The development of architectural lighting equipment in recent years has firmly entered the multimedia technology segment. A wide consumer market is not yet saturated with developments in which such solutions are implemented, but large companies are increasingly turning to such products. In all senses, a striking example of the use of this concept is the LED media screens, formed by separate modules. Such systems combine the advantages of lighting technology and media transmission media.
What is a media facade?
To understand the features of this technology, you should turn to the means of presenting interactive street advertising. Typical signs with a running line, in essence, are a kind of media facades, but with some differences. First of all, advertising traditional designs are not always formed by LEDs, which already speaks of their loss in basic light characteristics. In addition, differences are expressed in size and stylistic integration into space. In many ways, LED media facades are characterized by design qualities. What does it mean? Mostly organic entry into the local architectural ensemble. Such complexes are built into the facades of shopping complexes, terminals and other respectable high-class facilities. In essence, this is a set of large-format LED panels , which is securely fixed in the niche of the building.
The advantages of media facades
In terms of the presentation of information, such complexes have practically no restrictions, which also distinguishes them from traditional street advertising. With their help, the owner can demonstrate slide shows, text information, video materials, etc. Of course, most media facades are also used to present advertisements, but not only. Another advantage is the flexibility of connecting to the information sources themselves. In the control process, it is enough to run a special program through a computer, which will automatically update the displayed materials. In addition, LED media facades have incorporated all the advantages that LED panels are famous for. This includes low energy consumption and a high operational resource, and not to mention the advantages of color reproduction.
Disadvantages of media facades
Media facades have many weaknesses that limit their use. For example, the main one is the fact that LED lighting is unproductive in the daytime. That is, the work of the complex will justify itself only at night, although this problem is solved with the help of more sensitive modules with increased characteristics of brightness and contrast. Another problem of using this technology is the difficulty of replacing failed clusters. Despite the high service life, street operation causes a huge range of physical threats to which LED modules are exposed . Media facades may be damaged, followed by updating the failed panel. The complexity of this operation lies in the fact that almost every module has almost unique characteristics of light transmission. Accordingly, an improperly selected component can disrupt the overall composition of the image.
Manufacturers
The media facades segment is not just high-tech, but also somewhat experimental. Problems with the use of such devices do not yet allow manufacturers to gain a foothold in the market, and yet there are many companies that are actively working in this direction. Perhaps the most famous among them is Osram, a company specializing in LED technology. She is known, in particular, for the manufacture of a ceiling, consisting of 14 thousand LED components. The company designs tubular, cluster and mesh LED media facades. The production of such panels in Russia was organized by LCF. The developers offer a wide range of solutions of any complexity with the ability to broadcast high-quality video. The advantages of the services of this company include the possibility of installation with maintenance from qualified specialists.
How much do LED media facades cost?
The high cost of panels for media facades is another significant drawback, although the impressive effect of their work often justifies the investment. The average cost of panels is 150-200 thousand rubles. for 1 m 2 . The total price of the finished kit can reach 2-3 million. It is important to consider that the estimate includes not only the cost of the screen itself with its components, but also the cost of additional equipment. Common infrastructure in typical solutions typically includes receiving graphics cards, controllers and auxiliary hardware, cables, and reinforcement segments. In addition, LED media facades need regular technical support. Preventive measures include external care for the panels, and checking the status of the hardware filling of the modules.
Conclusion
The lighting equipment segment is distinguished by the fact that the majority of innovative solutions over time still turn out to be in demand on the market. Therefore, for all the risks that developers of such screens deal with, there is every reason to call them pioneers of a new promising niche. And this already confirms the fact that LED media facades are used in the largest hotels, business centers and shopping complexes in the world. Another thing is that specialists note a number of shortcomings, over which designers will work for a long time. But there are problems of a different kind. They are associated with a radical change in the appearance of urban massifs, and many architects and world-famous designers are skeptical of this phenomenon.