display offers over 60% more screen area, making it a truly commanding presence in any room.

So, who actually needs a touchscreen this massive?

You’ll most commonly see 110-inch interactive displays used in large-scale environments, such as education, executive boardrooms, or control centers. These are spaces where either:

  1. A large number of people need to view the screen clearly from a distance, or
  2. There’s a need to display multiple layers of content at once—such as live data feeds, real-time collaboration tools, or detailed engineering drawings.

In modern classrooms and training halls, such a large screen helps improve visibility and engagement, especially for students seated far from the front. In corporate boardrooms, it enables dynamic presentations and collaborative meetings where everyone can see, annotate, and interact with the content clearly. And in control rooms, operators rely on large-format screens to monitor complex systems and respond quickly to real-time information.

In short, a 110-inch interactive display isn’t for everyone—but when scale, visibility, and interaction matter, it can be a game-changer.

Is 110 Inches Too Big?

A 110-inch interactive display is undeniably impressive—but is it too big for your space or needs? Let’s break it down from a practical perspective.

Room Size Requirements

To make the most of a 110-inch screen, your room should be large enough to accommodate both the screen and its optimal viewing distance. Ideally, the space should be at least 5 to 7 meters deep, especially if you’re using it in a classroom, boardroom, or auditorium. In smaller rooms, the screen can feel overwhelming or cause eye strain for those seated too close.

Viewing Distance and Ergonomics

For a screen this size, the recommended viewing distance is about 3 to 5 meters to ensure comfortable viewing without excessive eye movement. If people are sitting too close, they may not be able to take in the entire screen easily. This is important to consider, especially in meeting rooms where participants need to focus for long periods.

Wall Strength and Installation Considerations

Let’s not forget—a 110-inch interactive display is heavy, often weighing more than 100 kg depending on the model. That means your wall must be structurally capable of supporting the weight, especially if you’re mounting it. Reinforced mounting brackets and professional installation are essential to avoid accidents or damage. In some cases, a mobile stand designed for heavy-duty screens may be a better choice.

In summary, while 110 inches offers an amazing viewing experience, it also requires the right space, setup, and structural support to be a practical investment.

Performance & Features to Look For

When investing in a 110-inch interactive display, size is just one factor—performance and features play an equally important role in determining whether the display truly meets your needs.

At this size, 4K resolution (×) is the industry standard and provides excellent clarity even for fine text and detailed visuals. For highly detailed content like engineering schematics, medical imaging, or ultra-HD media, 8K displays offer even sharper detail—but they come at a significantly higher cost. For most applications like classrooms, business meetings, and presentations, 4K is more than sufficient.

Touch Technology: IR vs. Capacitive

Two common touch technologies are used in large displays:

  • Infrared (IR) touch: Cost-effective and supports 10–20 touchpoints. It works with fingers, styluses, and even gloves. However, IR touch frames are external and can be slightly less accurate at the edges.
  • Capacitive touch: Similar to smartphone screens, this offers faster, more precise touch response and better durability. It’s more expensive, but ideal for high-precision use and sleek, edge-to-edge designs.

Connectivity & Compatibility

Make sure the display includes multiple HDMI, USB, and USB-C ports, along with LAN, Wi-Fi, and possibly Bluetooth. Compatibility with Windows, Android, macOS, and even iOS screen sharing is essential for collaborative work. Some displays also support OPS or built-in Android systems for all-in-one functionality.

Overall, look for a display that balances resolution, responsive touch, and strong connectivity to ensure seamless performance in your environment.

Price vs. Value: Is It Worth It?

A 110-inch interactive display is a significant investment, so it’s important to weigh the price against the value it brings. Let’s explore whether this “giant screen” is truly worth your budget.

Price Range Estimation

Typically, a high-quality 110-inch interactive display ranges from $8,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the brand, resolution, touch technology, and built-in features. Premium models with 4K or 8K resolution, capacitive touch, or built-in operating systems like Windows or Android will naturally be priced at the higher end.

What You’re Paying For

You’re not just paying for size. The cost includes:

  • Advanced display technology (e.g., anti-glare 4K panels)
  • Multi-touch functionality (often up to 20 points)
  • Robust build quality to support the size and usage
  • Integrated software for collaboration, screen sharing, or classroom use
  • Brand reputation and service—reliable brands may cost more, but offer better support and warranties

ROI in Business or Educational Use

Despite the high upfront cost, the return on investment (ROI) can be significant if used properly. In education, it can enhance engagement, allow collaborative learning, and replace multiple smaller tools. In corporate settings, it improves productivity, enables effective remote collaboration, and adds a strong visual impact during presentations.

If you’re frequently hosting meetings, teaching large groups, or running demos, a 110-inch display can pay for itself in efficiency, professionalism, and user experience over time. Just make sure it fits your real needs—then it’s absolutely worth it.

Who Should Consider Buying One?

A 110-inch interactive display isn’t for everyone—but in the right setting, it can deliver exceptional value, functionality, and visual impact.

Ideal Use Cases

This ultra-large display is best suited for large-scale environments where visibility, collaboration, and professional presence are top priorities. For example:

  • Large classrooms or lecture halls can benefit from the screen’s size, ensuring students in the back rows can still clearly see content.
  • Executive boardrooms use it for high-level presentations, data reviews, and seamless video conferencing with impressive clarity.
  • Showrooms and product demo areas leverage the visual impact of the display to wow clients with large-scale, interactive presentations.
  • Government departments—such as command centers or public service halls—often require large displays to monitor data, conduct briefings, or manage operations efficiently.

Not Suitable For

However, this kind of display is likely overkill for smaller meeting rooms or teams with tight budgets. In compact spaces, a 110-inch screen can feel overwhelming and unnecessary, especially when a 65- or 75-inch model can do the job just fine. Additionally, the higher cost of the display, shipping, and installation makes it less practical for users seeking affordable solutions.

In short, if you have the space and the use case, a 110-inch display can be a powerful tool. Otherwise, it’s best to scale down to a more practical size.

For more Digital Kiosk Displayinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.