LFD and IFP displays allow, thanks to technological advances in the creation of panels and the development of increasingly advanced software, to display images in an effective and engaging way and to interact with users. The use of an LFD display therefore entails several advantages, which we will analyze:
LCD technology with LED/OLED backlighting
Modern LFDs exploit the well-established LCD technology with LED backlighting, i.e. based on light-emitting diodes that generate the same when passed through a current. LED technology has practically replaced lighting technology with fluorescent neon lamps (CCFL), as it allows for thinner and lighter displays to be obtained for the same size, with better contrast and lower consumption. Over time, large panel manufacturers have developed alternative technologies, such as OLED and QLED, which do not require additional components to be illuminated and allow for a wider range of colors (wider gamut) and excellent contrast with low latency, but with the disadvantage of a significantly higher cost.
Wide choice of formats
Based on the spaces available, the contents to be transmitted and the number of recipients of the communication, LFDs are available in a large variety of formats. Compared to past years, when for example a 42″ display was considered a large format, today the available sizes have expanded to reach 98″ and more, which means approximately 249 cm diagonally! The most requested size is currently the 75″. The resolutions reach 8K, equal to 7,680 x 4,320 pixels.
Installation flexibility
The LFDs can be installed both horizontally and vertically to satisfy every communication and positioning need in the environment. If you wish to cover larger areas, and therefore transmit images and videos over long distances, some models offer the possibility of being used as video walls, therefore arranged side by side and connected to each other to be managed as a single large display. Their installation versatility makes them certainly preferable to video projectors, however with the disadvantage of weight, which can reach up to 100 kg.
24 hour operation
Being professional products, LFD displays have the great advantage of being able to guarantee several hours of uninterrupted operation. Some even 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for particular needs that require it.
Brightness for indoor/outdoor use
These displays are able to transmit clear images in any lighting condition, adapting to the environment in which they are to be used.
For outdoor use they must guarantee excellent readability even in bright light and therefore their brightness should be in the order of 2,300/2,700 cd/m², while for indoor models between 300 and 700 cd/m² is “sufficient” (Nit ).
Control and management versatility
Functionally, LFDs are similar to professional PC desktop monitors. Simply connect a computer, a media player or an external USB stick to be able to immediately enjoy the desired content. In some models the reader is integrated and can be controlled via network thanks to management software. Specific apps are also available for the Android and iOS world with which to remotely control the display via tablet or smartphone, or even applications (such as Chimpa RDM) with which it is possible to remotely control, provide assistance and send to multiple interactive monitors at the same time documents and applications, or limit some functions.
Interactivity
An interactive monitor is the reference center of a modern meeting room: thanks to the touch screen that characterizes the IFP (Interactive Flat Panel), the devices guarantee a much more immediate and productive operating mode. We often find Android integrated on board which increases its versatility. By adding an OPS mini-PC, you can integrate all the functionality of a computer into your monitor.
Let’s not forget that collaboration, in person and remotely, has become a fundamental business tool in recent months. Brainstorming, annotations on documents, interactive presentations and collaborative whiteboards enable new working methodologies and more engaging meetings. Setting up meetings and huddlerooms with these products is no longer a problem.
Much more than a television
From the description of the characteristics and advantages of an LFD, some might doubt whether it can be replaced with an LCD television. In fact, without an adequate technical background, many people would not distinguish any difference between the two at first glance. In reality, the types of products are not directly comparable and it is important to understand why.
First, the functions and application areas of LFDs and televisions are very different.
Smart TVs are primarily designed for home entertainment, while large format displays are typically optimized for professional use.
In terms of technical characteristics, we remember that the purpose of a large format display, in all areas of application, is to show content in the best possible way. Therefore, in an LFD, it is essential to aspire to the best possible visual conditions. Please note: visual, and not simply image quality which is obviously important even in high-end televisions.
Visual means in particular brightness, absence of reflections, uniformity and accuracy of colors.
As already explained, depending on the ambient light, a minimum brightness level is necessary to ensure sufficient visibility. Typically, modern offices are flooded with light from adjacent ones and glass facades; these and other spaces of similar characteristics require bright displays, while home televisions rarely exceed 350 cd/m².
LFD displays are generally also equipped with an anti-reflective surface to ensure the best visibility even in a bright environment, such as shop windows. Televisions are not equipped with this type of treatment and even if viewed in dim light conditions they suffer greatly from reflections coming from any windows or light sources placed behind the screen.
Illumination uniformity and color accuracy are also important. LFDs, as well as professional desktop monitors, often come with factory pre-calibrated settings to ensure accurate colors. Additionally, the three RGB channels can be individually adjusted via the OSD or externally calibrated ensuring that customers can get exactly the image they want. For televisions, this professional calibration is not available, with some exceptions.
Operational requirements
Improving visual quality is a constant process that all manufacturers pay attention to. To ensure reliable performance over time and in harsh conditions, large format displays have many features to improve their robustness and longevity.
Heat protection and panel durability
For uninterrupted operation up to 24 hours a day without loss of quality or damage to components, heat protection becomes a serious issue. LFD displays are designed to dissipate the heat generated by the backlight system and power supply efficiently, regardless of whether the display is installed horizontally or vertically. Temperatures within the display are constantly monitored via sensors positioned next to critical components to provide a pre-alarm if necessary. The selection of the appropriate LCD panel is also essential in this type of equipment: in the professional field, compromises are allowed!
Connectivity and remote control
Another great advantage of large format displays is the many options available for connecting sources. If for a smart TV multiple HDMI inputs and a pair of USB ports are sufficient for connecting sticks with pre-loaded A/V content (photos and videos), in a professional product it is often necessary to have more flexible connectivity options, and there we specifically refer, in addition, to analog component inputs, SDI, VGA, HDBaseT and even embedded computers (e.g. Intel-based computers, Raspberry Pi) to achieve an optimal connection between source and display without further need for external equipment.
“Protected” use
A professional display for digital signage or for use in companies must be able to prevent access to unauthorized personnel, who could “sabotage” the displays via infrared remote control or even via buttons on the display. In this sense, LFDs are equipped with security systems such as infrared control, key lock functions and PIN protection for the OSD to prevent access to any attackers. Additionally, they also offer advanced accessibility for administrators and software to control every networked display from a central location. The software allows access to all display settings and other functions such as power control, scheduling and email notifications in case of hardware/software failures.
In conclusion, LFDs are designed to be a reliable asset, optimized to run smoothly for a long time and without compromising on quality. They are devices that over time have proven their value as a permanent solution that brings significant business benefits. The initial investment required for the purchase must be evaluated over the entire life cycle of the product, considering this how much it can save due to lack of maintenance, eliminating downtime.