In this modern day and age, digital billboards are omnipresent. They are a part of urban landscapes worldwide and their popularity has surged thanks to their ability to deliver advertisements quickly and dynamically. The high-definition (HD) images are meant to capture attention but has anyone ever looked beyond the pixels and into its construction?
The construction of these large, heavyset billboards requires careful planning and adherence to a slew of specific building codes to ensure safety, aesthetics and compliance with any existing local regulations. If not, the situation could result in a big bonk.
First and foremost, consideration must be given to elements like weather, human interaction, exposure to machinery, traffic and location before installing digital outdoor billboards. Additionally, choices have to be made regarding the materials to be used, the equipment’s size and its hardware and software. Furthermore, while internet and electricity availability are not issues indoors, they are not outside. Prior to installing outdoor equipment, make sure both are accessible to avoid future problems.
There exist two main problems with installing digital billboards outside. How well will they work in the sun and how will the equipment regulate its temperature? Having a good contrast ratio and increasing brightness are essential for a high-quality image. This means that displays outside should be brighter than those inside, which explains why LED monitors are more common outside. Furthermore, the brightness is automatically adjusted as night falls.
Temperature is one of the things that needs to be prioritised more. Known as the isotropic blackening effect, it can permanently damage a display’s liquid crystals if it gets too hot. Nonetheless, there are a few standard methods for adjusting the temperature on external displays. Using the outside air to cool the display parts keeps the interior from getting too hot, according to one theory. Using the display’s sophisticated thermal management to keep the interior temperature from rising too high is an additional choice for temperature control.
Structural integrityWhen installing a digital wallscape billboard, the main thing to consider is the overall weight of the structure, which includes the LED display, the supporting framework, and any other equipment. Without sacrificing its structural integrity, the current building must be able to accommodate the increased weight. To ascertain whether the installation is feasible, a comprehensive structural evaluation by a licensed engineer is essential.
According to statistics, the typical weight of a digital wallscape billboard can weigh more than 3,000 kg. A supporting structure can help spread this weight over a greater area, lessening the load on any one spot. Nonetheless, the load-bearing walls and foundation of the building must be able to support the added weight.
Safety adherenceConstructing a heavy digital wallscape billboard can resemble a herculean task. It poses significant safety risks due to its towering height and complexity within the structures. Installing a heavy billboard means setting in stone strict safety protocols and providing extensive training for the workers. These typically include harnesses to perch, scaffolding to step on and other safety equipment.
Like all things digital, repairs are inevitable. That is why it is crucial to install accessibility features within the billboard for scheduled maintenance and repairs. The structural design should have easy access to the various components within, such as the screen itself, structural elements and the electric circuits.
Electrical systemsA vast amount of electrical power is needed for a digital wallscape billboard to function. The energy consumption of the screens themselves is high, and the additional demand is increased by the control systems and lighting in the supporting infrastructure.
It is fundamental to install a dependable and effective electrical system to meet these energy needs. Installing power distribution panels, surge protection devices, and heavy-duty cables are usually required for this. Furthermore, to handle the extra load, it might be required to upgrade the building’s current electrical infrastructure.
A recent development in digital wallscape billboard technology has been the growing utilisation of renewable energy sources. A cost-efficient and sustainable method of producing electricity is to incorporate solar panels into the design of the billboard. Even though the upfront cost could be higher, there may be significant long-term energy cost savings.
Technological componentsThe technological elements of a digital wallscape billboard are considered its central component. These consist of network connectivity, content management systems and display screens. There are also usually heat dissipation systems, auto brightness sensors, IP-rated enclosures to seal against dirt and environmental elements and circuit boards. Ensuring that the construction of these billboards can accommodate future advancements is crucial as technology continues to evolve.
High-speed internet connectivity installation is a crucial factor to take into account. A dependable and quick internet connection is necessary for digital billboards to receive updates and deliver content. To satisfy these needs, it could occasionally be essential to update the building’s current network infrastructure.
The growing application of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the functionality of digital wallscape billboards is another trend. AI is useful for content delivery optimization, audience behaviour analysis, and even the creation of targeted advertising campaigns. It’s crucial to make sure the billboard’s design permits the installation of AI-powered hardware and software to support these technologies.
Digital worldGlobal statistics portal Statista reported that advertisement spending in the digital out-of-home advertising market (DOOH) in Malaysia is forecasted to reach RM399mil by the end of 2024, and the average advertising spending per capita is projected to be approximately RM9mil in 2024. The expected annual growth rate is 10.38%, which is leading to a projected market volume of RM652mil by 2029.
The construction of digital wallscape billboards requires careful planning and consideration of the building’s structural, electrical, and environmental characteristics. By addressing the necessary building changes, property owners and advertisers can safely and effectively integrate these dynamic advertising platforms into their existing structures.
