WHITE PAPER: STREAMLINING DIGITAL SIGNAGE

WHITE PAPER: STREAMLINING DIGITAL SIGNAGE

How a Smart Signage Platform built on system-on-chip technology
is reducing the cost and complexity of digital signage

1

INTRODUCTION: Advantages of
THE POWER OF A NEW PLATFORM Digital Signage

No one questions the power of display solution promises to • Reinforce your brand image
digital signage. Installing a digital significantly reduce the cost and • Increase sales revenue
sign at a service counter in a car complexity of digital signage • Improve the customer
dealership or dentist’s office can for use in simple networks—like experience
raise inquiries about a service by 5 menu boards, retail advertising, • Inform the customer
to 15 percent. Sales of certain promotions, brand messaging, event • Save on printing costs
grocery products increased by messaging, and campus information. • Reduce environmental
up to 33 percent when they were impact
promoted on digital signage.1 Digital With the Samsung Smart Signage • Enhance your existing
signage also makes customers feel Platform, companies can deploy infrastructure
they aren’t waiting as long—in fact, digital signage for such purposes
they perceive wait times as being up faster than ever—while reducing Strong Growth
to 40 percent less.2 the total cost of ownership. The Projections
solution also leverages the power of
Despite dramatic numbers such web-based programming languages 30
as those above, many companies, - HTML 5, CSS3, and JavaScript - so
particularly smaller ones, have been even companies without extensive Global Display Sales
reticent to embrace digital signage. IT departments can build custom
The reason is simple: it often applications for their digital 25 (Millions of Units)
seemed beyond their pocketbooks signage networks. 20
and capabilities. Deploying the
technology required the daunting This informational white paper will 15
task of integrating displays, media examine this new, smart display
players, software and mounts. technology and its implications for 10
In addition, the content must be the industry, as organizations as
continually updated and refreshed. diverse as big-box retailers, quick- 5
serve restaurants, banks, hospitals,
The answer? Samsung has universities and amusement parks 0 2012 2014 2016
introduced the Smart Signage are now able to transition more 2010
Platform, built around a system- easily and affordably from static
on-chip embedded within its large- signs to dynamic digital signage to Source: Worldwide Digital Signage & Professional Displays
format displays. This integrated deliver their message and drive sales. Shipment Forecast, IHS iSuppli Research, April 2012
2

OVERCOMING TRADITIONAL CHALLENGES

Before we can fully appreciate to the display, which has typically The price tag of this traditional
the new opportunities presented been a pricey Internet-connected, approach isn’t inconsequential.
by Samsung’s Smart Signage custom-made personal computer. Digital signage expert Bill Gerba
Platform, we need first to In cases of multiple screens or estimated in his 2011 Digital
understand the traditional locations, a media server also was Signage Pricing Study that
challenges of deploying digital usually required to send content installing 100 40-inch displays
signage technology. to the PCs that drive each screen. in 100 different locations costs
$3,511 per screen (see table
In the past, the procurement, The content or programming on below).3
installation, and operation of digital signage must be managed
digital signage has been beyond and updated, often using a Given these costs, the growth
the talents and means of many proprietary content management in businesses deploying digital
companies or organizations. First, system that requires a high level signage is testament to its value.
they had to buy wall mounts or of expertise. Then, year after year, However, it also goes to highlight
kiosks that met building codes, someone has to manage the the opportunity for a platform
have wiring installed, and mount digital signage network, create that can simplify and streamline
the displays. Then comes the and deliver content, and handle digital signage deployment.
media player or a set-top box that any equipment problems.
runs the content and outputs it

Source: www.wirespring.com3 3

Cumulative REDUCING COMPLEXITY AND COST
Benefits of
Smart Signage The Samsung Smart Signage effect of this integration that
Platform, introduced in early makes the platform so compelling.
Reduces upfront 2013, seeks to streamline the
hardware investment traditional hardware and software The Samsung Smart Signage
requirements, making it easier and Platform creates an all-in-one
Simplifies and less costly to install and operate device requiring minimal technical
streamlines installation digital signage. set up. As a result, businesses have
a true plug-and-play solution, from
Further reduces In essence, Samsung embedded content creation and installation,
power consumption a media player within a system- to software upgrades and network
on-chip semiconductor into monitoring.
Supports software and select models within its line of
content developers commercial-grade LED backlit- Installing a Smart Signage display
LCD displays. This configuration takes just a few minutes and is as
Reduced TCO and provides a robust all-in-one simple as connecting power and
increased ROI signage platform without the ethernet LAN, and pointing the
complexity and expense of an display to a URL. By saving the time
external video player. Eliminating required to install each display,
the need for a separate digital brands can further reduce the cost
media player can lower hardware of deployment.
costs alone by $600 to $800 per
screen, according to industry
estimates, but it is the cumulative

WHAT’S IN A SMART SIGNAGE PLATFORM DISPLAY?

4

PULLING CONTENT FROM THE CLOUD

Of course, digital signage is engaging experiences in HTML5, Benefits of
only as valuable as the content so there’s a very large community Web-Based
being displayed on it. The Smart of people experienced in this Digital Signage
Signage Platform provides the realm. And because this is a
ability to display content directly common language used on the • Experienced worldwide
from cloud-based servers, which Internet, it’s likely to cost less developer base
generates the kind of cost-savings than content developed for • Use advanced graphics
and ease of use that are driving proprietary content systems. and animations
businesses to use the cloud for all • Integrate with mobile and
manner of applications. In addition, Samsung is publishing desktop applications
a Software Developer Kit (SDK) • Leverage development and
“It makes it very easy from a that opens up the platform for media assets across platforms
platform perspective to manage developers and end-users to • Create custom widgets
the software in the cloud and create their own applications and apps
then from the cloud to address and content. • Create real-time dynamic
each display,” says Kevin Schroll, content
senior product manager for digital “With the tools and support • Plug-and-play installation
signage at Samsung’s Enterprise provided, we were able to develop • Push content to multiple
Business Division. the connections to enable a channels and devices
fully-functional digital signage
The software is always up to date application 100% driven from our 5
because it’s housed in a central cloud,” says Raffi Vartian, chief
location in the cloud—where operating officer for Signagelive, a
it can be instantly and easily digital signage software provider
updated. Through the cloud, that uses the Smart Signage
users can distribute content Platform. “It creates a seamless,
changes directly to displays that ‘out-of-the-box’ experience for
are connected to their networks, end-users that is easy to use and
keeping content fresh and incredibly cost-effective.”
on point.
An example of an early application
The Smart Signage Platform for the solution: a store manager
supports JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, can change menu items and
and Adobe Flash. Developers, prices in real time from a
agencies and consultants are smartphone or tablet.
familiar with creating rich,

Enabling the EXTENDING CONTENT USES
Static-to-Digital
Transition Because the Samsung Smart to have a consistent, engaging
Signage Platform supports experience across all the
In a sign of the broader popular web technologies like platforms. “What they see is one
adoption of digital signage to HTML5, application developers screen, and they want all those
come, FASTSIGNS’ network of with mobile and Internet screens to act the same way even
franchise locations nationwide experience can apply their talents though they might use them
has begun offering Samsung’s to creating content for digital for different purposes,” Kelsen
LED-lit commercial displays as signage. The same resources says. “The challenge is to create
a dynamic signage alternative could potentially develop content the connected experience in the
to traditional printed signs. for mobile phones, PCs and marketplace and deliver that to a
Upcoming models available digital signage, further reducing pocket screen.”
at FASTSIGNS will support costs and ensuring a consistent
Samsung’s Smart Signage brand image. That said, the experience of digital
Platform. signage is unique because it
“That’s where digital signage typically occurs in a public setting
“We’re seeing an increase evolves to be the constant rather than in private. People are
in the demand for dynamic presence in the consumer’s life,” usually in a hurry and focused on
digital signage solutions from says Keith Kelsen, CEO of 5th something else when they engage
our customer base,” says Gary Screen Digital Services, Inc., a with a digital sign. “I like the fact
Feltham, senior vice president, digital engagement consultant. we can develop some really cool
Business Development for “It’s going to be a seamless blend stuff on bigger screens that’s very
FASTSIGNS. between the phone and the similar to a tablet experience,”
screen on the wall, and it’s going Kelsen says. “But we have to be
Feltham says many of to happen sooner than cautious about taking apps for
FASTSIGNS’ customers are you realize.” the phone and putting them on
in need of a solution that is a big screen in a commercial
simple to deploy, can deliver Digital natives consume content market area, because it’s not the
their message in a compelling across TV sets, computer screens same experience.”
way and provides real return and mobile phones. They expect
on investment.

“Samsung’s digital signage
products and the new Smart
Signage Platform are the
perfect complement to our
current offerings, as they align
with our vision of providing
simple, yet dynamic solutions
that fit every business need,”
Feltham says.

6

TAPPING INTO THE NEW PLATFORM Potential

Loop Neighborhood, an upscale to worry about media players or Smart Signage
convenience store chain in the complicated content delivery. The Applications

San Jose area, is one of the first screens are used in a commercial

brands piloting a digital signage environment so dependability Restaurants: Menus

program using the streamlined is key. and nutritional
information
Smart Signage Platform displays. FOR
The innovative project features SALE

“We stepped out of the box and

animated product promotions took a leap of faith that the Smart Retail: Catalog
with QR code coupons that Signage Platform worked as experience,
customers can scan with their advertised. It did – instFaORllation was demonstrating
smartphones to receive on-the- as simple as plugging inSALEpower products in use
spot discounts. and LAN, and pointing the display

Ingage Solutions, a unit of Federal to the Insteo URL,” said Resnick. Airports and transit
Heath Sign Company, partnered “Digital signage has to be strategy operators: Route
with software developer Insteo based, and the Samsung Smart information and
to produce, install and deploy the
FOR travel updates

Signage PlatfoSALrE m supports that
ultimate goal and enables brands

digital signage utilizing Samsung’s to enjoy the benefits of digital

32” ME-C Series displays in signage at a much more affordable Real estate brokers:
portrait format. price-per-screen than has been
typical in the past.” FOR

SALE Properties for sale

According to Steve Resnick,

executive vice president of “We’re excited to partner with Offices: Company
Ingage Solutions, Loop had been Ingage Solutions to be one of FOR and community
looking for a simple, dynamic information
and cost-effective way to deliver SALE

the first to launch a customer
application with this exciting

product promotions and increase new platform,” said Jim Nista, Fitness centers:
customer engagement and Insteo CEO and Creative Director. Inspirational videos,
loyalty. By utilizing the Smart “Samsung’s Smart Signage class updates and
Signage Platform, Ingage was able Platform allows us to write native nutritional information
to provide Loop a streamlined HTML5 web apps with dynamic

and affordable entrée into animations combined with client FOR Entertainment venues:
digital signage, without having managed content.” SALE Event info and

entertainment to

decrease perceived

wait times

FOR
SALE

Schools: Cafeteria
menus, schedule
changes, safety and
security notifications

FOR
SALE

7

Smart Signage TAKING THE MYSTERY OUT OF
Displays DIGITAL SIGNAGE

• ME – C Series: These ultra Samsung is not only a leader in for download on
slim, lightweight displays semiconductor technology and samsungdforum.com/b2b.
provide energy savings of commercial displays, but also the Samsung has a support team to
35 percent or more over largest TV manufacturer globally help developers who are building
CCFL backlit displays, while and pioneered the introduction on the platform.
a thin chassis and narrow of Smart TVs in the consumer
bezel simplify installation. market. Just as many consumer With the Smart Signage Platform,
technologies have been adopted Samsung wants to help more
• PE – C Series: A line of in the commercial environment in brands unlock the benefits of
ultra-slim, large-format recent years, Samsung introduced digital signage and simplify the
displays ideal for high- a commercially hardened “Smart transition from static signs to
traffic areas that require Signage” solution for digital dynamic digital messaging. “We
24/7 reliability. These signage. believe this is a natural evolution
displays feature LED for the digital signage industry,
backlighting for brighter, The Samsung Smart Signage following a similar path to the
more colorful images and Platform is powered by a system- emergence of Smart TVs in the
anti-glare technology that on-chip semiconductor and consumer space,” Schroll says.
offers a sharp picture, even features a dual-core CPU, a “There are numerous benefits in
in bright environments. feature-rich video processor, the integrated platform for both
and either 4GB or 8GB of storage end-users and the integration
• MD – C Series: Ideal for depending on the model. The community, as it streamlines the
commercial, public, and system-on-chip solution is built deployment process, saving time
corporate environments, into many of the latest Samsung and money.”
these displays facilitate digital signage product lines (see
enhanced performance sidebar for compatible models). Learn more about the Samsung
with the added benefit of Smart Signage Platform.
cost savings. The Software Developer Kit samsung.com/smartsignage
(SDK) for developers is available
• UE – C Series: Offer a
narrow bezel for edge-to- 1 http://ovab.eu/2010/01/the-nielsen-study-confirms-it-in-store-tv-works
edge digital menu board
arrangements with 2 http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/news/article.php/3879361/Digital-Sinage-for-
edge-lit LED technology. Small-Business.htm

3 http://www.wirespring.com/dynamic_digital_signage_and_interactive_kiosks_journal/articles/
The_2011_Digital_Signage_Pricing_Study__Costs_Fall_Another_5_6_-821.html

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This white paper is for informational purposes only. Samsung makes no warranties, express or implied, in this white paper.