LED Signs Guide

COMPARISONS

 

Finding the best LED sign types for you

It is ESSENTIAL to understand LED sign definitions, including resolution, to be able to determine the value and appropriateness of LED sign types for your organization.

Definition (Pixel Pitch) = the proximity or distance from the center of one pixel to the center of the pixel next to it.

Resolution (Pixel Matrix) = the number of overall pixels on a display.

The definition and resolution that’s best for you depend on where your sign will be placed and how far away you want viewers to be able to see it. These, in turn, may depend on your local zoning ordinances. Guthman Signs’ experts can advise you on the definition, resolution, colors, and backgrounds that will be most effective in the LED sign types that you should consider.

 

STANDARDIZATION ENABLES UPGRADES

Many LED sign manufacturers have moved to a standard board size. This means each individual LED board (typically around 12’’X12’’) can be exchanged for a higher definition LED board in the future without having to invest in an entirely new sign when the time comes.

Pro Tip: Look for a manufacturer that provides this type of standardized product if you are looking at using the same sign structure for 10+ years.

Standard Upgrade Options

INSTALLATION OPTIONS

Do It Yourself vs Turn Key

There are three main kinds of installation: Wall mount, direct bury, and anchor bolt.

Wall mounts can be dangerous if the sign is not designed and engineered correctly.

Direct bury can be a less expensive and quicker method of installation, but it is also more prone to environmental deterioration and/or rust.

Anchor bolt methods are used primarily for do-it-yourself installations because the process is simplified for less experienced installers.

Pro Tip: Certain manufacturers are friendlier towards do it yourself methods of installation.

Pro Tip: Certain manufacturers are friendlier towards do-it-yourself methods of installation. Your Guthman Signs specialist will provide engineer drawings that are sealed by a licensed engineer in your state as part of the project. This will ensure that the installation goes well and the sign is safe for your neighborhood.

Standard Components to Consider

Pro Tip: Guthman Signs highly recommends this option when it makes economic sense because of the ease of operation.

Communications Note: There are three main methods of LED sign communication: Hard Wired, Short Range Wireless, and Cellular Broadband.

Short range wireless: Typically this method is more costly for installations because two antennas need to be installed and cables need to be run through walls and ceilings to make connections possible.

Pro Tip: Local sign shops and installers love this method because of the extra installation charges they receive.

Cellular broadband modem: The modern LED sign industry has many options for cellular modems. These usually come with a data plan and/or include easy Sim chip integration (like a typical smart phone would have).

Pro Tip: We love this method at Guthman Signs because:

• It makes the installation easier and less expensive
• It allows signs to run separately from the local organization’s network (more secure).
• Easy diagnosis is made possible with most manufacturers being able to diagnose any problem remotely. This makes for quicker response times should a technical issue arise.

THE GUTHMAN SIGNS SERVICE ADVANTAGE

 

WARRANTY OPTIONS

Parts Warranty

The industry standard is the 5 year parts warranty. These usually include an in-factory labor component. This means that if any part fails or has a defect, the manufacturer is legally bound to replace the part or repair it at their own expense.

Pro Tip: These usually don’t cover vandalism or acts of God such as natural disasters although many will tell you that they do.

Labor Warranty

The sign industry has only recently begun to embrace the idea of labor warranties with more attention. The duration of these can vary between 2-10 years. There are two main types of labor warranties in the sign industry currently; underwritten, and proprietary.

Underwritten labor warranties are backed by what amounts to an insurance policy. These are often administered and managed by a third party vendor.

Pro Tip: The third party typically manages repair projects through established national networks of local contractors.

Proprietary labor warranties are backed by the manufacturer themselves. These manufacturers either manage the labor warranty themselves with their own factory trained technicians, or train a network of local contractors to manage the projects for them.

Pro Tip: These can be quite expensive due to the expertise level of technical support provided.

Parts Guarantees

Manufacturers in the sign industry often provide up to 10 year guarantees on availability of parts.

Some manufacturers even go as far as to produce and store identical parts that were produced simultaneously with the product sent to the field.