Editors Note

Welcome to this issue of Digital Display Insider. In this issue, we will be giving you valuable information as you navigate the mobile digital billboard (M.D.B.) startup process. Today, we’re going under the hood to explore the internal components of an LED screen—knowledge that every buyer should have before making a purchase.

Understanding how LED screens are built isn’t just technical trivia—it’s essential for making an informed decision when buying a truck. From pixel pitch and refresh rates to diode quality and internal wiring, the details inside the screen can have a huge impact on both the truck’s performance and its price. Knowing what to look for can save you from overpaying for features you don’t need or, worse, ending up with a low-quality screen that underperforms.

In this issue, we’ll break down the key internal components of LED screens and explain what matters most when evaluating your options. Whether you’re in the market for your first truck or upgrading your fleet, this knowledge will empower you to ask the right questions, avoid unnecessary expenses, and make the best investment for your business.

M.D.B. Startup Focus

A Deeper Look Inside: Understanding the Internals of an LED Screen

When it comes to buying a mobile digital billboard truck, it’s easy to get caught up in the big picture—how the truck looks, how the ads display, and whether it will attract attention. But what’s inside the LED screen matters just as much, if not more. The internal components of your LED screen play a major role in determining the quality of your display, how well it performs, and ultimately, whether or not you’re getting your money’s worth. Knowing what to look for can help you avoid overpaying and ensure your investment lasts for the long haul.

Gold vs. Copper Wiring: Why It Matters

One of the first things to understand is the wiring inside the screen, particularly the difference between gold wiring and copper wiring. Gold is the premium option, known for its higher conductivity, corrosion resistance, and durability. Over time, gold wiring maintains its performance even under harsh conditions, like extreme heat or humidity, which makes it ideal for outdoor use.

On the other hand, copper wiring—while cheaper—is more prone to oxidation and degradation. That means copper-wired screens may show performance issues over time, especially in environments where the truck is exposed to the elements. If you’re planning on using your truck in all kinds of weather or keeping it on the road for extended hours, opting for gold wiring can save you from future headaches and costly repairs.

Refresh Rates: Don’t Get Caught with a Cheap Chip

The refresh rate is another critical component of an LED screen, and it’s one area where you can’t afford to cut corners. The refresh rate refers to how quickly the screen updates, measured in hertz (Hz). A higher refresh rate—like 3,840Hz—ensures smooth playback of videos and clear visuals, even when the truck is in motion or being photographed.

Cheap screens often come with low-quality refresh chips, which result in lower refresh rates. These screens may look okay at first glance, but when photographed, faint horizontal lines or flickering become visible. This can ruin the effectiveness of your advertising, especially when clients expect high-quality photos of their campaigns. Be sure to ask about the refresh rate and the type of chip used—if the answer sounds vague or the rate is 1,920Hz or below, you’re likely dealing with a screen that won’t meet your standards.

LED Quality: All LEDs Are Not Created Equal

Another major component to consider is the quality of the LEDs themselves. Not all LEDs are the same, and there is a significant difference between high-end diodes from reputable manufacturers and cheaper alternatives. Premium LEDs, like Nationstar or Kinglight, provide brighter, more vibrant colors and maintain their brightness over time. Cheaper LEDs may dim quickly, develop dead pixels, or display uneven colors, making your advertisements look dull and unprofessional.

When choosing a truck, make sure to ask about the source and quality of the LEDs. It’s worth investing in high-quality components up front—otherwise, you may find yourself replacing panels more often than you’d like, which can be a costly and time-consuming process.

The Bottom Line: Make an Informed Investment

The internals of an LED screen may not be the first thing you think about when buying a truck, but understanding these components will give you a huge advantage. Ask the right questions about the wiring, refresh chips, and LED quality to ensure you’re getting a product that will deliver the performance you need without unnecessary maintenance costs.

Remember, a well-built screen isn’t just about what looks good today—it’s about consistent performance over time. If you invest in high-quality components, your truck will serve you reliably and provide better results for your clients, helping you grow your business with confidence.

Cool LED Technology

3D Video Walls: Billboards That Come To Life

3D video walls are changing the game for digital displays, offering a level of depth and realism that grabs attention like nothing else. These walls use advanced LED technology and clever content design to create visual illusions that appear to leap off the screen. When done right, the content seems to defy the laws of physics, captivating viewers and stopping them in their tracks.

Perfect for high-traffic areas like shopping centers, stadiums, or public events, 3D video walls provide an immersive experience that elevates brand messaging to new heights. While these walls require precise planning and custom content to achieve the 3D effect, the results are worth it—offering a wow factor that traditional displays simply can't match. Be sure to check out this week's featured YouTube video to see a 3D video wall in action!

From The Vault: Carfax Takes on Flood-Damaged Cars After Hurricane Harvey

This week’s look back takes us to the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, when massive flooding devastated Houston and much of the southern U.S. In the months following, thousands of flood-damaged vehicles began appearing on the market. Carfax stepped in with a creative campaign to highlight the risks of buying a car without checking its history—and they brought us along for the ride.

For this campaign, Carfax purchased a flood-damaged Ford Focus from a salvage auction. They had it professionally detailed, making it look brand new from the outside, and then wrapped one of our LED trucks in Carfax branding. To take things up a notch, we towed the flood-damaged vehicle behind our LED truck across the U.S. as part of the Carfax Challenge. The goal? To show just how easy it is for flood-damaged cars to slip through the cracks without a Carfax report.

At each stop, Carfax brought in two non-damaged Ford Focuses alongside the flood car and challenged customers to spot which one had the salvage title. Most people were stunned by how difficult it was to tell the difference, even with a car that had been submerged in water. The event was not only fun, but it also delivered a powerful message: when it comes to buying used cars, you can’t judge a vehicle by how it looks on the surface—Carfax is essential.

This campaign was a great example of how mobile digital billboards can deliver more than just ads—they can create memorable, interactive experiences that engage customers and reinforce a brand’s message. Carfax was able to connect with audiences in a meaningful way, using our LED truck and the Carfax Challenge to build trust and awareness at every stop along the journey.

Bonus Content

Check out my BONUS VIDEO in our free Insiders Facebook Group where I talk in more detail about the inner hardware of LED screens.