Waterproof LCD enclosures are being used to protect outdoor digital signage hardware from the elements.
Outdoor digital signage is one of the fastest growing industry sectors to emerge from the recession, but one thing is sure the digital signage technology needs protecting if it is be installed outdoors, otherwise the cost of the project can easily increase ten fold and make the project unviable.
The options available are:
Dedicated outdoor LCD screens.
These waterproof screens are in a sealed unit providing a waterproof solution, right out of the box, however these are in the region of $9,000 for a basic 42” screen, however these will normally not have the correct connections for the media player, they are also on custom orders taking any were from 4 to 8 weeks to be delivered.
However compare this to a commercial screen of the same size for $999 and a waterproof LCD enclosure costing $1399 there is a huge cost saving and the solution could be installed in under 3 weeks. Also when the hardware is upgraded the protective LCD housing will also accommodate the media player or a small computer, this is what makes the decision easier.
Waterproof LCD enclosures come with waterproof seals throughout the units apertures and even the cable grommets are waterproof ensuring that the enclosure is water tight, once a unit is water tight the next concern should be the cooling as a sealed unit will build up heat inside very quickly and the unit must be ventilated efficiently whilst keeping out any rain, snow or anything hostile. Otherwise an overheated screen will result in a screen of death which is blacked out due to the liquid crystals turning from crystals to liquid.
Getting a sealed unit that is well ventilated is essential to have a safe and secure digital signage solution.