LED VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGNS (VMS)

The term Variable Message Sign (VMS) primarily and traditionally used to describe a simple, electronic roadside sign designed to display traffic, safety or speed related information to passing drivers.

In some industries such as Mining, Construction and Infrastructure (Roadworks service providers, Main Roads Departments) the term VMS is often used to refer to any or all types of dynamic LED signage, however VMS predominantly indicates a SIMPLE, LOW RESOLUTION sign capable of 1 or 2 colours and 2 or 3 lines of text.

Technically, any digital LED sign capable of displaying multiple messages can be labelled or described as a “Variable Message Sign” however the differences in resolution and brightness are what sets apart LED Signs and LED Displays with signs often known as VMS.

A typical sign referred to as VMS will have between 30mm and 50mm pixel pitch (the distance between the center of two pixels) which means the LED clusters (pixels) are spaced farther apart. This results in:

• Lower resolution, making the board suitable for simple messages or graphics.
• Best viewed from longer distances to avoid the appearance of pixelation.

Higher-Resolution LED Sign Boards feature smaller pixel pitches (e.g., 16mm, 10mm, or even 5mm).

This closer spacing creates:

• A higher resolution, enabling sharper and more detailed images and text.
• Suitable for shorter viewing distances while maintaining clarity.