Digital signage in transit locations
In part one of digital signage in transit locations and we looked at the sun and its effect on digital signage outdoors.
It is not just the screen that has to be protected from the harsh environments, but all the electronic devices as these too we are also affected by excessive temperatures. And as a general rule of thumb, the following should be considered.
- Transit screens must be designed for temperature ranges from -29 to 130° F.
- The screens must be designed for the direct sun load.
- The screens should either be sealed wall or in a sealed housing, thus preventing condensation building up between the screen and the glass.
- The solution must have a low temperature start-up for when temperatures or at -30° F.
- Be designed to absorb any vibrations from passing vehicles, ie, trains, trams, buses.
- Scheduled in a plan for when the screen as not to be used, this can be done by using a thermostatically controlled heater within the outdoor digital signage housing.
Embedded VS standalone electronics?
Some people prefer embedded electronics, such as the media player however in our experience we have found that if the media player dies the entire unit cannot be used until the replacement embedded player is received from the manufacturer. However, a standalone media player can easily be replaced within one working day, reducing downtime.
The digital signage in transit locations – Cooling.
Cooling the digital signage hardware is essential to ensure we smooth running of the ad campaigns, many people automatically think that an air conditioning solution is the best option. With air conditioning units they drip moisture, need frequent maintenance checks and consume a lot of power.
The solution we fit as standard to out transit digital signage housing is a thermostatic controlled cooling system that only activates and cools when the pre-set temperature is reached, thus limiting the amount of power consumption. Replacing the warm air inside the housing with cool air.
Digital signage in transit locations – vandalism protection?
Due to the openness or semi-openness of the transit center, the access panel and has to be lockable, ideally with high security locks as these prevent unauthorized access. A void units that use cam locks, compression locks or barrel locks as these are easily opened with basic tools such as a screwdriver. When this happens, the LCD screen is likely to be stolen or damaged.
Viewing window.
Now you have to consider what type of glass or polycarbonate you intend to use, polycarbonate is not ideal as it gives reflections under this will detract from the advertisements shown on screen.
Due to the nature of the transit location, the viewing window has to be extremely robust the as it will take a hammering over time. The glass should ideally be separate from the screen, so should the window be attacked only the smashed glass needs replacing.
Toughened glass-this is the most effective viewing window when he is fitted with an anti-reflective coating, as these will withstand a physical attack from somebody with a baseball bat and still work perfectly.
Can the digital screen be serviced in be installed position?
Another very important question, this can the screen be serviced when in the installed position, with our transit digital signage housings the screens mount directly on to a VESA compatible mounting frame and the displays can be accessed whilst in the install position for ease of maintenance.