The Details
Digital Signs are going to be installed EVERYWHERE. In nearly every business sector today, including healthcare, transportation and industrial applications, digital signage has become a driver as well as a consequence of this digital revolution.
Digital Signs are increasingly linked to all aspects of connecting with and serving people. The increased availability of low cost high-resolution LCD and LED screens of all shapes and sizes is a big market driver.
Would you believe the price tag for the digital sign is likely the smallest item in a project budget! Infrastructure, communication cabling, AC power facilities and related construction are non-trivial costs. OPEX and Security issues also loom large in the consideration of deployment.
Typically, digital-signage content updates and interactive data is centrally controlled with back-office systems connected over IP networks. In many applications (notably outdoor and campus environments), the location of the signage is far beyond the 300 feet (100 meter) reach of standard Ethernet. Wireless solutions, particularly based on mobile broadband are often not accessible and add significant ongoing OPEX costs. Electrical power may not be readily available where the digital sign is actually wanted. These infrastructure challenges can kill the viability of the project with respect to budget and return on investment (ROI).
Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) - when combined with PoE extension technology - enable system designers to create solutions that reduce project cost and address these challenges.
Patton's CopperLink PoE Extenders will power-up and connect remote PoE-enabled digital signage using common copper twisted-pair phone wire or coaxial cable. This network infrastructure is ubiquitous and many locations have previously-installed twisted pair or coaxial cabling in place. These units deliver connectivity up to 3,300 feet while delivering up 15 watts of electrical power to PoE endpoint devices eliminating the need for electrical services at each sign.