LEDSynergy news achive for February 2008.

LED 'canvas' unveiled

An interactive light wall featuring 1,420 LEDs has been launched in a waiting room at a US hospital.The Imagination Light Canvas, displayed in the women's and children's waiting area at Mercy Medical Center in Rogers, Ark, allows patients and visitors to "paint with light" using their hands.Measuring some 14 ft x six-ft, the wall uses touch screen technology, allowing images to last a few minutes before they disappear.The technology is also supremely energy efficient, consuming the dai...
Friday, 29th February 2008 - full story

New sports scoreboards at major stadium

A leading American Football stadium is to gain brand new sports scoreboards from next season.Old sports scoreboards have already been removed from the Bank of America Stadium in preparation for the new technology, Charlie Dayton, spokesman for the Carolina Panthers which play at the venue, revealed.The $12 million project will see large video scoreboards replaced with higher quality screens, using 300ft high cranes to position the technology in place."It's just an upgrade to keep the stadiu...
Friday, 29th February 2008 - full story

Factory signs refuse to go out at threatened tile maker

Factory signs at a renowned Wrexham tile factory may still be illuminated in future despite earlier threats of closure.The Dennis Ruabon factory, owned by Ruabon Sales Ltd, made more than 80 workers redundant last month when it was forced to go into administrative receivership.However, Wrexham Council leader Aled Roberts has revealed that there may still be hope for the clay quarry tile maker after the factory owner said it plans to continue manufacturing.Mr Roberts told the BBC: "It's all ...
Friday, 29th February 2008 - full story

Sports scoreboards received 'too much' BBC airtime

While sports scoreboards were working overtime last weekend, the BBC has been criticised for putting too much emphasis on sports programming.More than 100 viewers complained to the corporation after it broadcast nearly 12 hours of continuous sporting events last Saturday.Scheduling for BBC One included Football Focus at 12 noon, followed by three Six Nation rugby union matches and ending with Match of the Day at 11.40pm.The sports-heavy schedule angered some viewers, with one writing on the BBC ...
Thursday, 28th February 2008 - full story

Will rugby scoreboards show a Welsh win in Six Nations?

Despite a win for England against France in the Six Nations last weekend, many rugby fans are still predicting that sports scoreboards will show in Wales' favour when the final whistle blows at the end of the tournament.Wales have been installed as favourites to win the Championship after beating England, Scotland and Italy, scoring 103 points in the process.And if successful against Ireland on March 8th, Warren Gatland's side will win the Triple Crown, and strengthen their chances of repeating ...
Wednesday, 27th February 2008 - full story

LED video wall features in Pop Idol spin-off

Slovakia's answer to the UK's Pop Idol television show featured an impressive stretch of "magical" LED video wall recently.The series, reportedly the highest rated TV show ever in Slovakia, used 28 panels of screen which could be divided to allow performers to enter and exit the stage, Entertainment Technology Press reports.Indeed, the technology was described as a "magical wall" by Slovakia's best-selling daily newspaper, as every performer had the opportunity to perform in ...
Wednesday, 27th February 2008 - full story

LED screens set for Indian railways

India's rail network is to benefit from the installation of new LED display boards across the country, it has emerged.Trains, railways stations and car parks will receive the technology which will improve the display of customer information and make journeys easier, the Hindu Times reports.The measures, announced in the railway budget this week, also include online coach indication display boards on night mail and express trains which will be in place by March 2009.Lalu Prasad, federal railways ...
Tuesday, 26th February 2008 - full story

Replacing old sports scoreboards for new at US venue

Ageing sports scoreboards at a major multi-purpose arena in Louisiana are to be replaced with state-of-the-art LED technology.Twenty-two-year-old scoreboards and old screens at the Cajundome in Lafayette will be replaced with a brand new electronic scoreboard and new LED advertisement panels, KLFY TV10 reports.Some $4 million will be spent on the overhaul of the concert and sports venue, collected from excess hotel motel tax collections over the past three years.The money will also be spent on b...
Tuesday, 26th February 2008 - full story

LED video ceiling for Belgium club

One of Europe's biggest nightclubs has shown off its impressive new LED video ceiling for the first time.Superclub Noxx in Antwerp used 300 metres sq of LED video ceiling in the main room of the 2,000-capacity venue, AV International reports.The Belgium nightspot controls the video content for the LED surfaces using six MA videoservers that were custom created for the size of the room and display resolution. One of the biggest challenges involved specifying an LED video surface to cover the enti...
Tuesday, 26th February 2008 - full story

Football scoreboards show win for Spurs in Carling Cup

Football scoreboards at Wembley read 2-1 in Spurs' favour on Saturday as the north London side beat Chelsea to win the Carling Cup.Tottenham had to wait until extra-time for Jonathan Woodgate to steal the silverware for Juande Ramos' side, with a header in the 94th minute. Didier Drogba took the lead for Chelsea in the first half of the match with a 20-yard free-kick, before Spurs fought back with a penalty from Dimitar Berbatov twenty minutes from time.Woodgate's winning goal came after Chelsea...
Monday, 25th February 2008 - full story

LED video screens back Led Zep

Set designers incorporated LED screens into the backdrop for one of the world's greatest rock bands at a recent reunion concert.Led Zepelin's sell-out gig at London's O2 Arena was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans to experience a reincarnated version of 1970s legend playing hit songs like Kashmir, Stairway to Heaven, Black Dog and Whole Lotta Love.A 28-metre wide and ten-metre high LED screen combined with two 6x6 LED I-Mag screens formed the video integration, Entertainment Technology P...
Monday, 25th February 2008 - full story

Screens to be seen in church

Churches in the US will now be permitted to show the Super Bowl on the big-screen, following fears that they would be sued by NFL officials for violating its copyright.The Washington Post recently reported that many churches had cancelled Super Bowl parties because they were afraid of lawsuits from the NFL if they used big screens to show the sports event.The NFL claimed that viewings of its games on screens larger than 55 inches was a breach of broadcasting laws.However in a letter to senator O...
Friday, 22nd February 2008 - full story

Sports scoreboards race in to US drag track upgrade

A drag racing track in Pennsylvania is to gain brand new LED sports scoreboards as part of a major facelift.Maple Grove Raceway, home of the annual Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals, will be equipped with LED sports scoreboards in time for the start of the 2008 racing season, NHRA.com reports.The 20 ft-long scoreboards at the Reading venue will feature red LED digits that allow spectators to see more easily in daylight and can be viewed from a greater range of angles.The LED technology also means that i...
Friday, 22nd February 2008 - full story

LED video screens on red carpet

LED video screens had a starring role in one of this year's most important film awards events.The red carpet at this year's Orange British Academy Film and Television Arts (Bafta) awards ceremony was bedecked with LED screens combined with mirrors.The pairing of light and reflection presented a stunning backdrop for arriving actors including Keira Knightley and Sienna Miller.The entrance, designed by Lucy Smail in conjunction with West Design, saw a transparent tent-like structure erected outsid...
Friday, 22nd February 2008 - full story

Football scoreboard possibilities for Thamesmead Town

Redevelopment plans for Thamesmead Town Football club could signal further potential for the installation of LED football scoreboards in the UK.Bexley Council has given the green light for the existing clubhouse in the London borough to be demolished and replaced with a multi-million pound construction.The rejuvenated site will include a floodlit all-weather pitch, spectator seating area, two multi-use games areas as well as a car park.A five-a-side football pitch, homework clubs, martial arts a...
Thursday, 21st February 2008 - full story

LED video screens take starring role in Brits ceremony

The British music industry's most prestigious awards ceremony put the latest LED video screen technology into action last night.The Brit awards, held at London's Earls Court, included performances and acceptance speeches from the globe's best musicians.The technology was used during sets by some of the world's biggest pop talent including Kylie, Mark Ronson and Rihanna, news.etnow.com reports.Mark Ronson, who scooped the title of Best British Male, performed in front of 32 panels of LED screens....
Thursday, 21st February 2008 - full story

Electronic signboards set for motorway

Drivers on the M42 motorway in the West Midlands are to see digital pictograms on overhead electronic signs from this week.The pictograms will allow motorists to see at a glance what road conditions await them over 11 miles of the motorway.Five different types of pictograms include accidents, congestion, snow and ice, high winds and risk of skidding.It is hoped that the internationally recognised pictures will make driving easier for foreign motorists."This is the first time we have used th...
Wednesday, 20th February 2008 - full story

Sports scoreboard potential at NI national stadium

Northern Ireland's new national stadium could present wide scale opportunities for the implementation of sports scoreboards.A leaked document by PricewaterhouseCoopers, reported by the Press Association, claims that the £37 million stadium is to be built on the site of the former Maze prison.Plans for the 38,500-capacity stadium are currently being reviewed by finance minister Peter Robinson, the news agency claims.The site, close to Lisburn in County Antrim, will be used to host 23 music a...
Wednesday, 20th February 2008 - full story

LED market 'to exceed $11bn'

The global LED market could top $11 billion by 2012 with signs and displays leading this growth, new figures reveal.According to a market update presented at the 2008 Strategies in Light conference in California, the industry is set to experience 12 per cent growth in 2008, LEDs Magazine reports.This data is in addition to figures showing that the market grew by 9.5 per cent in 2007 to $4.6 billion, significantly higher than the six per cent growth recorded in 2005 to 2006.And Bob Steele from St...
Tuesday, 19th February 2008 - full story

Collaboration 'vital' in LED development

Future development of LED technology is dependent on the close co-operation of engineers and designers worldwide, it has been claimed.Tsunemasa Taguchi of Yamaguchi University made the comments at the First International Conference on White LEDs and Solid State Lighting in Tokyo, LEDs Magazine reports.Mr Taguchi explained that the event was designed to increase mutual understanding within the industry in order to make further developments in LED design."In order to accelerate the LED lighti...
Tuesday, 19th February 2008 - full story

New LED scoreboard for Williamsport Crosscutters

The Williamsport Crosscutters have announced the installation of a new LED scoreboard and display system.The new scoreboard will be installed at the Bowman Field in the spring, Our Sports Central reports.Vice-president general manager Doug Estes told the website: "With the cooperation of the City of Williamsport along with local and state grants, we have made many improvements to our historic ballpark for the players and fans since our arrival in 1994. "Now the time has come to bring o...
Monday, 18th February 2008 - full story

KC Royals to install world's largest HD LED screen

The $250 renovations of the Kansa City Royals' Kauffman Stadium will feature the world's largest HD LED display screen.The 100- by 85-foot display uses HD-X LED technology, and will be complemented with a range of further LED screens in the next few seasons.In 2009 / 2010 the club will install an outfield fence display that measures around eight- by 128-feet, a pair of "ribbon boards" measuring in at four- by 380-feet, and two displays above the stadium's new Hall of Fame that each spa...
Monday, 18th February 2008 - full story

China prepares LED display systems for Olympics

Some of China's most popular retail districts are to be part of an LED-based outdoor advertising network in time for the kick off to this year's Olympic games in Beijing.Shopping centres, hotels and offices as well as other commercial buildings will gain mega-sized LED screens and video walls of 150 sq metres in size.These will be positioned in strategic parts of the architecture, such as on facade walls, in order to effectively draw the attention of passers-by. It is hoped that by phase one of...
Friday, 15th February 2008 - full story

Film centre offers LED display opportunities

Proposals for a new £200 million national film centre on London's South Bank offer new opportunities for LED display systems.The National Theatre on the South Bank already boasts a vast LED multi-line display showing details of current plays and forthcoming theatrical events.However it is hoped that the new film centre, revealed in a leaked Green Paper to the Evening Standard, will turn the UK into the "world's creative hub".It is believed that the new construction could be used t...
Friday, 15th February 2008 - full story

Reuters moves into taxi screens

Reuters' rolling LED display system in Canary Wharf is perhaps one of the best known examples of LED signage in the UK.The multi-line programmable display screen provides business people with breaking news and financial information while on the go.However, the news agency is now branching out into a different format of news provision, Media Daily News reports.Financial news will soon be available on backseat screens in 4,500 taxi cabs in New York, with 1,000 more planned for later this year.Acco...
Friday, 15th February 2008 - full story

LED screen technology chosen for Jinnah Convention Centre

A giant LED screen for the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad has been approved by the Pakistani government. The installation of the 16ft x 24ft screen with a 8mm pixel pitch was approved by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) meeting held earlier this month. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) will execute the project, sponsored by the Interior Ministry, the Daily Times reports.The new screen will replace the 11ft x 8ft solid-state back projection projector screen currently inst...
Thursday, 14th February 2008 - full story

Tenesee Smokies' screen

A US baseball team is to receive one of the largest LED video displays in the sport has seen ahead of its new season.Minor league Tenesee Smokies is to install a series of LED display systems at its ground, Smokies Park in Sevierville.The upgrade, taking place before the start of the 2008 Southern League season, incorporates a brand new LED scoreboard and a 36ft by 17ft video display.The scoreboard will be positioned in the existing outfield scoreboard structure, containing three times the viewi...
Wednesday, 13th February 2008 - full story

First meeting for DSA

Key players in the digital signage industry will congregate for the first Digital Signage Association (DSA) meeting later this month.The advisory board meeting is to be held in conjunction with the Digital Signage Expo taking place in Las Vegas on February 26th.Aimed at bringing together groups that would benefit from and those who offer and support digital-signage technology, the DSA also helps to facilitate networking among companies and individuals working in digital signage."The Digital...
Wednesday, 13th February 2008 - full story

LED screens installed on Delhi Metro

Some 25 LED screens are set to be installed at eight stations on the Delhi Metro system.The screens, measuring 150-inches wide, will provide information to commuters about train schedules, security and other issues, the Hindu newspaper reports.Stations on line three from Indraprastha to Dwarka sector nine will profit from the new technology.The displays will be three times bigger than the 42-inch LCD screens currently in use at Rajiv Chowk and Kashmere Gate Metro stations."All the screens w...
Tuesday, 12th February 2008 - full story

Circular LED screens for top tennis match

Two circular LED screens have been tested out during a charity tennis match between a pair of sporting stars in Spain.Rafael Nadal and Real Madrid's goalkeeper Iker Casillas played the tournament at the Telefonica Madrid Arena at the end of last year, aveuro.useico.com reports.The screens were accompanied by a brand new networked interactive video wall featuring real-time messaging, pre-encoded video and animated graphics on multiple screens.The technology used 1-2-1View's web-based management s...
Tuesday, 12th February 2008 - full story

Countdown to LED China 2008

There are just 20 days to go until the launch of one of the biggest LED events on the planet.LED China 2008, taking place in Guangzhou city from March 4th to March 6th, is set to attract exhibitors from all over the world.Organisers say that the total exhibition area will cover up to 10,000 sq metres encompassing around 450 booths over the three days and estimated to attract some 60,000 visitors. "In the recent years, LED industry has developed rapidly in China, especially in the market of ...
Tuesday, 12th February 2008 - full story

LED display used in vehicle safety device

LEDs have been incorporated by a top car manufacturer into a brand new intelligent radar technology designed to give drivers better protection on the roads.Audi's side assist technology, featured in the manufacturer's new A4 range, monitors a driver's blind spot and alerts the driver to potential hazards.If another vehicle is moving at the same speed or approaching a car from behind, radar sensors in the rear bumper scan the area behind the car up to a distance of 50 metres.Meanwhile, a yellow L...
Monday, 11th February 2008 - full story

London switched on to lighting

Sustainable lighting is the high on the agenda at a festival dedicated to innovative lighting systems taking place in London this week.Switched on London aims to highlight the importance of sustainable lighting design in the night-time urban environment. From February 7th to 14th, a number of the capital's most prominent sites such as City Hall, Tower of London and London Bridge, will be lit up in an energy efficient way to demonstrate the impact of lighting on cities.Organisers hope to show how...
Monday, 11th February 2008 - full story

LED technology takes to NY catwalk

A floor-to-ceiling LED screen was used to bring a creative twist to a designer's collection at New York Fashion Week.Top designer Michael Kors used the technology as part of his Autumn/Winter 2008 show last Wednesday to turn the tables on watching photographers, the Los Angeles Times reports.A screen was positioned at the top of the catwalk to display live images of the photographers and waiting media clustered at the opposite endAccording to the newspaper, some of the members of the media liked...
Friday, 8th February 2008 - full story

LED potential for Uruguay airport

Images of a new airport terminal in Uruguay have been released, showing great possibilities for LED technology.Designed by Rafael Vinoly, the impressive new structure in Montevideo, is a vast space encompassing some 32,000 sq metres.With its high ceilings and use of glass, the building is covered by an arched roof over 300 metres long.Such use of materials gives the construction a sense of open space and brightness, particularly as both the arrivals area on the ground floor and departure lounge ...
Friday, 8th February 2008 - full story

Baseball team gets new LED scoreboard

Baseball fans in Orlando will be greeted with a brand new LED scoreboard this month. UCF Knights will see a new screen in right centre field, that will replace the former scoreboard dating back to 2001, the team's website ucfathletics.cstv.com reports.Measuring 38ft wide and 32.5ft high the new scoreboard will feature a traditional display board, two LED video displays and six backlit advertising panels.The facility's name and the UCF script logo will also be shown at the top as well as a pitch-...
Thursday, 7th February 2008 - full story

A £100,000 sculpture constructed from drill bits is to grace the entrance of Stratford station.The Olympic art work will be made out of the tunnelling equipment used to dig the rail link from King's Cross to east London, building.co.uk reports.Artists are to be invited to submit designs for the sculpture, which is expected to be positioned in Station Plaza, the public space situated outside Stratford station.The website reports planning documents as stating: "Westfield and Newham Borou...
Thursday, 7th February 2008 - full story

3D screens next for NFL?

What is being billed as the world's largest high definition LED display is set to be installed at a stadium in the US.Kansas City Royals' Kauffman Stadium will receive the new technology as part of a $250 million renovation programme, USA Today reports.At 105ft high and weighing in at a staggering 35-tonnes, the screen will contain 5.95 million individual LEDs.Speaking to the publication about the advances in scoreboard and display technology, Kent Hrbek, who started playing for the Minnesota Tw...
Wednesday, 6th February 2008 - full story

UK set to follow China's LED in 2012

With the London 2012 Olympic games drawing ever nearer, Beijing is helping to demonstrate the potential opportunities for LED display systems in its preparations for this year's event.One of China's leading LED manufacturers, Beijing Leyard Electronics Technology, has been selected to supply LED panels at Beijing International Airport (BCIA), LEDs Magazine reports.These will be installed in time for the arrival of Olympic athletes from around the globe. The three panels, which will be installed ...
Wednesday, 6th February 2008 - full story

'Super Tuesday' results on screen

The results of today's 'Super Tuesday' are set to be screened live in the US later today using the latest LED video screen technology.Digital reporting of the primary election results will be screened on LED billboards in Memphis, Alberquerque, Chicago, Las Vegas and Los Angeles in real time.Some 53 outdoor digital displays owned by advertising company Clear Channel, will be connected to an automated feed from news channel MSNBC situated at polling sites.Super Tuesday is the biggest day in the U...
Tuesday, 5th February 2008 - full story

LED floor lights up event

A state-of-the-art LED video flooring system has been the talk of a recent show dedicated to events management.Visitors were stunned by the flooring system at this year's Event Show at London's Olympia conference centre, Entertainment Technology Press reports.David Churches, managing director of events company Themes Incorporated which displayed the floor, said he was delighted at the response from customers."We always felt it was an excellent addition to our extensive event equipment stock...
Tuesday, 5th February 2008 - full story

'Strong future' for LED lighting

The future looks bright for LED lighting applications, the latest survey of current trends suggests. According to a poll by Cree carried out at the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair, the majority of top decision-makers for lighting manufacturers around the globe reported strong growth. Indeed, nearly three quarters (72 per cent) of respondents claimed that they had seen a growth rate larger than 20 per cent of lighting applications in the past six months.Meanwhile, almost two-third of people...
Tuesday, 5th February 2008 - full story

London's low emissions zone launched

As of today, the most polluting vehicles on London's roads will be charged under new Low Emission Zone (LEZ) regulations designed to tackle pollution levels in the city. The capital's mayor Ken Livingstone launched the scheme today, which will see the "dirtiest" vehicles being forced to adhere to specific emissions standards. Any vehicle not complying with the legislation will be fined or will be forced to pay a daily charge of £200. The initiative aims to reduce London's poor air...
Monday, 4th February 2008 - full story

TfL launches consideration campaign

People living and working in London may notice their commute becoming calmer in the future, thanks to a new campaign. Mayor of London Ken Livingstone has launched the scheme to encourage members of the public to be more considerate to each others' needs when travelling in the capital. Posters on buses and tubes will feature characters listening to loud music, eating and talking loudly on their mobile phones will carry the slogan, "A little thought from each of us. A big difference for every...
Monday, 4th February 2008 - full story

Surgeries open for longer?

GPs' surgeries could open their doors in the evenings and at weekends if new proposals by the government receive the go-ahead. Health secretary Alan Johnson has written to every GP in England calling on them to accept proposals for extended surgery opening hours. These new measures would mean an average-sized practice with around 6,000 patients staying open for an extra three hours per week. The British Medical Association (BMA) has opposed the plans, saying that its research shows that only fou...
Monday, 4th February 2008 - full story

Super Bowl heading for Wembley?

Fans of American football could soon witness the arrival of one of the sport's biggest events on British soil. Such was the success of October's Miami versus New York match at Wembley Stadium that the NFL is reportedly now considering bringing the Super Bowl to the UK. "The whole idea of bringing teams over was quite daunting for coaches as they have a compressed season and very precise schedules. We proved it could be done and it could be done successfully," NFL UK managing director A...
Monday, 4th February 2008 - full story

FSB urges London 2012 participation

Small businesses in the UK should make the most of the opportunities the London 2012 Olympic Games will bring the nation, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has claimed. Simon Briault, a spokesperson for the organisation, praised the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) for doing some "really good work" to give small businesses a "fair go" at competing for contracts. The FSB's comments follow the launch of the CompeteFor website by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) last ...
Monday, 4th February 2008 - full story

New designer for Birmingham New Street renovation

Birmingham New Street Station's multi-million pound rehaul moved in a new direction today as it was revealed that the original design company has been dropped from the project. John McAslan and Partners, which was to lead the £550 million renewal project, is to be replaced by Atkins, Building.co.uk reports. Network Rail's decision to opt for Atkins signals the end of a two-and-a-half year relationship with McAslan and engineering partner WSP. McAslan's involvement with the project has exper...
Monday, 4th February 2008 - full story

Olympics development making further progress

The London 2012 Olympic development is making substantial progress with the first steps of a waterway now complete. Some 70,000-tonnes of material from existing 1930s concrete river walls, has been lifted out to make way for a new waterway within the Olympic Park. Workers have drilled 700 11-tonne steel piles 18-metres into the ground to widen the waterway by eight metres. This will allow barges to travel along the route to transport material needed for the construction for the rest of the park....
Monday, 4th February 2008 - full story

School proposed for Olympic site

Part of London 2012's Olympic stadium could be used as a school after the event has finished. Olympic minister Tessa Jowell revealed the proposals for the 80,000-capacity stadium this week. When the Olympic baton is transferred after the 2012 games, the stadium is set to retain its athletic track. However, further uses for the vacant stadium have not yet been confirmed and an educational legacy could, the government suggests, be one solution. "The stadium has the potential to inspire future...
Monday, 4th February 2008 - full story

Screens delivered for Eurovision event

Contenders for the title of Azerbaijan's Eurovision song contest representative will battle it out on Saturday at a televised National Final. This year will be the first time that the country has participated in the Eurovision event and organisers are pulling out all the stops with hi-tech LED technology. Oikotimes.com reports that a Ukrainian IL-76 cargo plane delivered 40-tonnes of stage equipment to Baku this week, including LED screens, 120 static and 140 dynamic light projectors. Three 24 ...
Monday, 4th February 2008 - full story