The use of screens for advertising and signage is transforming our high streets and shopping centres. No longer is digital signage just found in indoor locations as more and more outdoor campaigns are springing up all over the place.
In many areas, outdoor digital signage is quite straight forward to install. An outdoor LCD enclosure or other housing for the screen will protect the LCD (or plasma) from the effects of rain and also provide some security for the unit.
However, in many locations some extreme temperatures are reached in the winter and summer months with sub zero temperatures and scorching sunlight a problem for many LCD screens and outdoor digital signage systems.
Sub Zero Digital Signage
The extreme cold can cause problems for signage screens. Any moisture or condensation that develops inside the LCD TV will expands when temperatures drop, this can cause permanent damage of the electronics of any TV system.
Unfortunately condensation inside electronic devices is almost impossible to prevent, even by using a restricted breathing enclosure (completely airtight) . However, you can prevent this condensation from freezing by ensuring there is a heater system inside the LCD enclosure.
Often in areas that experience seasonal dips in temperature, outdoor digital signage systems are fitted with automatic thermostatic controlled heaters.
Screens under the sun
When it comes to extremely hot temperatures and direct sunlight then protection becomes rather more complicated. Heat is a constant problem for any digital signage system. Even an indoor unit will need some air flow system to carry away heat from the components.
However, in locations where the ambient temperature is also very high, multiple air flow systems have to be installed and even air conditioning for extreme heat.
The sun too can cause problems for LCD and plasma screens. Direct sunlight will cause glare, preventing the screen from being read it can also cause hotspots that can permanently damage the screen.
Anti-glare glass is often used to defend against sun glare whilst an air curtain that sends a flow of air across the TV screen prevents damaging hotspots from building up.
