LED Technology | Trans-Lux Products | Service & Maintenance | Pricing | Financing | Company
How do I choose between LED, plasma and LCD technology?
Each technology has its strengths and recommended applications, and are often able to work together effectively. However, they are not direct replacements for each other. Plasma and LCD technologies present video and graphical content in full color and are best used in applications that have a viewing distance of 20 feet or less and lower ambient light conditions. When presenting text, these technologies need closer visibility depending on the size of the text being displayed.
LED is recommended for text, graphic and video applications with higher ambient light conditions and viewing distances from twenty to several hundred feet away, depending on the display type and size.
What is the life expectancy of an LED?
The life span of an LED is an estimate measured in hours, representing the amount of time it will take for an LED to fade to half its initial brightness. Life expectancies for LEDs vary depending on environmental conditions and the brightness settings. Trans-Lux LEDs are conservatively driven at less than their maximum brightness to enhance reliability. They are 100,000-hour rated when operated according to manufacturer’s recommendations. (It will take 11.4 years of 24 hour-a-day operation to reach 100,000 operating hours.)
What colors do LEDs come in?
LED pixels are available in monochrome (single color), tricolor, Red/Green (RG) and full color. Not all LED colors are available for each display type.
Monochrome LEDs are available in Red, Green, Amber, Blue, Hi-Brite Red, Hi-Brite Amber, depending on the display type.
Tricolor LEDs can display Red, Green and Amber.
RG pixels can show Red or Green.
Full color LEDs are capable of millions of hues per pixel.
Displays
How do I determine what type of LED display I need?
There are several factors to consider when determining the type of display you need:
Display Location – Indoors or outdoors?
Type of information to display – is it text, graphic, video or a combination?
Data source – how will the display be programmed?
Your Trans-Lux sales representative can help you determine the optimal display type and size for your application.
How do I determine what size LED display I need?
There are several factors you should consider when selecting a display:
Information to be displayed – How much needs to be shown at one time?
Format of the information – Is it text, graphics, video, or a combination?
Viewing Distance – From what distance must the information be legible?
Space available - How much room do you have?
How do I know what size characters I need?
Character size should be based on the furthest distance from which the display must be viewed and legible. Typical viewing distance for text is approximately 50' per 1" of character height. For example, a 3.2" character has a viewing distance of 160'.
Computer Requirements
What computer requirements do I need to meet?
Computer requirements vary depending on the equipment you select and the information you intend to display. Typically we recommend using a dedicated PC so that the maximum resources are available to drive your system. At minimum, an IBM compatible PC running Window 95, 2000 or XP, a CD drive, a hard drive and a serial port.
Do I need a dedicated PC for your system?
While some of our software operates fine on a PC that is performing other tasks, we recommend that you use a dedicated PC to drive your system. A dedicated computer that meets your system’s minimum requirements will ensure that your display system will perform efficiently and will always look its best.
Software and Content
Where do I get help running my Trans-Lux software?
Software assistance is available by calling the Trans-Lux Help Desk toll free: 1-800-243-5662.
Can Trans-Lux program the display for us?
Trans-Lux does not offer a programming service; however, we do offer a variety of data packages and can provide software training that will enable you to program your displays yourself if custom content is required.
Does Trans-Lux provide content (data)?
Yes, we offer a variety of data sources you can choose from depending on the display you selected.
Can I run my display from a network?
Several Trans-Lux display models can be run from a LAN or WAN with TCP/IP Protocols.
Where is the closest service technician?
Trans-Lux has service technicians throughout North America. To contact a service technician in your area, call our Customer Care Center: 1-800-462-2716.
How can I get parts or manuals for my sign?
Original manufacturers’ parts, manuals and accessories are available our Customer Care Center at 1-800-462-2716.
Where can I get software support?
Software and technical support is available through the Trans-Lux Help Desk at 1-800-243-5662 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m EST. After hours support is provided via a paging system.
Why should I purchase an extended warranty?
While your Trans-Lux display is manufactured from solid-state technology that’s built to last, it is comprised of many electronic components with individual lifecycles. Trans-Lux offers a variety of plans to safeguard your valuable asset from costly electronic component failure. There are several warranty plans to available so you can choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
Do I need an extended warranty if I lease my displays?
If you are financing your display with the Trans-Lux Operating Lease , you are automatically covered under the Platinum Warranty plan.
Does Trans-Lux have a comprehensive product catalog and price list?
Trans-Lux does not produce a comprehensive catalog or price list because many of our products are modular and can be arranged in many configurations to suit the individual needs of our customers. Your Trans-Lux sales representative will be happy to provide specific product and pricing information based on your needs. Complete our Request Product Information form or call 1-888-485-9669 to have a sales representative contact you.
What is a “ballpark” price for a Trans-Lux display?
Since our products are modular and built to order, we can’t provide an accurate “ballpark” price without first knowing some basic information from you, which includes:
Sign location – Indoors or outdoors
Type of information to display - Text, graphic animation, combination
Colors – single (monochrome), fixed color, tricolor, full color
Distance viewing from sign – how far from the display content must be legible
If you know the above information and would like to get a quote, please fill out our Request Product Information form.
Does Trans-Lux only rent displays?
No. Trans-lux offers a variety of financing choices including purchase and lease options. View our standard Financing Options page or discuss custom options with your Trans-Lux sales representative.
Is Trans-Lux a public company?
Trans-Lux is the oldest listed company on the American Stock Exchange, where our securities have traded under the symbol "TLX" since 1925. Our extensive portfolio of long-term leases and satisfied customers ensures financial constancy, resulting in our ability to fund substantial, long-term R&D activities that yield state-of-the-art technology.
Where is Trans-Lux located?
Trans-Lux’ world headquarters are located in Norwalk, CT. Trans-Lux Fair-Play, our scoreboard division, is located in Des Moines, IA. We also have sales and service offices in New York City, Las Vegas and Toronto.
Trans-Lux has several websites and phone numbers. How do I know which one I should call or use?
You are currently visiting Trans-Lux’s corporate website. As a diversified business, we have several divisions that service specific audiences, each with their own website, locations and phone numbers. In short, our sites service our customers in the following ways:
Trans-Lux.com– electronic display site catering to end-users and those resellers who do not specialize in signage (e.g.: architects, designers and AV companies).
Tlxcommercial.com– Electronic display site tailored to the sign reseller.
Fair-Play.com–full line of electronic scoreboards and accessories distributed through an exclusive channel of resellers.
TransLuxmovies.com– dedicated to promoting activities at Trans-Lux’s movie theatres located in the western mountain states.
