ROUND TABLE
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Astera has implemented the eight-year rule, whereby we design all our products to last at least that many years in the sales catalogue, and longer in the hands of the user”
that are built to be exposed regularly to bad weather and hostile operating environments. On top of this, users also want high output, perfect colours and excellent dimming. At Astera, we’ve implemented the eight-year rule, whereby we design all our products to last at least that many years in the sales catalogue, and much longer in the hands of the user. We encourage all manufacturers to imitate this model for product development.
reducing transport emissions. However, that’s just one aspect of a complex issue. Matt Cole At the operational level, content adjustments – such as lowering unnecessary brightness levels – can further enhance efficiency. Modular designs are gaining popularity, as they allow for individual components to be upgraded or replaced rather than discarding the entire unit. This not only extends the product’s life cycle but also reduces electronic waste. The second-hand market for LED displays is thriving as well. Displays that are no longer suitable for high-profile applications are being refurbished and re-purposed for use in less-demanding environments, ensuring they continue to deliver value rather than being discarded emphasis on tracking both operational and embodied carbon. Vendors and customers are collaborating to measure and mitigate emissions, making sure sustainability is not just a buzzword but a measurable outcome. or decommissioned prematurely. Additionally, there is a growing Ben Díaz I firmly believe this is a crucial topic and no manufacturer should ignore it. It’s difficult to talk about radical changes in the area of innovation, since LED technology is relatively new, but I believe that our industry must make an effort to extend the life cycle of LED lighting products. It is of little use for a diode to be able to offer 50,000 hours of operation under TM-21 measurement if the drivers can’t manage it or the design of the housing isn’t prepared to dissipate the heat generated by the engine. Making an LED last requires complex engineering and we’ve taken this task very seriously, because in addition to the usual components, we incorporate batteries and wireless control systems
lumen outputs doubling every year. We have to start working more on thermal and optical management systems, electronic optimisation and better software architectures, which will undoubtedly involve creating robust, future-proof ecosystems. It’s difficult because manufacturers often don’t communicate enough about these complexities. Ross Noonan One of the biggest challenges in the LED sector has always been maintaining the reliability of pixel functioning over time. As pixel pitches continue to tighten and there are more ground-level installations, pixel durability, reliability and longevity have become even more critical considerations. Innovations like GOB (glue on board) and COB technology, where pixels are encapsulated in resin, have significantly improved both the protection and preservation of pixels. However, these advancements have also made diode repairs more complex – not impossible, but more challenging compared to traditional methods. A promising development to watch is micro LED in package technology, which could address many of these durability and repair challenges. Matt Cole The flexibility of LEDs – capable of taking on virtually any shape or size – means bespoke content is often necessary. This complexity extends to pixel mapping, playback systems and media servers, all of which add layers of technicality that not every team is equipped to handle. Another challenge is maintaining consistency in colour and brightness across displays, particularly in large-scale installations. Even small variations can detract from the visual impact and require meticulous calibration.
hat are some of the challenges faced by this sector and how can we overcome them? Andreas Voss While the LED market is still growing (InfiLED has achieved annual growth of 20 to 30% in EMEA), the slower economy in some European countries could pose challenges. The digital out-of-home (DOOH) market also faces hurdles in mainland Europe, where obtaining permissions can be complicated. In other regions, this sector is more developed and represents a larger share of the market. Ben Díaz There are the many technical issues, of course. LED efficiencies are now stuck; we’ll no longer see those huge price drops in components and
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