Sometimes referred to as mesh, or curtain, or transparent screens, LED strip screens have been on the market for several years but provide much more than just transparency. Of course transparency was a significant factor in their use by the events industry as special effects backdrops but their light weight design was also an attractive feature.
LED strip displays are basically strips of usually extruded aluminum, or plastic, into which the LED’s and drive electronics are assembled and sealed. These strips are attached to a frame, and the usual power supplies and data electronics are either located in enclosed boxes at the rear of each frame or in some cases may be located off-screen to the side or top.
They can be 30% to 60% lighter than traditional screens reducing transport costs, structural frame costs and installation costs.
There is however a down side to transparency which is that LED strip displays have reduced contrast compared to traditional screens. In the events industry curtains may be employed when a transparency is not needed, while there are some strip screens available with ‘louvers’ which can be used to block the gaps between strips enhancing contrast when needed. The down side of these adjustable features is that such mechanical systems can fail so be sure that the system is robust.
It may also be possible to add fixed louvers certain applications improving contrast for the viewer of the video image while maintaining transparency for those viewing through the screen from behind. LED strip displays are increasingly popular for mounting onto building where occupants wish to maintain their window views. The light weight means that minimal structural interface to the walls are needed and the additional loading may not be a concern. Further front service versions mean that the depth off the building face may be much slimmer than with traditional screens.
They are also increasingly in demand for rooftop advertising where the light weight and reduced structural demands make for simpler installation but also where the LED strips offer another significant advantage in allowing wind to pass through the display screen reducing wind loading, which also reduces the demands on the structural frame. Weather proofing is an extremely important concern in such locations where high winds, and extreme weather conditions are experienced.
Many LED strip screen manufacturers shy away from such installations or offer minimum warranty because it is a harsh environment.
Usually selected in pitch options of 25mm to 150mm rooftop LED strip display screens with daylight brightness provide a unique opportunity combining advertising capability with corporate branding at relatively low product and installation costs.
A new 25mm pitch LED strip display screen has just been launched which has both daylight brightness, and front service capability. Available in both outdoor SMD and DIP (discrete) LED it is fully front service capable. Power and data cables are routed through the strip providing maximum structural transparency for installation on glass walls, while the LED strip casing is made of 6063-T5 fire-proof aluminum alloy coated with weather-resistant materials. The entire display structure has IP65 protection, with support frame robust enough to withstand tropical storms. Additional sealing is possible to achieve IP67 for further protection.
For more information please contact Dave Bateman.