Outdoor advertising has been around in different forms since time immemorial, thanks to its useful features like local targeting and continuous exposure, making it a sure-shot way to grab attention. Outdoor LED signs are the modern-day version of outdoor advertising that helps businesses enhance their visual communication and presence with walk-by audiences. They provide real-time information to onlookers and can be seen more commonly in cities, on highways, and in busy public areas.

How do outdoor LED signs work?
Light-emitting diode or LED is a semiconductor that directs electricity or current in one direction. These signs use advanced technology and complex electrical circuits to light a microchip in LED lights, which illuminates diodes when touched by electricity. Outdoor LED signs are also quite safe to use and do not produce high heat, a function handled by a heat sink that absorbs it.

Features to consider in outdoor LED signs

Ability to function in harsh weather
Make sure that the chosen outdoor LED sign can withstand harsh weather conditions, including hot and cold climates, rain, wind, dust, or humidity. The screen should not only be weatherproof but also resistant to corrosion. The best way to know this is to test the product as a trial or seek reviews and testimonials from those who’ve already purchased it.

Image quality
The digital signage’s image quality is of utmost importance. The purpose of it is to attract customers, who will only be driven towards it if the display quality of the signage is top-notch. Check the pixel pitch and the gap between the red, green, and blue (RGB) color pixels. Select a pixel pitch that allows a comfortable viewing experience even at longer distances. Moreover, the pixel range could be as low as 0.9mm with an optimal viewing distance of 3 meters to 40mm.

Price and warranty
Always buy LED signage from a trusted supplier to ensure quality and durability. Low-cost sellers may use substandard material for production, which can affect its performance. So, it’s best to check whether the supplier offers a warranty along with the sign. Usually, these signs last up to 100,000 hours when maintained well. Many suppliers may offer up to 10-year warranty on these, or more for some products. But remember to check the terms and coverage of the warranty thoroughly and read the fine print for any exceptions and service limitations.

Benefits of outdoor LED signs

High definition
LED signs display images and videos in high definition (HD), with clarity and sharpness that may not be possible with other advertising mediums. If the content, including text and images, of an ad or marketing campaign on the LED sign is clear, onlookers are likely to pay attention to it.

Energy efficient
Outdoor LED displays are highly energy efficient when compared to regular bulbs or incandescent lights and can help save on electricity bills. LEDs produce 100+ lumens per watt, as opposed to 10-17 lumens per watt for incandescent lights. Plus, they last longer, which means one need not replace or maintain them too often, making them an ideal investment. But these features also bump up the prices of LED displays.

Safe to use
Outdoor LED screens do not have any toxic mercury or breakable glass as neons or other fluorescent lights do. This makes them quite safe to use outdoors. LED signs also do not heat up extensively like other lights, reducing the chances of fire and enabling one to use them longer without worrying about their wear and tear.

High-quality light
LED screens are easier to read in direct sunlight or at long distance, thanks to their high resolution and brightness. Even in bright sunlight, the visibility of the LED screen stays clear and uninterrupted. The advanced technology used in LED screens makes the color accuracy and consistency superior to other alternatives.

Customizable
Outdoor LED signs come in the latest designs and can be remotely controlled through phone or other AI-based devices. They can change colors and display patterns, making them easy to customize.

Weather resistant
Outdoor LED displays are made from strong, durable materials like aluminum and tempered glass, so they can work well even in conditions like rain, snow, or strong winds.

Advertising marvels
With LED displays, one can showcase any ads, events, virtual reality (VR) games, live sporting events, movies, or plain store information through normal video or even 3D animation for promotional reasons. The display offers the freedom to create dynamic and engaging content that can capture the audience’s attention. Since these screens offer a seamless viewing experience, they also tend to attract more audiences and onlookers.

One should remember that not all LED signs are made the same way. The material used in their production can affect the way they work and how long they last. While the maintenance may be minimal, they still need to be cleared of dirt and debris to ensure they function optimally. One can wipe down the sign periodically and ensure all connections are secure and free of corrosion.