If you are ready to upgrade to an HD sign, there are several factors to take into consideration. This is a quick introduction to your HD options, the benefits of upgrading to digital signs, and some of our top FAQs about Digital Signage.
What Is an HD Sign?
High-definition signs are the most advanced generation of digital signs. Not all of your digital options have HD capabilities, but if you want to post images and videos and have maximum impact with your ad—HD is a must. For example, if you want to create a digital menu board with lifelike images of your menu items. Or an ad that has the same clarity as your television. Our 6mm pitch option is the perfect way to introduce an HD signs to your school, church, or place of business.
Make no mistake, text only signs and lower resolution signs can have a significant impact. The most common example is the scrolling signs placed in gas station and convenience store windows. These signs typically feature 1 to 3 (rgb) colors but are a cost effective way of communicating promotions, deals, and events.
The higher the definition of your sign, the more it will cost. Full HD signs can create any hex color, of which there are over 16 million.
What Is High Definition?
High definition is a term used to describe crystal clear image and video quality on everything from photographs to TVs, computer screens, and both digital and printed signs. For example, have you ever tried to upload an image to your website, blog, or even as a desktop screensaver only to find a pixelated blur? This means the pixels are too small, or the image size is too small.
Pixels refer to the space between one point of measurement between points. In terms of signs, the “points” are LEDs. The smaller the pixels, the closer the LEDs, ensuring a clearer image or video. You may recall the significant difference in viewing quality when you upgraded from a standard television to an HD television. Now even your signs can be designed in HD!
What Size Will My New Sign Be?
That is entirely up to you! It will be custom-built in either a square or rectangular shape, but other than that—the size is up to you. It can be as small as a window and as large as a standard freeway billboard, or can even be combined to form giant stadium displays.
If you are replacing existing posters, signs, or menu boards you can order your HD sign to the exact same size. If you are replacing exterior changeable letter or fluorescent signs, you can order the same size or go bigger. As with all window and exterior signs, be sure to check your lease and local ordinances to see if digital is allowed, if the size is limited, and if a permit is required.
The only difference is that your upgrade may weigh more, so you will need to ensure you have a sound place to mount your sign. Ensuring proper mounting is part of our services here at Mega LED Technology. For more information on what type of mounting you may need if at all, contact us here.
How Is My New Sign Mounted?
How your sign is mounted depends on a few different factors, including the size of the HD sign and where it’s being displayed. For example, a full-sized digital billboard must be mounted on a steel pole—as that is the only option that can handle the weight of the sign. If you have an oversized screen that will be placed on a wall or stage, we will advise on a custom mount.
Smaller signs can be mounted to the floor, wall, pole, pedestal, brick base, masonry base, or other custom mounts. The options are endless, and the mount can be stylized and coated in a color that matches your building or brand colors.
In addition to your mount, you may want a frame too. Interior signs may not need a frame, but exterior signs do. The frame can be a simple square or rectangle, or it can be stylized.
Are All Digital Signs HD?
This is a surprisingly common misconception, but no—not all digital signs are HD. The most common pixel pitches for LED signs are:
- 6mm
- 8mm
- 10mm
- 15mm
- 16mm
- 20mm
- 26mm
- 30mm
Anything above 10mm can only post text, basic graphics, and basic shapes such as arrows, stars, and hearts. Make no mistake, these signs can generate a significant ROI. An example we are all familiar with is gas station scrolling signs. Most of us have been enticed to pop in a convenience store to spend more after viewing one of these signs.
Signs 10mm and lower can post clear images and videos, the lowest pixels can post crystal clear images and videos. However, the size of your HD signs also impacts how clear your images and videos are. For example, if you want to post HD videos on a digital billboard, it must be 6mm for lifelike imagery.
How To Determine My Pixel Pitch?
Not to worry, as this isn’t something you need to go alone. What you do need to do is determine where you want to place your sign, what size it needs to be, and how many signs you require. If you want your sign to be double-sided, double this number. If your sign will be placed outside, check to see if a permit is required or if you have any sign or size restrictions.
Then determine what your marketing and communication objectives are. For example:
- A car dealership may want to post 360-degree videos of vehicle interiors and exteriors.
- Hotels may want to post HD images of their rooms, spa, restaurant, outdoor patio, and other amenities.
- Churches may want to post HD images and videos of their services and events.
- Businesses across all industries may also want a text-only sign to post sales, promotions, dates, times, quotes, and other communications.
Once you determine your marketing and communication objectives, give Mega LED Technology a call. We will talk you through the best options to achieve your goals.
How Many Signs Do I Need?
This is entirely up to you! Begin by determining the goal of your HD sign. This includes upgrading an existing sign, adding more signage, and ROI-related goals. If you are adding a menu board, you may want 2 or more side-by-side signs to easily categorize your menu. Many businesses layer more than one sign in exterior locations, but not all layers need to be HD. For example, the top sign can be an LED backlit logo sign, the middle can be an HD sign, and the bottom sign can be a scrolling or text-only sign.
What Can I Post On My New Sign?
This is where things get fun! Your new sign comes with software that allows you to preschedule your displays. This might mean that you post one sign all day or all week, or that you time what you post. For example, prescheduling a menu to automatically transition from breakfast to lunch and dinner.
In addition to prescheduling your HD sign, you can alternate through a variety of messages. This is powerful as static signs can only feature one product, dish, or featured item. With digital, you can alternate between different sales and promotions. Maybe show the same laptop bag styled with 3 different models. Or mix communication in with ads and promotions.
Your new sign can post:
- Text
- Static graphics
- Motion graphics
- Images
- Videos
- Ads
- Promotions
- Safety information
- Time
- NFT’s (Non Fungible Tokens)
- Date
- Temperature
- Business hours
- Generic communication
- And more!
Can I Post My Sign Outside In Extreme Weather?
Yes! One of the reasons your sign is custom-built, is to ensure it has the internal components to function properly in your local environment. We have thousands of signs placed in every climate found in North America. To ensure full functionality, our signs are weatherproofed, and temperature tested to operate in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 160 degrees Fahrenheit (yes we have a sign in the hottest place on earth, Death Valley!). This includes wind, rain, snow, ice, dry heat, and humidity.
How Much Will My New Sign Cost?
The cost of your new HD sign varies depending on your individual needs. For a general range, small (non-HD) scrolling window signs start at around $500. Larger signs cost several thousands of dollars and oversized and layered signs run upwards of $10,000.
Factors that determine the price include:
- Size
- Viewing distance
- Frame
- Mount
- Indoor or outdoor components
- How many signs you layer
In addition to your upfront cost, operating your new HD sign is up to 30% more energy-efficient than fluorescent and incandescent signs. Schedule annual maintenance to check connections and components as a proactive approach to extending the life of your sign. With proper maintenance and care, the average lifespan for signs that run 24 hours a day is 11 years. However, many of our clients have had their signs for over 15 years!
Didn’t Find The Answer You Were Looking For?
If you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, reach out to the team at Mega LED Technology today! We will be glad to talk to you about your HD sign options or other digital signs!
