The LCD enclosure is a term that crops up quite often in the world of out of home and digital signage. In brief terms, LCD enclosures are protective weatherproof cases that allow standard or commercial grade screens to be taken outside and used as outdoor digital signage.
There is, however, a lot more to the LCD enclosure than just this. Let me explain:
Outdoor digital signage needs to be protected from the weather; this is the primary task of the LCD enclosure. They are commonly designed to IP65 (NEMA 4 x), providing a waterproof barrier that will prevent rain, snow, hail and even wind blown dust from affecting the screen.
These elements are not the only problems that the weather can cause for an outdoor digital signage screen. Temperature is another, often forgotten problem with outdoor TV use.
No matter what the type of LCD or plasma screen there will be an optimum operating window. Temperatures that exceed this will cause the device to overheat and eventually fail. And temperatures at the other end can be just as problematic too. Freezing temperatures can cause trapped condensation to expand causing permanent damage – so temperature control is another important aspect to the LCD enclosure.
Protection for outdoor digital signage doesn’t stop at just the weather, either. There is a need for any outdoor screen, particularly those left unsupervised or in an unmanned area, to also be protected from physical impact.
Vandalism is an all too common problem in many major cities and conurbations and even if it is not an issue where your screens are erected, there should still be some consideration given to protecting the device from accidental impact.
LCD enclosures have other advantages too. There is often enough space inside the cabinets to house, not just any type of flat screen LCD or plasma device, but also a media player or small PC – keeping that too protected.
But the really big advantage for an LCD enclosure, the reason so many outdoor digital signage installers are using them, is that they house standard LCD devices. This enables them to be safely taken out of doors, making them a far more cost effective solution to outdoor digital signage than expensive outdoor screens – which still need some sort of enclosure to protect from vandalism and impact, anyway.
