Light boxes revamped withnew technology to revolutionize retail display

Light is preferably right, and if it is also smart too, the result becomes amazing! New advancements in retail light box technology enable to be equipped with such qualities for retail display. Anupam Gupta briefs…

Gone are the days when standard light box technology was considered one of the most suitable options for retail display. New developments in retail light box technology—in form of edge-lit or slimline technology—have changed the conceptions fulfilling the demands for more sophisticated and energy efficient merchandising and display products.

Display smartly…

Light boxes with Edge-lit or slimline technology are operated by means of a light source applied directly to the edge of an internal acrylic panel, the front surface of which illuminates owing to a matrix pattern printed or laser etched on that surface. The latest light boxes are no longer so called boxes, but actually backlit display frames, since the total thickness has been reduced to just 8mm, which is even less than a traditional picture frame.

Anupam Gupta 
In the effectiveness of slimline light boxes, matrix patterns are the crucial elements. The light, introduced into acrylic panel, is diffused through the pattern and exits the panel via the front face, illuminating any graphics or poster placed on that face. Effective light patterns are operated with algorithms calculated to distribute the light evenly across the panel. In short, these patterns reflect comparatively more light at the centre of the panel where light level is at their lowest and less light near the edge of the acrylic panel where the light source is applied and light level remains at top. In absence of an effective diffusion pattern, the perimeters of the acrylic panel remains brightest, whereas the centre looks dim. Legitimately effective and long lasting as well as non-fading pattern, ensure the quality of slimline light boxes.

Uniformity does matter …

One of the most striking features of slimline light box technology is the uniform diffusion of the light source across the face of the light box, enabling to eliminate the hot spots or cold spots that are visible in different degrees in all older forms of light box signage. Slimline light boxes produce a smooth and even illumination across the face of the panel.

Cost reduction attracts…

 
Being directly related to the number of fluorescent tubes required to effectively illuminate the light box, electricity consumption and maintenance costs are significant factor in choosing back-lit light boxes. A high tube count clearly equates to higher power usage apart from regular maintenance. In comparison with traditional back-lit light boxes, Slimline light boxes reduce the tube count by 50-70 percent, resulting reduction in both electricity consumption and maintenance costs that, however, may vary being dependent upon the size and proportions of the light box in use.

For instance, if the 6m x 3m traditional back-lit light box use 45 fluorescent tubes, a slimline light box of the same dimensions would achieve equal illuminance using only twelve tubes (over seventy percent less). A traditional large light box of 6m x 3m (approx 20 x 10 foot) requires 45 x 58 watt fluorescent tubes to effectively illuminate. Such a light box, running for just twelve hours a day, uses around 12,000 kW of power per annum and that equates to an electricity bill of well in excess of Rs 1,00,000 for just one light box! Obviously, it gives cause to prefer slimline light boxes.

Aesthetically pleasing…

Slimline light boxes can be as slim as 8mm, creating a brightly illuminated panels. The slimness of these panels is an amazing feature that makes difference in retail environment. It enables to create a modern aesthetic display that surely impresses the consumers’ overall perception about the environment, apart from the products and brand on display.

Possibilities galore…

Pondering over present vogue in back-lit light box displays, it becomes apparent that slimline light boxes have tremendous potentialities in the market. This sort of illuminated signage is well preferred owing to various advantages, including: better effect of advertising through brighter and more even illumination; meeting consumer and regulatory demands for being environment-friendly retailing; easy to pack, transport, and change the ad visual; consistency in interiors of a branded showroom; lower transport and installation costs in comparison with traditional boxes; minimal breakages during transportation; fit to run by rechargeable batteries; suitable for cities with long power cuts; options available in ABS moulded, non breakable , economical series; etc. In India, the opening of retail market for global retail industry players has increased the possibilities for light box advertising. Ultimately, slimline light box technology is poised to revolutionize retail display taking advantage on traditional retail or shop light boxes being effective for decades.