The only reason why anyone would even consider a consumer grade TV over a commercial one is to cut down on the expenses. However, the actual price difference between consumer and commercial grade screens is hardly a few dollars while the technical difference is vast. So, why take a chance; is saving a few dollars actually worth the risk? In the end, you shall have the ultimate content in the world but it hardly matters if no one is able to see it.
When you have to choose a flat screen TV, you might come across two types of screens – consumer and commercial displays. Well, obviously both TV screens offer an outstanding picture quality but they are engineered differently.
The Basic Difference between the two are
- Image compatibility
- Screen resolutions
- Mounting options
- Screen orientations
- Suitability of environment
- Hours of Operation
- Heat management
- A/V inputs
Simplifying All the Differences
Commercial grade screens are specifically engineered and designed to handle different usage requirements of digital signage, thus providing the consistency and reliability required by a successful unit. The commercial grade TV screens are designed to work well with a PC. The design and architecture of commercial grade TV support long hours of operation. On the other hand, although the consumer type screens are intended for TV as well as for video purposes, they are designed for shorter viewing periods.
If you need to use the unit only for few hours a day, a consumer TV will do the job. But these are not designed for 24/7 operation. Although, it would work fine initially, there are chances of failure due to 24/7 operation. The panels in a consumer TV will display most AV types, have a number of inputs, and will air Free-to-Air channels with built-in TV tuners and speakers. Also, consumer grade TVs cannot be centrally-controlled via serial control. In fact, they have very limited features for orientation, placement, or color matching.
Consumer TVs cannot be mounted straight up (Portrait Mode) because they tend to overheat. On the other hand, commercial grade TV screens have special venting and cooling option that do not heat up the unit. This makes viewing in portrait mode possible too. The viewing angle in consumer grade display units are engineered for the unit to be mounted in a compact entertainment center or above someone’s fire place.
Commercial TV mounts are designed and contrived to survive longer operating hours. If you need a commercial display panel for a 24/7 bulletin board, for an interactive display, or to operate in both landscape and portrait mode, you must opt for a commercial grade screen for your premises. This is the perfect choice for digital signage deployments.
Commercial panels might not have a wide choice of inputs, built-in tuners or speakers, however, they can be easily controlled centrally via external devices. They can also be ISF color calibrated to match exact PMS color requirements. Commercial Grade TV screen is most definitely the perfect choice for creating a reliable, long-lasting, and supreme impact.
So you see, there is very less benefit if you were to opt for a consumer grade TV for your business. You might save a few dollars, but in reality, it would cost you more in the long run as compared to a commercial application.
