LED Signs – Making the Right Choice

What is LED?

LED signs are a compelling and cost-effective advertising solution and are fast becoming the most popular choice for eye-catching signage.

LED signs use small electronic semi-conductors called light emitting diodes, which convert electricity into light. Many LED lamps positioned close to each other can create the effect of a large, illuminated screen, working day and night to grab the attention of passers-by and deliver maximum returns.

LEDs are energy efficient and highly durable, making them a low maintenance and cost-saving option for vibrant and engaging signs that stop people in their tracks, day after day. They are also a more eco-friendly alternative to other illuminated signage technology as they are free from lead, mercury and glass.

LED Signs – Making the Right Choice

There are various different types of LED signs, so it is important to consider the following:

Location and Sign Type: Outdoor, Indoor, In-window, Mobile. When it comes to choosing the right LED sign for your needs, location is key. For outdoor positions, where your sign will be directly exposed to weather and other external factors, such as a roadside, high-rise buildings or billboards, an outdoor LED sign is essential.

Form and Shape: Cabinet, frame, flat or curved LED Signs.

Aspect and Brightness – If your outdoor LED sign is facing into direct sunlight, it will need a higher brightness in order to stand out. We can even install automatic light sensors to adjust the brightness of the LED sign according to the level of sunlight.

Serviceability – Front and/or back serviced LED Signs.

Pitch, Size and Viewing Angle – Pixels per square metre, brightness, size.
The pitch will influence the nature of your on-screen content and the range from which it can be viewed by passers-by. P10 is a popular choice for distances of 20-100 metres, for maximum visibility and engagement. P4 and P6 are better suited to situations where there is a high level of pedestrian traffic and the viewing distance is as little as 3 to 6 metres.

The latest LED signs are designed to display the highest quality picture across the widest possible viewing range, and usually offer a viewing angle of at least 160 degrees.

Colour – Full colour, single or multicolour LED Signs. This is highly dependent on the function of your LED sign. For entrance and exit signs, or a label such as a store name, single colour is usually sufficient and is the most cost-effective option.

However, for most applications, the full colour option has the potential to deliver the best returns – especially for larger screens.

Sound – Depending on the nature of your LED sign, sound can play a crucial role in the immersive experience and overall impact. This is especially true for news, entertainment or fashion displays, and you should also consider real-time broadcast support.

Software and Content Management System.

Network – Your LED sign can be a stand alone screen, or linked to a local or global display network of multiple different screens.

Duty Cycle – It is important to take into account how much, and how often, your sign is going to be in use. For example, an LED scoreboard for a sports stadium is going to have a very different utilisation rate than a roadside billboard that is required to operate 24/7, and this means significantly different demands on the technology.

While a lower price may be tempting at the outset, you will end up spending far more on maintenance and repairs in the future if you don’t choose a product that is up to your demands. The duty cycle applies to everything from the actual LED lamps and modules, to power supplies, communication devices, media player or computer systems, and every other subsystem. Make the right choice now, prioritising quality rather than the lowest possible price, and reap the benefits in the long run. Contact Voxson now!