The COVID-19 pandemic created a need to share important, possibly even lifesaving, information more quickly and effectively than ever before. With digital displays, airports can quickly provide updates on ever-changing COVID-19 protocols. Are masks are required? That’s one example of a question that should be answered before a passenger enters the airport, and answers to questions like these can be shared on outdoor digital displays such as the Peerless-AV Xtreme High Bright Outdoor Displays.
Peerless-AV has been manufacturing Xtreme High Bright Outdoor Displays for more than a decade. “We found that there was a need for high IP-rated purpose-built outdoor LCD technology,” said Megan Zeller, senior director of Business Development, Peerless-AV, commenting how the technology came about. “At the time, there was a brand or two making outdoor-rated TVs, but their IP (ingress protection) rating was low, and customers needed a robust solution designed for a more extreme environment.”
Peerless-AV Xtreme High Bright Outdoor Displays are fully sealed, rugged displays designed to withstand harsh outdoor environments year-round. The International Electrotechnical Commission developed IP ratings to grade the resistance of an enclosure. Xtreme outdoor displays are rated IP66, which means they are designed to keep water, dust, moisture and insects out. The first digit is how well an enclosure protects against a solid and the second digit represents protection against a solid. For each, the highest level of protection is 6.
When a potential threat is much bigger than an insect, the IK rating is important. An IK10, tempered cover glass is designed to protect against vandalism and debris. IK10 is the highest IK rating and means an enclosure can offers protection against an impact of 20 joules.
Early on, before there were outdoor digital displays, Zeller said indoor-rated LCD displays/TVs were placed in enclosures, which protected, but inhibited, the overall performance of the display. She explained when a TV is put behind glass without bonding it, there’s a high potential for reflection.
Today’s displays such as the Xtreme outdoor displays can supply clear messaging that is easy to read in direct sunlight. Optically bonded, anti-reflective cover glass increases the perceived contrast ratio and cuts down on glare. High bright output offers 2500nits of light output, while LED backlight and full HD 1080p resolution produce a bright, crisp picture.
An ambient light sensor (ALS) can adjust the brightness to best match the lighting conditions, which optimizes the display’s power consumption and enhances the viewing experience.
Zeller said it’s important to consider direct sunlight and the effect it could have on a display. Aside from aesthetic changes, such as bleached finish, she said, “The real consideration is what the radiation from the sun does to the display and its inner components. It’s true that moisture is a real problem for sensitive electronics, however, heat is a very close second to altering the lifespan. The amount of heat generated from sunlight radiation is another factor that often goes unnoticed. When in direct sunlight, the solar load will add upwards of 14 degrees F (8 degrees C) to the temperature of the display, on top of what the ambient temperature already is.”
Peerless-AV’s patented thermal exhaust system keeps internal components properly cooled in extreme heat. Xtreme High Bright Outdoor Displays are designed to withstand temperatures from -31 degrees F to 140 degrees F. Display diagnostics including temperature, humidity and power draw can be done remotely.
Because of the IP-rating and general outdoor robustness of the Xtreme High Bright Outdoor Displays, Zeller said they really are meant to perform anywhere, although, for safety reasons, she recommends not to install a display within 5 feet of a water source.
According to Zeller, good locations are any locations looking to showcase dynamic, digital signage content – from parking garages to terminal entrances to walkways. The displays are currently in use by customers working in mass transit, hospitality, entertainment, retail, dining, education and business. Some customers prefer the 55-inch model, others prefer the 65-inch.
Zeller said airports can use the displays to easily share real-time information with commuters and employees. In addition to public health advisories, messages can include travel schedules, alerts, weather details and advertisements.
Lastly, the Xtreme High Bright Outdoor Display can be much more than a standalone unit – Peerless-AV also designs and manufactures fully integrated kiosk solutions. Outdoor Smart City Kiosks, designed with a focus on functionality and aesthetics, are one example.
When an Xtreme High Bright Outdoor Display is not part of an integrated kiosk solution it requires an outdoor-rated mounting solution (flat/tilt/articulating wall mount, ceiling mount or column mount). Also required is a third-party media player.
Peerless-AV backs its Xtreme High Bright Outdoor Displays with a two-year warranty.
The company has been in business for 80 years. During World War II, the company fabricated components for military equipment. After the war, the company turned its attention to the audio-video industry and in 1978 manufactured one of the first TV wall mounts. The product line expanded to include mounting hardware, carts and stands, then LCD and projector mounts. Today, product categories include digital signage solutions, outdoor solutions, kiosk solutions, mounting solutions and more.
