Four reasons you shouldn't buy a
consumer grade TV for your business
Screens are screens, right? Not quite. While commercial displays and today’s consumer TVs may look similar at first
glance, using consumer-grade TVs for commercial applications can cause some problems. Here are the top four reasons
investing in a commercial-grade solution makes sense
#1: DURABILITY
Flatscreens are enclosed in a frame called a ‘bezel.’ For consumer-grade TVs, this bezel is designed to be as sleek
and aesthetically pleasing as possible. The bezel for a commercial display is engineered to be as durable as possible and
protect the screen from damaging elements, like heat or corrosion.
In addition to external durability, businesses need to evaluate run-time needs for their display. Consumer-grade TVs aren’t
designed to display static images for extended periods. Using a consumer-grade TV to show the same image or set of
images for prolonged periods could result in unsightly image retention or “burn-in” on consumer TVs. Commercial-grade
displays are designed specifically for displaying an image or set of images for 16-24 hours per day without damaging the
screen.
These design differences can have a significant impact on the useful life of a display device. This difference is clearly
displayed in the product warranty conditions. Consumer-grade TVs limit warranty protection when the TV is used for
digital signage applications.
#2: FLEXIBILITY
The first level of flexibility is the most obvious; Only commercial grade displays are equipped with the ability to utilize the
screen in portrait mode. This unique feature expands the display options in a way that cannot be achieved with
consumer-grade TVs. The difference in flexibility doesn’t end there. Commercial displays have extra inputs and options
that allow for more significant planning and control. In some cases, this even includes software that allows management
of your digital signage network from a central management console. This central management console simplifies
management and makes creating and editing the display image quick and easy.
#3: BRIGHTNESS
Consumer-grade TVs are engineered for use in a controlled environment with moderate to low lighting. Commercial
displays are designed to be used in much more dynamic and bright environments and have brightness ratings of
multiple times those of even high-end consumer TVs. The higher brightness rating allows commercial displays to provide
greater visibility, even in direct sunlight.
#4: LIFETIME COST OF OWNERSHIP
The difference in price between a consumer-grade TV and a digital display can create some sticker shock, especially
when your commercial application requires multiple screens. More often or not, however, the total cost using consumer-
grade TVs in commercial applications will erase any up-front savings.
Commercial displays will last longer and stay under warranty when used in business applications. The cost of repairing or
replacing consumer-grade TVs will begin to add up quickly.
The cost of managing a display network can also add up quickly. The lack of flexibility with consumer TVs means creating,
setting up, and editing your display network can take much longer than with a commercial display. This is compounded
for each screen in use.
When factoring in expected lifespan and management cost, the lifetime cost of ownership tilts in favor of commercial
displays.
Ultimately the choice in display comes down to making sure you have the right tool for the right job. The demands of
commercial display applications are best met by investing in the right tool.