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HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT LED DISPLAY
There are numerous ways to go about selecting the right LED display. However, this section will give you a crash course on the basic concepts of selecting an electronic messaging. The following criteria will assist you in finding the correct LED display :
1. VIEWING DISTANCE AND TIME
While, most people start out with an idea on the physical size of the LED display, this is not the correct first step to follow. Instead, determine the viewing distance, or the distance from where you want the majority of the audience to read your message. As a general rule of thumb, a one inch character is viewable from up to 50 feet away. For example, a person standing 400 feet away from a electronic message display can recognize an eight inch or larger character on the display. In addition, the traffic pattern in front of the LED display needs to be taken into consideration. A driver in a 45kph ( kilometer per hour ) speed zone will have less time to read a message than a pedestrian walking on the sidewalk. On average, the typical audience will need at least 3 to 4 seconds to read about 6 to 8 groupings of text and/or graphics. For example, the phrase "VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. CALL 555-1212", would constitute four groupings of text. Understanding viewing distance and time will help you determine the correct size of your display. For more information about travel distance, please consult the following link on viewing distance and time.
2. TEXT VS. GRAPHICS
Ideally, everyone wants to display text and graphics. In reality, certain applications do not need to display graphics, such as financial information, community announcements, upcoming events, name directory, etc. Furthermore, zoning and sign ordinance differ from place to place and may prohibit or limit the use of graphics with electronic messaging systems in outdoor settings. Please, consult with your local government's ordinance to determine if electronic messaging displays are allowed. For displaying adequate graphics, you need to consider a LED display that has at least 16 pixels in height. We recommended a minimum of 32 pixels in height for displaying good graphics.
3. MESSAGE CONTENT (RESOLUTION. AND LINES OF TEXT)
The next thing you should consider is how much content you want to display on your electronic messaging system at once. LED displays give you the flexibility of displaying multiple messages by cycling through the messages at a delayed interval. Therefore, think about how many lines of text and number of characters per line you want. Usually it is a good idea to have at least two lines of text and twelve characters per line. With full matrix LED displays that can display graphics and animation, you also want to consider the resolution. Resolution is defined by the pitch and the number of pixels in your display. Usually, higher the number of pixel (refer to the pixel matrix value in the specification charts), higher the resolution. Resolution is important for video boards ( True Color Screen ) and should maintain an aspect ratio of 3H:4W or 9H:16W.
4. PHYSICAL SIZE
Most manufacturers of electronic messaging system carry standard models that are of a certain physical size. You can check our standard models by going to the menu above and selecting Products and Specifications. Because, Inwood is a full-service manufacturer, we can modify our standard models or custom build electronic messaging systems to suit your needs.
5. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
We have covered the basic factors you need to consider when selecting an electronic messaging system. There are other factors that you may need to take into consideration. While we do not go into details here, please feel free to contact us and we will be glad to explain it to you. |
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VIEWING DISTANCE & TIME
Viewing distance is one of the most important factors used to determine the correct size of a LED display. As a general rule: 1 inch of text is viewable up to 50 feet away or 25mm of text is viewable up to 15m away. The following diagram illustrates at what distance and character size an audience will recognize and understand the content shown on an LED display if the audience is stationary.
However, another factor is required when the target audience is not stationary. Based on general experience and research, an average of at least four seconds is needed for a moving audience to adequately recognize and comprehend the content of a sign. The following chart lists the maximum time an audience will have to view a sign with specific characters size. For example, a sign with four inch texts is not suited for 72kph traffic, because the audience will have only three seconds to view display.
As a summary:
• 2 inch text works well in most foot traffic areas, such as for indoor applications.
• 4 to 6 inch text is ideal for 45mph or under traffic, such as outdoor church and school applications.
• 8 inch text or larger works is suited for most outdoor applications where traffic is 60mph or slower.
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Character Size |
Max. Viewing Distance |
Max. Viewing Time (seconds) |
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inch |
mm |
foot |
meter |
25mph / 40kph |
35mph / 56kph |
45mph / 72kph |
55mph / 89kph |
65mph / 104kph |
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2 |
51 |
100 |
31 |
2.7 |
1.9 |
1.5 |
1.2 |
1.0 |
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4 |
102 |
200 |
61 |
5.5 |
3.9 |
3.0 |
2.5 |
2.1 |
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5 |
127 |
250 |
76 |
6.8 |
4.9 |
3.8 |
3.1 |
2.6 |
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6 |
152 |
300 |
91 |
8.2 |
5.8 |
4.5 |
3.7 |
3.1 |
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8 |
203 |
400 |
122 |
10.9 |
7.8 |
6.1 |
5.0 |
4.2 |
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9 |
229 |
450 |
137 |
12.3 |
8.8 |
6.8 |
5.6 |
4.7 |
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10 |
254 |
500 |
152 |
13.6 |
9.7 |
7.6 |
6.2 |
5.2 |
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12 |
305 |
600 |
183 |
16.4 |
11.7 |
9.1 |
7.4 |
6.3 |
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16 |
406 |
800 |
244 |
21.8 |
15.6 |
12.1 |
9.9 |
8.4 |
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20 |
508 |
1,000 |
305 |
27.3 |
19.5 |
15.2 |
12.4 |
10.5 |
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24 |
610 |
1,200 |
366 |
32.7 |
23.4 |
18.2 |
14.9 |
12.6 |
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36 |
914 |
1,800 |
549 |
49.1 |
35.1 |
27.3 |
22.3 |
18.9 |
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48 |
1,200 |
2,400 |
732 |
65.5 |
46.8 |
36.4 |
29.8 |
25.2 |
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60 |
1,542 |
3,000 |
914 |
81.8 |
58.4 |
45.5 |
37.2 |
31.5 |
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COMMUNICATION METHODS:
The type of communication method used to communicate with the LED display is another important component of a complete electronic messaging system. The following descriptions about different communication methods will give you a better understanding about the benefits and considerations:
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DESCRIPTIONS:
The direct cable communications method uses a RS232 ( 9 pin connector) cable to connect the PC or laptop to the LED display. Recommended for indoor use. Multiple LED displays can be networked together in a daisy chain format using RS422 cables. RS422 cables are also supported for direct connection between PC and LED display with converter.
BENEFITS:
• Simple and easy to install.
• Inexpensive. All indoor multi-line Inwood’s displays comes with 1 meter RS232 cables.
CONSIDERATIONS:
• RS232 cables recommended for distances up to 30 meters
• RS422 cables recommended for distances up to 100 meters.
• RS485 cables recommended for distances up to 1000 meters.
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DESCRIPTIONS:
The direct cable communication method for outdoor applications uses fiber optics to ensure protection from surges and improved data performance. Fiber optic's capability to handle large data transmission and provide great video quality makes it an ideal communication method for video boards.
BENEFITS:
• Will not conduct ambient electrical surges.
• Supports distances up to 2.5 miles.
• Can handle transmission of large data files and provide large bandwidth.
CONSIDERATIONS:
• Fiber optic cables require delicate handling and may be expensive to install.
• Require ground conduit for fiber optic cable. Power conduit may be used.
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DESCRIPTIONS:
Uses standard off the shelf phone modems and public telephone networks to communicate with LED display. Recommended for either indoor or outdoor applications.
BENEFITS:
• Remote access.
• No distance/range restrictions.
CONSIDERATIONS:
• A dedicated phone line is required.
• Phone line installation fee and monthly recurring fee.
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DESCRIPTIONS:
Uses radio frequency (RF) modems. Recommended mostly for outdoor applications. It is very important that there is line of sight between the computer and the LED display. Metal structures, trees, water towers, and physical terrain will impede the reception of the broadcasted message.
BENEFITS:
• Remote access without having to dig conduits in the ground.
• One time cost.
CONSIDERATIONS:
• Range limitations of up to two miles. Repeaters can be used to extend the range.
• Line of sight is required. Weather, terrain, and building can impede reception.
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DESCRIPTIONS:
Uses computer network and/or private intranet to communicate with LED display. Works with either indoor or outdoor units.
BENEFITS:
• Uses existing TCP/IP network without running long cables.
• Stand alone capability.
CONSIDERATIONS:
• Each display requires a converter box, unless daisy chained.
• IT assistance required to create an IP address for the display.
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DESCRIPTIONS:
Uses TCP/IP network and at least one computer running LAN Server software to communicate with the LED display. Works with either indoor or outdoor displays.
BENEFITS:
• Uses existing TCP/IP network without running long cables.
• Access available for multiple users.
CONSIDERATIONS:
• Dedicated computer connected to LED display is required.
• Requires LAN Server software. |
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RESOLUTION AND PITCH
The resolution quality is an important factor of any video board and electronic message center that displays graphics. How can you determine what is good resolution and what is not? The first step is to understand what is resolution. A simple definition of resolution is the degree of sharpness and clarity of a displayed image. In LED displays, resolution is determined by the matrix area and pitch.
• The matrix area, also know as the pixel matrix, corresponds to the number pixels that makes up
the display area. In our industry, we express the matrix area in the number of pixels vertically by
number of pixels horizontally, such as 16x64.
• The pitch is defined as the distance between two pixels. The distance is measured from the center
of one pixel to the center of the next pixel.
16mm / 0.62 inch pitch
(Drawn to scale)
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16mm pitch results in a 5x7 matrix area
(Drawn to 2:5 scale)
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10mm pitch results in a 8x11 matrix area
(Drawn to 2:5 scale)
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Interesting enough, pitch can also influence the pixel matrix for a given area. For example, a 16mm pitch will give you a 5x7 matrix area, while a 10mm pitch will give you a 8x11 matrix area for the same area. Pitch determines the amount of empty space between the pixels. A small pitch has less empty space between pixels than a big pitch. The matrix area determines how many pixels there. The bigger the better. Therefore, the smaller the pitch and larger the matrix area, the greater the resolution, as shown above. The image on the right has a better resolution, because the pitch is smaller and the matrix area is larger.
In summary and as reference:
• Smaller the pitch, higher the resolution.
• Larger the matrix area, higher the resolution.
• Full matrix message centers that displays graphics should have at least 16 pixels in height. We
recommend 32 pixels in height.
• Resolution for video boards ( True color screen ) should maintain an aspect ratio of 3H:4W or
9H:16W with at least 96 pixels in height.
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| VIEWING ANGLE AND BRIGHTNESS | | | |
VIEWING ANGLE AND BRIGHTNESS
One of the most confusing terms in the electronic messaging system industry is the viewing angle. Most people and manufacturers assume that the viewing angle is the angle at which you can view an electronic messaging display. In reality, viewing angle is related to brightness. The LED industry defines viewing angle as the full angle at which brightness is half of the brightness from dead center. More scientifically, if φ (angle theta) is the angle from off center (0°) where the LED's brightness is half, the 2φ is defined as the full viewing angle, as represented by Figure 1 below. The entire yellow portion represents a 70° viewing angle, while the orange portion represents a 90° viewing angle
Figure 1: Viewing Angle.
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Figure 2: Example brightness based on a 70° viewing angle.
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Figure 2 illustrates how brightness is influenced by a viewing angle of 70°. An electronic messaging display with a brightness of 8,000 NIT viewed at 50° from off center will be just as bright as a 2,000 NIT display viewed head on. While a LED display is not as bright when viewed at an angle beyond the stated viewing angle, there is still sufficient brightness to read the display. Therefore, a viewer can still read a LED display beyond the stated viewing angle. How much further? The answer is dependent on the LED display's brightness, ambient light and contrast conditions. We refer to this extended readability as the reading angle. Please note, this is just a general representation and not factual for every LED display with 70° viewing angle. All values are estimates.
In summary and as reference:
• Viewing angle is the angle at which the LED's brightness is halved.
• Reading angle is the angle at which a typical person can adequately read an electronic message center.
• The reading angle is typically more than the viewing angle.
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(Double click on each picture to magnify
and read each specifications)
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Ecuador
Model No. :
M25-24x192
Pitch Size : 25mm
Resolution : 24x192
dots
Display Area : 60x480 cm |
Taipei, Taiwan
Model No. :
M20-144x192
Pitch Size : 20mm
Resolution : 144x192
dots
Display Area : 288x384 cm |
Taipei, Taiwan
Model No. :
M25-112x160
Pitch Size : 25mm
Resolution : 112x160
dots
Display Area : 280x400 cm |
Singapore
Model No. :
M20-144x288
Pitch Size : 20mm
Resolution : 144x288
dots
Display Area : 288x576 cm |
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Taipei, Taiwan
Model No. :
M20-192x224
Pitch Size : 20mm
Resolution : 192x224
dots
Display Area : 384x448 cm |
Taichung, Taiwan
Model No. :
M20-192x272
Pitch Size : 20mm
Resolution : 192x272
dots
Display Area : 384x544 cm |
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Netherlands
Model No. :
M26-128x160
Pitch Size : 26mm
Resolution : 128x160
dots
Display Area : 333x416 cm |
Netherlands
Model No. :
M16-160x160
Pitch Size : 16mm
Resolution : 160x160
dots
Display Area : 256x256 cm |
Netherlands
Model No. :
M20-96x144
Pitch Size : 20mm
Resolution : 96x144
dots
Display Area : 192x288 cm |
Netherlands
Model No. :
M20-128x160
Pitch Size : 20mm
Resolution : 128x160
dots
Display Area : 256x320 cm |
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Netherlands
Model No. :
M26-112x160
Pitch Size : 26mm
Resolution : 112x160
dots
Display Area : 291x416 cm |
Netherlands
Model No. :
M20-144x192
Pitch Size : 20mm
Resolution : 144x192
dots
Display Area : 288x384 cm |
Netherlands
Model No. :
M21-144x192
Pitch Size : 21mm
Resolution : 144x192
dots
Display Area : 302x403 cm |
Rotterdam,
Netherlands
Model No. :
M21-1144x192
Pitch Size : 21mm
Resolution :
144x192 dots
Display Area : 302x403
cm |
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Rio De Janeiro,
Brazil
Model No. : M3125-144x160
Pitch Size :
31.25mm
Resolution : 144x160 dots
Display Area :
450x500 cm |
San Paulo,
Brazil
Model No. : M50-80x112
Pitch Size :
50mm
Resolution : 80x112 dots
Display Area :
400x560 cm |
Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas,
NV
Model No. : M508-224x304
Pitch Size :
50.8mm
Resolution : 224x304 dots
Display Area :
1138x1544 cm |
MGM Grand, Las Vegas,
NV
Model No. : M26-240x320
Pitch Size :
26mm
Resolution : 240x320 dots
Display Area :
624x832 cm |
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Excalibur, Las Vegas,
NV
Model No. : M26-208x288
Pitch Size :
26mm
Resolution : 208x288 dots
Display Area :
541x749 cm |
Paris Paris, Las Vegas,
NV
Model No. : M508-176x240
Pitch Size :
50.8mm
Resolution : 176x240 dots
Display Area :
894x1219 cm |
Philippine
Model No. :
M42-128x160
Pitch Size : 42mm
Resolution : 128x160
dots
Display Area : 538x672 cm |
World Trade Center,
Singapore
Model No. :
M3125-192x256
Pitch Size : 31.25mm
Resolution : 192x256
dots
Display Area : 600x800 cm |
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Tainan, Taiwan
Model No. :
M20-256x224
Pitch Size : 20mm
Resolution : 256x224
dots
Display Area : 512x448 cm |
Southern Taiwan University of Technology,
Taiwan
Model No. : M16-192x256
Pitch Size :
16mm
Resolution : 192x256 dots
Display Area :
307x410 cm |
China
Steel, Taiwan
Model No. : M3125-128x160
Pitch Size :
31.25mm
Resolution : 128x160 dots
Display Area :
400x500 cm |
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SL2005 for Windows. Manual ( MB)
A powerful application packed with versatility that is simple to use and install. Animation and graphic capabilities allow you to develop dynamic and eye-catching messages. A multitude of fonts and sizes lets you maximize your presentation. SL2005 is used in conjunctions with Full Matrix Display product line.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:
• PC with processor 800MHz or higher.
• Microsoft Windows 95/98/2000/XP or higher
• 20MB of hard disk space.
• 256MB of RAM memory.
• CD-ROM drive (for installation only).
• Mouse or compatible pointing device.
• Serial Port (for direct communication with display).
Features
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Automated installation for easy setup. |
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All MS Windows font. |
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50+ animation and display modes, such as scroll, box in, box out, rotate…etc. |
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Built-in time, temperature, humidity and UV commands. |
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Simulator for program testing. |
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Sample graphic library included. |
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Supports .BMP, .CUT, .JPG, .JPEG, .ICO, .EMF and .WMF graphic files. |
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Single segment or Multi-segments download mode. |
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Time display mode. |
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Network configurable and compatible. |
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Foreign language support: French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Big 5 Chinese, and Japanese...etc. |
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SMS for Windows. Manual ( MB)
This series of product would lead you entering the ERA of LED full-color digital product which includes various Message Display Board products for different requirement. It's our guarantee of the best | | | |
