- Retailers are including retail digital signage (RDS) networks in their advertising strategies, construction budgets and promotional plans for the future. The RDS supply chain-hardware, software, video displays and display mounting devices, network management, and content creation-is becoming more defined every day. While choosing the right supply chain partners for an RDS application is essential, an effective RDS system is not possible without the enabling mounting technology for the ideal placement of those displays or "screen spotting."
Peerless mounts, shown, come in a variety of styles that can suit a retail environment.
When installing an RDS system there are a lot of things to consider. Most importantly, are the video displays placed to optimize the message?
Anywhere large numbers of people visit, shop, mingle, travel or otherwise gather is an excellent place for communicating messages of many kinds: sales, information, education, or entertainment. This is critical as all the well-intentioned design work, beautiful displays, and high-powered content money can buy is rendered ineffective if placed in a poor location.
Successful screen spotting places the display and the content where it can be easily, safely, and securely viewed as well as serviced, replaced, and updated without difficulty. A system may require dozens of screens in easy-to-reach and simple-to-install locations. However, there will be variations in ceiling heights, attachment points, power availability, etc. As the network increases in size, so do the number of variations to be expected. Screen spotting is easy when you are placing "X" marks on a plan-o-gram, but the true art is in the execution.
AV mounting devices allow for optimal screen placement in the identified key screen spotting locations. As RDS technology and content evolves, so are the mounts used to enable these systems. Today AV mounts are available in a wide variety of styles such as flat, tilt, pivot, and articulating for major versatility. They can be used in almost any location and can be mounted to a wide range of surfaces.
When assembling the next RDS supply chain, look for a mounting device manufacturer that offers the following:
• Good relationships with screen suppliers. Some mount manufacturers have longstanding relationships with display providers to ensure their mounts are always compatible-functionally and aesthetically-with the newest generation of digital display devices.
• Custom capabilities. Most RDS applications require the use of custom-designed mounting systems to ensure perfect screen spotting for a particular environment. These custom solutions must meet the engineering, seismic, and program requirements of the project and the region. The mount manufacturer must have the capability to create original prototypes in short time frames, meet ongoing design challenges with robust solutions, and ship large orders to meet critical lead time requirements.
• Proven safety and reliability. Leading manufacturers go to great lengths to ensure each product meets and surpasses strict safety guidelines for public use. Many are ISO certified to guarantee quality assurance through documentation and standardized work procedures. Their products are also UL listed to hold 400 percent of maximum weight capacity. A handful of manufacturers have built-in safety features, such as cable management, which bundles cables through channels within the mount to keep them from being trip/snag hazards. Other safety mechanisms, such as latches, locking screws and spring clips are available to reduce accidental movement of the screen.
• Security features. Since theft and vandalism attempts of expensive display equipment are expected in public environments, choose a mount manufacturer that offers integrated wall-to-screen security and theft-resistant screws that prevent equipment removal.
