Your First Digital Signage Checklist – Five Key Factors Kate Parker, February 14, 2007, Flickr

There are lots of different kinds of digital signage solutions, and it’s important to spend some time considering what type is right for you. This will help you to get the best from your investment. Whatever your requirements, you will find features and models that will help you achieve them.

Use our digital signage checklist to make sure you’re making the right decisions.

1) Location

Will your digital signage be located indoors or outdoors?

One of the key considerations when it comes to choosing the right digital signage system is where you’re going to put it. The biggest issue here is whether the screen is going to be positioned indoors or outdoors.

Twelve, Networked Outdoor Digital Signage Enclosures

Outdoor digital signage is manufactured to be much more hardwearing than indoor systems, and is designed to be able to weather the elements. If you’re planning to install your signage outside, you need to make sure you invest in an appropriate piece of equipment.

How will your digital signage be secured?

Different types of screen come with different securing options. It’s important to think about how you plan to secure your enclosure: by mounting it on the wall, floor or ceiling. Not all screens and enclosures are compatible with all mounting options, so you’ll need to consider this in advance.

Will your screen be facing direct sunlight?

Another important thing to think about, especially if you’re opting for outdoor digital signage, is whether your screen is going to be facing direct sunlight. If it is, you’ll need to make sure you choose a screen that’s designed for this situation. Purpose build screens are not only readable in direct sunlight, they will also be protected from damage by it.

2) Environmental Protection

When you’re choosing a digital signage system, you’ll need to consider how your environment will affect your chosen screen. Screens that are displayed in public areas, either indoor or outdoor, will need to be well protected from temperature, weather and vandals.

When you choose a digital signage system with a high quality enclosure, you can be sure that your screen will be well protected. However, before you choose the right enclosure, it’s important to make sure that you’ve considered how your environment could affect your digital signage equipment.

Will your screen need protection from extreme weather?

You should choose an enclosure based on the weather conditions it will need to contend with. If you are in a part of the world that gets a lot of rain or snow, you’ll need to take this into consideration. Equally, if you experience extremely high temperatures or humidity levels, you’ll need to pick an enclosure that can cope. When you’re choosing an enclosure, think about both the ambient temperature where your screen is going to be displayed, and the most extreme the temperature could go. This information will enable you to choose an enclosure that will work best in your environment.

Is your screen likely to be a target for vandalism?

Another aspect of environmental protection is vandalism. If your screen is going to be unsupervised in a public place, it’s likely that it may be a target for vandals. In these cases, it’s important to drastically reduce the risk of damage by investing in a hardwearing enclosure. The toughest enclosure windows are made from shatterproof polymers and toughened anti-vandal glass that can withstand extremely high impacts without breaking.

3) Screen and Size

What screen size will best fit the application of your digital signage?

The type of screen and size that is best for you depends completely on how you plan to use your LCD digital signage, and where it’s going to be positioned.

Five, 42” Enclosures Perfectly Sized for LCD Digital Signage

There’s a great deal of variety available when it comes to screen size. Whether you go for a small, average or large screen depends on how visible your LCD digital signage needs to be. Screens that are displaying information high up often need to be much bigger than screens on the ground in order to remain visible.

Do you need a screen with high bright?

If your screen is going to be positioned in direct sunlight, you will want to invest in a screen that comes with high bright. Indoor commercial screens typically operate between 300-400 Candela (brightness), but this isn’t enough to contend with the glare and reflections produced by direct sunlight. Screens with high bright feature can display at over 1,500 Candela, which cut these unwanted effects out completely.

4) Content

How do you want to share content?

When you’re choosing digital signage, it makes sense to consider the kind of content you’re going to want to share with it. Many businesses and organisations choose to share advertising messages as well as more informative content.

It’s important to make sure that the messages you want to share are designed to resonate with your audience effectively. One of the best ways to do this is to think about the many different ways that content can be shared using digital signage. Video can be displayed, as well as text, pictures and sounds. If you choose a digital signage touch screen system, you could even share interactive content.

Will you need a network that enables remote content editing?

One of the great things about digital signage is that content can be edited remotely. This means that you can change and remove messages from the system even when you’re not on site. A feature like this can be very helpful: especially if your screens need to react quickly to information changes or local news. If you are going to be needing to edit screen content remotely, you’ll need to ensure that you have a media player and network that supports remote content transfer.

5) Operation

Digital signage solutions can make a big difference to the success of your business or organisation, but they can’t do it on their own. In order to be most effective, screens need to be used as part of a carefully organised strategy.

Have you set business objectives for your digital signage solution?

Before you spend money on digital signage, it’s a good idea to put a set of business objectives together. These could cover how much you want to achieve from your digital signage solutions, including increased sales, footfall and/or advertising revenue. Setting these objectives out in advance will enable you to measure the success of your digital signage and quantify a return on investment over time.

Who will be responsible for maintaining the digital signage?

At this stage it’s also important to set out how you are going to maintain your digital signage solutions. Set out who is responsible for updating content and resolving any problems that might arrive. Investigate what maintenance and ongoing support is included in the price of the machine. Consider, too, what the costs might be in the event of hardware failure, and if you will need to call out a specialist.

Remember:

Digital signage can produce great results for businesses and organisations, but there is a great deal to think about before you make the investment. There are many different kinds of digital signage solutions on the market, and the one that’s right for you will depend on the individual needs and requirements of your company or organisation.

Work your way through our digital signage checklist, and you can be sure you’ll end up with the digital signage option that is just what you need.

Your first Digital signage checklist – 5 key factors is a post from: armagard.com

UK manufacturers, Armagard, who export protective enclosures to ensure safe working environments for outdoor digital signage screens, computers, printers and other electrical hardware, have been awarded the 2013 Queen’s Award from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth because of their success in overseas markets.

Birmingham-based Armagard has achieved substantial growth in overseas earnings over the last three years, with exports growing by over 300%, allowing the company to expand and become a leading player in the outdoor digital signage market.

The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is awarded to UK companies for outstanding achievement in innovation, sustainable development or international trade. Armagard became the recipient of the 2013 award on 21 April for their contribution to international trade.
Armagard trade globally, in territories including the USA, Europe, Middle East and South America, and the company put down their export success to planning and focus, which started as the UK was plunged into recession.

Armagard Team | Queens award winners

Despite the UK spending several years in recession and subsequently experiencing limited economic growth, Armagard’s focused international trading strategy, which centered on the USA and Europe, saw the company’s export sales grow exponentially and increase by over 300%. Armagard’s strategy has seen foreign sales increase from just 6% of annual turnover in 2007, to 63% by 2012.

The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is an annual prize awarded to UK businesses for outstanding achievement. The award for international trade is only awarded to companies that can show substantial success over three years, and who are considered outstanding for their size and for the sector in which they trade.

Her Majesty the Queen chooses the winners of each year’s award after taking advice from the Prime Minister’s Advisory Committee, and she selected Armagard for the 2013 award for international trade.

“We are delighted to receive this Queen’s Award after an excellent three years of export growth. It took exceptional planning and execution to succeed on this international level, but after the outstanding hard work of the Armagard team, we take great pride in our achievement,” Mark Neal adds.

Outdoor Digital Signage Specialist Armagard wins Queen’s Award for Enterprise is a post from: armagard.com

Since taking over the home television market, LCD screens haven’t just been confined to homes. Modern flat screen TV’s are now just as likely to be used out of the home as part of a digital signage or advertising campaign. Digital signage displays are now regularly seen in shopping malls and retail stores, and are used for advertising, promotion and raising brand awareness, providing advertisers and retailers a platform to raise their profile with large public audiences.
Indoor screens are not the only out-of-home use for digital signage as screens are increasingly being taken outside and used as outdoor digital signage. While there are many advantages to outdoor digital signage compared to indoor screens – higher audiences and less digital competition to name but two – there are also some downsides to consider.

Ensuring that people see the sign is one of the most difficult aspects of using outdoor digital signage as people may tend to walk past, paying little attention to the signage. However, one method to increase readability of an outdoor digital signage system is to provide informational content mixed in with advertisements to provide a reason for people to look at the screen.
Furthermore, you can encourage outdoor digital signage viewership by also providing participatory services such as local news, weather or other information with which the audience can physically interact.

A Interactive Touchscreen | Armagard 2013

Outdoor Digital Signage for Basic Interactive Touchscreen Solutions

An Outdoor Digital Signage Touch Screen provides a good platform for outdoor digital signage in that it encourages people to use the screen to perhaps find a location or check the news, whilst also enabling advertising to be displayed on the screen.

Waterproof Touch screens for Interactive Touchscreen Solutions to protect from the elements

Touch screens still need to be protected from the outdoor elements of course, but this poses problems since the screen is to be exposed to all weather in order to allow the touchscreen technology to publicly operate. A waterproof touch screen can be created using a touchscreen-compatible LCD enclosure as a simple solution in order to protect displays located outdoors, ensuring that the device will be protected from the weather and also will be able to take physical punishment from attempts at vandalism.

Interactive Touchscreen Solutions for Outdoor Use is a post from: armagard.com

A Sense of Humor can only go so Far | Paul Nicholson | Flickr

One technological solution is a new website. The internet is a great way to share information of this kind, and the majority of churches now have their own online presence. This can be an extremely helpful way to keep actively interested people up to date, but this type of website tends to only be found by people who are looking for it. Churches still need to find a way to communicate with the less engaged members of their communities.

It’s because of this that there is still a great deal of value in using an onsite communication system. Traditionally, churches have used notice boards or signs with changeable letters, but in the modern age these are not always effective. Luckily, new technology offers a way for churches to communicate in a more engaging manner.

Outdoor digital signage gives churches a workable way to install a digital screen, like a computer or a television, in their grounds. This screen can then be used to share messages and information with passers by: just like a noticeboard but high tech!

Why go Digital?

A large number of church organisations are starting to use outdoor digital signage to communicate with their parishes. This is a brilliant way to bring church communications into the 21st century, and to connect with potential new attendees in a modern, engaging way. Churches that are using screens to spread the word are creating more memorable visual impact, getting noticed and generating interest in what they do.

There are a number of ways in which digital signage is more effective than it’s traditional counterpart. Content shared on a screen can be brighter and more colourful, and therefore more eye catching. Scientific studies have shown that the human brain responds quicker to moving images than it does to static displays. An outdoor signage system will enable churches to make the most of this, and to get more attention from passers by.

There is another way that outdoor digital signage triumphs over traditional notice boards or signs: they work harder! Screens are effective twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. They are easy to read both in direct sunlight and in the dark, which means that they can be seen by passers by at any time of day and in all weather types. This means that not only are screens more engaging than traditional signs, they are more likely to be seen.

How does it work?

Outdoor Digital Signage is very noticeable and engaging, but it is also extremely easy to manage. This is a huge benefit for church administrators, as messages can be changed, updated or removed literally at the touch of a button. This can be done over a wired or wireless network at the church, and can even be set up to be done at another location entirely (from the administrator’s home, for example).

Because outdoor digital signage can be updated so easily, messages can be changed more regularly than would be practical with more traditional signs. This is important, as signs that stay the same for a long while often start to be overlooked by passers by. Something that is changing regularly will attract more interest, and will be more effective at bringing in new attendees.

What kind of content can be shared?

When a church uses a digital signage system to communicate with their parish, they are giving themselves the freedom to share a whole variety of content. Screens can be used to display text, photos, slideshows and videos. It is still possible to display text notices such as service times, details of special events, messages and information about important guests. Outdoor digital signage can also be used to share inspirational quotes, readings and psalms.

A Nice Quote, but neither Engaging or Robust | Jacob K | Flickr

What makes these screens special is that this content can be shared in a dynamic way. A digital screen solution will enable content to be shown on a rotating basis: meaning that you will be able to share a number of messages on a rotating display. Messages can even be programmed to be shown at different times of day. The possibilities of this are huge! Imagine being able to time messages to be displayed when the type of people you are trying to reach are most likely to be passing. For example, messages about events for children could be shown during the morning school run, and messages about events for youth groups could be shown for teenagers to see on the way home from college.

Another brilliant feature is how easy it is to share both pictures and videos in this format. No longer will churches need to worry that printing colour images on signs is too expensive, and a digital screen also gives them a wonderful way to share video footage from events and performances.

Connect with potential attendees in the way that will be most engaging for them, and hopefully you will see a real difference in the effectiveness of the sign.

Can it benefit the community?

Church organisations may be looking for a communication method that could benefit the entire community. If this is the case, outdoor digital signage can offer a great opportunity for doing this. Unlike a traditional static option, a digital screen can be more than just a sign. A system like this can provide more value, and can become a hub of the community.

A digital signage system could be used to display good news stories from the parish, as well as video footage of big events. The church could also invite other local organisations such as community centres, schools and charities to submit their own messages and displays.

Does it offer value for money?

It goes without saying that value for money is going to be a very important consideration. It is especially vital for a non-profit organisation like a church. Obviously, an outdoor digital signage system is going to involve a bigger initial investment than a more traditional static sign. However, that initial cost can be measured against years of effective service and the benefit to the wider community.

When you invest in outdoor digital signage you can also be sure that you are going to be reducing advertising costs over time. The time and effort that needs to be put into maintaining advertising can be reduced, and printing and design costs can be removed altogether!

An Outdoor LCD Enclosure Displaying Show Times | Armagard

A further cost-effective way of using digital signage is to mount a screen inside a digital signage enclosure.The benefit of a digital signage enclosure over a complete digital signage solution is that the signage screen itself can be updated as new technology evolves while retaining the enclosure to protect it from the elements and vandalism. This keeps the system current with minimum costs.

All Armagard screens are rated to IP54 standard, and the enclosures designed to make screens appropriate for outdoor use are made from brushed steel and sealed to NEMA 4. These enclosures mean that outdoor digital signage is protected from the elements. They will be secure from rain, snow, wind, dust and heat. Enclosures also enable screens to be securely fastened, either to the ground or to the side of a building. This means they will be protected from vandalism, tampering and extreme force.

Conclusion

Outdoor digital signage offers an effective solution for churches facing the challenge of communicating with their community. Screens can help to make special church events, such as Easter, busier and more rewarding. They keep existing members up to date of new events and last minute changes.

A digital system offers more freedom than traditional signage options. Not only will it allow churches to stand out from the crowd, it will also enable them to react quickly to current events, update messages more frequently, and share different media types with their community.

Why not update your church notice board and see if it can help to resurrect your Easter attendance?

Resurrect Your Easter Attendance with Outdoor Digital Signage is a post from: armagard.com

The Show:

Armagard enjoyed its busiest show yet at this year’s Digital Signage Expo (DSE).

Located at stand #131 in the Las Vegas convention centre, Armagard had an extremely positive show, talking to numerous people interested in our LCD enclosures for outdoor digital signage!

Celebrating its tenth anniversary, DSE also had great success with their 2013 show, with attendance increased by 1.4% alongside an upsurge in new exhibitors at 22%.

The Armagard stand finished and ready to go!

However, it didn’t start great for everyone, bad weather and severe snowstorms in the Midwest and Northeast of the US managed to close several airports during the beginning of the week, leading to many visitors and exhibitors arriving late for the show.

DSE Team Members:

We had an extra pair of hands this year, and by increasing our team size from three to four, it gave us some additional flexibility during build-up peak show hours around midday. As a result booth setup went smoothly, and the team quickly managed to secure the enclosures up before lunchtime, leaving the remainder of the day for any final expo specifics.

When the show finally opened, we had a tremendous first day but found ourselves extremely busy throughout. We spoke to hundreds of visitors from all over the world and answered a diverse range of questions that really tested our seasoned experience.

Members Present:

• Mark Neal – CEO
• Keith Britton – Head of Sales
• Stephen Sharp – North American Sales Manager
• Paul McCabe – North American Sales Manager

To talk to someone you met at the show, please call us on: 1-866-434-0807

The Units:

We brought six units to this year’s exhibition (detailed below), but it was the pair of outdoor totems that really stole the show. Consisting of a high-bright and air-conditioned model, these units were ideal to bring to show, as the the former demonstrated the luminosity of an outdoor high-bright display, while the latter had an operating temperature perfect for the North American summer.

Another talking point was the 42” landscape enclosure equipped with our new PCB controller board. Designed to provide a pre-set solution for thermostat controls, the new board offers an easier computer based management system for temperature control, all over a 3G or WIFI connection.

Click the links below to view our DSE units:

• Outdoor Totem with Air Conditioning, 46”
• Outdoor Totem with High-Bright Display, 46”
• Stainless Landscape, 42”
• Landscape with Controller Board, 42”
• Portrait Cold Climate, 42”
• Monitor Landscape, 19”

To receive a digital copy of our DSE product catalogue, email us at subscriptions@armagard.com and obtain one today.

Where are we now?

All our exhibitions are over for 2013, but if you’d like to visit us on-site, then just get in touch. We’ll arrange a time and date for when you can visit us and take a tour of our facilities.

Looking Ahead

Armagard has rebooked with an expanded booth for 2014!

That’s right, because we had such a positive time at this year’s show, we’ll be back with a bigger and better stand for 2014. So expect a new look for Armagard at the 2014 show.

Take note though, next year’s DSE is scheduled to take place two weeks earlier between the 12th and 13th of February 2014, and is being relocated from the Las Vegas Convention Centre to the Sands Expo (connected to the Venetian). So for those planning to attend, make sure to modify your travel plans to avoid confusion.

We’ll also release all our usual pre-show information regarding our 2014 shows later on this year via our news section on Armagard.com, but to discover the latest exhibition updates including any behind-the-scenes images, then add us now on Google+ and LinkedIn.

P.S. If your based in Europe and want to visit one of our shows, why not visit us in Amsterdam for the ISE exhibition taking place in January 2014.

DSE 2013 Round-Up: is a post from: armagard.com

When Armagard ships an enclosure, it’s supplied with a simple instruction manual that guides customers through ‘how to mount’ their LCD enclosure and display. However, the decision of what type of signage to use is down to the customer. This benefits the customer by allowing them to upgrade when they want, and not locking them into restrictive packages; and too choose a setup that suits their application, content and budget.

So for those not knowing where to start, we’ll run through the necessary steps on how to get started with digital signage, using clear and precise instructions that will leave users prepared for any future outdoor advertising plans.

Note – A straightforward combination of an LCD screen and a standalone media player is being used for the example below. Other methods of digital signage are also available.

We’re using a USB to transfer our content

1. In order for digital signage to work, some form of display content needs to be produced. This content, which could consist of videos, images and audio, is a key part of engaging customers and needs to be accurately targeted to achieve planned objectives or a call to action.

2. At this point we advise testing your content, to make sure that everything plays correctly and to avoid any unexpected problems later on.

3. With the prepared marketing content, transfer the files to a removable memory device, making sure the files are arranged in the order they’re required to play, and that you have backups to work from if they get deleted.

Bracket arms must be secured precisely in line with each other

4. At this point the LED/LCD display must have its vertical bracket arms attached to the back (these steps are covered in depth in our instruction manual).

Ensure the display fits evenly and doesn’t slant

5. Once secure, the levelling of the display must be tested by placing it onto the enclosures interior bracket and making sure it’s not lopsided. If ok, the display can then be placed to one side, but if adjustment is required, then remove, amend, and test again until level.

We chose to place our media player upright at the back

6. With the display ready, decide where to place the media player, making sure the power cable can reach once plugged in.

Everything is in place and ready for the display

7. Plug in the leads for the display and media player into the surge protector, along with the USB stick for the media player.

8. Carefully place the display into the enclosure, making sure any cables are tidies behind the enclosure and out of sight.

9. With the enclosure door still open, turn on the mains power and configure your TV and media player to start displaying content.

Note – At this point any fans and additional hardware will start working to their pre-sets.

10. Depending on what type of media player you have, add any additional effects to the chosen content via the players interface options and finalise your playlist for customer viewing.

Note – If you are using an advanced media player, it’s probably worth spending some additional time and discovering all the display options open to you; this will go to helping with overall presentation.

Ready to advertise!

11. Finally, close the enclosure door and make sure the remote control has a clear line of sight through the window to the media player and test setup. Adjust if necessary.

And that’s it, your digital signage enclosure is ready for action. Based on the parameters you set the enclosure will now protect your digital signage against outdoor weather, extreme temperatures and any vandal attacks.

How to install a digital signage enclosure is a post from: armagard.com

It’s over for another year, but the ‘Integrated Systems Europe’ show proved yet again to be a great exhibition for the Armagard team. Situated in Hall 10 of the digital signage area, our team was busy throughout the show answering a number of questions and meeting a number of people who are sure to become great contacts for the years ahead.

Not just a great show for Armagard; ISE-2013 set new records in overall attendance, with a recorded 8% increase in registered attendees at 44,151; and for the first time ever, the growing show occupied all 12 halls of the Amsterdam RAI.

Our Team

The Armagard team was in good spirits this year, the weather was clear, setup had gone well, and the team were ready for the show on Tuesday morning. Furthermore for 2013 our exhibition group had increased from three to five to include our French and German account managers (below), which allowed visitors from these territories to speak easily in their own language.

ISE Team Members:

• • Mark Neal – Managing Director
• • Keith Britton – Head of Sales
• • Lena Sperber – German Account Manager
• • Mireille Godefroy – French Account Manager
• • Mike Thomas – Marketing

To talk to someone you met at the show, please call us on: 1-866-434-0807

The aim was to improve our response rate to attendees, and achieve a greater 1-to-1 discussion rate with visitors. Even with our increased team size and extra language skills, we were delighted to find ourselves consistently busy over the three day show. We spoke to a diverse range of visitors from over 16 different territories; all who had different requirements and environments questions, giving our team the perfect opportunity to flex their product expertise and outdoor LCD enclosure knowledge to meet enquiry demands.

The Armagard team at ISE 2013

Here are the six units on display at the show, including three new enclosures:

1. NEW – 47” Outdoor Totem with Air Conditioner (AC)
2. NEW – 52” LCD Landscape Enclosure with Touch-Screen
3. NEW – 42” LCD Landscape Enclosure with PCB Controller Board
4. 46” LCD Landscape Enclosure with High-Bright Display
5. 42” LCD Stainless Landscape Enclosure
6. 42” LCD Portrait Enclosure

Each enclosure on display was unique in its design and function, and allowed our team to demonstrate the variety of applications and markets suitable for an outdoor enclosure. However, the newest designs proved the most popular.

In particular, our white outdoor totem with air-conditioning received a notable amount of attention, as many of our stand visitor’s came from environments that experience extreme heat. An air-conditioning unit will take an enclosures operating temperature up to 40°C, making them great for direct sunlight areas and are available across our full range on enclosures.

In addition, the 52” touch-screen enclosure and the 42” PCB controller board also enjoyed enhanced attention, with many finding the controller extremely useful for having a pre-set system to control temperature, and this eliminating fuss.

Overall, bringing these enclosures to an exhibition not only allowed us to showcase the latest developments at Armagard that meet market requirements, but just as importantly allowed our visitors to formulate an accurate impression of the quality and security they will be buying.

Where are we now?

Armagard will be attending this month’s Digital Signage Expo (DSE) exhibition in Las Vegas between the 27th – 28th of February, so if you’re visiting the show make sure to drop by and see the enclosures for yourself.

Armagard’s DSE Floor plan | Armagard 2013

Looking Ahead!

We’re already booked in for ISE’s 2014 digital signage area, but take note, as this area next year will be relocated from halls 10, 9 and 8, to hall 8 only. In addition, show organizers will be opening a new entrance to the RAI from hall 8, which is located significantly closer to the train station and will provide a new route of traffic for incoming visitors. We look forward to seeing you on our stand in 2014.

ISE 2013 – round up is a post from: armagard.com

Now enjoying its tenth anniversary, the Digital Signage Expo (DSE) is the world’s largest international trade show dedicated to digital signage and out-of-home networks. Taking place at the Las Vegas Convention Centre from the 27th-28th of February, the DSE show brings together the North American digital signage market and features all the latest products and innovations.

Who are Armagard?

Armagard specialize in a range of waterproof enclosures that are designed to protect computer, printer and display equipment against the hazards of an outdoor or factory environment, for applications such as digital signage, industrial and wash-down environments.
Using a combination of durable outer security and interior temperature control to protect and sustain display efficiency, Armagard enclosures are sealed to North American NEMA standards, and are capable of withstanding severe impacts, outdoor weather, vandalism, and available in sizes from 17” to 70”. Learn more about Armagard here.

Where can I find Armagard at DSE?

You can find Armagard at stand #131 from the 27th-28th of February at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, please use the images below to find our exact location

Armagard’s DSE Floor plan | Armagard 2013

What products can I see on the stand?

Armagard will be bringing 8 units to the show, including a floor standing Outdoor Totem with air conditioning unit, and the new PCB controller board integrated in to our 42” landscape model, which provides a temperature management system for the interior environment.

Who will be attending the show?

We’ll have four members attending this year’s show including:
1. Mark Neal – CEO
2. Keith Britton – North American Sales Manager
3. Stephen Sharp – US Account Manager
4. Paul McCabe – US Account Manager

I have more questions.

Then give us a call, we’d be happy to answer your questions and arrange an individual appointment at our booth during the show, but for any pre-show news please visit us at Armagard.com, or email at subscriptions@armagard.com.

The DSE 2013 Exhibition – All You Need to Know is a post from: armagard.com

While it’s important to ensure any outdoor screen is waterproof and protected from the weather, it is equally important to ensure that the signage can handle the variable temperatures of an external environment.

The temperature in outdoor areas can vary from one extreme to the other. In summer, an outdoor screen may have to cope with sweltering temperatures, which can lead to overheating and eventual failure of the screen. In winter, the opposite problem occurs and the need to prevent screens from freezing is also essential to prevent failure.

Whether designed for outdoor use or standard devices housed in outdoor LCD enclosures, all LCD screens have a limited temperature range. Once exceeded, a screen will soon fail so for continuous operation, keeping the screen within this temperature range is critical.

Outdoor digital signage is particularly vulnerable to overheating in hot climates or throughout summer. Screens, as with any electrical appliance, produce a certain amount of heat throughout their operation. Not only does this heat have to be transferred away, but the effects of ambient heat also require consideration.

For a screen designed for outdoor use, there are different methods of heat expulsion employed, but the display will have a finite maximum as of ambient temperature it can operate in. However, the difficulty with estimating ambient temperature is that you never know for sure exactly what the maximum temperature will be. In some locations, while summer may generally be mild, heat waves and freak temperature could occur, and possibly disable a screen, so erring n the side of caution is always advisable.

Freezing temperatures, especially during wintertime are also disabling for an outdoor digital signage display. In some locations, extreme cold is more common, and outdoor digital signage needs protection especially from sub zero temperatures. Again, erring on the side of caution is always the best option, with areas that regularly receive sub zero temperatures requiring heating systems that automatically switch on whenever temperatures drop too low.

With an LCD enclosure containing heaters, cooling fans and other temperature control components, an outdoor screen can function safely throughout the year, without becoming disabled by freak weather occurrences that can quickly disable the display.

Importance of Temperature Control for Outdoor Digital Signage is a post from: armagard.com

Cathode Ray Tube televisions (CRTs) like this, while bulky and heavier than modern flat screen LCD or plasmas, certainly had longevity that modern TVs do not.

The lifespan of a modern television is measured by its half-life, when the screen fades to half its potency and, therefore, needs replacing. Most consumer-grade screens used around the home have a half-life of about five years. For digital signage, things are a little different. While most digital signage applications use commercial-grade screens, which are designed to last longer than consumer-grade screen, the conditions in which they operate is more demanding.

The backlight of an LCD governs its half-life, and a commercial grade backlight usually lasts for about 60,000 hours. Because digital signage displays tend to run continuously, 24-hours-a-day, this means that most commercial-grade screens will need replacing after about six years; however, in outdoor locations, this length of time is greatly reduced.

To function outdoors, outdoor digital signage needs a high brightness screen. As the backlight of an LCD generates its brightness, this means a more powerful lighting system, which reduces the lifespan of the display. Furthermore, because outdoor environments have variable temperatures and conditions, this further reduces the lifespan of the LCD, requiring the screen to be replaced more often.

Outdoor digital signage displays are expensive commodities. Because of the waterproof and weatherization requirements, outdoor LCDs can cost five to ten times the price of indoor screens, making replacing the screens an expensive prospect.

By using protective outdoor enclosures, the cost of screen replacement is dramatically reduced. As they allow standard screens and the same protective enclosure can be reused time-and-time again with several generations of screen, the savings can be substantial, even when using high brightness screens. As screen replacement is an ongoing cost of running outdoor digital signage, over time, the cost of an LCD enclosure soon pays for itself.

How Long Does an Outdoor Screen Last? is a post from: armagard.com