Free or paid? Digital signage is now firmly established in our society, and it is quite easy to explain. Professionals now have an accessible tool for creating their own communication campaigns. These campaigns are simple to set up, more interactive, and their results appear in real time.

Companies are clearly benefiting from this trend. They are able to reach their audience in a more effective way, and are therefore more successful in selling their services or products.

Access to digital signage software is available both free of charge and for a fee. And we explain the differences in this article.

Free display software

Software is free for a variety of reasons.

The latter can be open source. Based on source code made public and usable by all, open source software is generally free. However, this is not systematic. In fact, some of them require a bit of technical know-how for installation.

Software can also be free, thanks to funding from advertisers. The latter will subsidize the product.

Or, the software is designed in several versions. The basic version, with limited functionality, is available free of charge. Premium versions, on the other hand, are not free.

Finally, you will be offered free access to the full version of the product, but only for a limited time. At the end of the trial period, the full version will remain available for a fee.

The features

The being free part is obviously is a real advantage for users. This allows you to try out the software without any financial consequences, and to understand how it works.

In this way, users can see whether the concept appeals to them, and whether the tool meets their expectations.

Despite these advantages, the conditions of use are somewhat restricted with the non-paid version. Open source software, for example, may require some knowledge of computers. And, if you’re not comfortable in this area, you’ll need to consider using a service provider who will charge you for this service, so that you can exploit it.

Last but not least, the basic versions and demos are far too limited in their functionality to give you a concrete idea of all the opportunities offered by digital signage.

The fact that digital signage is free generally means you’re on your own when it comes to discovering this communication innovation. Nor can you count on after-sales service or technical/IT support.

For what occasions can it be used?

It’s an opportunity for companies to discover how digital signage can be used to raise their profile. It’s a great way to get started in screen-based communication.

Pay-per-view software

Paid digital signage is generally presented in the following way by different buyers: one or more communication screens, a box (“player”), software and innovations to enhance your experience.

But it also includes a team behind the product, to support you every step of the way.

The features

For paid digital signage, we often provide support to help you get to grips with your digital signage software.

At the start of your project, to help you define your needs and adapt them to offer you the best solution. During installation, so you don’t have to worry about the technical effort involved. And, of course, afterwards, in the discovery and use of the product, to guide you in its use.

By using digital signage for a fee, you save time in getting to grips with the software. A team is on hand to guide you and answer any questions you may have. You gain access to more capabilities. Such as additional widgets or programming performance for your screen settings.

For what occasions can it be used?

As soon as the need arises to access a complete tool. To help you discover and use the software more effectively.

The benefits of paid digital signage with Emity

Emity is a company that has created an innovative, high-quality digital signage solution. Emity is also a great team, ready to help you with any questions you may have.

With Emity, you benefit from many advantages:

  • A wide range of functions: widgets, weather, live news, etc.
  • Dedicated solutions: Depending on your sector of activity, Emity provides specific solutions. For example, an advertisement management solution for real estate agencies, or a menu management solution for restaurants, and so on.
  • Several subscriptions to suit your needs: You want the bare minimum or, on the contrary, you want “the whole package”! Emity offers three formulas to make this possible. This gives you access to a storage space (media library) of varying sizes.
  • A team that listens: We support you from A to Z. First, in choosing your offer. Then, during installation. And finally, in getting to grips with the software and using it on a day-to-day basis.
  • A unique partnership with Canva: Emity integrates direct access to Canva from its digital signage content management solution. Canva is THE design platform for creating all kinds of media (videos, slideshows, posters, etc.).

And although Emity offers a digital signage solution for a fee, we’re well aware of the importance of getting to know a software and a product like the one we offer. That’s why we’re offering a demo version, temporarily free of charge.

Paid or free, the type of digital signage software you choose depends entirely on your needs. Available free of charge, for a light version or for self-taught users. In a paid version, to benefit from a full version and more support; for greater efficiency in using the tool.