Southern California Sign Blog

Los Angeles Signs | All About Electronic Message Centers

Posted by Julie and Chris Ramirez on Fri, Mar 25, 2011 @ 07:03 AM

The Electronic Message Center Market

EMC Summary

 

• The term “electronic message center” (EMC) encompasses vast differences in scale and sophistication.

 

• Products may be designed for interior or exterior applications and may range from one-line monochrome text and time & temperature units to full-color billboards and video walls.

 

• EMC screens are configured in a matrix of individually addressable light source “pixels”. The closer the “pitch” (distance between pixels) the higher resolution the screen is capable of.

• The most common light source for EMC pixels are LEDs. Common monochrome colors are red, amber and green; full color pixels are made up of red, green and blue (RGB) LED clusters.

 

• Messages and images are usually controlled through manufacturer’s proprietary software, which may be connected to a network that controls multiple units.

 

• Access to the EMC market requires investments in technical training, equipment and licensing.

• License requirements differ in all cities, but most locations require a permit.

• An electrician’s license is necessary to connect to primary power.

• Installations are subject to inspection by the authority having jurisdiction.

 

• EMC installation involves building a robust support structure. 

 

• EMCs are regulated through local sign codes and city ordinances and range from outright bans in some locations to various restrictions on size, brightness and change frequency.

 

• EMC variables: color, resolution, viewing distances, viewing angles, all of which affect readability.

 

• The EMC Supply Chain

• Most manufacturers sell directly to sign companies or end users.

• Products are not generally available through distributors. 

 

• EMC Manufacturer Resources

• Product information

• Installation guidance

• Sales leads

• Technical training

• End-user support

 

• Leading EMC Manufacturers in the US (2010)

• Adaptive Micro Systems

• Daktronics

• Grandwell Industries

• HiTech LED Display

• Mitsubishi

• Optec

• Salescaster

• Sony

• Trans-Lux

• Wagner ZipVision

• Watchfire (by Time-O-Matic)

• YESCO (Young Electric Sign Co.)
 

The Sign Studio is a proud Partner with the above listed Manufacturers and hope this information will be helpful to you.  If you have any further questions or would like to see a Demo of an Electronic Message Center, please give us a call at (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net  

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EMC Final

Topics: Electronic Message Centers, LED Message Centers

Los Angeles Signs | Electronic Display Signs - All you need to know!

Posted by Julie and Chris Ramirez on Wed, Mar 2, 2011 @ 06:03 AM

ELECTRONIC DISPLAY SIGNAGE - LED Learning Center

Electronic Display Signage, LED Signage, Message Centers

What is an LED?
A light emitting diode (LED) is a tiny, electronic semiconductor that converts electric energy into visible light. The chemical compound used within an LED determines its color, brightness and power efficiency. Unlike incandescent lamps, LEDs have no filaments that can burn out or fail.

What is a pixel?
Pixel is short for picture element. Pixels are points of light that illuminate together to form letters, words, graphics, animation, and video images. A pixel can be made up of a single LED, multiple LEDs of the same color or multiple LEDs of different colors. A pixel is the smallest element of the electronic display system that can be individually controlled. It can be turned off or on at various brightness levels.

What is resolution?
Resolution is the basic measurement of how much information a screen shows based on the total number of pixels within the display area and is a significant factor in determining image quality. Pixel pitch (center-to-center spacing between display pixels) and the display's physical dimensions help to determine resolution.

What is a module?
An LED module is a combination of parts that form the building blocks of LED video displays, message centers and dynamic message signs.

What is a digit?
A digit is a numeric symbol with seven segment bars. Each segment uses discrete LEDs to produce a value between 0-9. Scoreboards, timing systems and price displays use digits to display information.

What are viewing angles?
LED displays are at their brightest when viewed "head on" and slowly decrease in brightness as the viewing angle increases. The viewing angles of an LED display - both horizontal and vertical - are the angles at which the intensity has dropped 50 percent from the direct "head on" brightness.

What are viewing distances?
Viewing distances are calculated based on the display type and the distance from the display. Each display will have a minimum and a maximum viewing distance that may vary based on application and intended use. For example, a large character will have a longer viewing distance while a small character will have a shorter viewing distance. We use 50 feet for every one inch of character distance as a general point of reference.

If you have any questions or if you need further information, please call The Sign Studio at (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net

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Electronic Display Signage, LED Signage, Message Centers

Topics: LED Message Centers, LED Displays, Electronic Display Signs