Digital Signage Need to Know: Future-proofed DS, how future friendly is your Digital Signage?

-Deacon Wardlow

Future-proofing is a popular concept with construction and architecture. With the advancement of technologies and the ever-changing materials which go into making a building, companies are looking to the future and designing new construction to allow older technology to be readily and (easily) upgraded and leaving room for advancements buildings may need for future tech (i.e. empty conduits for cabling, space for controls, and other options). The future-proofing concept isn't only for architecture.

I don't believe most Digital Signage manufacturers design their systems around planned obsolescence, but it definitely feels that way to end-users after a few years. While lower-cost digital signage systems using an embedded controller are great, what happens when the client wants to integrate a third party application or product? Embedded controllers and proprietary equipment mean the end-user has to use whatever the original provider has available. If a new technology comes along, integration often means scrapping the control solution and/or a lot of additional work to integrate. Systems which are "future-proofed" are built using technology which can accomodate change down the road. Here are a few things to be wary of and some things to look for when evaluating how "future friendly" a Digital Signage system (LED Signs, LCD indoor, HD control systems, etc.) really is.

Control Solution:
Embedded controller running Linux/droid or Windows-based IPC?

Embedded controllers definitely have a place and function in the market. Their reliability is excellent and they're great at specific tasks. Unfortunately an embedded control solution is basically a stripped-down system created to perform a very specific task, When working to integrate newer tech or a 3rd party system, it's difficult (often not possible) to do anything without replacing the system. While a windows-based IPC (industrial PC) will cost more, the flexibility and ability to readily upgrade a system to integrate new features/functions lengthens the lifetime performance of the system available.

Third Party Options:
Will it work with X?

While we all like to believe we're delivering the best system available, times (and tech) change constantly. It's hard to know if something bigger and better will be available in 6 months or 6 years. Ask the manufacturer/vendor you're working with what's required to integrate new third-party technology (software and/or hardware) into their system. Does the system currently available/on the table have the ability to easily/readily integrate third-party hardware and/or software? Can the manufacturer/supplier team work with a third party company to integrate a feature the client may see as a "must have" option when it's available? If the response is skepticism or, "you'll need a different control system" - you may want to look elsewhere.

Investment vs. Purchase

I've covered this topic in the past. Digital Signage is definitely an investment by an organization and/or individual. The best investments offer growth and a substantial return for the investor. Whether the system is $2,000 or $2,000,000 - the investment an end-user is making with digital signage should set them up with a solid foundation which allows the end-user to take advantage of new opportunities and technology down the road. Don't be the one selling a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get). Be the advisor who delivers an investment the end-user can feel happy with for years to come, a solution which delivers time and again and is as "future friendly" as possible. Don't be "that person" who is sticking with the "same old" tech - expect more, deliver more and you'll have clients coming back to you time and again.

Vantage LED has white paper resources and more educational material on the website (http://www.vantageled.com), please check it out when you have a moment. Note all posts/thoughts/writings are strictly the viewpoint of me and me alone and do not reflect nor speak for Vantage LED’s beliefs, attitudes, thoughts, etc. unless specifically noted. Direct emails can be sent to deacon@spectacularmedia.com for queries and/or assistance.

Digital Signage Need to Know: Why simple software is better with DS.

-Deacon Wardlow

Simple is better. Look at all the things which have taken off in popularity because of simplification:

Point-n-Click cameras: (as opposed to complicated cameras which required a careful study of light, timing, range, etcetera)

Computers: say what you will about Apple, but the Lisa was in a ton of schools because it gave children an intro to the world of computing which was easy and familiar and now even toddlers can operate a tablet (before they can even speak)

Web Browsers: no dialup, no need to know a BBS (Bulletin Board System) phone number or access address and log information. Browsing information from another system is as simple as a search or entering a web address.

Web Design: one of my first jobs coding was developing a web site, the interview was a blank piece of paper where I had to write the code (on paper, completely from memory) to make a website look like a printed out page in front of me. Now web development is as simple as drag-and-drop

Digital Signage (DS): hold up here you say? DS is getting simpler and the leaders in the industry understand change is necessary.

Taking Apple's new iOS 7 platform for example. The system has a tremendous number of back-end changes which most end-users won't appreciate. While I don't like the flat colors and simple look, I understand what Apple is going for. They want the interface to change, but remain intuitive. Apple opted to go back to their roots of "simple is better" and make that happen both in the way the iOS device works and looks. 

It's important for DS to be simple. DS systems are made to convey content to the public. Sometimes the purpose is for financial gain, other times the goal is more outreach and objective oriented rather than income-driven. With DS, the common saying is, "Content is King." The problem with content is it needs to update dynamically, it needs to change frequently, and it needs to be timely and informative to the public. The difficulty most end-users have with DS systems is the control solution almost requires a computer science degree for some systems while others make the end-user jump through a ton of hoops just to schedule a simple piece. Want dynamic conditional messaging? I hope you're well versed in SQL-based systems and java scripting. 

Change is happening and it's out there. When reviewing LED Sign and other DS systems, take a test drive or ask for a video/example of the control suite for the system. Can the software be learned quickly? Is it easy to use? The easier something is to use, the more frequently it'll be utilized and with DS the more frequently it's updated and maintained, the better. Find out how frequently updates are made with the system. Can the manufacturer customize the solution (while keeping it simple) for specific end-user requests? Is the software capable of being used anywhere and anytime? Can someone access the system from a mobile device or are they locked-in to a single use instance (one installation on a PC in an office or a requirement to pay for additional installations?). 

The easier something is, the greater the appeal. Droid and Apple are demonstrating that with the smartphones in the market, even Microsoft is moving to the cloud to give users better access to systems. Is your manufacturer forward thinking or falling behind the times? If the system your promoting isn't simple to use, the easy answer for the client is go elsewhere for their needs. If the system your promoting isn't simple to use, the easy answer for the client is go elsewhere for their needs.

*Please comment here and/or email me directly with requests, questions, or follow-up at deacon@vantageled.com. Vantage LED has white paper resources and more educational material on the website (http://www.vantageled.com), please check it out when you have a moment. Note all posts/thoughts/writings are strictly the viewpoint of me and me alone and do not reflect nor speak for Vantage LED’s beliefs, attitudes, thoughts, etc. unless specifically noted.

Digital Signage Sales 101: Build bridges, don't burn them.

-Deacon Wardlow

Some of the best opportunities of arisen from a simple, "No." Adversity is an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve. When a client isn't interested in your solution, that's an opportunity to find out why and see if there's a way to make your solution more interesting or appealing. Sometimes the solution just isn't required and you move on to other opportunities but perhaps by moving on too quickly, you just missed a big one.

I enjoy building bridges (metaphorically and literally). This probably started somewhere when I was in the Boy Scouts where I helped construct trail markers, steps on inclines and bridges over streams (better for the hikers and easier on the nature they're there to see). I quickly realized building bridges in life helped others cross the gap we all sometimes have around us. There are times when "burning that bridge" feels great, but you're left with no connection to the past and sometimes that connection can be a huge benefit to your future.

I once had a three hour conversation with a potential client. We talked about technology, discussed the sign industry and advances in design and form. The potential client asked me about software and developments and we discussed the pros and cons of different approaches and different manufacturers. At the end of the conversation, he thanked me for my time and said he had nothing for me but would keep in touch. At the end of a 3 hour conversation when the client said he had nothing for me, I thanked him for his time and followed up with him periodically with updates and additional information (even when I figured chances were good there wouldn’t be any sales opportunities with him).

That particular potential client hasn't bought a single thing since we spoke, but he has directed several new clients my way and is one of my greatest backers as far as referrals and "cheerleading" goes. I've had several people say to me Mr. Soandso just couldn't emphasize enough how important it was for them to call me as I would likely have the solution they were looking for. Building that bridge drove a lot of traffic my way which wouldn't have otherwise come around.

The bridge building takes place closer to home as well. I've seen people in jobs they dislike. For one reason or another the culture doesn't agree with them, the pay isn't high enough, they feel unsupported or it's just not a great fit. I saw two individuals leave a company one month apart from each other. The first to leave stormed into the office of his manager and dropped his computer, equipment and office items (thrown in a box) on the manager's desk saying, "This is my last day; you've got my home address and can send my paycheck there. I'm done." He stormed out (no explanation, no exit interview, no further exchange). The manager mailed the check and that was that. The second person to leave sat down with the manager and they had a long discussion as to what was working and what wasn't. At the end of the talk, they realized the fit wasn't working and he needed to go elsewhere.

The second employee to leave touched-base with the manager from time-to-time, the first was never heard from again. A few months after both had left, the manager received a few phone calls from companies checking on the ex-employees' work records. While he had little more to say on the first employee other than employment dates, the second employee received a commendation from him, a full background on his work (effort was great, just the culture fit wasn't there) and a solid referral.

How we leave a situation and how we follow-up makes a difference between building bridges and burning them. We can never be sure where and from whom an opportunity will arise. It's best to treat each situation with the most dignity, respect and hard effort as it makes a huge difference in not only how others perceive you but in how you ultimately see yourself. The next time temptation arises to burn a bridge, take a moment and realize there's a reason for a bridge's existence. Once a bridge is burnt, it's very difficult to cross the gap.


-DH

*I invite you to comment here and/or email me directly with requests at deacon@vantageled.com. Vantage LED has white paper resources and more educational material on the website (http://www.vantageled.com), please check it out when you have a moment. Note all posts/thoughts/writings are strictly the viewpoint of me and me alone and do not reflect nor speak for Vantage LED’s beliefs, attitudes, thoughts, etc. unless specifically noted.

Digital Signage Need to Know: What does Web App/Cloudware mean for Digital Signage/LED Signs?

-Deacon Wardlow

Digital Signage (DS) and LED Signs have gotten somewhat easier to implement over time, but they're still very complex and daunting and the means of controlling the DS Solution can be the most frustrating component. Whether it's a few LCD screens in a building, an LED Sign on the street or a network of interior and exterior LCD and LED displays nationwide, the solution needs to be scalable, easy to access and (ideally) easy to use. 

For a long time, the only way to access and control the systems was through a network of computers running software which connected everything and made it all work. With the development of Cloudware and Web Apps (which one could argue are one and the same thing), software is going to the wayside just like pay phone booths and "rabbit ears" antenna on a TV. 

Cloudware/Web App
It's very likely you've accessed a web app/cloudware recently. Have you logged in to email on the web via Gmail/Yahoo/Rocketmail/Hotmail-MSN (now outlook.com)/others? Do you have Netflix/Hulu? Watched a YouTube video? These are all examples of web apps running on the cloud. When the five year old at home decides to be helpful and wash their parents' laptop with a sponge and hot soapy water, all is not lost. The email can still be accessed from the web as well as many documents the parents likely edited using Google Apps, Microsoft's 365, documents saved to Dropbox or a similar online "Storage" site, etc.

The cloud means universal access to the programs and information which are important to you without being locked-down to a single computer/access point. These days, web apps can be run on just about any device (smartphones, PC, Mac, tablet, etcetera). If a computer is broken or the smartphone's battery dies, grab another computer someplace and logon. Public terminals (PCs, Macs, other) are being almost as accessible as payphones used to be back in the day.

DS systems now often come with a component which is web app or cloud-based. Many manufacturers are completely moving over to the cloud. End-users no longer have to worry when their computer crashes. They won't lose the content, schedules and programs as it's all saved to the cloud (data storage centers in various locations which are usually backed-up frequently). Once the end-user has access to another computer, the programs, schedules, content and such are there waiting for them to get back to work with. The systems themselves are no longer reliant on a single server or computer to run them. In the past when a server went down, the player were nearly useless. Modern independent controllers/players can "check-in" with the cloud systems and update content, handle schedules and information without relying on a server which may or may not be available.

There are some disadvantages to the cloud (i.e. the network goes down, the customer forgets their login information, a display can't communicate for some reason) but these same problems exist with software on a computer. The biggest difference, when the network is down the players will still run, the customer can request a new password which will often automatically be emailed to them, many cloud-based systems have auto-reporting so they'll alert you to a device not communicating or playing. The advantages far outweight any  concerns raised when making the move.

When you look to the cloud, what do you see? Is your DS solution shaping out up there or is it all a jumble? Feel free to write-in with requests/questions/desire for more detail. We're happy to dig as deep as you need to go to understand the new technologies out there and how to take advantage of them. These days it's a good idea to firmly plant your feet on the ground with your head in the cloud.

-DH

*I invite you to comment here and/or email me directly with requests at deacon@vantageled.com. Vantage LED has white paper resources and more educational material on the website (http://www.vantageled.com), please check it out when you have a moment. Note all posts/thoughts/writings are strictly the viewpoint of me and me alone and do not reflect nor speak for Vantage LED’s beliefs, attitudes, thoughts, etc. unless specifically noted.

Digital Signage Need to Know: System monitoring obstacles and options

-Deacon Wardlow

My first car was a 1981 Ford Escort. The car was far from new and I learned about auto maintenance the hard way (one car component and paycheck at a time). The saving grace was the warning light on the dash. When I saw something light up, it was time for another repair. For the longest time, I wished my DS (Digital Signage) systems had a similar simple warning/alert on the dash BEFORE something happened...

Diagnostics on DS solutions have gotten better over the years. Third party software has helped a lot with this. Many companies build diagnostics into their systems where the system will alert a client if something isn't playing and make sure there's a place-holder bit of content in the interim. Some systems even go so far as to report what the problem is and what's failed. Here are a few techniques people use for System monitoring:

Eyes on the Prize:
Many systems use a digital camera which is often on a network. This requires someone to physically be checking-in on the system periodically. So long as the camera and network connection are functioning, this is a fairly reliable way to check-in on systems, but they require someone to take a look. The person viewing the system may not be aware of what content is running and a system may be stuck on a single piece/frame of content when it's supposed to be running multiple frames/sequences. The system is only as good as the operator.

Third Party Applications:
On the IT (Information Technology End) there are loads of software to monitor networks and various systems running on the network itself (my favorite software is Nagios for this). On the localized-end of things (for single computers or simple networks) people have relied on LogMeIn, TeamViewer, AMMY Admin and other systems which allow you to put a host monitor on a computer/player which will tell you if the player is active or inactive and often has features which allow you to power-cycle a system remotely or remote-in to the system to find out what's going on. While this is great for general monitoring, these primarily only notify you when something has occured, they're not very pro-active and don't typically have options to dig deeper into secondary components for reporting (i.e. telling you if the display itself is on/off and if the network is mapped/running). Again, the system here is only as good as the operator as it requires someone to check the list of active players/systems and verify things are working as they should. Just because the player is running, doesn't mean the display is up and working...

Hardware/firmware Diagnostics:
These are reportables built into the system itself. Often this is available on the higher-end DS systems though many component manufacturers are stepping up and creating reportables for their systems which kick back to a main server or source to tell if everything is okay or not. This is the most ideal solution as these systems not only report on active status, but often keep a running log of performance so a person can get history on an issue; has power gone out repeatedly at a particular location? Is the issue with a single component periodically failing or several components? When did the system go down and how long has it been inactive? Newer systems are also giving pro-active reports which show when a critical component (i.e. an AC-to-DC converter/power supply is drawing too much or pushing too little power to the system which indicates the component requires a check or replacement BEFORE failure.

When you're checking with manufacturers of systems, see what they've put into the dash for a warning system. The dash warning system on my old car saved me from a lot of long walks to a garage or from being stranded in the badlands (before the days of cell phones). Similarly, a solid reporting/monitoring system can save end-users and your company A LOT of headaches and often avoid problems before they arise. Make sure the manufacturer you're dealing with has some sort of system monitoring to light the way when problems arise (or before they happen) so you're not left in the dark.

-DH

*I invite you to comment here and/or email me directly with requests at deacon@vantageled.com. Vantage LED has white paper resources and more educational material on the website (http://www.vantageled.com), please check it out when you have a moment. Note all posts/thoughts/writings are strictly the viewpoint of me and me alone and do not reflect nor speak for Vantage LED’s beliefs, attitudes, thoughts, etc. unless specifically noted.

LED Sign Tech & Spec: Don't get screwed, modern module securing systems.

-Deacon Wardlow

Technology is constantly in a state of change. Not only are new technologies developed almost daily around the world, but innovative engineers and entrepreneurs envision new applications of existing technology. The driving factor behind the change is a need for something better than what's currently in place.

When I first started out learning about LED Signage, I started on the ground level (quite literally, on the ground with some of the oldest Digital display systems in the field). I enjoyed taking systems apart and, when putting them back together, seeing if there was a better way the system could work. When I noticed an improvement, I'd note it and try it out until it was 'just right.' One of my biggest pet peeves was dealing with the LED modules themselves.

Different methods have been used to achieve an "ideal" module design. I've seen fully encapsulated LED modules which snap in place like a giant Lego(tm) blocks. The encapsulated modules were great, but failure rate was somewhat high because of heat which wasn't removed from the system. The standard response was to put a rubber gasket around the back of the module and secure the module to the face with 8-10 screws.

The problem with the screws:
-If the factory workers didn't 100% tighten the screws, there's a small gap which allows for water intrusion.
-When factory workers tighten screws 100%, some of them have the threading stripped and they can't easily be removed for later service.
-When servicing an LED module with screws (often from a bucket or lift 30-80ft in the air), the screws can easily be dropped. If the tech is lucky, they drop in the sign and can (maybe) be retrieved but often they're as lost as a rogue sock in a commercial laundry dryer...

Companies have tried several different fixes, the more popular is screws which are inset in the module (so they can't be lost). The problem with screw tightening,stripping and a service tech not totally fastening all the screws still remains.

The best overall approach is a latch system with two locking/unlocking points. No screws to strip, a simple and quick lock/unlock mechanism to turn for easy service. The best solutions are often simple, but unfortunately this means retooling an assembly line which may not be receptive to change.

How flexible is the company you're working with? Can they affect change quickly in their manufacturing process to resolve an issue/flaw in the product? Does the company LISTEN to their partners and end-users and take action on reasonable requests? The module was a small example of how businesses get screwed frequently. At the end of the day, make sure everything is secure and the manufacturer you're dealing with listens and addresses issues quickly. If you're not careful, you may have bigger issues to deal with than a manufacturer with a few screws loose.

*I invite you to comment here and/or email me directly with requests at deacon@vantageled.com. Vantage LED has white paper resources and more educational material on the website (http://www.vantageled.com), please check it out when you have a moment. Note all posts/thoughts/writings are strictly the viewpoint of me and me alone and do not reflect nor speak for Vantage LED’s beliefs, attitudes, thoughts, etc. unless specifically stated.

LED Sign Tech & Spec: Front Access Design Considerations for Digital Signage and Hinged Faces

-Scott Hofheins

Last year I wrote about the different access options for LED signs, and my opinions based on direct experience with each method. Today, I would like to focus on the "Front Access Face" (Hinged Face) method specifically. There are many ways to do this wrong, and only a  few ways to do it right. Poorly designed systems will cause long term safety, service, and warranty issues for the lifetime of the sign.

At first thought this seems like a great idea. Why not make the entire face open up for service? You can open the sign faster, access the component layout on a large scale, and replace parts more quickly. All of these things can be true but there are definite trade offs to be aware of. Some of these are small, but there are many potentially large factors that must be taken into consideration.


Size
Full size hinged faces will ultimately have a size limitation. Doors that are too large will “bow” leaving the door seals away from the cabinet, allowing water entry and in some cases a skewed image. The exact size limit depends on the design, and what the manufacturer has found works best. The problem is that many manufacturers haven’t found the sweet spot, or do not care to. They are more focused on the short term sale, then the long term support of the sign. Be very careful of over-sized hinged face systems.

Water Entry
This is one of the most common failure points and a huge factor when designing and implementing a hinged face system. There are few designs in the market that address this issue fully, and most systems will have problems in the long run, if not immediately after installation. Manufacturers have found this out the hard way. The good ones have implemented solutions or moved away from hinged faces altogether. The bad ones continue to use cheaper outdated designs to hit a low price point. This has been a major issue with many of the hinge faced units designed and/or produced overseas.

Door Lifts
Something has to hold these massive doors up and it’s usually gas lifts, typically called “Gas Springs” (similar to the cylinders that hold up an SUV’s rear hatch). When the doors are too big, you have to supply a lot of "push" to safely lift them up. This means constant pressure on the door frames, pushing the faces downwards or outwards depending on the design. In some cases, the lifts have been so powerful that they can push a service tech off the ladder or bucket truck.

Hinge Strength and Design
This is another critical item in the design, and another failure point for a high number of systems. All the weight for the doors rests on these hinges, and as I mentioned earlier the gas lifts are putting a lot of pressure on the doors. When a hinge breaks, simple gravity and the power of the lifts combine to present a significant safety hazard for service crews. I've talked to service personnel in the industry who have experienced this first hand. The consequences can range from being stranded in the bucket for a couple of hours, to serious long term injuries. The quality of the hinge and the design cannot be sacrificed to save costs. Unfortunately this does happen, all too often. It’s not worth the risk in my opinion.

Bucket Access
Maneuvering a bucket underneath a large sign face is difficult, and sometimes impossible. If you have to reach components in the top portion of the sign the bucket has to be almost directly under the sign, or placed to the side to get the lift arm away from the open face. If you're working on multiple parts of the sign, this constant re-positioning can add quite a bit of time to the service call.

Internal Cables
Longer power and data cables are required to connect the internal components on the back of the sign, to the LED modules on the hinged face. Instead of running directly from the component, straight across to the LED module, they have to be run up to the top of the door, then back down on the inside. When this isn't accounted for, the wires can suffer voltage drop, and the data signal can be weak and susceptible to interference.

LED Module Replacement
While accessing the internal components might be a bit easier, replacing the LED modules can be more difficult depending on the design. In many cases you have to remove screws (or hopefully latches) from underneath the face, then awkwardly push the module out, then back through the hole. If the manufacturer has used screws to hold the modules in place, this becomes a fight against gravity and gathering dropped screws from below the sign.

In my opinion, the hinged face design has limited applications, and should be used for smaller signs and custom applications.  Although easy access to sign components is important, there is a balance to be drawn between functionality, and serviceability. When a sign is designed to function well on a consistent basis, it requires less service. I would rather have a sign that is simple to access that doesn't break down as often, than a super accessible sign that has the potential to break down more often.

I still believe that the front access design with a solid cabinet, and latched LED Modules is the ideal method for most applications. It draws the best balance between functionality, simplicity and serviceability that will support the greatest variety of applications.

-SH


I hope this post has been informative and helpful. As usual, I welcome ALL constructive comments. Please feel free to comment and add anything I've missed, or additional tips you may have regarding this topic. Please visit www.vantageled.com for many other resources, white papers, and of course: Great looking LED Signs!

**All posts/thoughts/writings are strictly the viewpoint of me and me alone and do not reflect nor speak for Vantage LED’s beliefs, attitudes, thoughts, etc. unless specifically stated.

Why LED Signs: A Road-Map to Success is Important With Digital Signage

-Deacon Wardlow

Texts, emails, blogs, chat, IM, posts, Reddit, XYZ.com, etcetera. We're networked, connected, online and plugged-in almost constantly now. Content is rapidly updated and there's a significant feeling, a need to have information available quickly and readily. The last time a website took longer than 10 seconds to load, did you feel it was taking too long or a really slow site? Did you go to a different page/site?

We live in a world where information is fast and readily available. Print publications are still scrambling to find readership and retain their numbers. Radio loses more listeners everyday to iSomethingorOther or the latest satellite system. Television is trying to reclaim viewers by going online with on-demand viewing from websites and mobile devices. How are you moving your business forward in the 21st century?
This is the age of the Jetsons (dating myself a bit there). We've got better communication devices than what most people saw growing up on Star Trek or Buck Rogers. Customers and communities expect email updates from businesses, teachers, towns need to be online and yet, we still see static signage. Readerboards and push-in letter menu systems. The change is coming and it's faster than you'd think.

Digital Signage systems are capable of scanning a crowd and reporting back the median age of the group and estimated age, gender and racial statistics of individual people and using this information to push digital advertising specifically targeted at the varying client-base. Cities are starting to integrate automated and integrated alert systems into Digital Signage solution (both LCD indoor and LED Outdoor) to reach communities to alert them to emergencies or general public service announcements.

With all of these changes, it's more important than ever to make sure your partners have your back. Speak with your manufacturer and make sure they have a "geek speak" specialist on board. Make sure the team you're working with can translate complicated concepts and ideas into simple formats for you and your clients to get to the solution they need. Is the company you're working with now a source or a resource? A vendor or a partner. What are you to your clients?

Quick quiz:

1. When was the last integration or innovation implemented with your company?
2. What testing did you go through to ensure the product/service was ready for the market?
3. What is your two, three, and five year road-map to ensure you're keeping up-to-date with changes in technology?
4. What are you doing now which will heavily affect change months and years from now?
5. How are you a leader and innovator?

These are questions we should all have ready answers to. Your partners should especially have answers ready because if they're not moving forward, they're falling behind and taking you with them. Look to your road-map, is it clear and concise? Can you handle an unexpected turn? Is your partner looking to not just their future, but yours and your clients as well?

If you can't get a quick, solid answer from the company you're dealing with, perhaps it's time to change. In the fast-paced realm of the 21st century, you do not want to be left behind because it'll be your competition who surges forward.

*I invite you to comment here and/or email me directly with requests at deacon@vantageled.com. Vantage LED has white paper resources and more educational material on the website (http://www.vantageled.com), please check it out when you have a moment. Note all posts/thoughts/writings are strictly the viewpoint of me and me alone and do not reflect nor speak for Vantage LED’s beliefs, attitudes, thoughts, etc. unless specifically stated.

Digital Signage "Need To Know": Educate yourself and your clients, before the competition does it for you!

-Deacon Wardlow

One of the great things about childhood, nobody expects a child to know things. We accept a child is generally ignorant of the world and things which are contained within it. A child can walk around blissfully unaware of anything and everything and people (generally) take extra efforts to help children learn and overcome their ignorance of things. It’s harder being an adult. At some point, between childhood and adulthood, ignorance isn’t acceptable anymore and it’s quite embarrassing to be caught off-guard. Why? What happened along the way?

Richard Feynman (a great philosopher, physicist and human being) was entranced by the unknown. He saw it as a personal challenge to explore and discover things. Feynman was amongst the mental giants of our history and he openly admitted to ignorance and the joy discovery can bring. The difference between childhood and adulthood is choice and knowledge. People are often afraid to admit ignorance because they don’t want to appear “lesser” in other’s eyes. Unfortunately this means we sometimes won’t admit to ourselves when we need to knuckle-down and bear into a new subject to overcome a lack of knowledge and familiarity. As a child, we didn't have as great a fear of failure. 'Can't' wasn't part of the child's vocabulary until someone taught it to them. We have to step up and reclaim the fearlessness and rid ourselves of the worries associated with learning something new (and potentially difficult to take in).

When you take that step towards overcoming any fears about taking on a new subject, you’ll see loads of new opportunities. Digital Signage (DS) is a rapidly growing segment in the sign industry as well as advertising and general mass communication systems. The problem with DS is there’s both an astounding lack of simple, concise explanations to learn more about systems and an increasingly insane amount of advertorials masked as educational information which do nothing to educate and everything to muddy the waters further.

There’s hope. You’re taking the first few steps by reading the blog and searching for information. There are a growing number of resources out there available for you to take advantage of. Check out the past blogs (I’ve posted a quick summary blog for easy reference here). The ISA has great resources on EMCs and a DS overview. The USSC (United States Sign Council) has several publications available to learn more. There are several free resources and people willing to help out; write myself and/or the other bloggers (Scott/Mike) if there’s a topic you’d like to see covered (we appreciate feedback and are always open to topic suggestions). Especially take time to join sites like LinkedIn or The Sign Syndicate (a great group of sign pros who are quick to share their experiences) and other professional networking groups online or in your municipality. There are loads of professional groups and individuals happy to give a little of their time to help you along.

By reading this blog and others, exploring and finding trusted educators willing to share you’re taking a step out of the darkness and into the light. Clients will come to you as the expert and expect you to drive out the ignorance and educate them on the best solution and fit for their needs. A little time invested now in this education will pay off immensely when you’re able to easily explain concepts and systems to the client while the competition struggles to get beyond the basics. Knowledge is power, make sure you're fully charged!

*I invite you to comment here and/or email me directly with requests at deacon@vantageled.com. Vantage LED has white paper resources and more educational material on the website (http://www.vantageled.com), please check it out when you have a moment. Note all posts/thoughts/writings are strictly the viewpoint of me and me alone and do not reflect nor speak for Vantage LED’s beliefs, attitudes, thoughts, etc. unless specifically stated.

LED Signs 101: LED sign system components

-Deacon Wardlow

Driver board, LED Tile, Modules, Panels, Quads, etc. If one were to look at all the different titles, they’d be misled into thinking they were different things when they’re all component titles for the same thing; an LED “panel” made up of a matrix of either 8x16, 16x16, or even 32x32 pixels (LED groups) with connectors for power and communications meant for LED Signage. LED components can be confusing and even though the industry has been in existence for decades, the terms are not standardized across the board.

Many manufacturer’s don’t want you to understand the systems. The more complex it seems, the less likely they figure you are to dig deeper and get to understand what they’re really using to produce the product. Here’s a quick tutorial (which will be expanded and expounded upon later):

Power Supplies: Be wary of private-labeled systems. A sign shop doesn’t make it’s own ballasts and power supplies for signs. They reach out to the top manufacturer and get the best product at the best price. It’s possible to specify some particular component tweaks, but the reason they do this is reliability. A main manufacturer who specializes in power supplies builds millions of units (not thousands) and they work to ensure the clients get the best quality. It’s nice to have a private-label, but who stands behind that brand should something happen to the manufacturer of the LED Display?

PCB (Printed Circuit Boards) and LED Panels: A lot of companies are claiming to be “made in the USA” when in fact they buy off-the-shelf product from somewhere in Asia and put it in a cabinet. This is akin to me claiming a paint-by-numbers set I’ve done is my own masterpiece. If the company is not engineering their own solution, they’re handing control over to someone else and they have little/no control over quality and the ability to modify the product to meet consumer demand or to match changes in technology which may offer a better, cheaper alternative technology solution to those able to change with the times.

Controller: The controller is the engine which drives the LED Sign forward. There’s a reason auto manufacturers spend so much money and time on their engines, the engine makes a huge difference. While standard components are somewhat important (i.e. what type of power and connection cables are selected) the controller NEEDS to be something specified and engineered by the manufacturer. The controller is the heart of their Display and it’s important that heart get the maximum number of beats and performs optimally for the lifetime of your system. Make sure the manufacturer you’re dealing with can go over their controller and explain how they engineered a solution specifically for their systems. You can’t go online and find a great solution for LED signage. The solution has to be specifically engineered to the use and controllers (more than anything) need to be product-specific.

Control boards (logic board, receiver cards, etc.) and Control Chips: While this is digging deeper than most people prefer to go, it’s important (again) to make sure the company has sourced the product properly. A year ago, Thailand had some major floods and over 80% of the world’s market were getting hard drives from Thailand. When the source “dried up” from the flood, hard drive levels were at an all time global low and prices were driven up. Several companies ate the loss and others had to increase cost on their systems (causing dealers to lose a lot of sales)/ Without solid sourcing (including a backup source in a different country/location) it’s too easy for a localized event to suddenly cause issues with the ability for a manufacturer to meet market demand. When the 6-8 weeks you were expecting for production on an LED Sign turns into 12+ weeks, nobody will be happy. Proper sourcing avoids these kind of pitfalls.

Software: Is this a component? Most definitely! All too often I see the standard Chinese software on systems “made in the USA.” What the end-user gets is a sub-standard control system, software which is not simple and straightforward to use, and software which DOES NOT meet the market requirements. EVERY LED Signage manufacturer should have a unique solution for their clients. When an end-user comes back to the manufacturer with a special request (i.e. someone who’s display needs to be tied into a scoring system for a sports arena), you’ll find how important it is to have this component sourced through the manufacturer. A request to a “standardized” control system manufacturer in Asia will either never be answered or get the, “We will see” response. LED Sign Manufacturers need to be able to respond to market demand and customer requests and this means software which they can modify as needed.

Don’t accept a mediocre solution at a low price. Fight for the best combination of quality and price possible and always dig deeper. Make sure the system you’re getting is the best possible and unique to the manufacturer of your choice. You don’t always get what you pay for. Make sure what you’re getting is what you expect and the manufacturer can meet your needs.

*Please comment here and/or email me directly with requests at deacon@vantageled.com. Vantage LED has white paper resources and more educational material on the website (http://www.vantageled.com), check out the site periodically as we’re constantly adding new material.

**Note all posts/thoughts/writings are strictly the viewpoint of me and me alone and do not reflect nor speak for Vantage LED’s beliefs, attitudes, thoughts, etc. unless specifically stated.

What is the Best Service Access Design for LED Signs?

Virtually every piece of electronic equipment has to be serviced or the internal components accessed at one time or another. This could be as simple as removing the battery cover, or as complex as taking apart a laptop to replace major components. In either situation the manufacturer must design a way for the consumer to access and service the equipment.

LED signs are no different, but have the added factor of being installed outdoors on a structure not easily accessed without a bucket truck or large ladder. To minimize safety risks and long term services costs it is imperative that LED manufacturers have a well designed access to service internal parts.

Some do this well, while others see serviceability as an afterthought, focusing more on volume sales than long term operation. Some advertise that the product is so good it will never need service. This is a nice idea, but not realistic at all. All electronic devices will need to be serviced or maintained at some point during their lifetime; the key is to find a manufacture with the lowest failure rate and who provides the best access design to save time and money on service calls.


So what is the best access design? Well there are four general approaches that most manufacturers use. I've summarized them below, starting with my least favorite:



Front Access Faces
This is a relatively new approach where the entire sign face hinges open to reveal the components. This design has initially appealed to many customers and manufacturers trying to find an innovative solution for service and repair. There is a right way to do this, but there are common issues when done incorrectly including water entry and door size limitations. There are additional issues concerning safety in the design. Some overseas manufacturers have used sub-par materials for the hinges, causing the entire face to dismount during service calls, endangering the safety of the service crew. This type of system done correctly has its place but it must be well designed and engineered, typically adding a substantial cost to the overall price of the LED sign.

Front Access Doors

This solution is similar to the access face approach, but uses smaller doors over multiple sections of a sign. This is often done when the signs are built using pre-fabricated sections pieced together at the factory during production. This approach has worked well for some, but also has drawbacks including restricted air flow inside the sign from the isolation of the sections. In my opinion this option is better than the entire face access, but still falls short for a good overall solution.

 Rear Access Doors
This approach uses multiple doors on the back of each sign to access the internal components and is a common design for many digital billboards and large format signs. This approach should only be used in these specific types of situations, with enough space behind the sign for a service “catwalk”. Otherwise, service is next to impossible using a bucket truck between back to back installations.  

Front Access LED Panels
In my opinion, this is the best overall solution. This approach lets you remove individual led modules (panels) to access the components. Early designs used screws to remove each module, but a small number of major manufacturers (like Vantage LED) currently use a latch system allowing a quick half turn to release each module, saving time and avoiding dropped screws. I have personally experienced virtually all of the other approaches and feel this is the best overall solution for most sign applications.




I come from a service background and know the frustration of poor access design all to well. The hassle and associated costs to service these signs can make a once exciting addition to a business become a dreaded symbol of frustration and wasted time. Don't forget this important factor when looking for a quality LED sign supplier and make sure they are in it for the long run.


I hope this post has been informative and helpful. As usual, I welcome ALL constructive comments. Please feel free to comment and add anything I’ve missed, or additional tips you may have regarding this topic. Please visit www.vantageled.com for many other resources, white papers, and of course: Great looking LED Signs!

**All posts/thoughts/writings are strictly the viewpoint of me and me alone and do not reflect nor speak for Vantage LED’s beliefs, attitudes, thoughts, etc. unless specifically stated.