Superior software - the latest innovations in digital signage

With no shortage of solutions when it comes to software in digital signage, Rob Fletcher takes a closer look at the options in the sector, analysing some of the latest developments and the benefits they offer to users.

When it comes to digital signage and software, one of the stand-out parallels between the two is that both are continuing to evolve and a rapid rate. New innovations are coming to market all the time in digital signage, with software developers keeping pace with updates and solutions to support those in the sector.

With so much going on, it is tricky to identify the developments that are most important to you and your business. Here, we pick out some of the latest announcements in the world of digital signage software and take a closer look at how these may benefits sign companies and their customers moving forward.

Maximum impact for digital signs

One developer in this sector is nsign.tv, which supplies digital signage software to a wide range of customers around the world. Chief executive Toni Viñals said the goal of the company is to help its clients create “meaningful connections” with their audiences.
                                                                                                                                       
“Our mission at nsign.tv is simple yet powerful: we simplify the complexities of digital signage so that businesses can manage content efficiently, without friction, and with maximum impact,” Viñals. “In an industry where technology often complicates rather than facilitates, our platform stands out by integrating smoothly into our clients’ existing ecosystems and optimising their investments in hardware and software.”

Nsign People is the newest feature of nsign.tv’s content management systems (CMS), which it said enables businesses to measure the effectiveness of communications in physical spaces through facial detection. Capabilities include audience measurement and content interaction, which nsign.tv said helps enhance content personalisation and allows users to evaluate sales impact and return on investment (ROI).

PPDS has launched a new technology plugin for Q-SYS

Also new from nsign.tv are its Applets microapplications, which, integrated within the CMS, automate digital content creation by pulling real-time data from systems such as ERP, POS, or CRM, allowing users to generate dynamic and scalable content for any screen. Stand-out features include full automation that enables real-time updates without manual intervention and centralised control through an intuitive dashboard for personalised management.

“Content management in digital signage can often feel chaotic,” Viñals said. “With our Applets, that chaos is eliminated. We simplify management, centralise control, and streamline automation, helping our clients turn complexity into clarity and efficiency.

“At PPDS we operate an ‘Open2’ philosophy, working with third party providers and partners to ensure we are offering the perfect harmony of software and hardware, delivering best-in-class user experiences.”

Giving customers more control

Another recent development comes from PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays. PPDS has launched a new technology plugin for Q-SYS, bringing Philips digital signage, interactive displays, and All In One LED walls designed on Android SoC into the Q-SYS Platform for cloud-manageable audio, video and control.

The PPDS Wave Plugin for Q-SYS allows component management from a single interface, which PPDS said streamlines the experience and simplifys adjustments. It provides display management, enabling users to access detailed display information and control settings such as power, volume, input source, brightness, and orientation, ensuring oversight and customisation.

PPDS has rebranded its PPDS Wave remote management ecosystem as Philips Wave

On top of this, with a secure cloud connection and real-time status monitoring, PPDS said the plugin ensures reliable and safe operation of AV systems, providing peace of mind for users.

Sian Rees, global director of solutions and partnerships at PPDS, said: “The Q-SYS plugin for Philips Professional Displays leverages the power of our API-first Wave platform allowing customers to control our range of smart Philips Professional Displays from digital signage, interactive, and All in One LEDs with the same reliable, easy to integrate interface.”

New-look software solutions

Other news out of PPDS is the rebrand of its PPDS Wave remote management ecosystem as Philips Wave. Launched two years ago, the Wave ecosystem features several components, all designed to drive the performance of digital signage.

Wave Controller is an API-first platform that provides AV/IT managers with advanced control and management capabilities for professional displays, with firmware and software updates, adjusting settings, and predictive maintenance just some of the remote features available. Also part of Wave ecosystem is the dedicated ProStore, offering what PPDS described as a ‘one-stop digital marketplace’ for customers to access their preferred applications and services. This now includes solutions from third-party partners such as NowSignage, Appspace, and NoviSign.

Siddarth Gopal, global director of software solutions at PPDS, said: “When we launched Wave in 2022, we made it clear this was an evolving solution. With updates on an almost continual basis, new partnerships being added, and new features and functionalities to cater for our customers’ needs, the product we have today is vastly superior to the version of Wave we introduced on day one.”

In addition to the rebrand, the platform has achieved ISO 27001 certification, demonstrating commitment to safeguarding sensitive data and information. ISE 27001 recognises PPDS has implemented a systematic approach to managing sensitive company information and has measures in place to protect against current and future security threats.

This year’s European Sign Expo, taking place alongside the FESPA Global Print Expo 2025 from 6-9 May in Berlin, Germany, offers attendees the chance to learn more about these advancements first hand and speak with developers about how these can allow for even more innovation in digital signage.

Discover the latest innovations in digital signage at European Sign Expo 2025, Europe's leading signage and visual communications exhibition taking place from 6 – 9 May at Messe Berlin, Germany. It will showcase cutting-edge products, visionary concepts, and transformative developments shaping the future of signage. Register to visit here and use promo code ESEJ501 and pay € 25 for your entrance ticket.