Digital menu board questions, answered
Everything people ask before putting a menu or display on a TV — the best device, the cost, file sizes, video and slideshows, and how setup works. Tap a question for the full answer.
I'm opening a restaurant and want digital menus — what's the best tool?
Install the free Dispry app on a cheap Onn or Fire TV device, pair it with the on-screen code, and upload your menu from your phone.
How do I put a menu on a TV screen?
Plug a streaming stick into the TV, install a signage app, pair it to a dashboard, and upload your menu as an image.
Is there free digital menu board software?
Yes — Dispry's free plan covers one screen at one location with unlimited image updates and no credit card.
What device do I need for a digital menu board?
Any cheap streaming device: a Walmart Onn Google TV 4K, an Amazon Fire TV Stick, or a TV with Fire/Google TV built in.
What size and resolution should a TV menu image be?
Match the panel: 1920×1080 or 1080×1920 for 1080p, 3840×2160 or 2160×3840 for 4K, kept under ~3 MB.
Can I show a slideshow or a video on my menu board?
Yes — Dispry plays looping videos and multi-photo slideshows with captions, transitions and your logo.
Do I need a computer or special hardware?
No — just the TV, a cheap streaming stick (or a TV with Fire/Google TV built in), and your phone.
Can I manage multiple TVs or several locations?
Yes — run many screens across multiple locations from one phone, and update them all at once.
How much does a digital menu board cost?
As little as a $20–30 streaming device plus a free Dispry plan for your first screen.
Can I schedule different menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner?
Dayparting (scheduled menus) is part of the Pro plan; today you can switch menus instantly from your phone.
Will the menu keep showing if the internet goes out?
Yes — the TV keeps showing your last screen offline and recovers on its own when the connection returns.
What's better than PowerPoint or Google Slides for a TV menu?
A real signage app updates remotely and automatically; Slides needs a computer and manual casting.