If you are still hesitant about investing in a digital menu board, you don’t need to worry about the cost breaking your budget. The cost of Digital Menu Boards and displays is available at a wide price range, starting from under $500 for a basic package that includes a TV and going up to over $2,000 for high-end solutions that come with commercial displays and enterprise signage service subscriptions.
This gives you the flexibility to select a combination of hardware and digital signage software that is suitable for your restaurant, bar, or cafe’s bottom line.
Moreover, 80% of restaurant owners have reported that digital displays help boost sales.This dollars-and-cents benefit could signal a new era for your business by switching from paper to digital signage menu.
We will break down the true cost of digital menu boards item by item in this article, so you can customize the technology according to your budget!
What is a Digital Menu Board?
A digital menu board is a digital display combining a display screen with a digital signage media player and software to showcase menus and other promotional content in restaurants, cafes, and other food establishments.
It is a modern alternative to traditional static menus and provides many benefits such as dynamic content, easy updates, and eye-catching visuals.
The menu boards can be updated, can be controlled remotely and can display different menus at different times of the day.
Is Investing in digital menu boards & digital signage worth it?
Investing in digital signage can be worth it for many businesses, depending on their specific needs and goals. It offers several advantages over traditional signage, including the ability to display dynamic and eye-catching content, update messaging quickly and easily, and target specific audiences with personalized messaging. All this can boost customer experience and eventually your sales too!
However, investing in digital signage does require an initial investment, including the cost of hardware, software, and installation. Ongoing costs may also include content creation and maintenance.
Businesses should weigh the potential benefits and costs before making a decision to invest in it, and ensure they have a clear strategy and goals in place for their digital signage program.
Ultimately, if implemented effectively, menu displays can be a valuable tool for businesses to improve their communication and marketing efforts.
How Much Does A Digital Menu Board Cost?
The cost of digital boards can vary depending on the features and quality of the displays. Prices can range from under $500, which includes a basic TV, to over $2,000 for high-end commercial displays.
It is recommended to invest in a higher-priced digital signage display upfront because it will have a longer lifespan and offer better aesthetic appeal, ultimately resulting in long-term cost savings.
Examples of Pricing for Popular Options:
• TCL 65″ 6-Series 4K Roku Smart TV – This model offers excellent 4K Ultra HD picture clarity with Dolby Vision HDR and utilizes mini-LED and Quantum light technology for crisp, clear images. The price for this display is $1,299.
• Sony X950G 65” TV: 4K Ultra HD Smart LED – This display provides an exceptional contrast ratio with its full-array local-dimming backlight that delivers deeper blacks. It also has a 120 Hz refresh rate that enhances motion dynamics. The price for this display is $1,499.
• Samsung QET Series 75″ (Commercial Grade) – This display features a stunning UHD resolution Crystal Display with an ultra-slim design. It includes MagicINFO Lite digital signage software and comes with a 3-year onsite warranty. Additionally, it is built to operate 16 hours a day and 7 days a week. The price for this commercial grade display is $2,050.
What Factors Can Affect the Cost of a Digital Menu Board?
The digital menu board price can be affected by several factors, including:
Digital Signage Solutions and Digital Signage Software:
Digital signage solutions and software are necessary for creating digital menu boards. They typically include a media signage player and software with a content management system, allowing for content creation, playlist curation, and display of menu board templates and design tools.
While some solutions can cost up to $95 per screen, Display.Stream offers a high-quality Software-based option with preloaded content for free, making it a cost-effective choice for budgeting digital menu board expenses. Unlike some cloud-based digital signage solutions that may require licensing fees, Display.Stream does not require licensing and provides very easy to use software and cloud based solution to manage all your screens !
Display technology (LCD vs. LED):
The display technology used in a digital board is a significant factor that affects its cost. Generally, LED screens displays are more expensive than LCD displays because they offer better image quality, are more durable, and have longer lifespans. LED displays are also more energy-efficient, which can lead to cost savings in the long run.
Display screen size:
The size of the menu board screens is another factor that affects its cost. Larger displays are typically more expensive than smaller displays because they require more materials to manufacture and are more effective in catching the attention of customers and promoting menu items.
Resolution:
The resolution of an electronic menu board refers to the number of pixels displayed on the screen. Higher resolution displays are more expensive than lower resolution displays because they offer better image quality and clarity. However, the resolution needed for a Digital board depends on the digital content that will be displayed. For example, if the menu board will only display text, a lower resolution display may be sufficient.
Content management system (CMS):
The CMS used to manage the content on the digital board can also affect its cost. Some CMS platforms such as Display.Stream are free to try, while others require a subscription or licensing fee.
The cost of the CMS may also depend on the number of displays that will be managed and the level of functionality required.
Installation and setup cost:
The cost of installing and setting up an electronic menu can also affect its overall cost. Factors that may affect installation and setup costs include the complexity of the installation, the location of the display, and the availability of power and data connections.
In some cases, installation and setup costs may be included in the price of the digital board, while in other cases, they may be billed separately.
Wall Mounts:
The cost of display mounts for digital signage depends on where the signage will be placed. Angled mounts are needed for displays mounted higher up on the wall, while movable mounts with hinged arms may be required for other cases.
It’s crucial to choose high-quality mounts that are low-profile, allowing the signage to be the center of attention. Costs for digital signage mounts can range from $50 to $350+.
For cabling, high-grade cables should be used to improve transmission speed and durability. A 6-foot 4K Displayport to HDMI cable costs around $13.
Wall mounts offer numerous benefits, including improved visibility for customers and saved floor space. They also provide a more professional appearance than non-mounted digital boards.
In conclusion, investing in a high-quality mount is a smart choice for creating an effective and professional digital board.
In brief, the cost of a digital board will depend on several factors, including the type of display technology, display size, resolution, CMS, and installation costs.
While a basic digital menu board can cost as little as $500, it’s important to weigh the benefits against the costs and determine if it’s the right investment for your restaurant or business!