Digital Signage Hardware

An overview of the equipment used for digital signage displays, covering the components required, such as screens, media players, mounting hardware, as well as installation and setup procedures.

Overview

Texas A&M Technology Services provides guidance and coordination for new and existing digital signage display hardware through University Audio Video Services.

Contacts

Requests tamu-av.request@tamu.edu

Please contact Technology Services-University Audio Video Services for help in coordinating quotes, infrastructure, and repair of your digital signage hardware.

Digital Signage Definitions

Digital Signage Display- commercial grade LCD or LED hardware of varying sizes and resolutions.  Typical sizes include 55”, 65”, 75”, 85”.  Typical resolutions include 1080p, 4k.

Digital Signage Player- authorized hardware that hosts digital signage software solution.  Basis of design REACH Media Network-Brightsign Players

Digital Signage Software- authorized software that hosts content of interest for public viewing.  Basis of design REACH Media Network.

Digital Signage Infrastructure- all relevant audio, video, electrical, and network connections needed to establish communication between the Brightsign player and content management server.

Digital Signage Displays (preferred specifications)

• Commercial grade 5 year warranty or 3 years with promotional upgrade option
• Advanced replacement offered
• RJ45 network connectivity
• RS232 control
• Minimum of 2-HDMI inputs
• Minimum resolution: WUXGA 1920x1080 or 4K 4096x2160
• Audio output via 3.5mm
• Total of mount depth and display depth must not exceed 4” unless an alcove has been built

Digital Signage Hardware Mounting Considerations

All displays must adhere to ADA guidelines. 

• Must meet ADA protrusion guidelines of 4” max
• Alcove is needed if display plus mount depth exceeds 4”
• Must be installed between 27-80" above the finished floor
• Touchscreens must not be more than 48” above the finished floor and within a 20” arm’s reach
• Other ADA Accessibility Standards may be applicable.  Please consult with accessibility office

Digital Signage Infrastructure Considerations

• Power, data, and audio/video conduit are needed
  • Minimum 2 power receptacles for digital signage display and player
  • Minimum 1 network data port per digital signage player
• Structural backing as needed for safe mounting and weight load
• Sized appropriately for standing or sitting
• Meet AVIXA standards for Analytical or Basic Decision-Making guidelines based on digital signage content type

Digital Signage Players

Additional information about suggested player hardware can be found on the REACH Media Network website.

• Brightsign players (preferred specs)
  • Brightsign HD225 or HD1023 ($335 and $421, respectively, bulk purchases through the university-approved vendor Taurus Technologies will further reduce the cost of players)
  • Brightsign/USDHC-16C10 16GB Class 10 Micro SDHC Card (minimum storage)

Cost

• Cost of new or replacement devices/installations will be the responsibility of the division, department, or academic unit
• Player device cost is dependent on the manufacturer, make and model
• Most Texas A&M University academic units and divisions will not be charged for licenses. However, some will need to purchase licenses because of how funding is allocated. The license cost per player is $160 per year.
• Display cost is dependent on the manufacturer and screen size and resolution
• Network installation (if installing a hard line)
• Electrical jack installation (if needed)
• Installation of new or replacement displays