Epic Signs & Graphics Blog

So your boss gives out the commanding order to go and figure out how much its costs to install a electronic messaging display sign. What are the factors you will consider when you start your search for information? Below are criteria to have on your list so you have a digital display sign installed that meets the purpose or vision that meets expectations.

Information Display

One very important thing to understand before you decide the type of electronic display sign to purchase is understanding the type of information you would like to convey to your audience. Just like making a speech before a group, it is best to understand the audience your new messaging sign speak too. If you have a business that delivers seasonal products, this would be a great sign to remind customers of upcoming sales or even over stocked items left over that are for sale. Maybe you would like to deliver inspirational messages, or maybe you want to display four color graphics that really catch peoples attention. Maybe you only need to have a one color option to display simple messages. Understanding your marketing requirements will determine the specifications appropriate to create an efficient budget. 

Distance and Speed

How far away will the reader be when they read the sign messages. How much time do you have for a message to be delivered? 5 seconds? 10 seconds? Will your audience be at a red light some times? The answer to these questions will help understand what resolution you need and how fast your scroll or transition should be set.

Resolution

We usually describe resolution in millimeters. In general, an 18 to 22 mm resolution will deliver text messages ok. They will look more crisp at further distances. Up close the text or images will look fuzzy. To get finer detail, 11 to 15 mm will optimize the images better. Distance affects resolution. If the viewer is over 50 yards away on a highway, 18 mm or 20 mm may be fine, especially if using primarily if sending a text type messages.

Size

Knowing the type of messages and images you would like to display will determine the size of the display. If you believe longer messages or details will be required, then the size of the display will be determined by the character count per line and the number of lines needed on the display at one time. If you think you may want to have images as part of the display, then a lower resolution and more area will provide more lines and characters overall. 

Communications and power

One of the major benefits for electronic messaging in the North is not having to change plastic copy placards in 10 degree weather. Electronic messaging signs can be controlled from a nice cozy seat inside the confines of your office. And if you purchase the right system from the right vendor, the graphic controls can be controlled through web based applications.

City Ordinance

The first thing to check is the city ordinance to make sure they allow a moving messaging sign. There are some municipalities that have not passed an ordinance to allow such signs. Others have passed ordinances that want brightness controlled or the speed of the messages at slow levels. These factors will certainly determine where you purchase the system and the type of system.

These are some the major factors to consider besides location and of course price. We would be happy to help guide you to the right solution for your marketing requirements with a free consultation. Give us a call or request one through the link below.