Light boxes serve as promotional signs, menu boards, POP displays, directional products and more. With back lit and edge lit technology, light boxes are fast becoming some of the most popular advertising display systems in today’s market. Compared with traditional poster frames and sign holders, illuminated signs grab more attention and can even be seen in dark and dimly lit places. Using any of these lighting systems, your posters, advertisements, menus, and promotions will be noticed in the environment of your choice.
There are several styles of light boxes to choose from and it is important to consider your options. To assist you in this process, below are some basic differences between three popular bulbs that are common in most present day light box models. These three lighting systems include LED, T5, and CCFL bulb displays.
For an aesthetically pleasing look, all three light box displays have products to suit every environment. For a very thin illuminated panel, most would choose an LED light box display. LED lights take up a very small foot print, which allows you to have a light box that looks more like a light panel. An LED light panel can be reduced down to 0.83 inches, which is actually less than an inch thick. Since the newest breakthrough in light box technology is the development of light emitting diodes, or LEDs, most do have a very sleek, elegant, “newer” look to them.
If the longevity of your lighting system is your highest priority, LED bulbs last longer than all other light box bulbs.
- LEDs generally last an average of 100,000 hours, which is over 11 years of consistent use. The initial cost of an LED light box, in many cases, is much higher; however, if you factor in savings from time, labor, and bulb replacement over the years with the other displays, you could actually save money in the long run.
- T5 bulbs last about 1.5 years if constantly left on, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Fortunately, bulb replacement is a simple process. However, if only one bulb burns out before the others, your display will be aesthetically unappealing to the eye. The burnt out bulb leaves a cold spot or shadow on your light box display.
- CCFL bulbs last 4 to 5 years if left on consistently, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Although they survive for quite a bit longer than T5 bulbs, bulb replacement is much more complex. Typically, these displays must be returned to the factory for bulb replacement. They are very thin and are installed directly into the light box frame in an intricate manner. Therefore, it is suggested that this be taken care of by a professional so as not to ruin your display.
If you are in a business where “going green” is an important concern, CCFL or LED light boxes are the most environmentally conscious displays. In researching the power consumption of a standard T5 light box in comparison with either CCFL or LED light boxes, you will find that the CCFL and LED displays will have tremendous electrical savings. With today’s push to be more environmentally aware, many businesses are now considering these less absorbing lighting systems. Some businesses are even replacing all of their T5 light boxes with the less economically consuming CCFL and LED bulbs.
If budget and price is a concern, it is important to take several points into consideration. Let’s say that the “apparent budget” equals the initial purchase price. Let’s then say the “true budget” equals the actual cost after adding in electrical consumption and cost of bulb replacement.
- T5 light boxes have the cheapest “apparent budget” but their “true budget” is easily much more than the most expensive LED light box after 4 or 5 years of use.
- CCFL light boxes cost only slightly more than T5 displays. However, after just one year, the electrical consumption savings with a CCFL box will be more than the initial cost difference between the T5 and the CCFL display.
- LED light boxes have the most expensive “apparent budget” but the premium can quickly be justified over just a few years. When combining the electrical efficiency, with the 11 year bulb shelf life, and include their appealing look, it can be worth it to invest more money up front for the initial purchase.
Light boxes transform ordinary posters into eye-catching, visual displays. After careful consideration and research, you should be able to make the best decision for your business requirements. One thing is evident, light boxes can be used for a variety of solutions in almost any location. Light boxes are ideal display products for retail environments, malls, airports, bus stations, entertainment and even educational venues. Light box displays are available in a wide range of sizes and styles, including indoor, outdoor, floor standing, wall mounted, and even counter top designs. Using innovative lighting systems, both back-lit and edge-lit illuminated displays offer a dynamic way to get your graphics noticed.
