Outdoor digital signage, information screens and outdoor TVs all use LCD displays. Little difference exists between a standard LCD screen used at home and an outdoor LCD display, except outdoor screens require protection from the weather and other outdoor elements to enable functionality in outdoor locations.
Many manufacturers now produce outdoor displays, thanks to the burgeoning outdoor digital signage market, but these outdoor TVs cost many times more than the price of standard indoor displays. This price often prohibits many businesses from using outdoor digital signage, providing outdoor information or entertaining customers with an outdoor TV.
Outdoor LCD Display Enclosure
Another method of utilizing an outdoor LCD display is to use standard device but protect it in LCD enclosure. Made to TV manufacturer's standards, such as VESA (Video and Electronic Manufacturers Association), LCD enclosures come in a variety of sizes, enabling the housing of almost any make and model screen.
Normally, the protection offered by a LCD enclosure is fairly comprehensive, keeping the housed LCD screen dry from the rain, free of airborne particles, at a steady temperature and provides rugged defense from vandals and attempts at theft. Protecting from all of these factors is essential for any outdoor LCD display.
Weatherproofing
Perhaps the most obvious from of protection for an outdoor LCD screen is protection from the weather. Water and electronics obviously do not mix, so keeping the display dry is vital. Rainfall needs keeping out of the display, but this is not as simple as it sounds. All TV screens require access to air to prevent overheating.
A LCD screen has a ventilation system on it that enables air to penetrate and carry any excess heat away; however, this also provides access for any water or rainfall. To combat this problem, LCD display enclosures have shaped channels that permit airflow but not water ingression, enabling heat transfer but preventing moisture intrusion.
Temperature Control
Outdoor LCD display enclosures provide a controllable environment for the screen with the temperature kept at a constant thanks to climatic systems. Cooling fans transfer away heat generated by the screen; while in cold ambient temperature, heater systems maintain a minimum temperature inside the enclosure.
Insulation, additional fans and even air conditioning provide additional temperature control when needed, maintaining a steady internal temperature for the screen.
Other Protection
The weather and temperature are not the only elements that can damage an LCD display. Dust, when allowed to penetrate inside vents can cause overheating and even short circuits. Attracted to static, dust can also cover screens and make them unreadable. Prevalent in industrial locations and even outdoors as wind-blown dust and debris, outdoor LCD screen enclosures are ideal for protecting screens in this sort of area.
Another form of protection offered by a LCD screen enclosure is ruggedness and defense against vandalism. Usually manufactured from steel, with shatterproof screen, outdoor LCD screen enclosures provide physical protection from physical shocks and impact.
Used for outdoor digital signage, indoor display in harsh environments and for watching TV outdoors, outdoor LCD display enclosures are a comprehensive form of protection that allows the use of standard LCD displays in almost any environment.
