Premier community developer Questar Properties unveils their latest downtown living experience with a luxury amenity deck centered around two FLEXStorm LED video displays

Nashville, TN (2/13/2019) – Dedicated to making every project better than their last, Questar Properties has been developing vibrant and award-winning residential communities for over four generations. With the unveiling of their newest 44-story tower, the property at 414 Light Street is a luxurious and amenity-driven living space designed by the architecture firm Solomon Cordwell Buenz, with an interior design by Kari Whitman. Wanting to create a completely unique experience unlike anything Baltimore had ever seen, the development team also created an extravagant rooftop deck on the exterior of the 7th floor using two, high-definition FLEXStorm 8mm LED video displays from Nashville-based PixelFLEX™.

“This was a new construction project, built on a little over one acre of what used to be a parking lot,” began Justin Kennell, Development Manager, Questar Properties. “The building itself stands just under 500 feet and has 394 luxury apartment units, with over 12,000 square feet of retail space and a 469-space parking garage.  On our 7th floor, we have an amenity area that is roughly an acre in size, with two-thirds of that space on the exterior of the building where we placed the two FLEXStorm LED video screens.”

Built to withstand the challenges of adverse weather conditions while still providing a breathtaking visual experience, the IP-65 rated FLEXStorm LED was designed to create a dynamic outdoor environment. Utilizing adjustable sensors that communicate directly with the cabinets control system, FLEXStorm has variable brightness offerings to make sure it looks its best, day or night. Additionally, using a cloud-based content management system, updating the FLEXStorm is simple and easy, and the fully front-serviceable panels allow for quick access to the electronics and data control for any onsite service.

“With the construction of the property at 414 Light Street, we were ultimately looking to set ourselves apart from other apartment communities in the Baltimore area,” continued Kennell. “We wanted to do something truly unique to the market, so we focused on activation and engagement on our amenity deck. Our goal was to activate the living experience at 414 Light Street and create a place where residents could actively engage with one another.”

As the development team began to research the right technology that could provide the dynamic, outdoor visual experience desired, they knew they would have to compete with ambient daylight. Looking to see what real-world solutions others had found successful, they soon discovered one of the primary advantages of LED video.

“We looked at a couple of different technologies for use on the amenity deck,” added Kennell. “The first was a large television that would be visible against sunlight, and the second was a projection system set-up. Since we had a very specific vision for what we wanted it to accomplish, neither of these were actually ideal. As we looked around for what else might be available, we took inspiration from a community on the West Coast using PixelFLEX LED video in a similar application

Ready to move forward with the installation of the LED video walls, the physical placement would be key to the atmosphere on the amenity deck. Wanting to establish a signature design element that would draw residents together, two FLEXStorm video displays were installed back-to-back to create one seamless visual experience.

“The 16-panel LED video walls are mounted inside a structured wall that ties into the concrete slab underneath using a steel frame which attaches directly to the panels,” explained Kennell. “We surrounded the structure with decorative tile, and each screen measures approximately 16-feet wide and 9-feet high. One screen faces a multi-purpose lawn area and the other screen faces the pool deck, so it essentially looks as if there is one, dual-sided LED screen. With it being in a central location, we think of it as the entertainment anchor to the amenity deck, giving our residents a unique opportunity to connect with one another over community-sponsored events.”

Turning their attention to the control aspects of the LED video screens, the development team wanted to provide both a user-friendly and comprehensive content management system. Knowing that the onsite staff would have a number of different display needs, they created a simple yet expansive design with multiple inputs for the daily operation.

“For the everyday use, we wanted the most flexibility out of the control for the video content,” said Kennell. “More than just showing movies or sporting events, we also wanted to use the system to inform residents about different events in the building; such as fitness classes or cooking classes. We also have the amenity deck audio system paired with the LED video so that we have full surround-sound capabilities for the multiple video inputs from either a cable box, Blu-Ray player, Apple TV system, or a BrightSign custom content player as well.” 

As time approached for the grand opening of 414 Light Street, there was a great sense of exhilaration surrounding the introduction Baltimore’s newest downtown living experience. With residents ready to begin their new life as part of unique community, Kennell is pleased to acknowledge the partnerships behind the scenes that helped make the project a complete success.   

“There was a lot of anticipation surrounding the debut of the LED video system,” concluded Kennell. “When we premiered the first movie, there was excitement from both our team and the residents, and everyone couldn’t help but to stare at the screens. Knowing that we were creating something truly unique in the Baltimore apartment living community, it was very important that we pick the right partners on the project, and PixelFLEX was excellent in all regards.”

Learn more about Outdoor LED video screen and displays from PixelFLEX by clicking HERE.

An American-based LED manufacturer, PixelFLEX™ offers creative solutions, reliable products, and dependable service for our industry-leading LED display technologies and solutions. Driven towards excellence to meet your standards, PixelFLEX offers a one-of-a-kind design for your tour, event or installation through our award-winning line of LED video walls and video screens. Working with architects, designers, engineers and consultants, PixelFLEX is proud to develop custom LED solutions for each and every customer while also providing top-tier customer support throughout the entire experience. For more information on the complete line of PixelFLEX LED video walls and video screens, visit PixelFLEX at pixelflexled.com, follow us on Twitter at @pixelflexled or find us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

For a country that prides itself on pushing the envelope, technologically, we haven’t really been bold with the deployment of outdoor LED displays outside of Times Square or the Vegas Strip. Globally, the market is telling a different story.

“In 2016, it was roughly a $4 billion dollar industry, globally. It’s projected to reach somewhere in the $14-$16 billion dollar range by 2023, so, you’re talking 6 years, 7 years. That’s a lot of growth and it’s something that definitely needs to be looked at. Especially if it’s not in your strategy as a company,” David Venus, Chief Marketing Officer for PixelFLEX said.

Venus, and the industry as a whole, have spoken; outdoor LED screens are here to stay. The applications are continuing to vary and grow in scope, too: they’re powering residential living facilities, sports facilities, commercial building displays, you name it. On today’s podcast, Venus discusses the growth of the technology, the future expansion of use cases for outdoor solutions, and how the integration of these displays into architecture can open up a new world of functionality.

Listen to the entire podcast below.

Billboards have been used for centuries to convey information on goods and services to those passing by. One major drawback to printed billboards, however, is that they require continuous replacement and frequent updating. Their one-dimensional format with minimal contrast can actually discourage visual engagement. Fortunately, as is typical in most industries—competition and innovation have generated improvements and driven quality. Today’s billboards use digital displays LED to captivate passersby. With digital communication as the premier tool for transmitting information and directing social interaction, businesses can more effectively promote their brand by using LED display technologies. As LED technology improves, so do opportunities to connect a proven marketing method with a contemporary digital approach.

According to a 2010 study by Arbitron, LED digital signs reach an astounding number of Americans: 70 percent have seen a digital video display in the past month, versus 43 percent on the Internet. In addition, 52 percent of teenagers and adults have viewed a digital display within the past week, and 75 percent of commuters recall seeing a digital billboard within the past month. Another study found that 63% more people noticed LED signs than traditional static advertising signage and billboards. Following a recent digital billboard campaign, the online platform Monster reported that Google searches for relevant keywords spiked by 20 to 25 percent. It makes sense then, in this context, that dynamic LED billboards ensnare the attention of potential buyers, stimulate sales, enhance the company’s image, and increase visibility to the business.

An estimated 71 percent of consumers claim to view and absorb large format advertising messaging. In fact, those who interact with outdoor advertising are 17 percent more likely to engage than those exposed to advertising on their mobile device. Let’s compare these trends to other marketing channels, such as TV and radio. Marketing through these media has become avoidable and in fact seen as a nuisance to consumers. Consumer marketing needs are evolving as buyers become savvier at thwarting advertisers. By 2020, the practice of ad-blocking is forecasted to cost advertisers and publishers between $16 and $35 billion in lost revenue.

Commercial properties are utilizing digital LED display billboards as another means to generate revenue and encourage business traffic. In most cases these properties are in highly trafficked areas, perfect for engaging potential customers. Brands get in front of many more eyes than would be possible with print and gives commercial landlords a second income source. Areas like entertainment and shopping centers in the downtowns of large metro areas are ideal locations and can reach thousands of people each day with effective LED signage.

Although there are various considerations to make when choosing and using LED billboards, it’s still a great investment compared to static print signage. One benefit of LED digital signage is cost savings over their print counterparts because updates on LED happen in real-time. Changing a printed sign requires time, money, and other resources. So, for technology beyond tradition, LED creates ads that enthrall the senses of the viewer. With LED signage, movement and animation attracts the eyes, giving brands a more impressive stance.

PixelFLEX® is an innovative American-based LED manufacturer that offers creative solutions, dependable products, and reliable service for their award-winning LED display technologies and solutions. The FLEXStorm™ is a truly breathtaking LED solution, designed and built with an IP-65 weather rating that withstands adverse weather conditions. This outdoor compatibility and endurance, coalesced with an optimal viewing pitch of 6.67 mm, makes premier outdoor LED displays an option that businesses can trust. The high brightness LED display generates vivid images between 6500-7500 Nits to get your brand noticed instantly.

To learn more about PixelFLEX® and their award-winning LED product FLEXStorm™ and how it is the most efficient way to create any size billboard and outdoor signage visit our product page!

As digital signage becomes more popular as a tool to attract buyers, make announcements, and convey relevant information to the public, more installations are showing up outdoors to capture the attention of commuters, shoppers, and other passersby. Outdoor advertising is projected to be worth almost $51 billion by 2020, and most of this growth is in digital signage. That means digital signage solutions must be durable in the face of extreme temperatures, especially high heat. Fortunately, LEDs fit the bill.

The temperature is 100°F or more for a third of the year in Phoenix, Arizona, with the hottest temperature ever recorded being 122°F. So, if you live in Phoenix, or any other city where temperatures can get this hot, you will need outdoor digital signage able to withstand such sweltering temperatures. Believe it or not, winter sun is even harder on digital signs. The summer’s hazy skies can cut down on UV rays, while the crisp, clear winter sun lets everything through, and can really heat up a display.

Most light systems produce their own heat, forcing you turn the system off and wait for it to cool down before you can clean it, and with gasses or glass tubes, you have to worry about leaks and breaks. Florescent lamps also perform poorly under low temperatures. LEDs, however, are resilient under very high and very low temperatures, do not produce their own heat, have long lifespans, superior brightness, and are efficient and easy to clean.

Because LEDs don’t produce their own heat, you can place LED signage in places where heating from conventional sources would cause problems. The last thing you want to do is place a hot light near flammable objects like textiles, let alone foods you want to keep cool. Since LEDs don’t produce their own heat, they are less likely to be in an environment where they overheat—like being outdoors during the hottest summer days in Phoenix.

LEDs are a great outdoor signage solution because of their heat resistance. Standard electronic components are not well-suited to extreme temperatures unless they are designed from the outset to do so. The average digital display operates best between 32°F and 102°F. But what if you are in International Falls, Minnesota, where the average January day gets no higher than 15°F? Or in Phoenix in the thick of the summer? For LED digital signage systems, these extreme temperatures pose no problems.

An American-based LED manufacturer, PixelFLEX® offers creative solutions, reliable products, and dependable service for our industry-leading LED display technologies and solutions. Driven toward excellence to meet your standards, PixelFLEX® offers a one-of-a-kind design for your tour, event, or installation through our award-winning line of LED video walls and video screens.

Working with architects, designers, engineers, and consultants, PixelFLEX® is proud to develop custom LED solutions for each and every customer while also providing top-tier customer support throughout the entire experience.

An incredible LED display can revolutionize your sales. With eye-grabbing visuals and unique designs, there’s a lot to love about digital signage. The problem, however, is that for far too long companies have been unable to provide outdoor displays that function properly. Sure, they might look great when they are first installed, but as soon as a rain storm shows up the display goes down.

One solution is to call someone to service the display, but this is easier said than done. Often the entire display has to be dismantled just to access the small part that needs to be repaired. This comes from a tendency to simply rebrand indoor LED systems as suitable for outdoors, instead of undergoing the necessary adaptations to withstand the new environment. Without proper design modifications, what are normally high-functioning indoor displays quickly become unreliable, easily damaged and difficult to service outdoor signage.

It can also be difficult to predict what the best settings for a display will be. What might work in bright sunlight would be difficult to see on an overcast day, and your digital displays need to be able to adjust accordingly. Whether you are using outdoor LED displays for advertising, entertainment, or venue information, you run the risk of losing customers or dealing with disgruntled visitors if your display is not able to auto-adjust its brightness so that everyone can easily see your content as outdoor climate changes minute by minute.

At PixelFLEX, our new outdoor permanent Install LED technology FLEXStorm serves as an answer to the problems that have plagued outdoor LED displays. Fully customizable and adapted to provide breathtaking displays both indoors and outside, in any size or shape you need, this latest innovation allows for displays that not only grab the attention of viewers, but are also extremely reliable and durable.

The best part is that, when it comes to servicing the display, we’ve got you covered. Not only are the displays equipped to be serviced completely from the front, but PixelFLEX’s team of experts are dedicated to making our customers’ experiences successful and are able to give you the support you need throughout the entire process concept to finished product. The technology also allows you to update your display at any time, from anywhere, through a cloud-based content management system.

As the need for permanent outdoor LED displays grows across the country, there has been an increase in requests for quality, American-made products and support, and PixelFLEX is more than capable of meeting the demand. With the growing digital experience that is all around us today and by adding FLEXStorm to our line of products, our goal is to help our clients have a one-stop destination for all of their LED video display solutions; indoor or outdoor, permanent install or live production. Regardless of a project’s size or location, PixelFLEX is ready and equipped to provide our customers with the displays they need. To find out how we can help you or to view our entire line of products, visit pixelflexled.com today!

For more information on our FLEXStorm product click here, or watch our product video below.

When it comes to signage and displays, nothing turns heads quite like crisp and brilliant LEDs. LED technology has evolved in such a way that makes it more practical, functional, efficient, cost effective, and eco-friendly than printed advertising materials. While many convenience stores, hospitals, schools, restaurants and retailers have installed LED signage indoors, these same organizations are realizing illuminated displays can also be used outdoors for effective message delivery to help drive awareness and foot traffic. But when deploying this type of technology outside, there is some important information to keep in mind to ensure you’re getting the most out of your LED displays.

At PixelFLEX, LED signage and displays are our specialty. We produce a large variety of award-winning LED display systems that offer clear and detailed imaging to suit any situation indoor or out, traditional or creative. As experts, we hold valuable insights into how to make sure your exterior LED lighting solutions are working for you. Here are 5 important tips you should know.

  • Select the right hardware: Outdoor displays can fail during the winter months if you’re located in an area that experiences frigid temperatures. A full outdoor-rated display can withstand direct sun exposure, extreme temperature fluctuations, dust, humidity and condensation, making it the ideal selection for locations that see wide temperature ranges throughout the year.
  • Maintenance Inspections: Exterior signage can suffer damage from the weather, animals, accidents, intentional abuse, and normal wear over time. Routine maintenance inspections of the display’s seals, foundation, wiring, and timing clock for defects are crucial to make sure minor problems don’t evolve into huge headaches.
  • Regulate temperature: LED technology requires an environment that delivers stable temperatures within its enclosure, and operational temperature between 77° F and 5° F. LED displays constantly run throughout the day, and measures must be enacted to avoid overheating, which can leave permanent yellow defects as well as component degradation. Regulating the environment with appropriate Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) measures will ensure reliability even in extreme climate conditions.
  • Safeguard against water: Water penetrating from the outside and moisture within the enclosure can cause damage and display failure. Minimize this risk by using a closed loop air circulation system to fully isolate the display unit. A closed loop system prevents moisture and contaminants from entering the unit and corrupting critical parts.
  • Remote Monitoring: Remote monitoring allows you to manage your signage and react to the first signs of malfunction before a larger issue can arise from worsening conditions. An ideal exterior LED system will give you remote monitoring capabilities to not only see the state of your screen, but to remotely update the screens content as well.

Outdoor LED displays can be difficult to service, offer little weather resistance, and fail to auto adjust brightness. That’s why we have launched FLEXStorm, a weatherproof outdoor LED display for permanent installation. FLEXStorm is fully front serviceable and designed to handle even the most extreme outdoor elements. This robust technology is great for billboards, advertising displays, outdoor entertainment spaces, and wherever vibrant messaging is needed. It is customizable and able to be manufactured in different cabinet sizes to fit your unique requirements. FLEXStorm uses an intelligent auto correcting light sensor control system to ensure the perfect brightness and visibility no matter the exterior conditions.

FLEXStorm is the ideal solution for outdoor advertising, entertainment, and other content broadcasting. To learn more about this reliable, innovative LED solution, visit us online at pixelflexled.com.