Daily Archives: June 24, 2014

Isotopic Failure for LCD Digital Display Screens


Posted by Stella

Isotropic failure kills digital signage.

So, firstly let’s understand what ‘isotropic failure’ is… It is the failing of a digital signage screen through direct sunlight affecting the screen; causing it to turn black and render it useless. As highlighted in this white paper from Samsung.

There is no come-back from this, your only option is to buy a new screen. The problem lies in the technology of the display screen; the LCD or Liquid Crystal Display. Basically this is the liquid crystals being sandwiched between two panes of glass which have electrodes connected to them. The terminology of a liquid crystal is explained as both a solid and a liquid; at the same time. The features which identify them is that the crystals maintain their shape, whilst also being able to flow and transform into other shapes. Tiny electro charges applied to the liquid crystal create patterns for letting in more or less light, thus creating an image = picture. Two main problem for LCD screen failure are both caused by temperature; too hot or too cold. If the screen is subject to very low temperatures, the liquid crystals will freeze into a solid shape – an irreversible state and then there is the opposite of extreme heat (a main cause being direct sunlight) where the liquid crystals can not hold their shape, resulting in a BLACK screen – again an irreversible state.

isotropic failure

Image courtesy of http://www.signmedia.ca

To eliminate this problem of isotropic failure there are several points to consider:

Repositioning the screen away from direct sunlight.
This is probably the most logical option, but maybe you don’t have a choice, for example, the screen is a main feature in your shop window and at certain times of the day will be in full sunlight. Installing a canopy or shield will help to a degree, or perhaps it can be switched off at certain times of the day.

Using Specific Commercial Grade Screens.
When budgeting for a digital advertising screen, one of the main components is the screen, so size, bezel depth, quality of the picture etc. It may be tempting to cut costs and buy a consumer grade TV screen, but this will just NOT be able to cope with the rugged demands of being on for many hours at a time. Also the contrast (also known as ‘nits’) is significantly higher and of a better quality than a household TV set.

A Sun-bright or Sun-Light Readable Screen.
A digital ad campaign is of no use if a customer can not see it because of direct sunlight distorting the picture or causing blindness. Check out commercial grade screens with sun-bright/sunlight filters to alleviate such problems.

An outdoor sunlight bright display enclosure.
The steel box of the protective housing unit has many positive features; as well as protecting the screen from damage – human and environmental, it features a thermostatically controlled heater and cooler, set to an ambient temperature. As the steel box creates an oven effect, it is important to release the hot air through vents but a cooling unit will always create an even temperature. Screens are temperamental pieces of kit, which have delicate elements and are permanently damaged.

So, now you know how to avoid isotropic failure – don’t let it ruin your screen!


Baptist Churches uses Projectors to Reach Out


Posted by Stella

Projectors in Churches?

When is going to Church like going to the Cinema?, when your preacher installs projectors and screens to display the teachings of the Bible. It is not intended to be disrespectful and even enhances the scriptures to a modern day method of understanding. Imagine a themed service where speakers, music and visual graphics create a production which relays the message to hundreds of worshipers.

Worshipers want to see the service – projectors allow this.

Many worship centers now have video equipment, but it is time to upgrade and encourage new members into the union. People are expecting to see modern technology in our everyday lives, so why should church be any different? Even the elders of the churches are impressed and not at all reluctant to accept and embrace it. The visuals appeal to all demographic ranges; the content is easy to upload and adapt or amend at the click of a button.

There are many screens sizes to suit your building; height, width and length are either adjustable, adaptable or supplied to a set size. And the technology of the projectors is beyond belief (excuse the phrase!). Electronic hardware has progressed at such a rate that surely the ultimate should all have been developed by now, but no; it is evolving all the time. The clarity of the images projected onto the walls is a cost saving way of delivering the images to the audience without sacrificing the sharpness and quality of the picture. It also adds to the ambiance and tone of the service with thoughtful tones, backgrounds and even textured surfaces, which are linked to the relevance and do not detract from the sacred teachings.

projectors for churches

So where is the best place to position a projector within your place of worship? Perhaps there is access to install a projector onto a ceiling hung bracket, wall mounted bracket from a balcony or a floor standing unit; no matter where the projector is located, a remote control handset alleviates any need to have direct contact with the main unit, which also cuts down on willful or accidental interference. Being able to angle the projector gives a full floor-to-ceiling coverage when required. It is a practical and cost efficient way of modernizing the church without building work causing chaos and eliminates scene setting and building props for special events and biblical productions.

So… when is going to Church like going to the Cinema?, when your house of worship adopts projectors for an innovative form of bringing the Bible to life!