Digital signage is poised for strong revenue growth, with a forecast of $32 billion in 2021, increasing to $44.7 billion in 2026, according to AVIXA’s 2021 Industry Outlook and Trends Analysis. With this in mind, it’s no surprise Digital Signage will be a major focus at InfoComm 2021.

To start, AVIXA (producers of InfoComm), along with the Digital Signage Federation, will host D=SIGN as two half-day programs on Oct. 26-27, 2021, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. “AVIXA and the Digital Signage Federation began collaborating in 2020 to produce rich education content around digital signage which kicked off with the virtual D=SIGN conference last December,” said Brian Gorg, executive director of Digital Signage Federation. “We’re thrilled to host an in-person program this year for people to learn, network and share ideas during the exciting week of InfoComm 2021.”

In addition, InfoComm 2021 will feature a Digital Signage Pavilion where attendees can discover the latest digital signage solutions, including content creation software, direct-view LED displays, touchscreens and interactive displays, and much more.

Ahead of the show, we spoke with InfoComm 2021 exhibitors to explore what digital signage trends AV professionals should be aware of before they head to Orlando for the show.

1. Touchless Interactivity Will Continue to Rise in Popularity

“One of the greatest impacts on current digital signage trends has nothing to do with an improvement in technology. Because of current sensitivity, digital signage has seen a rise in touchless interactivity. This can be as simple as adding a QR code to your screen, or as advanced as camera-based gestures. The most common way that digital signage is addressing interactivity, is allowing control of content with the user’s personal mobile device. By introducing mobile integration, you allow the user to comfortably interactive with content on a device that they control. I don’t believe this trend will mean a reduction in interactive displays in the long term, as most applications are better suited to a larger display. Touchless interactivity is a way for digital signage providers to offer a solution during a time of heightened sensitivity that can continue to be used well into the future for those who prefer it.”

—Todd Heberlein, Business Development Manager, Almo Professional A/V

2. Out-of-the-Box Solutions are Necessary

“Over the last year, it’s been ever more important to keep patrons informed through digital signage messaging. We’ve helped a lot of clients keep their staff and patrons up to date with our displays. In addition to the traditional use case for dvLED displays, we are being asked for more out-of-the-box solutions — unique shaped displays, displays that wallpaper an architectural element and displays that are impactful to the senses. At NanoLumens, we’re able to do very simple, to incredibly complex designs. Whatever the vision, we can exceed the expectations to bring digital signage displays that excite the senses.”

—Kara Green, Regional Sales Manager, Nanolumens

3. No Seams Allowed

“Seamless digital screens and direct view LED displays have become more common and now expected by customers. Customers are no longer willing to accept seams in their video wall systems and, as the demand for a more seamless experience rises, sales for LCD video walls have slowed. Take a look at the changing landscape in sportsbooks — while in the past projection and LCD video walls were once acceptable, dvLED video wall systems are now the highly requested solution.”

—Megan Zeller, Business Development Director, Peerless-AV

4. Simple Interfaces are Mandatory

“One trend that continues to break new ground in digital signage and video management is user experience — with users wanting a simple, single interface with which to manage connected equipment. Video processing specialist Datapath has met this requirement with its award-winning Aetria solution, an integrated platform for the design, management and control of command and control room applications. The past eight years has seen the company call upon its extensive experience in multi-display and multi-source control to engineer ‘the complete solution’ that removes complexities for a seamless user experience.”

—Mark Bohs, Director of Sales, Americas, Datapath

5. Hybrid is Growing the Digital Signage Market

Public spaces are shifting strategies in many different ways — either accommodating people staying at home, creating environments to bring people back going back to the public spaces full time or trying to create a hybrid option to be a middle ground between the two. We’re seeing more focus on enhancing the hybrid workspace and learning experiences and also a reimagined public spaces, either in workplaces or entertainment spaces, that make workplaces, classrooms and entertainment venues more attractive places to come to in person. As LED has become more and more cost accessible, LED video walls are a solution many venues, companies and educational institutions are looking to in order to achieve their new hybrid experiences by providing both a display screen that and has a performance advantage over older generations of digital technology in longevity and image quality.

—Adam Gilliland, Product Manager, Daktronics 

 

To see the latest digital signage solutions for pro AV, visit these manufacturers and more InfoComm 2021.

To stay up-to-date with the latest show news, visit our InfoComm 2021 microsite.