Distributor Imago is aiming to solve a problem that has hindered resellers since the market began ­ the off-putting cost of demo kit. The audiovisual specialist has bundled a Viewsonic digital signage solution that resellers say has helped them afford to break into this market.

Now, after trying the scheme out on selected resellers, it is planning to entice more partners into this potentially lucrative market.

Demo kit for ViewSonic’s DigiSign digital signage offering is now available from as little as £500. For this, resellers will get a copy of the Bestwave software and media player needed to run digital signage on any PC and projector, LCD or plasma screen.

For £800, slightly more adventurous resellers can get software, a media player and a pre-configured server with the IP address of the player or screen already installed.

“It really is plug and play,” explained Imago’s head of new business, Peter Nice. “Resellers are often nervous about investing in new equipment, so we have brought the price level down to a sweet spot.”

Brain Tennent, managing director of VAR Icon Presentations, said: “One client told me he had seen loads of resellers, but none could ever see the product in action. So it is great that resellers can afford demo kit.”

Viewsonic is better known for its monitors in the UK, said Tennent, so this deal will help the vendor establish itself as a digital signage brand.

“Getting trained and accredited is not always cheap, and then there is the cost of the kit. So this is a really good move by Imago,” he added.