Knowing the format and source(s) of the information you plan to show will help determine the appropriate LED display type for your application. In general, there are four basic types of information. Some LED displays are limited in the formats they can present, while others are more versatile. Knowing your content will help you choose the display that will suit your needs without adding cost and features that are not necessary for your application.
Alphanumeric data
Several indoor display models (DataWall, MenuWall and VisionWriter) are assembled using blocks that are set apart with preset spacing between each block (left to right) and also vertically between each row. Each block has a 5 W x 7 H pixel matrix capable of showing a single ASCII character. Displays are similar in format to a spreadsheet with rows and columns and are not capable of displaying graphics of any type. These displays provide exceptional reading clarity and are recommended for long distance viewing of alphanumeric text. They are ideally suited as directory boards and for presenting spreadsheet-formatted data.
The outdoor Time and Temperature display is also considered an alphanumeric display because it is limited to a few characters showing the time and termperature in a specific numeric format. These displays are not capable of showing messages or graphics or any type.
Traveling (scrolling) messages
Electronic message centers (marquees) and stock tickers are the most commonly recognized types of single- or double-line scrolling displays. While some bitmap graphics can be presented, the information is typically formatted as news headlines or other short-format information, such as stock prices and sports scores. Trans-Lux offers indoor and outdoor technologies.
Charts, graphs, graphics and logos
Content of this type requires a fully populated display such as GraphixWall, GraphixMax or a multi-line message center to present images and variable sized text. Since the face of the display has evenly distributed LEDs, the entire surface can be used to present information on any section of the display.
Video
Video displays such as CaptiVision jumbo LED video monitors provide sufficient resolution and a rich color palette to display moving TV-quality images. Video displays are the most versatile because they can show any type of information, from plain text to moving video. However, they are costly to use as text displays and should be considered when video presentation and a full color spectrum is required.
