What Does Standardizing the Digital Billboard Mean for You?

IBOUSA to Assist in OOH Industry
400 mm Digital Standards

During their spring IBO Savannah Conference on May 8th, Media Resources’ President and CEO, Jeff Rushton and Lamar’s Director of Digital, Bill Ripp , explained the benefits of the industry coming together to develop a standard to address some of the varied hardware issues currently sprinkled across the out-of-home landscape.

Their combined presentation highlighted some key reasons for standardization: to save money, to improve quality, to enhance scalability and to make the buying and repair processes easier.  “We have met with the leading North American digital manufacturers and several have begun shifting their production to meet our specs,” said Ripp.  “We at Lamar are happy to assist with any efforts to assist the industry in accomplishing this vision.”

“We need to make digital LED billboards a true 10 year product.  The ease of installation for a 14’ X 48’ is targeted to be under 3 hours and all certified vendors should have interchangeable parts with a goal of any simple repair to be done within 5 minutes.” said Rushton.  “The standards should be designed to allow the individual companies to still innovate.  Pricing should go down but will be offset by volume going up to balance the investments of the manufacturers.”

After the presentation, the IBOUSA Associates gave the go ahead to adopt the challenge of developing these 400 mm digital standards as part of their IBO Fusion initiative.  “Rushton has volunteered to coordinate the tech committee for this effort and we will be moving forward in the months ahead,” said Chris Cowlbeck, General Manager of IBOUSA. “We also appreciate the willingness of Lamar to forge common ground in the industry and share their expertise with us.  Bill’s vision and participation is greatly valued.”

Media Resources
Founded in 1967, Media Resources is at the forefront of innovation; from the conversion to flex faces in the 1990s, to pioneering large format digital printing, and to the evolution of digital LED signage. Today, with operations in Canada, the United States, and Asia, Media Resources is a recognized leader in providing integrated vertical market solutions and end-to-end services to the sign industry as a full service company with North American based engineering, digital display manufacturing, 3D fabrication, large format digital printing, and installation services.

Lamar
Founded in 1902, Lamar Advertising Company  is one of the largest outdoor advertising companies in the world, with more than 348,000 displays across the United States and Canada. Lamar offers advertisers a variety of billboard, interstate logo, transit and airport advertising formats, helping both local businesses and national brands reach broad audiences every day. 

About IBOUSA
IBOUSA is a networking group of companies that have a common interest of promoting all things of importance to the OOH Industry.  We bring together some brilliant minds and cutting-edge technologies and services in our industry in some fun and engaging ways. Billboard operators, vendors, consultants, agencies and advertisers enjoy the fruits of our collective efforts and we have forged wonderful friendships over the years.  Visit IBOUSA.org.