Condensation can be a serious problem for outdoor digital signage and other outdoor screen use. It can cause a myriad of problems and can lead to components failing, obscured screens and can be difficult to counter.
The main problem with using a screen outdoors is that no matter how well-protected it is in an LCD enclosure from the weather condensation can still build up. This is because there is a need for any outdoor screen to have a regular flow of clean air supplied inside the LCD enclosure, to ensure the TV does not overheat.
A filter system is therefore required on any enclosure of an LCD or plasma but this has to function without allowing in water or other elements which can damage or disable the TV screen.
The problem with using a filter system is that it allows humidity to form condensation inside the LCD enclosure and this can cause problems. When temperatures get very cold, condensation can freeze, and then expand. This expansion can lead to permanent damage of the components and is a cause for many outdoor digital signage failures during the winter months.
Furthermore, condensation can build up behind the screen protection of an LCD enclosure which can impinge on the readability of the screen.
Ensuring condensation does not build up inside the LCD enclosure is, therefore, important, and there are different methods of doing so. Cooling fans are commonly used inside LCD enclosures and if these are proficient, they should eliminate much of the condensation.
In locations that see extremely cold conditions, where temperatures regularly fall below zero, it is common to install heaters inside the LCD enclosures, which should prevent any condensation from freezing.
Some locations where humidity is extremely high, cooling fans can often not be enough to dispel the condensation, so air conditioners need to be installed inside the LCD enclosures in these environments to prevent build up of moisture.
