An electronic billboard is basically a large (or even giant!) screen made up of LED (light emitting diode) bulbs whose lights are arranged and timed to create static, changing or full motion text and images. Bring your business into another level by trusting a signs Sydney who can design a better advertisement billboard for you. It can also go by these names:
Digital billboard
Digital, electronic or video display
Electronic message sign or board
It can be thought of as being similar to a digital photo which is made up of pixels. However, on an electronic billboard, pixels are LED bulbs. Unlike a digital photo, the resolution is not determined by how many pixels the board uses, but how close together the pixels are. The closer together they are, the more realistic the image that can be produced.
The simplest and least expensive are monochrome boards that use one color (usually red or amber) LED bulbs to create text messages or even simple pictures. More complex boards can produce multiple color, television-like images since each pixel has three color LEDs (red, green and blue, also referred to as RGB) just like a television or computer screen. Images created for the billboards, whether simple or complex, are controlled by a combination of hardware, computers, software and Internet connections, usually remotely.
Though typically used outdoors for advertising, some electronic billboard equipment can also be used indoors for retail, restaurants, trade shows, entertainment and sporting events. Other uses both indoors and out can include traffic alerts, directional signs and safety information (such as in construction zones).
Dynamic Digital Signage and Flexible Advertising Advantage
Unlike standard billboard signs made of paper or vinyl materials which remain in place for weeks or months at a time, electronic billboard images can be quickly and easily changed, even within minutes and sometimes remotely. This allows an advertiser to start, stop or change promotions to take advantage of short-term opportunities and frequently changing data.
The ability to change digital signs quickly, frequently and/or remotely is referred to as dynamic digital signage. Some applications of this technology could include:
Restaurant menu boards that change according to time of day.
Directional signs that may change from day to day, such as for events, conferences and trade shows.
Advertising tailored for specific marketing demographics and locations.
This can help reduce costs for physical signs and provide more effective communications.
How Electronic Billboard Advertising is Sold
Electronic billboard equipment can be sold direct to businesses to use on their own properties.
Ads can also be purchased on existing electronic billboards. These types of ads more resemble radio advertising in that advertisers purchase time on the billboard based on dayparts such as morning drive, daytime, afternoon drive, nighttime and overnight. Usually this time on the board is sold through local, national or even international media networks.
Images on electronic boards can be set to change every 4 to 10 seconds, depending on the equipment used and/or the advertising time package purchased.
Advanced electronic billboard technology can even offer interactive features to engage audiences.
Challenges
With the flexibility and high impact that electronic billboards can offer, one might think that they are a natural advertising choice. However, there are some significant issues that have plagued all billboard advertising for decades which are getting even more challenging with the advent of digital.
Driving Safety. Drivers have a myriad of distractions while on the road. An eyecatching billboard can divert drivers’ attention so much that it could cause accidents. This is especially the case with digital boards that may have animated effects.
Local Regulations. While some communities welcome the addition of electronic billboards to the landscape, others are adamantly against them because they feel these boards visually pollute the environment. Some communities have very restrictive rules regarding placement and specifications for either safety or zoning issues. Sometimes getting approval can be a long process, delaying the marketing benefits that could be realized. These regulations are of most concern to businesses that are purchasing their own billboards. For those who are only purchasing time on an existing billboard, this is less of a concern since the board’s owner has likely resolved any regulatory issues prior to installing the equipment.
Prior to any purchasing any electronic billboard equipment or ad time, advertisers should thoroughly investigate any local regulations that may apply. Consult with outdoor advertising networks and manufacturers who have experience in dealing with these issues.
Are Electronic Billboards Green?
Since electronic billboards typically use LEDs, the light produced is more energy efficient than standard light bulbs. But they are likely to become even more efficient as LED technologies continue to evolve and are integrated into the boards. They also eliminate the use of paper or vinyl products that would be used for traditional poster-type billboards.
Depending on the definition of “green,” some communities may consider the use of illuminated signs as incompatible with the surrounding natural environment. As mentioned earlier, similar complaints have been an issue for all billboards over the years, prompting the development of the Highway Beautification Act of 1965 in the United States.
Best Practices
As with standard billboard advertising, these best practices apply to digital as well:
High Contrast. There must be high degree of contrast between the message and the background. Light and muted colors can wash out on digital boards. So stick with bright and bold contrasted with darks.
Simplified Message. Viewers have only a few seconds to see your digital message. So only limit your message to 10 words or less and one main idea.
Go Large. Make both text and images large for quick reading at distances of hundreds of feet and while speeding past at up to 55 miles an hour. Even if being used for pedestrian traffic, it still applies since it may be competing in a visually noisy environment.
Location, Location, Location. Make sure you place your digital ad message where your most likely customer prospects will frequent.
Repeat, Repeat, Repeat. Because of the swiftly shifting messages on electronic billboards, you do need to keep repeating your message over time to make sure it has the best chance to be viewed by your target audience.
In today’s mobile, cable television and Internet marketplace in which ads can easily be turned off, electronic billboards can provide an always-on advertising channel for your message. Get in touch with makers of signage for your business.