When it comes to outdoor displays, there are a variety of factors to consider based on the environment. Whether you’re considering installing a display in direct sunlight or in a shaded outdoor area, understanding the key differences and requirements can increase the effectiveness and longevity of a display.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand the Ingress Protection (IP) ratings, which detail a display’s ability to resist dust, water, and other elements to a certain degree. The rating system indicates resistance to solids and liquids, with higher numbers indicating a greater level of protection.
When understanding an IP rating, the first digital represents the resistance to solids, and the second digital represents the resistance to liquids. For example, IP54 offers protection against dust and water, making it suitable for partial shade environments, whereas IP56 or higher is suggested for areas in direct sunlight.
Shade: For shaded areas, such as covered patios, the requirements for a digital display are distinct. Commercial-grade panels with protective glass are ideal, as they provide durability against environmental factors while maintaining an impressive display quality.
Sun: Direct sunlight poses its own set of obstacles, as excessive heat can lead to brown spots in the display and over-heating, affecting the visibility and functionality of the technology. To combat this, displays designed for direct sun need to be constructed with features like temperature control and air-flow considerations for keeping the panel cool.
Brightness is another key factor when choosing an outdoor display. Displays intended for direct sunlight should have high brightness levels, typically around 4,000-nits, ensuring visibility even in extremely bright conditions. Additionally, auto-sensing capabilities, which adjust the brightness levels based on ambient lighting conditions, can further enhance user experience and energy efficiency by providing a proper brightness throughout the day.
Along with the IP Rating, an Impact Protection (IK) rating measures the amount of protection provided against external damage and impact. An IK00 rating provides no protection, and an IK10 rating protects the display against 20 joules of impact.
| IK code | IK00 | IK01-IK05 | IK06 | IK07 | IK08 | IK09 | IK10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impact Energy (Joules) | <1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 10 | 20 | |
| Rmm (Radius of striking element) | * | 10 | 10 | 25 | 25 | 50 | 50 |
| Material | * | Polyamide 1 | Polyamide 1 | Steel 2 | Steel 2 | Steel 2 | Steel 2 |
| Mass KG | * | 0.2 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1.7 | 5 | 5 |
| Free Fall Height M | * | * | * | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.4 |
| Pendulum hammer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Spring hammer | * | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Free fall hammer | * | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Sporting Events
In many cases, displays require projection against external damage, in addition to dust and water. The Peerless-AV Neptune Partial Shade has a rating of IK10 and IP54, which protects them from dust, water, and mechanical impact. These are particularly useful at sporting events, as there is a higher chance of damage to the exterior of the display.
Explore the lineup of Peerless Neptune Partial Shade, offered in 55”, 65”, and 75” landscape sizes.
Retail Applications
Although retail spaces are mostly indoors, they frequently utilize window advertising to promote new products and sales. For this application, it’s best to install an indoor, window-facing display designed for high-brightness environments.
Take a look at the indoor, window-facing displays from LG (55″ / 75″) and Samsung (55″ / 75″).
Quick Service Restaurants
Along with sporting arenas, the IK10 rating is also applicable to quick service restaurants (QSRs). These displays are at a higher risk of external impact and damage, therefore a rating of IK10 appropriate for the space. Also, quick service restaurants benefit from displays that manage content. The Outdoor LCD monitor from LG runs webOS and includes Connected Care monitoring, which reports on the health of the panel.
Explore the LG Direct Sunlight lineup, available in 22”, 49”, 55”, and 75”, offered in portrait-mode only, with ¼-in. air flow between the display and IK10 glass to prevent overheating.
If you’re looking to get started on an outdoor project, connect with me to learn more about our extensive line-up of outdoor display solutions.
Looking for more on outdoor AV? Try “Exploring Outdoor Spaces: the Power of AV in QSR Drive-Thru and Outdoor Dining“
About the Author
Jennifer Fisher
BDM – Brand Specialist
Supported Manufacturers: LG Business Solutions (SW, W, NW)
