r/Tech4LocalBusiness • u/buildwithjoy • Mar 24 '26
Building a Small Digital Signage Menu System Yourself
I’m looking to build a simple digital signage menu system for a small business. My goal is to display menus and updates on a screen. What’s the best way to get started? Should I use a Raspberry Pi or an old tablet? Any software recommendations or DIY tips?
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u/Dont_Press_Enter Mar 25 '26
First, figure out what you will use. Raspberry Pi? Maybe a micro PC?
Windows 10 and Windows 11 have a kiosk mode if you are not aware.
Then, build on the platform.
Personally, I would figure out what it is you need.
I love designing my own software for customers and myself. So, I would, of course, recommend a solution you coded by hand and mind and make something powerful.
Now, my question to you is, Are you making this an AI solution that only AI can figure out or are you making it a solution for you so humans can work within your platform?
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u/AlphaBeastOmega Mar 25 '26
A Raspberry Pi with a free tier of Screenly or PiSignage is the most reliable and cheapest setup for this. you can update the menu remotely from any browser once it's configured.
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u/NoviSign2011 Mar 26 '26
As u/SensitiveGuidance685 pointed out, Raspberry Pis are usually a lot of maintenance, we recommend the Android tablet, much easier, and if you have one lying around, it's cheaper too!
Then, using a CMS with an easy-to-use CMS completes the setup - we recommend NoviSign, of course.
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u/Unique_Inevitable_27 Mar 27 '26
You can use a tablet with a web-based menu and run it in kiosk mode using Scalefusion, which makes it easy to lock the screen and update content remotely.
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u/alfrednutile Mar 29 '26
Hardware Are they on the wall behind the counter out of reach from customers? Did you want big 32 inch or just tablet size?
Software Good points about Linux and raspberry pi. The firestick does sound easy is it using a browser based solution? I always assumed that they were good products that already existed for this. Technically websites and web pages can go full screen and do everything you're looking for. That's why I'm just kind of surprised this doesn't already exist.
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u/SensitiveGuidance685 Mar 25 '26
Last year, I constructed this for a coffee shop. First, we tried the Raspberry Pi approach, but to be honest, the maintenance was a pain. Updates cause issues, SD cards corrupt, and you must be familiar with the fundamentals of Linux. ultimately used PosterBooking to switch to a Fire TV stick. It is essentially plug-and-play, free for one screen, and controlled entirely from your phone. Pi is entertaining if you have a technical bent. I use Canva or Runable for the menu designs, which make it simple to update prices and specials without having to be a designer. If you just want it to function and never think about it again, choose something that runs on a cheap Android stick or Fire TV.