If you want to install a transparent LED screen, you can search the Internet and recommend it to the manufacturer. Who should I believe? My cousin opened a milk tea shop last year and spent 30,000 yuan to buy a "high-tech screen" that would leak light. As a result, I couldn't see the menu clearly during the day - how can I avoid this kind of pitfall? Today we will break it apart and say, and we will teach you step by step to find a reliable transparent display.
Level 1: First understand what screen you want to buy
Many people ask about the price as soon as they come up, but in fact they have to figure out that transparent screens are divided into different levels. Last month, I helped my friend choose the window screen of a coffee shop and found that there are at least three categories of this thing:
1. Glass window killer version
- Only if the permeability is above 85% is true and transparent (those with less than 70% are layered curtains)
- The brightness can withstand the noon sun, at least 4000cd/m² up
- The key is to deal with the splicing seam. The good screen is like a whole piece of glass.
2. Cool version of stage effects
- To be able to bend and shape, the wavy screen of the concert
- The refresh rate must start at 1920Hz, otherwise the video will be full of corrugated
- With intelligent dimming function, dark scene performances will not blind the audience
3. Outdoor advertising version
- IP65 waterproofing is the bottom line (it must work normally on heavy rains)
- Self-heating structure is more practical than air conditioning
- UV-proof coating keeps color-fading for 5 years
I remember one time when I went to Electronic City, the boss took a screen with a 60% light transmittance and said it was "top product". But it was sticking it on the glass like a layer of matte film. So, compare the parameter table first, don’t listen to sales bragging.
Level 2: Secret battle between three major channels for buying screens
Now buying a transparent screen is like finding a partner, with each other having its own pitfalls online and offline. Last year, I helped wedding companies purchase and touched the mainstream channels:
▎Online platform: convenient but risky
- The flagship store of Taobao and Dong (If you want to see the real video, don’t believe the renderings)
- Industry B2B website (remember to check the factory live broadcast)
- Live streaming and selling goods (be careful of the trap of free shipping of 9.9 yuan)
Last month, my colleague bought a "fragmented" transparent screen in the live broadcast room. When the product arrived, it was found to be a second-hand refurbished module. Lessons from blood and tears: If you buy online, you must unbox and inspect the goods before signing for them!
▎Industry Exhibition: Seeing is true
- Canton Fair Optoelectronics Exhibition Area (must go to in October every year)
- Shanghai LED Exhibition (new products are launched in large numbers)
- Local industrial exhibitions (can bargain prices)
Last year at the Shenzhen Optical Expo, I saw an exhibitor selling ordinary screen-stained transparent glue as a new product. Therefore, you should bring an expert in the exhibition, and it is best to test the brightness and transmittance on site.
▎Local service provider: worry-free but high price
- Advertising Equipment City physical store (suitable for urgent use)
- System integrator (package installation but high commission)
- Manufacturer direct sales point (can apply for prototype trial)
A guy who runs a bar tried to save trouble and found a local service provider, but the installation fee was more expensive than the screen. I later learned that the manufacturer is actually in the industrial area next door...
Level 3: Guide to inspecting goods and preventing pits
Real gold is not afraid of fire, and the good screen can withstand the tossing. When we accepted the curved advertising screen at an international airport last year, we did this:
Step1: Double test of day and night
- Test the maximum brightness at 12 noon (use the mobile phone light sense APP to see the value)
- Turn off the lights at night to see the black screen (direct pass with light spots)
- Use a flashlight to shine on the back (the screen is evenly transmitted)
Step2: Touch it by hand
- The border should be flat and not cut the hand (there are many burrs and poor craftsmanship)
- The temperature of the heat dissipation hole (no more than 45℃ after working for 2 hours)
- Knocking and listening to sound (buffet sound = solid structure, crisp sound = cut corners)
Step3: Professional equipment
- Use a color calibration instrument to measure the color gamut (NTSC is more than 110% to pass)
- Test refresh rate with signal generator (no ripple when taking videos on mobile phone)
- The power consumption of the universal meter (there is a problem with the nominal value difference of more than 10%)
Once inspected, I found that the screen body thickness was 2mm thinner than the contract, and the manufacturer actually said it was an "upgraded version of the lightweight design". Later, when I opened it, I found that the heat sink was one-third less...
Level 4: Don’t rush to pay the final payment after buying
I have seen too many people become grandsons after paying the payment. These after-sales minefields must be kept in mind:
▎Play text games for warranty period
- The whole machine protection is far behind the module protection (the former includes the control system)
- The life of the light source must be written into the contract (50,000 hours is the industry bottom line)
- Is it charged for door-to-door service (many invisible terms)
▎Don't be tricked by software upgrade
- Control whether the system is open to the interface (prevents being bound to consume)
- Is firmware update chargeable? (Some manufacturers charge "service fees" every year)
- Is it compatible with third-party devices (such as your central control system)
▎Repair response speed measurement
- A plan will be given within 2 hours after the repair (not within 2 days!)
- Is spare parts inventory sufficient (ask for the inventory of commonly used modules)
- Is it possible to provide backup screens (cannot start the machine in commercial places)
Last year, the screen of the event in a shopping mall was black. The manufacturer said that the accessories would be shipped in Germany, but the event was ruined and lost 300,000 yuan. Now, the "48-hour emergency response" clause must be added when signing a contract.
Editor's opinion
To be honest, buying a transparent screen depends on the product and the service. Last year, a manufacturer praised me for winning the Red Dot Design Award, but the technician couldn't even connect the distribution box during installation. Now, we can choose a supplier and find out two things: one is to see if there is an all-weather technical response team, and the other is to see if we dare to let customers go to the factory to live stream inspections. By the way, I have recently discovered a new trend - some manufacturers have begun to provide "screen insurance", and if they fail, they will replace them with new screens. This service is much more than extending the warranty.
