Outdoor Digital Signage – What is required?

Outdoor digital signage is a highly effective method of communication. An outdoor digital sign can provide a platform for organisations to communicate to staff, customers and visitors. From colleges, churches and retail stores, to train stations, airports and distribution hubs, outdoor digital signage can provide a direct and engaging form of communication that no other messaging system can match.

Outdoor digital signage enclosure protect outdoor displays

Eye-catching and engaging, outdoor digital signage is also flexible and able to display content almost instantly, making it ideal for emergency messages and for adapting information to suit different times of the day.

Essentially, outdoor digital signage is the same as digital screens seen in indoor areas, such as shopping malls and airports. As with indoor screens, an outdoor digital signage display requires a screen, which can be an LCD TV, plasma screen or touch screen; a digital signage player, for uploading content to the display; and some form of software platform to handle the content and permit scheduling.

Outdoor digital signage, however, does require one other attribute that indoor displays don’t need, an ability to function in all weathers and temperatures, and for normal screens this means they also require an outdoor digital signage enclosure.

Weatherproof Outdoor Digital Signage

Outdoor digital signage enclosures provide protection from the weather. Rain, snow, sleet, hail and the wind, all need protecting against to prevent the screen becoming damaged. Most outdoor digital signage enclosures are built to guidelines such as the European IP 65 and the American NEMA 4 standard. These guidelines demonstrate that the outdoor digital signage enclosure can withstand the basic weather elements of an outdoor environment.

Temperature Control for Outdoor Digital Signage

Outdoor digital signage doesn’t just need weatherproofing. Protection from the variable and seasonal temperatures is also essential. If a screen overheats in the summer, or succumbs to freezing temperatures it will need replacing so outdoor digital signage enclosures have thermostatically controlled components such as cooling fans and heaters to ensure the internal temperature of the enclosure remains at the optimum for the enclosed screen.

Physical Protection for Outdoor Digital Signage

Another attribute outdoor digital signage requires is physical protection, especially if it is to be left in exposed or unsupervised locations. Vandalism and the risk of accidental impact can lead to a screen needing replacement, so outdoor digital signage enclosures are manufactured to be tough and resilient. Often made from steel and with shatterproof screens, outdoor digital signage enclosures ensure the housed screen can’t be damaged through impact, whether accidental or deliberate.

Sun Protection for Outdoor Digital Signage

The sun can also cause problems for outdoor digital signage. Direct sunlight can cause reflection problems, while high ambient brightness can make the screen unreadable. Because of this, high brightness screens are the best solution for outdoor digital signs, while if the display is positioned facing the sun, some form of anti reflective protection should cover the screen face.