A common inquiry regarding LCD enclosures is often about the environments they can and cannot handle. With so many high-priced outdoor digital signage systems on the market, providing a less expensive system often leads people to assume that an outdoor LCD enclosure is perhaps not able to cope with the same environments as other types of outdoor systems.
Often, the misconception is due to the lack of understanding as to the technology of an LCD enclosure and the different climatic systems that enable them to function in almost any environment.
High Temperatures
Locations with a high outdoor temperature, particularly where bright sunlight is a factor, are challenging areas for outdoor digital signage. LCD and plasma screens are not designed to cope with excessive temperatures, so preventing overheating is essential to maintain a functioning outdoor screen.
While cooling fans and air-conditioning are able to maintain steady internal temperatures in high ambient conditions, bright sunlight is another challenge.
With high levels of sunlight bearing down on a display, the screen face can suffer permanent damage. Not only will bright sunlight cause additional overheating, raising the internal temperature of the LCD enclosure and the housed display, but continuous sunlight on a screen face also causes permanent burn damage to the face itself. To cope with this patented air curtain technology that provides continuous air-flow over the screen, enables an Armagard LCD enclosure to ensure the housed screen doesn’t suffer the effects of direct sunlight.
Below Zero
Extremely cold conditions lead to just as many problems for outdoor digital signage as high heat levels. Screens having to operate in sub-zero conditions are liable to fail without adequate protection as the freezing temperatures leads to circuit damage. If any condensation has penetrated inside the display, when it freezes, the expansion leads to further damage.
Keeping internal temperatures at optimal operating conditions requires insulating the display from the outside and providing heat, when required using internal heaters ensuring the screen remains at the optimum temperature.
It is also important for the outside of the LCD enclosure to be kept free of snow and ice, particularly from the screen face so this heat is allowed to transfer through, preventing any build-up.
Seasonal Combinations
In some locations, outdoor digital signage screens face both extremes of temperature as seasonal changes lead to high heat levels in the summer and sub-zero conditions in the winter. The customized nature of an LCD enclosure enables screens to function even in these sorts of locations using temperature-controlled solutions to provide optimal conditions regardless of the ambient and seasonal differences.
