Digital Signage Glossary Clear explanations of the terms used across modern digital signage systems
Digital signage combines display technology, software, content and infrastructure. This glossary explains the most relevant terms used by manufacturers, integrators and end users without unnecessary jargon.
1. Displays, Hardware and Physical Components
Digital Signage Display
A professional screen used to show scheduled content in public or private spaces.
A flat-panel display commonly used for indoor digital signage and video walls.
A display technology using light-emitting diodes, typically used for large-format or high-brightness applications.
OLED Display
A premium display technology offering high contrast and deep blacks, mainly used indoors.
Video Wall
A configuration of multiple displays working together to form one large visual surface.
Bezel
The physical frame surrounding a display; visible in video wall installations.
Aspect Ratio
The proportional relationship between a screen’s width and height, such as 16:9 or 4:3.
Resolution
The number of pixels displayed on screen, defining image clarity and detail.
System-on-Chip (SoC)
Built-in processing that allows a display to run signage software without an external media player.
Enclosure
A protective housing used to shield displays from weather, heat or physical damage.
Resolution
Connection standards used to transmit video and audio signals to displays.
Display Interfaces
Built-in processing that allows a display to run signage software without an external media player.
2. Software, Control and Networking
Digital Signage Software
The platform used to manage, schedule and publish content to screens.
On-Premise Software
Signage software hosted locally on a company’s own servers.
Device Management
Tools used to monitor, update and troubleshoot media players and displays remotely.
Network Health
The operational status of a signage network, including connectivity and playback reliability.
Ethernet / LAN
Wired network infrastructure is used to connect signage devices to servers or the internet.
IPTV
The delivery of live television or video streams over a network connection
Content Management System (CMS)
Software that allows users to upload, organise and control digital signage content.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
A cloud-based delivery model where signage software is accessed via a web browser.
Role-Based Access Control
A system that assigns different permissions to users based on their role.
APIs
Interfaces that allow digital signage systems to integrate with external software or data sources.
3. Content, Playback and Layout
Content
All media shown on screens, including images, videos, text and live data.
Media Asset
An individual content file, such as an image or video.
Playlist
A collection of media assets scheduled to play in a defined sequence.
Layout
The visual arrangement of content on a screen.
Zones
Defined areas within a layout that display different content simultaneously.
Ticker
Scrolling text used to display headlines, updates or announcements.
Streaming
Playing media delivered directly from a network or online source.
Codec
Technology used to encode and decode video and audio files.
Dwell Time
The amount of time a viewer spends near a screen, influencing content length and design.
Viewing Distance
The distance between the viewer and the screen, affecting font size and layout choices.
Proof of Play
Verification that content has been displayed as scheduled.
HTML5 Content
Web-based content used for interactive or data-driven displays.
4. Industry Terms, Use Cases and Commercial Language
Digital Signage
Displays
Electronic displays used to communicate information, advertising or messaging.
Digital Signage Solution
A complete system including displays, software, hardware and installation.
DOOH (Digital Out-of-Home)
Digital signage placed in public, high-traffic outdoor or semi-outdoor locations.
Audience
The group of people the content is intended to reach.
Targeted Audience
Viewers the content is specifically designed to engage.
Captive Audience
Viewers who are confined to a space, such as waiting rooms or transport hubs.
Point of Sale
(POS)
The location where a transaction occurs, often supported by digital displays.
Point of Purchase
(POP)
Displays placed near checkout areas to influence purchasing decisions.
VAR (Value-Added Reseller)
A company that sells, installs and supports digital signage systems with added services.