5. Brightness & Color Uniformity
For LED video boards, brightness is measured in candela per square meter, commonly referred to as “nits”—each one roughly equivalent to a single candle’s worth of light per square meter. Indoor screens don’t need to be nearly as bright as outdoor screens, which may range as high as 10,000+ nits in direct sunlight.
Color uniformity is also critical in delivering superior image quality. Pixel-to-pixel and module-to-module color matching helps ensure a smooth image and reduces the splotchiness often seen on lower quality displays. High quality video boards maintain brightness variations between pixels at less than +/- 1.5% and color variation to less then +/- 0.001 CIR on all colors.
True color, or the ability of your video board to accurately reproduce lifelike colors, is about more than just a beautiful image. Consider a sports experience: if your team’s uniform colors don’t look right on the big screen, the other details won’t matter. This is another concern for which side-by-side, physical comparisons can be especially useful.
6. Client References
When seriously considering one vendor over another, it’s smart to check references. Of course, vendors only direct you to clients who speak highly of them. The same is true when a vendor puts you in touch with a reference for the competition—they point you to someone who has only bad things to say about that brand.
To make the most of a client reference, it’s important to hear both the good and bad. When talking with references, the standard, “what’s your experience with vendor X?” is a good starting point. But be sure to ask follow-up questions to get more specifics. For example: how was the customer service? What were the vendor’s strengths? What could they have done better?
Established brands will have hundreds of clients and projects, so beware of any vendor not willing to discuss their not-so-glowing moments.
7. Comprehensive, Holistic Services
Some vendors provide the nuts and bolts for your video board—and then they’re out of the picture. Others provide a complete, comprehensive package, from consultation and project management to ongoing, post-installation support and content production assistance. Don’t just look for a vendor—aim for a partner who’s invested in your future success.
These seven items represent several of the most significant aspects of a truly great video board solution, helping you ensure that your choice will dazzle and delight visitors for years to come. That being said, remember that smart shopping means having a clear idea of your specific needs—and always being prepared to ask additional questions.
While the above items are essential, this article shouldn’t be considered comprehensive—in fact, these criteria were selected from our full, ten-point Video Board Checklist. For in-depth insights on all ten criteria—including viewing angles, a proprietary control system, and photogenic appeal—see our forthcoming Buyer’s Guide.