What should a first-time digital signage buyer test before purchase?

Updated October 2026 · How we answer

Testing before you buy

Ask for a demo of the content app on the exact model you plan to buy. Watch how long it takes to upload a new slide and whether the schedule runs as expected. Check that you can edit content from a phone or laptop, since you will not always be standing at the screen.

Look at brightness in the daylight where the screen will hang. A sign that looks fine in a dim showroom can wash out in a sunny shop window, so test it in similar lighting if you can.

• Confirm remote updates work from outside the store.
• Check the screen's rated brightness for the location.
• Ask how the player restarts after a power cut.
• Read the warranty for panel burn-in coverage.

Questions to settle first

Decide what the screen must do before you shop: show menus, promotions, announcements or wayfinding. Each goal changes the screen size, orientation and software you need. A clear list keeps you from paying for features you will never use.

Budget for installation and recurring fees as well as the display. Those extras often matter more than the hardware price over a few years of use.

From our shops