Outdoor Digital Menu Board Guide and Affordable Solutions

Outdoor Digital Menu Board Solutions

A good weatherproof outdoor digital menu board is becoming vital in the food service and fast-food world. But what is an outdoor digital menu board? How does an outdoor menu display work? What are the costs involved? What are the options? This outdoor menu display article will address those questions.

Article Table of Contents

• What is a Digital Menu Board?
• What is an Outdoor Digital Menu Board?
• How Does a Digital Menu Work?
• How Much Does an Outdoor Menu Board Cost?
• Is an Outdoor Digital Menu Board or Regular Outdoor Menu Board Netter?
• Outdoor Digital Display Enclosure Options for an Outdoor Digital Menu Board

What is a Digital Menu Board?

A digital menu board refers to a digital screen system that displays a menu. In contrast to options like lightbox menu boards or chalkboards which show static words and images, digital menu boards display dynamic menus on screens. Video, image, text, and sound options can be utilized on digital menu boards.

What is an Outdoor Digital Menu Board?

An outdoor digital menu board is a weatherproof digital display system used to show a menu. In contrast to options like outdoor lightbox menu boards which show static words and images, outdoor weatherproof digital menu boards display dynamic menus on digital screens. Video, image, text, and sound can all be used on an outdoor digital menu display system. These outdoor menu display board systems often comprise display screens (like TVs), sometimes other hardware, software, and weatherproof outdoor digital display enclosures.

All-in-One Outdoor Digital Menu Boards

All-in-one outdoor digital menu boards are complete systems built into one product. This is also known as a fully integrated solution. These are displays made with outdoor rated materials and all the electronics already integrated. It is one product that does the whole job. This can be great because you have everything you need in one solution. However, some cons can be these types of products are limited to the display quality, media, software, and such at the time you purchase the unit. So, at the pace technology moves, you may quickly find yourself very limited in keeping up with the latest options for digital menu displays. Another common peril of an all-in-one solution is that the casing on electronics (even when made for outdoor use) is never quite as durable as separate enclosures. Think of it like your laptop or phone… most people prefer added a case cover. Indoor and outdoor digital display enclosures are the equivalent of a computer or phone case. The other concern is price.

Outdoor Digital Menu Board Systems

An outdoor digital menu board system refers to a weatherproof digital screen system that displays a menu which usually is composed of an indoor digital display (of your choosing so you can control the cost and technology level), an outdoor digital signage enclosure, and a media player. The enclosure houses and protects the display and media player from weather, tampering, or other threats. In contrast to options like lightbox menu boards or chalkboards which show static words and images, digital menu boards (also known as an outdoor restaurant sign or digital drive thru menu board) display dynamic menus on screens. Video, image, text, and sound options can be utilized on digital menu boards. The potential downside to a system may be if you prefer all-in-one solutions because you like the fully integrated concept, however, on the flip side an outdoor digital menu board system is the flexible solution that provides users more flexibility in keeping technology more up to date, easier and cheaper upkeep of the different components, and much lower costs.

How Does a Digital Menu Work?

A digital menu is a menu that is shown on a TV, digital display, or monitor. Typically, a menu is created digitally on a computer using software which is then connected to the display or monitor to show the menu. The digital menu option allows businesses to utilize eye catching moving graphics and rotate through menu content if needed. In addition, digital menus can save restaurants and fast food chains thousands of dollars because in the past with static menu boards, the physical boards had to replaced frequently with menu updates which adds up fast. Now, with digital menu boards, businesses can simply easily update the software and push it through to the digital board or boards.

How Much Does an Outdoor Menu Board Cost?

How much does a digital menu cost? Various solutions are available for external menu boards, so the price may vary depending on needs or preferences. Below are potential solutions to consider.

Typically, a single screen system starts at $6,499 and a triple screen system starts around $16,999 (BlueSquare). However, the good news is businesses are saving thousands on outdoor menus and outdoor digital drive thru menu boards by pairing lower cost indoor digital displays with outdoor digital signage enclosures.

Is an Outdoor Digital Menu Board or Regular Outdoor Menu Board Better?

An outdoor digital menu board is generally considered the best option at this time. An outdoor LED menu board or drive thru menu board system can offer up front savings and long-term savings as well as easier upkeep. However, in certain situations, for businesses that may have very rare menu changes or other unique situations, it is possible a regular outdoor menu display is best. Top factors to consider are probably frequency of updates, staying modern and keeping up with competition, and cost.

Outdoor Digital Display Enclosure Options

There are various options for digital displays – you can shop around looking at different brands and comparing best prices and technology. Click here to browse popular outdoor digital display enclosures.