Walking the show floor at the most recent ISA Sign Expos, I was struck by what appeared to be a gradual decline of interest in LCD-based dynamic digital signage (DDS)—but an increase in LED signage. Without this becoming too thick of an alphabet soup, I have usually associated DDS with LCDs—while LEDs were something else entirely. As it turns out, the two are merging.

Usually, when we mention “LED” it is in the context of LED UV curing in flatbed wide-format printers. But, there is another application of LED that is relevant for sign and display conversations: signage. LED (light-emitting diode) signage is not new, and currently is most commonly found in electronic message centers (EMCs)—those large digital displays found outside banks, convention centers, schools, and other venues. However, LED signage is increasingly being used for indoor displays, and there is a sense that LED signage may be displacing  dynamic digital displays on LCD screens. 

LED signage has been traditionally used for electronic message centers (EMCs), such as those found outside schools, convention centers, banks, and other venues. (Image courtesy EBSCO Sign Group.)