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Electronic Displays
(The New Signs) From Tokyo, to Piccadilly Circus, to Times Square, large electric signs have become major elements of a city's landscape. In some instances they generate more income than the buildings hosting them.
The potential increased income is expanding signage design and installation as a new market.
At the turn of the century, simple incandescent lamps, powered by direct current, were the light source of choice. These lights would either flash on and off or travel along the length of the sign. Today, a sign's light source is determined by cost and message. Modern technology has expanded the available use of fluorescent lamps, fiber optics, strobe lamps, fluorescent discharge tubes and light emitting diodes (LEDs).
The SONY sign installed in Times Square in the 1980s was one of the first full-motion video signs. It consisted of numerous television monitors grouped together along with a video processor that allowed placement of the logo on the entire face of the sign. This sign was later replaced by the Panasonic sign, which uses fluorescent discharge tube technology. A series of small tubes one inch wide by half an inch high emanate red, green and blue light elements. Today, with the advent of long life and high light output, LED electronic signs support a great variety of colorful displays including full motion video.
Since a number of manufacturers offer LEDs in addition to other technologies, it is vital to select the right technology for the required application. Deciding factors are life expectancy, light output, pixel pitch, color matching, service and technical support.
Critical systems for signs installed on new and existing buildings include power and air conditioning for video processing equipment and data cabling. Electrical loads for a typical LED sign can vary from between 150 to 200 watts per square foot, not including air conditioning. Additional electric service to the building may be required since the signs must be visible day and night.
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