ITSENCLOSURES Blog

When commuting around a metropolitan area, people often check the schedule board before taking the train or subway to get to work, sporting events, and Sunday brunch. Plus, if one needs to travel across the country for an important business meeting, it is essential to know if a flight is delayed. While having the train or flight schedule on a smart phone is always handy, it is also great to take a quick glance at an updated digital board to see what time the train is coming and going.  With vibrant digital boards, the schedule can be programmed to automatically update, because being punctual for a job or catching a flight is a priority.

Can a touchscreen be added to an outdoor LCD enclosure?

The simple answer is a resounding YES! 

Touchscreen interaction and capabilities go hand-in-hand with wayfinding applications. Many retail stores, restaurants, college campuses and transportation terminals are using touchscreen displays outdoors for their innovative digital signage projects. However, most traditional touchscreen displays do not have the ability to withstand various harsh outdoor environments (hot and freezing temperatures, along with rain, sun, snow, sleet, etc...). 

How do temperatures affect an outdoor digital signage solution?

Temperature extremes play a major role in deciding what kind of outdoor digital signage your company may need. If the LCD or media player overheats, your equipment could malfunction or necessitate an expensive on-site repair. This could cost an excessive amount to fix. Obviously, weather and geographic location are extremely important when reviewing the many different outdoor digital signage solutions available in the marketplace, whether it be an outdoor digital menu board for your quick service restaurant, or an LCD enclosure displaying when the next train is arriving (see image above). Being able to regulate the temperature inside the LCD enclosure is vital.

How do I select the RIGHT LCD for a digital menu solution?

Choosing the correct LCD to use in an outdoor digital menu board is crucial to the success of the solution.  On average, 70% of a Quick Service Restaurant’s business comes from the drive-thru.  It is important to select the correct outdoor solution that will not only increase sales but will be visible 24/7 despite the environmental conditions that may exist. 

Many QSRs do not consider the importance of using a commercial-grade LCD outdoors.  However, using the incorrect LCD can cause display failures, downtime and a poor customer experience.  There are several factors to take into consideration when choosing an LCD for an outdoor digital menu board.

Select the RIGHT Outdoor LCD enclosure!

Digital signage is everywhere! Most outdoor applications require some type of enclosure to protect the LCD and media player from weather, temperature fluctuations and vandalism.  When chosen correctly, a LCD enclosure will ensure operation, up time and integrity to the overall solution.

Digital Signage in Manufacturing?

More and more manufacturers are showing interest in using LCDs on their plant floors. With digital signage, management can communicate vital information to hundreds of employees with the click of a button.

Deploying a LCD in a plant environment does involve some planning. The same dangers that harm a computer system also exist for a LCD.  Dust, humidity, liquids and temperature fluctuations can wreak havoc on the display.  Manufacturers recognize the need for a LCD enclosure, which are available in all shapes and sizes.  Depending on the application, a LCD enclosure may be a protective shroud, fan cooled, air conditioned or purged for hazardous locations.