I use TVs as my in-store menus – new menus are very pixelated….why?

Optimizing In-Store Digital Menus: Addressing Pixelation and Display Issues on Commercial TVs

In many retail environments, digital screens serve as dynamic and engaging in-store menus or promotional displays. However, maintaining high-quality visual presentation can become challenging when transitioning to new images or updating content. Recently, I encountered an issue where image displays on certain commercial TVs became pixelated or degraded in quality after an update, prompting me to investigate the underlying causes and potential solutions.

The Setup:
I operate three retail outlets, two of which utilize newer TCL television models that handle the content seamlessly. The third store is equipped with older Sceptre TVs, which are exhibiting display problems—namely, poor image clarity and pixelation. Content is typically loaded via USB sticks, a straightforward method for updating in-store signage.

The Challenge:
After overhauling the menu visuals with new images, I noticed that, upon selection, the TVs fail to display JPEG images correctly. While PNG images do load after approximately 60 seconds, the resulting picture is highly pixelated, especially making small text difficult to read. This results in compromised visual quality, negatively impacting the customer experience.

Possible Causes:
Several factors could be contributing to this issue:

1. Image Resolution and Format Compatibility:
   If the images are low-resolution or not optimized for large displays, they may appear pixelated. Similarly, certain older or less capable TVs might have limited support for specific formats or certain compression levels.

2. TV Hardware Limitations:
   Older models, like the Sceptre TVs, may lack sufficient processing power or support for modern image codecs, leading to delays or poor rendering quality.

3. Display Settings and Default Media Players:
   Default media players on these TVs may not handle high-resolution images well, especially if they are not optimized or require specific formats.

4. File Compression and Loading Methods:
   Excessive compression or incorrect image dimensions relative to the display resolution can cause pixelation or slow loading times.

Recommended Solutions:
To improve image quality and display performance on your in-store digital signage, consider the following measures:

• Use High-Resolution, Optimized Images:
  Prepare images at the TV’s native resolution to ensure clarity. Use tools to optimize JPEGs and PNGs for web display without excessive compression.

• Update Firmware and Software:
  Check if your TVs have firmware updates available, which can improve media compatibility and performance.

• Try Alternative Media Formats or Methods: