Hardware and installation of digital menu boards

Digital menu boards have great value in improving the display of your restaurant's menu. Not only do they have a modern and polished appearance, but they also offer several advantages, such as simplified menu revisions and improved visibility.

To fully experience these benefits, it is crucial to understand the necessary equipment and implementation procedures. This article aims to explore the fundamental aspects of digital menu boards and provide essential information about their installation.

1. Display screens

The primary element of digital menu boards is the visual display unit. The display screens are available in diverse size ranges, resolutions, and illumination levels, based on the specific requirements of your eatery. When selecting a screen, it is essential to consider variables such as the distance from which it will be viewed, the prevailing light conditions, and the physical dimensions of the allotted display area.

The type of display is the first thing to consider when choosing the screens for your digital menu board.

1. LCD display screens: LCD technology has become obsolete and is no longer desirable when selecting screens for your digital menu boards.
2. LED display screens: LED screens can display bright, vivid colors that remain visible even in direct sunlight. Moreover, LED screens have a longer lifespan and consume less energy than LCD screens.
3. OLED display screens: OLED display screens are a newer technology that provides superior image quality compared to LCD and LED displays. Due to their thin and lightweight design, OLED displays can be easily installed in various locations around your restaurant or café. However, their superior image quality makes them more expensive than other display screen options.

Size, resolution, and optimal viewing distance

Display screen size is measured diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner and is expressed in inches. For example, a 32" TV screen has a diagonal measurement of 32 inches from corner to corner.

The display resolution is the number of tiny points, also called pixels, present on the screen. The more pixels there are, the clearer and sharper the picture is. The most commonly used display screen resolutions are 1920x1080, called Full HD or 1080p, and 3840x2160, 4K Ultra HD or 2160p.

The optimal display screen viewing distance depends on both its size and resolution. If you have a Full HD, the ideal viewing distance is between 1.5 and 2.5 times the screen size. However, with a 4K Ultra HD screen, you can watch from a distance between 1 and 1.5 times the screen size without straining your eyes or noticing pixels.

Check out the optimal viewing distances for the available display sizes in the following illustration. For example, with 55" Full HD screens, the optimal viewing distance for your customers will be 83-138 inches, or between 7-11 feet.

Choose upgrades wisely based on screen size and viewer distance. The optimal viewing distance is the range at which your eye can perceive the resolution differences. For instance, with a 55" Ultra HD TV, the ideal distance for 4k content is 5-7 feet. At greater distances, it'll resemble a 55" Full HD.

About vertical orientation

When choosing the orientation of your display screens, you must check for vertical support in the media players you will use and in the digital signage software. It has nothing to do with the screen. The media player rotates the content, as in your smartphone, and shows it vertically. When installing your screen, you must position it horizontally and turn it 90 degrees clockwise. That's what rotation in our digital signage software does.

One advantage of vertical orientation is that most of us are used to seeing content in this orientation on our smartphones. So any vertical content looks familiar and easy to understand. Also, you can show images and videos you create for social media on your vertical screens without modifications. You must always consider content creation a heavy task and look for ways to make it easier.

If you are working on a budget, keep your screens simple and use your screens in a horizontal orientation. You can use Amazon Fire TV Sticks as media players in this orientation.

2. Media players

One crucial element of digital menu boards is the media playback device. The function of this device is to transmit the content to the display screen. The media player may function as a standalone apparatus or an integrated display screen component. Selecting a media player that seamlessly integrates with your software and can handle the desired content format for display is imperative.

To showcase your menu offerings, a media player will be necessary. The device facilitates the seamless transmission of multimedia content to the display screen, including pictures and videos. A selection of media players is available, from standard editions with restricted capabilities to sophisticated models boasting touchscreens and content scheduling functionality.

3. Mounting hardware

Selecting the appropriate mount is the primary task for installing display screens. The market offers an array of mounting choices, ranging from ceiling mounts to wall mounts, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Ceiling mounts work well when space is limited, or you wish to produce a distinctive visual effect. In contrast, wall mounts create a smooth and polished appearance.

The VESA standard provides guidelines for mounting display screens onto mounts designed for monitors or TVs. The VESA mount standard defines the dimensions of the four-hole attachment interface on the back of displays. For example, a TV screen VESA 400 has four holes at 400 millimeters of distance. The display screen and the mounting bracket must have the exact VESA standard for successful attachment.

The flexibility of the VESA standard lies in its ability to support both horizontal and vertical placement of the display screen, rendering VESA mounting brackets a wise investment. By opting for these brackets, you open up the possibility of altering the display orientation as and when required.

Additionally, the mounting brackets should be capable of supporting the weight and size of the display. It's recommended to purchase mounting brackets suitable for the size of the displays you plan to install, including slightly larger screens. Avoid selecting mounting brackets that are too snug for your display screens.

Best to hire a pro installation firm for display screens rather than trying it yourself. They ensure the safe and proper installation of your hardware and have the expertise to handle any troubleshooting needs.

4. Power supply

The proper power supply for digital menu boards is crucial for optimal performance, reliability, and longevity. It's essential to choose a power supply that can handle your equipment's specific voltage and amperage needs to ensure seamless operation.

As mentioned earlier, media players are usually installed behind display screens, so make sure at least two power outlets are available for each display.

Avoid using Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) for display screens or media players. While it may seem like a good idea to keep the displays running, the cost-benefit is not in your favor in the long run. High-quality UPS units are expensive, and their internal batteries typically have a lifespan of 3-5 years and require replacement.

Opt for installing surge protectors to protect your display screens and media players from damage due to voltage surges, transients, and spikes in the power supply. These protective devices prevent harm to your equipment during lightning strikes or power outages by absorbing excess voltage, limiting it to a safe level.

5. HDMI cables

HDMI cables are the most commonly used to connect media players to display screens. The first thing to consider when optimizing your HDMI cable is the length. Choose a long enough cable to reach your devices without any tension. Using an excessively long cable will result in unnecessary signal degradation. If you place the media player behind the display screen, a 3 feet HDMI cable is a good choice.

HDMI cables with ferrite cores, like the one in the image below, are available. Although slightly more expensive, they are preferred because their insulating properties keep radio frequencies or noise from interfering with the cables' signals, resulting in a more stable video.

6. Network connection

To ensure proper functionality, your media players must maintain a stable Internet connection, which can be achieved through an ethernet cable or Wi-Fi.

Ethernet connections offer the benefit of avoiding concerns about Wi-Fi signal levels, interference, and congestion commonly experienced in high-traffic business areas. However, a downside is that it requires running ethernet cables from your router to the media players.

When opting for Wi-Fi, you must confirm that your media players are compatible with your chosen Wi-Fi band. The 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band is widely used and supported by media players. However, it's also highly congested. On the other hand, newer Android devices, such as Amazon Fire TV Sticks, can support the less crowded 5GHz Wi-Fi band. Consider seeking out media players that can operate within the 5GHz band and pairing them with Wi-Fi routers that support this band.

When using Wi-Fi, it is recommended to create a separate Wi-Fi network with a strong password exclusively for the media players. By doing so, any modifications to your restaurant's Wi-Fi network wouldn't affect your digital signage devices.

Employing the same Wi-Fi network for media players across each location can benefit restaurants with several branches. This can streamline the setup of new media players or the replacement of existing ones by preparing them centrally and using them interchangeably across locations without issues.

7. Other considerations

If your display screens are installed where people can reach them, lock the power and menu buttons to prevent malicious passersby from turning them off or changing their configurations. Many manufacturers offer this option.

Experiment with the picture mode settings on your displays and select the one that best fits the desired ambiance in your restaurant. Consider trying the vivid and dynamic picture modes as they enhance contrast and sharpness, which may be preferred for digital menu boards. Ensure that all display screens have the same picture mode setting for consistency in installation.

Conclusion

To summarize, digital menu boards provide many advantages for dining establishments, including streamlined menu modifications and enhanced visibility. It is crucial to have a comprehensive knowledge of the hardware and installation procedures required.

Digital menu boards can be assessed by considering various factors, including display screens, media players, software, mounting hardware, cables, power supply, networking equipment, professional installation, maintenance and upkeep, and cost considerations. This evaluation method can aid in making a well-informed decision as to whether digital menu boards suit your restaurant.