Commercial displays vs consumer TVs for your business

A consumer TV from an electronics store can look identical to a commercial display costing more. The difference is in how they are built to be used. For a screen that runs ten or more hours a day, the cheaper option can end up costing more.

What commercial displays are built for

• Long running hours. Commercial displays are rated for extended daily use, with many rated for all-day or round-the-clock operation. Consumer TVs are designed for a few hours of viewing in the evening.
• Warranty that covers business use. Many consumer TV warranties exclude or limit commercial use. Check the terms before you buy.
• Brightness. Higher-brightness commercial models stay readable in sunny shopfronts and bright rooms.
• Portrait mounting. Many commercial displays are designed to run in portrait orientation, which suits menu boards. Some consumer TVs do not support it.
• Control and scheduling. Features such as scheduled on and off times, input locking and remote management stop staff and customers changing settings.
• Built-in media players. Many commercial displays can play signage content without an extra box.

When a consumer TV is fine

A consumer TV can be reasonable for a screen that is on for a few hours, such as a meeting room TV used for occasional presentations, or a back-office screen. For menu boards, sports screens that run all day, gyms and window displays, commercial displays are usually the safer choice.

Things to check whichever you choose

• The rated hours of operation per day.
• Warranty terms for business use, and how repairs are handled.
• Brightness, compared with the light where the screen will go.
• Whether it supports portrait mounting if you need it.
• Mounting points and the weight of the screen, so the bracket and wall can carry it.

See digital menu boards for restaurants and what digital signage is, or find a signage installer.