7 Digital Signage Hardware Options for Commercial AV Projects
Selecting digital signage hardware for a commercial installation requires evaluating more than screen size and resolution. AV integrators need displays that meet the project’s operational demands, support the preferred content management system, simplify installation, and fit the intended environment. And, even more importantly they will want to distinguish between consumer grade and commercial grade digital displays. In demanding environments that distinction will mean a better experience for the life of the project.
From standard commercial screens to embedded operating systems, PoE, touch, outdoor displays, and custom form factors, the right hardware depends on how and where it will be used. This guide explores seven digital signage hardware options AV integrators will want to consider when developing recommendations for their clients.
Commercial-grade displays: Designed for reliable 24/7 operation in demanding environments
All-in-one displays: Embedded operating systems reduce external components and installation complexity
PoE displays: Power and data delivered through a single cable on select screen sizes
Touchscreen displays: PCAP touch supports interactive wayfinding, kiosks, directories, and self-service applications
Specialty form factors: Ultrawide, square, circle, and frameless screens support more creative applications
Outdoor displays: High-brightness, weather-resistant options for exposed or challenging environments
Tailored and custom displays: Configurable dimensions, housings, finishes, and features for specialized projects
Digital Signage Hardware Evaluation Checklist for AV Integrators
Digital signage manufacturers offer different combinations of screen sizes, operating systems, form factors, and installation features. Before recommending hardware, use this checklist to determine which supplier can best support the project. It is also a great place to start in order to avoid some of the classic pain points felt by AV Integrators everywhere: from black screens to firmware updates. Making digital signage part of the planning phase will bring together the right team for a smooth project.
Display Requirements
Commercial-grade construction and 24/7 operation
Required screen sizes and brightness levels
Portrait and landscape orientation
Indoor, outdoor, or high-brightness options
PCAP touch or other interactive capabilities
Standard, ultrawide, square, circle, or custom form factors
Housing, finish, or brand-color customization
Platform and Content Requirements
Compatibility with the client’s preferred CMS
Appropriate embedded operating system
Built-in media player or system-on-chip
Ability to use an external media player when required
Content and CMS preloading options
Remote monitoring and device-management support
A practical path for future platform upgrades
Installation Requirements
PoE or PoE++ availability
Accessible mounting and connection points
Minimal external hardware and cabling
Compatibility with existing AV control systems
Appropriate environmental and durability ratings
Installation drawings and technical documentation
Service access after installation
Project and Partner Support
In-stock availability for required models
Consistency across multi-site deployments
Custom engineering capabilities
Preproduction testing and configuration support
Clear manufacturing lead times
Regional warehousing and global fulfillment
Responsive pre- and post-sale technical support
11 Commercial Display Manufacturers AV Integrators May Consider
The commercial display market includes global large-format manufacturers, touchscreen specialists, compact display providers, and companies offering more integrated signage platforms.
Bluefin International: Purpose-built commercial displays with multiple embedded OS options, PoE on select models, touch, specialty form factors, and custom capabilities
Samsung Commercial Displays: Large-format commercial displays for standard indoor and high-brightness applications
LG Commercial Displays: Standard commercial displays with webOS-based signage options
Sony BRAVIA Professional Displays: Professional displays for corporate, retail, and presentation environments
Philips Professional Display Solutions: Commercial displays with Android-based system-on-chip options
Sharp/NEC Displays: Commercial displays with control and compute options for managed AV environments
ViewSonic Commercial Displays: Standard-format displays for corporate and commercial applications
Elo Touch Solutions: Interactive touch displays commonly used for kiosks, self-service, and point-of-sale applications
Mimo Monitors: Small-format displays and touchscreens for embedded, countertop, and space-conscious applications
MOKA Technology: Commercial display options across standard signage sizes and applications
Videri: Connected digital displays supported by an integrated content and device-management ecosystem
These manufacturers serve different parts of the commercial display market. Some focus primarily on traditional large-format screens, while others specialize in touch, compact displays, or platform-specific solutions. Bluefin brings these capabilities together through a broad portfolio of standard, specialty, tailored, and custom displays designed specifically for digital signage.
A flexible digital signage hardware partner for AV integrators
Digital signage hardware should support the project—not force the project to conform to a limited set of screen sizes, platforms, or installation methods.
Bluefin gives AV integrators access to commercial-grade displays with multiple embedded operating systems, PoE on select models, PCAP touch, outdoor options, and a wide range of standard and specialty form factors. Tailored and custom capabilities provide additional flexibility when a project calls for specific dimensions, finishes, housings, or integrated features.
With inventory in Atlanta and Amsterdam, in-house engineering, and support from initial product selection through deployment, Bluefin helps integrators develop display solutions around each client’s content, environment, and technical requirements.
Request a quote to discuss your next commercial digital signage project with the Bluefin team.
