As time goes on, people’s awareness of technology is rising and therefore restaurants are incorporating digital menu boards into their businesses to improve customer satisfaction and efficiency. No more are the days of having to use a plain blackboard, or a menu that is very often needs to be rewritten. Digital menus use a range of software to develop menus that are attractive and easy to use while giving flexibility. Perhaps one of the easiest to use this technology is by using the TV as the display screen. If you are interested in installing the digital menu software in your Television here is how to go about it.
1. Selecting the Right Digital Menu Software
One of the first things when creating your digital menu on a TV is to select the proper software. Thus when there are many choices that can be made, it becomes very difficult to decide on the one that is most appropriate. Here are a few things to consider:
• Ease of Use: Select software that can be easily operated without involving a professional in computer programming. Depending on the type of changes, a drag-and-drop interface is the best thing that can happen to a person who needs to alter the menu frequently.
• Customization: Search for a software that will enable the customization of menus to suit your establishment’s name. This involves such aspects as logos, color and font that has to do with the restaurant business.
• Template Variety: Choose a software that has as many templates as possible to accommodate restaurant businesses. These templates can help you to avoid spending much time on the menu design and can inspire you.
• Integration: Check that the software is compatible with your point of sale (POS) system, so that you can easily change the prices and the products on sale in real time.
Some of the most used are ScreenCloud, NoviSign, and MenuBoard Pro, they are all great and provide features specifically for restaurant digital signage.
2. Check Your TV’s Compatibility
However, be certain that the TV you own supports the digital menu software you intend to install before proceeding with the setup. Almost any contemporary TV with HDMI inputs will integrate well with digital signage media players or those devices like Amazon Fire Stick, Google Chromecast, or Android TV sticks. Also, there are many software providers that provide application that can be downloaded and installed on Smart TVs.
If your TV is not smart TV you will need to use a media player that connects through HDMI. Some of the digital menu software have their own hardware while others can be run on any media player that is built to run on either Android or Windows.
3. Tune In Your Media Player
If you are using a SMART TV, then you can skip this section. For those using an external media player, follow these instructions:
• Plug the Media Player: Plug the media player into your television using a high definition multimedia interface cable. Make sure that it has a connection to the electricity source and is connected to the internet through the wireless connection or the cable connection.
• Install the Software: In some cases, there is an application for the digital menu which has to be installed on the device. Go to the application store of your media player, search for the software and download it.
• Pair Your Device: Certain software may make you link your media player with your account. This can usually be done by typing in a code that appears on the screen of the television into the software interface on the computer or in an application on a smart phone.
Once all these settings are in place, your television ought to be in a position to display your digital menu.
4. Design Your Digital Menu
When your software and your TV are set, you can create your menu. Here’s how to create a visually appealing and effective digital menu:
• Organize Your Items: Organize your menu in a way that makes sense to customers, i. e. appetizers, main courses, desserts and drinks. This makes it easy for the customers to locate what they are in search of.
• Use High-Quality Images: Make sure that you incorporate high quality pictures of the meals that you are offering. It also makes your menu more appealing and assists in enhancing sales by making the customers attracted by the photos displayed on the menu.
• Highlight Specials: Always ensure that you advertise the daily specials, offers or new products that are added to the menu. To ensure that these sections stand out, you can use contrasting colors or animations to highlight them.
• Keep it Simple: Do not overdo with the text or number of images on the menu. Timely and proper cleaning of the menu makes it possible for the customer to view and comprehend the items stated.
• Test Your Design: Always give your TV menu a trial run, at least, to see if everything on the menu is legible and if the layout is appealing from the customer’s side.
5. Time Your Menu and When to Change It
This means that menu changes can be scheduled when using the digital menu software and this is one of the major benefits of using the software. Here’s how to make the most of this feature:
• Set Up Scheduling: Another feature that can be employed to alter the menus is the scheduling tool of the software. For instance, the program can change from breakfast options at 11:00 AM to lunch options and from lunch options at 5:00 PM to dinner options.
• Real-Time Updates: Ensure that you are able to edit the menu you have put in place in real-time. If, for instance, you exhaust a particular dish or you wish to introduce a special, you can easily do so.
• Remote Management: Select software that enables you to operate your menus from a distance. This is especially beneficial often you have several outlets or if you have to make modifications when you aren’t at the restaurant.
6. Optimize Your TV Settings
For you to be able to display your digital menu to its best potential, you will need to adjust the settings of your television. Here’s what to consider:
• Adjust Brightness and Contrast: Adjust the brightness of the TV and its contrast levels to fit the lighting of the restaurant in which it is installed. The font used should not be too small so that the reader strains their eyes when going through the menu.
• Disable Screensavers: Make sure that there are no screensavers or other energy-saving functions that may interrupt the visualization of your menu.
• Set Up Orientation: In case, you are using a vertically oriented menu, make sure that your TV is oriented in portrait mode. A few of the TVs and media players give users the option of changing the orientation in the settings menu.
7. Performance reviews and feedback collection
After implementing a digital menu, it is also important to track how the menu is performing as well as the feedback from the customers. Here’s how:
• Analyze Sales Data: Monitor the number of sales of products that you have displayed on your digital menu. If some products are increased in sales, then it can be suggestive of having a good menu layout.
• Customer Feedback: Call on customers to leave a comment on the digital menu. They can also give suggestions concerning such issues as readability or design.
• Regular Updates: Add new items and offers and make sure that they are available all year round or at least during the peak seasons. This makes customers occupied and makes them come back for more services or products.
Conclusion
Having your menu displayed through digital menu software for tv is a great way to change the way your customers are informed about your products. The key to creating a good menu system is to ensure that you have the right software, a compatible TV and the design of the menu system is done in the right way so as to optimize the customer experience and increase sales. If you follow this guide, you will be in good standing to revolutionize your restaurant’s menu into a more contemporary piece that will entice your clients over and over again.
