A Different Kind of Sunscreen

How SunBriteDS outdoor displays overcome summer’s harsh effects.

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May is officially here and that can only mean one thing for commercial integrators- more outdoor A/V installation requests! More technology products are becoming weatherized to endure the effects of inclement weather like rain and snow, but it’s important not to forget that summer’s high temperatures and blazing sun can be just as damaging to both exterior casings and internal electronics. Understanding how heat and sunlight affect outdoor television displays will properly equip every integrator to specify the right product for any job.

The first thing to assess is a panel’s NIT rating. A measurement of luminance and derived from the Latin word nitere, meaning to shine, the higher the NIT rating, the more tolerant of direct sunlight a panel will be. Whereas televisions designed for indoor use often feature NIT ratings of 150-200, panels designed for permanent and continuous outdoor use in direct sunlight, like SunBriteDS’s Pro Series, start at 700 NIT. A NIT rating of 700 will ensure consistent optimal performance in displays installed even in the most exposed open areas, with no overhead protection or shade, throughout the length of the day. SunBriteDS also offers a Marquee Series featuring 2,500-NIT panels and touchscreen capability, designed for installations like amusement park wayfinding or interactive menu boards at quick serve restaurants.

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But a high NIT rating alone won’t overcome the natural effects of direct sunlight, which can temporarily overheat LCD crystals and cause a splotchy black effect, ruining the image until the sun dissipates. This effect, known as isotropic blackout, is especially prevalent when panels on indoor TV screens are used outdoors, but SunBriteDS’s high TNi (high temperature) panels and Extended Solar Tolerance technology help protect against this condition.

Compare the screen of an indoor television to that of a SunBriteDS outdoor television- you’ll notice the difference immediately. You’ll be able to easily see your reflection in the glossy indoor screen, but a screen designed for outdoor use will feature a matte finish, specially engineered to reduce glare. This anti-reflective glass is crucial to an optimal outdoor viewing experience both at high noon and in the pitch black of midnight.

And let’s not forget the swelteringly high temperatures of the dog days of summer. A television designed for permanent outdoor installation will feature internal temperature regulation and airflow systems that automatically activate at specific heat levels, something that indoor televisions simply don’t possess. Thanks to these systems, SunBriteDS displays are guaranteed to function in environments up to 122 Fahrenheit – indoor TVs just can’t match this performance.

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Last but not least is the weatherproofing technology that goes into preventing foreign substances from affecting internal circuit boards and electronics. The powder-coated aluminum exterior cabinets protecting SunBriteDS displays are specially treated to resist long-term UV damage from sunlight, resulting in a piece of technology that won’t become an eyesore over time. More importantly, all entry points are hermetically sealed with SunBriteDS’s patented Cable Entry System to keep out moisture (including rain, snow and ice), dust, insects, grease and salt corrosion, a formidable enemy of technology in any coastal area. Even in extreme environments like Florida, SunBriteDS owners have reported displays enduring tropical storms and lasting for years.

The price point of an outdoor display might initially make them a tougher sell, but for those who expect their outdoor display to last through the following summer season, it’s a matter of return on investment. And in that sense, A SunBriteDS display can always be counted on to beat the heat and stand the test of time.

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