Digital signage is a new way of communicating messages using the advantages of information technology. The technology allows projection of content with eye capturing formats using digital images and video and flexible management of digital content.

Rapidly-dropping prices for large plasma and LCD screens and wide availability of Internet connectivity have caused digital signage deployments to gain in popularity, and displays can now be found in such diverse locations as retail outlets, transit hubs (like airports or bus stations), doctor's offices, fast food restaurants and even gas stations.

When there is a need for a multipoint digital signage system, the three main issues that arouse are: initial cost, installation process, and ease of content management. Hex designed, developed and tested a unique system that addresses all these issues. The system consists of custom low cost hardware and software and an underlying TCP/IP network for management.

The hardware part is a small and low cost module that can drive the signal to any kind of digital projection system (TFT panels, projectors, CRT screens etc.). It has some unique attributes:

• Easy installation as a result of the small size and fanless operation. It can be fitted behind a 10’’ TFT panel, or in a wall. The installation requires only a power connection.
• Reliable operation – The system does not use hard disk drives, and the operating system is Linux based. It is designed for 24x7x365 operation.
• It can drive signal to any device with a VGA input.
• It is online – This way we can manage content over an extensive network of installations, and at the same time have up to date status reports and online system software updates. There is minimum need for onsite support, thus reduced operating costs.

The software allows easy media planning and distribution over many installations in advance. Also basic software updates can be installed remotely, which is a very useful feature when it comes to multiple systems. 

Digital signage is used for many different purposes: 

• Information – examples include flight information in airports and wait-times for the next train or bus
• Advertising Related to the Location to Uplift Sales – examples include in-store promotions in a retail establishment
• Advertising by Third Parties – examples include restaurant-based digital signage networks that sell advertising to local merchants/service providers and national advertisers
• Enhanced Customer Experience – examples include digital signage in restaurant waiting areas to reduce perceived wait-time and recipe demonstrations in food stores
• Influencing Customer Behavior – examples include post office digital signage that directs patrons waiting in line to automated stamp machines and retail digital signage designed to direct customers to different areas of the store, increasing the time spent on the store premises (dwell time)
• Brand Building – examples include retail stores where digital signage in video form is used as a part of the store décor to build a story around the brand

Studies have shown digital signage to be effective in aiding customer recall and retention of displayed information.

The system is designed to be a low cost solution easily deployed in any environment. The initial cost is a fragment of the cost of any PC or information kiosk solution, and the operational cost is minimal and comparable to printed media like posters or billboards. The ROI is realized immediately.