AVitecture – The Creative Fusion of AV Technology and Architecture

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: there was once a library designed to aesthetic perfection, a work of wonder, an architectural masterpiece. But not long after the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the building started to slowly sink. Why? It turns out that the library had a critical design flaw – the architect didn’t account for the weight of all the books.

Fortunately, the story of the “sinking library” is merely an urban legend. But there is a message behind the myth that remains relevant for all those in the field of architecture, engineering, and construction – design professionals should take great care to ensure that their structures are built for their purpose and occupants, not just beauty. In this digital age, this idea even extends to the audio-visual systems used in a space.

Better Architectural Design Through AV Integration
AVitecture involves the careful and planned integration of audio-visual technology into a structure’s architecture. AEC pros can enhance the AV experiences of building occupants with custom fit systems designed for each unique space. In addition, AV can heighten the design of the structure and serve as the “WOW” factor that gets people talking.

Indoor spaces that are perfectly suited for integrating audio-visual systems like digital displays, touchscreens, and wayfinding kiosks include:

  • Lobbies
  • Conference rooms
  • Briefing Centers
  • Elevators

AV integration isn’t limited to the indoors as it can enhance exterior spaces as well. Creative designers should consider:

  • Outfitting outdoor spaces with large format traditional displays
  • Incorporating accent displays that highlight features of the building
  • Leveraging full media playback systems to turn heads and serve the audio-visual needs of occupants

Partner with AV Professionals
Good AVitecture starts at a building’s inception with design professionals who understand how LED technology can help formulate a vision of environment creation and elevate an architectural project to new heights. There are endless possibilities for combining economically and technically sound solutions that fit the vision of a building’s design. AEC pros who collaborate hand-in-hand with AV consultants can design imaginative ways to fuse AV technology into a building that are both functional and aesthetically captivating.

PixelFLEX ® provides custom LED solutions and is a leading specialist in AVitecture. We partner with engineers, designers, and architects to help create one-of-a-kind visual experiences that engage consumers. Our state-of-the-art LED digital signage is customized to serve the unique needs of each client. No matter the size or scale of your project, PixelFLEX®  will collaborate with you to develop an immersive and inventive LED display technology solution that brings your space to life. To start your partnership, contact us today!

 

View More Information on Architecture & Design

 

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What Retailers Should Know Before Diving into LED Displays

There was a time when retailers could simply hang banners over the front of their building, slap a few posters in the window, sprinkle cardboard cutouts around the store and call their signage done. But in today’s digital world, this is no longer an effective strategy. Instead, retailers need to grab the attention of shoppers using LED displays. But these innovative tools aren’t miracle workers. You still need a strategy to use them effectively. Let’s take a look.

Location, Location, Location
If your customers don’t see your LED displays, then you’ve simply wasted your money. Give careful consideration to where your highest traffic areas are and what action you wish to prompt. Displays in your front window can help draw attention and entice customers to come into your store. Others at the entrance to your retail space can highlight specials and sales. A few well-placed LED displays near the registers can help warm customers to the idea of joining your loyalty program at checkout or prompt a last-minute impulse purchase. And a display at your store’s exits can be used to share your social media information so you can continue to engage with your customers after they’ve left.

Time to Get Creative
Consumers are getting increasingly used to being surrounded by screens, so you need to get creative to cut through the noise. Fortunately, LED displays are no longer limited to rectangular panels you hang on a wall. Today’s technology allows retailers to get creative by designing a custom video display that is truly eye-catching and unique. Digital displays are now available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations to integrate perfectly with your store’s design and branding. Curved surfaces, strips, columns, and even floor to ceiling displays are all available to help make your vision a reality.

Content is King
The real advantage of LED displays is that, unlike old-fashioned print signage, you can change the content being displayed whenever you desire. Attention spans are short, so be sure to vary your messaging often to can catch the eye of your repeat customers. In addition, you can quickly react to changing circumstances, such as highlighting your rain gear on stormy days or bathing suits as the temperature rises. Don’t forget to vary the type of content you broadcast as well. LED displays can be used to show product videos, testimonials from customers, social media feeds, local news items, and much, much more.

PixelFLEX® Can Help You Get Creative with your Retail Displays
PixelFLEX® knows each project is unique, so we pride ourselves on coming up with custom solutions for each and every customer. An American-based LED manufacturer, PixelFLEX® works with architects, designers, engineers, and consultants to offer creative solutions, reliable products, and top-tier support throughout the entire experience. Whether you are looking to increase curb appeal, target impulse buyers, or simply attract attention, LED helps bring creativity to your retail displays. Learn more at pixelflexled.com/.

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Listen Pro AV Plus Design: AVitecture, with Will Dickey of PixelFLEX

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As LED technology improves and the lifespan of installations grows to practically a decade or more in length, architects are becoming more incentive to implement LEDs into their ideas and building designs.

This crossroad between AV technology and architecture, coined perfectly as AVitecture, has allowed for more creativity among building spaces, from commercial to residential. Joining us is Will Dickey from PixelFLEX to discuss this trend, as well as talk the benefits and challenges of working with LED display technology.

For the latest news, videos, and podcasts in the Pro AV Industry, be sure to subscribe to our industry publication.

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What is LED Pixel Pitch and Why Does It Matter?

When talking about LEDs for digital signage, pixel pitch is one of the most important criteria to consider. Pixel pitch describes the distance between two pixels in millimeters. That distance defines a lot about the appearance and performance of LED screens. It’s also closely related to resolution.

Pixel pitch isn’t as well-known as resolution, and often they are believed to be the same. This is a big misconception. They are connected but not the same. Typically, the smaller the number the higher the resolution.

Pixel pitch, however, is not related to the size of a screen. Because two screens are the same size doesn’t mean they have the same pixel pitch.

Small vs. Large Pixel Pitch

Pixel pitch is essentially the measurement of density. A small pixel pitch indicates a greater density and less space between each pixel. This correlates to improved resolution. The larger the pixel pitch, the less dense. Large pixel pitch displays pale in comparison to their counterparts, but they come at a lower cost.

Why Pixel Pitch Matters in Digital Signage

Digital signage, when executed well, should be driven by vivid imagery with the most optimal viewing distance. The lower the pixel pitch, the more defined the imagery. This is essential if the signage is something a viewer would stand close to; the resolution doesn’t degrade the closer the viewer gets. You wouldn’t want a screen where a viewer can see the black space between pixels, so you’ll want a very small pixel pitch.

Application Should Determine Pixel Pitch

When choosing an LED screen for your project, application should drive what kind of pixel pitch you select. Smaller pixel pitch is best for up-close interaction. Whereas, if the screens will be further away or higher up on a wall, a larger pixel pitch will suffice. Higher pixel pitch delivers improved visuals from a further distance. In these situations, increasing the density of pixels will have no effect, so it’s best to save on budget here.

Determining Acceptable Viewing Distances

If you aren’t sure exactly what the viewing distance will be in your project, there are some practical guidelines you can follow. Not an exact science but considered an industry standard is that 1mm in pitch equals 8 feet of viewing distance.

The 10x rule is a way to estimate visual acuity distance. Divide the approximate distance in feet that a viewer would be standing from the video wall or single display by 10. This should give you a rough number to work from. Take this as a general recommendation as many other factors may be influencing the decision, like budget and type of content.

Pixel pitch should be a top of the list consideration when designing your LED display solutions. The crux of the decision is based on where it will live and how close viewers will be. PixelFLEX manufactures LED screens in a variety of pixel pitch measurements, ranging from 1.2mm to 16mm, covering the gamut of possible applications.

Browse all of the PixelFLEX LED display solutions here.

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LED Digital Signage in Airports: Creating a Better Passenger Experience

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Digital signage plays a significant role in how audiences receive information. It can inform, engage, and persuade. That’s especially true at the airport. Digital signage in airports isn’t new, but it has evolved from being ill-designed lists of arrivals and departures. Now, LED displays are everywhere. Let’s look at how airports are using LED digital signage to improve the passenger experience:

Wayfinding

Getting lost in an airport is rather easy and usually increases in large airports. Many flyers won’t have intimate knowledge of that airport’s layout. So, they’ll need some help. Navigating with LEDs over paper has several advantages.

Not only can wayfinding help passengers get from gate to gate, it can also be changed at any time to correlate with any closings of areas or the need to re-route. This keeps passengers moving in the right direction.

Emergency Information

Should an event occur, weather-related or any other emergency situation, you need to disperse information quickly and accurately. Directing passengers to where they need to go with the help of LED displays. This can keep crowds calm while informing them of what to do next. Because your signs can be updated at any time and across all screens in a network, you have a flexible, adaptable channel.

Entertainment

LED digital signage also offers entertainment for passengers. It can include news headlines, sports scores, entertainment news, and more. You may see these live feeds in certain sections of the screen rather than the whole screen. Because digital signage design has become very adaptable, the top half of the LED display could be playing promotions, while real-time content flows at the bottom.

Advertising: Internal and External

One of the most often used capabilities of LED digital signage in airports is to advertise, which could include internal or external clients.

For internal advertising, groups of digital signage in the terminal may communicate what the dining options are throughout the airport as well as retailers. This can work on the passenger’s impulse purchasing decisions. In fact, according to Digital Signage Today, 42 percent of passengers were more likely to make an impulse purchase when businesses promoted duty-free items.

Externally, it makes sense to offer screen time to local businesses, especially restaurants, hotels, transportation, and attractions. This type of signage is most likely found in the path of arrivals and sits prominently at the baggage claim. Offering this ad space is the same thing airports have done for years with banners and static signage.

LED Digital Signage as Art

One emerging trend is the use of digital signage as art. These have been made even more alluring with LED video walls that can bend and wrap. Airports can deliver a more upscale experience. Plus, the “art” can change out regularly based on season or events. It could also be tied into advertisements with internal and local businesses.

Use Unique Screens for Unique Experiences

There is a lot of waiting at the airport with a large audience, which pays attention to LED screens now more than ever. Much of this is due to the new applications and dynamic content. To create these experiences, a new breed of display is necessary, which is exactly what PixelFLEX delivers. The FLEXUltra is a cutting-edge curve-able display that can fit any spot, and the FLEXMod can flex, bend and blend in with any space seamlessly.

Explore all the PixelFLEX solutions for airports by checking out products. Those in the industry can also see solutions at the ACI-NA (Airports Council International-North America) annual conference in Nashville this fall, where PixelFLEX will present its options for airport LED digital signage.

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Listen: Creating Visual Impact in Your Corporate Spaces with David Venus of PixelFLEX

David Venus, Chief Marketing Officer at PixelFLEX, joined us to talk about how companies can inspire creativity and innovation just by upgrading their physical work space. We also talked about some emerging trends in his industry and how LED can truly enhance an aesthetic. Learn some of the routes companies are taking to enhance not only the customers experience, but their own employees by investing in LED walls and dynamic digital signage in their corporate offices and modern workspaces.

For the latest news, videos, and podcasts in the Pro AV Industry, be sure to subscribe to our industry publication.

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Why Your Corporate HQ Needs LED Video Display Technology

No matter what industry your company is in, you know that competition is more intense than it’s ever been. That’s why it’s essential to find creative ways to stand out and make a statement in order to differentiate your brand. Using LED video display technology in your corporate headquarters is an innovative and cutting-edge way to stand out. Let’s take a look.

Make a Statement

Eye-catching LED video display tech is a tool that literally provides a new way of looking at things. LED video displays make a statement to your company’s guests, potential clients, and employees, helping to brand you as a creative, innovative company that is on the cutting edge of technology. They are a cost-effective way to give your corporate headquarters a rich, modern look. Best of all, you can use these displays to broadcast product videos, messages from your executive team, social media feeds, news items, and so much more.

Get Creative

If you think LED video means a small screen you hang on the wall, you need to begin thinking outside the box. Today’s LED video display tech gives you the opportunity to create a custom video display that is unique and artistic. LED video displays are available in a huge number of sizes and configurations, so they can be placed in spaces such as corridors, elevators, lobbies, meeting rooms, and sales centers. Literally any open surface can be used to help create an unforgettable experience for your visitors and staff. And the technology has advanced to the point where curved surfaces, strips, columns, floor to ceiling displays – even floor displays and ceiling displays – are all possible. Packing the dynamic punch you desire with an LED display is truly limited only by your imagination.

 

Success Stories

Here are four examples to get your creativity flowing:

  • Equifax turned to Velocity Productions and PixelFLEX® to create a unique display for the lobby of their world headquarters. The display uses a custom TrueFLEX™ LED flexible video panel formed in a shape that mimics the Atlanta skyline with a 16:9 format screen in the center to play promotional content.
  • Reflect, a full-service provider of digital brand media solutions, created two visually dynamic LED displays using FLEXLite™ NXG technology from PixelFLEX®. The displays were not only designed to make an impact on visiting clients and guests, but to showcase some of Reflect’s creative ideas and solutions as well.
  • ASG, a national integration company, turned to PixelFLEX to help create one of the most unique and dynamic LED video wall solutions for Fortune 500 company, NetApp. The displays are not only trapezoidal, but curved 360 degrees around the center of its Data Visionary Center which is used to show off its capabilities to potential clients.
  • Looking to create an unforgettable space for their executive waiting area in the World Headquarters, Target turned to PixelFLEX. Working closely with their in house integration team throughout the process to complete installation of their first step into digital LED signage with a dynamic wall in its executive visitors lounge.

PixelFLEX® Can Help Transform Your Corporate HQ

PixelFLEX® helps bring creativity to your corporate headquarters. An American-based LED manufacturer, PixelFLEX® offers creative solutions, reliable products, and dependable service to help realize your unique vision. Working with architects, designers, engineers, and consultants, PixelFLEX® is proud to develop custom solutions for each and every customer, while also providing top-tier support throughout the entire experience.

PixelFLEX® offers industry-leading LED display technology and solutions that can help transform your space into a digital world. Take a look at https://pixelflexled.com/portfolio/.

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LED Video Walls and Their Emerging Impact on TV Broadcasts and Film

Did you know that LED video walls are an integral part of TV broadcasts and film? It’s true! The vibrant imagery provided by this advanced technology offers the perfect backdrop on any set. Instead of using old-school projectors or printed backdrops, LED screens make it appear as though cars are actually driving along roads, or can display a realistic snowy winter land that can be seen through a window of a fictional house on a production set.

Another popular way in which LED video walls have made their debut in the television world is as a backdrop for news programs. Today’s newscasting is typically filmed on sophisticated sets, incorporating many video elements. Thus, LED video walls used in these spaces require unique design specifications that are somewhat different from regular LED video walls. Fortunately, LED screens provide design options aplenty.

LED Walls for TV and Film: Special Specifications 

  • Pixel pitch is one area that is different for these on-air or on-film scenarios. The closer the camera shot, the closer the pixels need to be for optimal results.
  • Refresh rate is another aspect to consider. It must be fast so that content looks natural and transmits seamlessly.
  • Dual powered displays are a must. Having two power sources prevents content loss due to power issues during broadcast.
  • In a newsroom floor scenario, opt for a non-bezeled display. Bezels break up the connected screens, providing poor aesthetic appeal, making bezel-free LED screens the ideal solution.
  • Cable-free designs that contain wires within an enclosed cabinet not only provide a neat appearance, but are less of a tripping hazard for employees, guests, or on set talent.

 LED Video Floors
In addition to video walls, LED displays can also be integrated as part of the floor in news broadcast or other production settings. Recently, a major new station’s floor was revamped with an LED screen, making it a centerpiece for aerial and push and pull shots in front and above the main news desk. Made possible with a 6mm floor and surface screen, this application is just one unique LED video innovation being implemented in the TV and film realm.

Curved Screens Now Possible
When outfitting a broadcast set or a movie scene, sometimes straight against the wall doesn’t work—the anatomy of the set may make traditional flat or flexible panels an implausible option. Highly adaptable, lightweight curved LED displays can curl, bend, fold and attach to a concave or convex wall, melding seamlessly into a set’s background, making just about any backdrop possible.

MNF-Featured-ImageMonday Night Football TV Promo
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LED Video Walls: The New Movie Screen?
Not only are LED screens facilitating better, more believable cinematography and more dynamic news sets, they have also become the cutting-edge go-to medium for theater screens. Part of the movie-going experience since cinema’s early beginnings, LED theater screens remove the antiquated and often erratic projector operation from the equation. The first LED screen debuted at Pacific Theatres in California in April. Industry experts view this as a well-timed move that could attract movie watchers back into the theater. The overall vibrancy and blacker blacks of LED cinema screens are certain to become the preferred source of movie viewing, and may be the enticement necessary to keep fans from waiting until they can watch a movie at home on their own LED televisions.

PixelFLEX Takes Innovation to the Set
As a trend leader of industry leading LED displays, the PixelFLEX team has developed LED screens specifically with TV and film industry applications in mind. The FLEXMod is a lightweight screen that bends and curves, while the LumiFLEX has an LED surface that turns floor space into an amazing visual experience. Learn more about all of PixelFLEX ‘s products and the many spaces LED screens can inspire.

 

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PRO AV Podcast: The Varied Uses of Transparent LED Displays

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The average person is bombarded with over 1000 advertisements a day, and in the retail space, the go-to ad has been static signage. But as the years have gone by, there’s a new need for something that can maintain the open, inviting design of a window-front shop while still draw in new customers.

David Venus of PixelFLEX LED sat down on the podcast to tell us how transparent LED display screens are bringing exciting and reusable advertisements to the retail industry, and how the technology is making its mark in other industries through human-centered design.

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LED Digital Display Essentials: Pixel Pitch, Matrix and Viewable Area

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In most industries, there are norms and standards applied across all manufacturers. Plumbers all use the same size pipes. Car manufacturers must abide by the same standards for fuel mileage, safety, and more. However, that is unfortunately not the case in the world of digital signage. Each respective manufacturer has the freedom to build LED displays to their own desired specifications. The “standards”, therefore, don’t really exist—size and pixel counts are determined by the manufacturer. So, how can digital signage users make a clear comparison? It’s never going to be apples to apples, but it requires looking further than just cabinet size. Instead, the focus should be on the features that matter the most: pixel pitch, matrix, and viewable area.

Pixel Pitch: Defining Resolution

A pixel is a grouping of three LEDs: green, red, and blue. The term pixel pitch describes the measurement between each cluster of pixels known as a diode. This measurement does have a standard, at least in how it’s calculated. It’s the distance between the center of one pixel to the next pixel’s center, and is applicable in both vertical and horizontal applications. For example, if an LED screen has a pixel pitch of 5-mm, its pixels are spaced 5-mm apart. Pixel pitch is normally within a range of .9-mm to 100-mm.

Two screens may be the same size, say 40”, but have different pixel pitches. Lower pixel pitch allows the viewer to stand closer to the screen to read or interact with it, while higher pixel pitch is for screens being viewed from distances further away. So, back to the 40” screen example. If the screen is used as a menu board directly in front of a customer, the pixel pitch should be low, typically sub 3mm in pixel pitch. However, if the screen is 6’ to 8’ away from the audience, a higher pixel pitch can be employed. Keep in mind pixel pitch is subjective to each viewer, and what looks good to one, may or may not look good to another. However, there is a general guide to follow, and that can be seen here. 

The Matrix: Viewable Space Matters

Matrix is another digital display measurement, calculated based on the number of pixels on each LED display tile multiplied across the entire display. In a matrix, LEDs are arranged in rows and columns similar to X and Y coordinates. A 2’ x 2’ display with a 30 x 30 matrix translates to 30 pixels per foot multiplied by 2’, totaling 60 pixels by 60 pixels. To find the number of pixels for the entire sign, multiply 60 by 60, for a total of 3,600 pixels. While seemingly simple math, it’s not always accurate as some manufacturers are less exact in their configurations than their counterparts. And while the difference may be unnoticeable, consumers should be aware that not every LED display is going to adhere to a specific set of standards. All of our products pixel resolutions can be found in their respective specification sheets on our site.

The actual size of a screen has very little to do with how crisp the resolution will be. Therefore, when comparing displays, universal module sizes provide for the most exact viewable space determination for screens with different resolutions but identical matrices. Take a 20-mm display and 10-mm display, each with a matrix of 96 x 144. Because it has more space between pixels, the 20-mm would need to be significantly larger; but the 10-mm display could achieve the matrix at a much smaller size with better resolution.

Look for more than size to pick the best screen

When determining what displays are best, placement is key. Interactive kiosks are another category altogether from large backdrop displays. Work with a professional provider to review pixel pitch, matrix, and viewing area for the most appropriate LED solution for your application.  Choosing a LED display partner that will help you understand these factors can greatly save you time, money and headaches throughout the entire process.

At PixelFLEX®, we collaborate with clients for the best LED solutions. Explore options with the PixelFLEX® Product Selection Tool.

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