Best TVs for Digital Signage to Buy in 2024: Consumer and Commercial Display Options
WRITTEN BY: TelemetryTV, 02-22-2024
Figuring out which screen to use for your digital signage can be overwhelming. With a wide array of brands/features, it can be challenging to make a decision.
Whether you're starting from scratch and trying to determine the cost of digital signage, or you're looking to purchase a single display for your startup or hundreds of displays for your enterprise, we have you covered. This article will provide a brief summary of some of the best options we can recommend for various settings and usage scenarios.
Trends
In 2024, digital signage trends show a growing preference for advanced 4K and 8K screens. They offer sharper and more detailed images, making these screens ideal for creative installations and impactful advertising. The demand for these visually stunning screens is expected to rise in almost any setting, including retail, hospitality, and digital out-of-home (DooH) advertising.
As technologies becomes more affordable, businesses are increasingly choosing larger display sizes to effectively capture their audience's attention. While screens of 55 inches and smaller are still commonly used, there is a growing preference for larger displays to create a more immersive experience. However, the final decision on screen size depends on the specific requirements of the installation, including the size of the space, distance to the screen, and type of content.
Consumer Displays
While consumer TVs may not have the same level of durability and continuous operational capabilities as commercial-grade signage displays, they can still be effective in certain scenarios, which we will discuss below. For those considering this option, we recommend exploring three vendors that offer a good balance between cost and performance for digital signage purposes.
Hisense TVs
For the past few years, Hisense has become known as a manufacturer of affordable consumer TVs that offer attractive pricing and design, while maintaining an acceptable level of build quality. Although they are not made for professional digital signage settings that require 24/7 or even 16/7 operation, they can still be suitable for less demanding environments. Hisense TVs come with the Google TV operating system, which makes it easy to access the TelemetryTV digital signage software directly from the Google Play Market. Hisense's lineup includes LED and Mini-LED technologies in their ULED range, providing different levels of brightness and color accuracy.
Recommended Options
Hisense's affordability makes their TVs an attractive option for startups seeking internal communication solutions or dashboard TVs, as well as for local businesses looking to enhance customer engagement without a significant investment. The Class A6 and Class U6 Series, starting from only $400 for a 65-inch display, are recommended for displaying informational or educational content in settings with controlled lighting (e.g. offices, small clinics, etc.) where there is no direct sunlight.
The Quantum ULED, Class U7, and Class U8 series have a higher price starting from $800, but they are more suitable for settings where content needs to be visually appealing, such as videos and engaging images. These screens also perform well in various lighting conditions, thanks to the combination of quantum dot technology and Mini LED, offering excellent brightness for any content, even when the screen is located near a big window.
The weakest aspect of Hisense screens is their viewing angle. Although we hope this will be improved in future models, at present, we cannot recommend them for large spaces where the viewing angles of audiences may vary. In such cases, we suggest considering TCL TVs, which are priced slightly higher than Hisense.
TCL TVs
TCL, known for its consumer TVs in the mid-price range, strikes a good balance between affordability, build quality, and performance. These TVs are ideal for small to medium-sized organization seeking signage screens that don't need to be used 16/7 or 24/7, all without breaking the bank. Most of TCL's models are available with various platforms, including Android TV, Google TV, or Fire TV, which we highly recommend for compatibility with the TelemetryTV digital signage software available in both Google and Amazon's application marketplaces.
TCL offers a range of technologies, from standard LED to more advanced QLED and Mini-LED options (or a combination of both), to cater to different needs and preferences. Notably, TCL's TVs combining both QLED and Mini-LED technologies are ideal for scenarios that require high color accuracy (i.e., clothing retail) and brightness. The Mini-LED technology, in particular, provides exceptional contrast and deep blacks thanks to its localized dimming capabilities.
Recommended Options
For banking, healthcare, and other types of environments where viewing angles are crucial due to diverse viewing positions, TCL's CLASS 4-SERIES or S CLASS offerings with HDR LED technologies would be suitable. If these environments also require higher brightness levels due to challenging light conditions, then TCL's CLASS 5-SERIES with QLED HDR technologies will be a better option. Each of these models is priced at around $550 for a 65-inch TV screen.
For environments with even more uncontrolled light conditions, such as corporate communication dashboard TVs positioned near windows or retail screens needing vibrant colors to boost sales, the recommended options are TCL's CLASS 6-SERIES or Q CLASS offerings. These options combine advanced QLED + MINI-LED technologies. Depending on the model, a 65-inch screen will cost between $1,000 and $1,700.
However, although the brightness level of CLASS 6-SERIES or Q CLASS offerings is excellent, it may not be the preferred choice for high-end clothing or beauty space retailers that require precise color accuracy. If that's the case, continue reading for SONY's higher-tier options or professional Philips displays.
SONY TVs
SONY stands out in the consumer TV market due to its high build quality and premium offerings. While SONY TVs are often associated with a higher price point, especially compared to TCL or Hisense, SONY is the only vendor from the consumer list that provides ultimate solutions with superior color accuracy, wide viewing angles, and excellent brightness all in one. This is made possible by SONY utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as QD-OLED, OLED, Mini LED, and Full Array LED, either individually or in combination. And of course, all consumer SONY TVs come with Google TV, which provides easy access to the TelemetryTV digital signage software.
Recommended Options
Even slight variations in shade can have a significant impact on the audience in places like luxury brand stores, beauty salons, or art galleries. These settings require not only optimal brightness and color but also perfect viewing angles. The SONY A95L model combines OLED and quantum dot technologies, offering top color accuracy and excellent viewing angles, making it ideal for such demanding environments. However, the starting price of $3,500 may be a drawback. For a more affordable option, the A80L screen with OLED technology is available for $2,200. However, it is important to note that the term "decent" is more relevant in describing the model's color brightness and accuracy.
If your setting doesn't require extremely accurate colors but still demands captivating video and images with various viewing angles under controlled lighting conditions, SONY's LED HDR models starting at $700 will meet your needs. If you encounter challenges with brightness and contrast levels rather than viewing angles, we recommend considering the X90L and X93L models, which utilize Full Array LED and Mini LED technologies respectively. These models are priced at $1,400 and $2,000.
Commercial Displays
There are a few key differences to consider when we start looking at commercial digital signage displays vs. consumer displays. These include decent brightness, viewing angle, suitability for 18/7 or 24/7 use, extended warranty duration, and others. However, the most important factor here is reliability and scalability. If you have a network of tens, hundreds, or thousands of screens, this will be the most crucial factor you will think of. As truck rolls related to network maintenance could be really high, you will need to minimize that and maintain screens remotely. So the pricing tiers of $2,000 - $3,000 (for a 65-inch screen) will be quickly recouped by the lower network's total cost of ownership guaranteed by professional displays. Taking these aspects into account, here are two reliable vendors of commercial digital signage displays we can recommend for 2024.
NEC Digital Signage Screens
NEC Display Solutions is a leading provider of professional-grade digital signage solutions, renowned for its innovative and high-quality displays. With a strong presence in the industry, NEC specializes in delivering cutting-edge visual technology and comprehensive digital signage solutions for various markets, including corporate, healthcare, education, and transportation. Their commitment to reliability, performance, and sustainability has made them a preferred choice for businesses looking to effectively communicate with their audience.
NEC's commitment to research and development ensures that they stay at the forefront of digital signage display technology. They offer products that seamlessly integrate into a wide range of applications and environments, and are designed to be durable (as evidenced by the full 3-year commercial warranty).
Recommended Options
In 2024, NEC offers two model lines for ultra-high-definition 4K displays: ME and M. These models are designed to cater to the diverse needs of modern businesses and public spaces. The ME651 model, with a price starting at $1,565 and varying based on available features, is an excellent choice for environments that require 18/7 operation. This includes large healthcare facilities and education facilities. The more advanced M651 model, priced at $2,399, is specifically designed for demanding 24/7 operations. It is ideal for transportation hubs, airports, and manufacturing facilities. The M651 model is equipped with an industrial-strength panel and additional thermal protection to ensure durability and reliability.
If you need a display with extensive brightness for your digital signage, we suggest considering Philips displays. Some of their higher-tier models offer exceptional brightness levels.
PPDS Digital Signage Screens
PPDS, which stands for Philips Professional Display Solutions, is a specialized division that focuses on advanced commercial displays and signage solutions branded under Philips. They offer a diverse range of high-quality displays designed for various industries, incorporating the latest technological advancements. Whether it's hospitality, retail, education, or healthcare, their digital solutions enhance engagement, information dissemination, and entertainment. PPDS offers displays in different sizes and formats, including regular digital signage screens, interactive displays with touch technology, and videowall displays for immersive, ultra-high-resolution user experiences. Additionally, PPDS screens come with the Android operating system, making it easy to access the TelemetryTV digital signage software directly from the Google Play.
Recommended Options
The B-Line models (available from $1,100 for a 65-inch screen) boost productivity and seamlessly integrate into corporate comms. With Chromecast built-in, these displays ensure smooth presentations with wireless media sharing from Windows, Apple, and Android devices.
For powerful engagement, the Q-Line models (available from $1,400 for a 65-inch screen) are ready for anything. They are easy to set up and come in both HD and 4K Ultra HD options. These displays require no additional hardware and can be configured for almost any function.
The D-Line models (available from $1,500 for a 65-inch screen) combine performance and versatility. Ranging up to 98" in size, they are the perfect choice for content that needs to make a powerful impact. With built-in Android, these displays offer endless possibilities.
In challenging environments, the P-Line models (available for $1,900 for a 65-inch screen) outperform with heavy-duty components. Designed for 24/7 operation, they feature high-brightness outputs and are ideal for kitchen setups to engine rooms.
To stand out and make an impact in any environment, the H-Line models (starting from $4,000 for a 65-inch screen) offer ultra-high brightness of more than 2,000 nits. This ensures that content cuts through the crowd and receives the recognition it deserves. With robust components, these displays are suitable for 24/7 operation.
Choosing the Best Digital Signage Player
When diving into the world of digital signage, the choice of screens is crucial but it's just the beginning. Equally important are the software solutions and media players that bring your content to life.
While some screens (especially consumer-focused ones) offer the convenience of built-in media players, creating a plug-and-play experience, professional displays often lack this feature. The all-in-one solutions typically fall short for complex signage needs or advanced applications. For those looking to deploy sophisticated content or set up multi-screen (video wall) signs, a more robust solution is necessary. This means finding a media player that not only supports multi-screen layouts but also boasts the computing power to handle demanding tasks seamlessly.
In our journey since 2015, the TelemetryTV technical team has rigorously evaluated over 300 digital signage players across various platforms. From this extensive testing, we've distilled our findings into a list of the top 10 players for 2024. Each selection is backed by detailed analysis of its strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for different digital signage scenarios. To guide your decision-making process, we invite you to explore our in-depth media player guide on our blog, ensuring you choose the hardware that best fits your project's unique requirements.
Powerful and Intuitive Cloud-Based Digital Signage Software
Once you've chosen the right digital signage screens and media players, the next essential step is to find software that not only delivers power and reliability but also offers comprehensive content management and simplifies the administration of users, devices, and maintenance. This is particularly vital in large-scale operations.
While some manufacturers might provide software for managing the hardware, they often fall short in offering content management solutions. Moreover, when your setup includes devices from various manufacturers, managing them all through a single vendor-specific platform becomes impossible. The ideal approach is to adopt a platform/vendor-agnostic solution that comes with strong content management features.
This is where TelemetryTV excels. It offers support of a wide range of media players/platforms, allowing you to remotely manage your hardware fleet. You can also do the same with users, content, or even your custom enterprise-grade signage apps via TelemetryTV's PaaS features.
To experience how TelemetryTV can revolutionize your content and device management, sign up for a free 14-day trial or request a demo to see our comprehensive solution in action, tailored for managing diverse content, devices, users, and applications across various manufacturers.
Conclusion
Commercial-grade screens are designed specifically for digital signage, offering a more reliable option for businesses. However, advancements in technology have made high-quality consumer-grade TVs suitable for professional setups as well. Ultimately, you should choose a display that meets your operational needs, ensuring effective content delivery and long-term durability in your specific business context.
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