Konsertsystemer LLB was the AV supplier of Jugendfest 2023 in Alesund, Norway. Photo by Maja Moan
While the warm summer weather on the Northern Hemisphere has mostly come to an end, outdoor events and festivals are only starting to wind down – and are just about to switch into high gear Down Under or in South Africa, for example. LED has become a prominent feature in all sorts of outdoor gatherings, from sporting events to concerts, from political rallies to outdoor installations, from gastronomical events to massive festivals. With such gatherings attracting large and small audiences under the sun (or rain) come a very particular set of circumstances that LED technology is the best equipped to excel in.
In a previous article on LED screens, we spoke at length about the different types of screens and panels that are designed for environments where them not being affected or restricted by e.g. light or space are paramount. While also increasingly popular indoors, in event production LED screens have been a favored option for outdoor video display for as long as they have been in existence, and it is not difficult to see why – outdoor LED screens are easy to use, versatile, bright, clear, cost-efficient and surprisingly durable come rain or shine. Be it the Olympics or a baseball game, Coachella or a small local outdoor festival – LED performs just as well, even under very different circumstances.
Speaking of which, taking into account any potential weather-related circumstances and the physical aspects of your location is supremely important when it comes to installing LED at any outdoor event, especially when you will be exposing them to the elements. In this article we will look at why LED is the king of outdoor events and what external factors do you need to be aware of. After all, the wind, rain, cold and baking sun are famously not-so-friendly on high-end electronics…
The versatile use of LED at LIV Golf Adelaide’s post-tournament concert by AV Alliance member Novatech Creative Event Technology
Why use LEDs for outdoor events?
Outdoor environments introduce two crucial variables into event planning – ambient light and weather conditions.
Unlike classic projectors, LEDs provide fantastic visibility in ambient light (even bright daylight) and can transmit high-quality video content regardless of the weather when properly constructed. They also offer great resilience, versatility and cost efficiency without sacrificing visual quality. So, no matter what you are producing – a live festival, concert, sporting event or public gathering – LEDs get the job done.
Function and versatility
Due to their versatile construction, LED screens can be built in a vast array of shapes and sizes, so there is likely a setup that will meet your event’s visual requirements, whether it is a sporting championship taking place in an open stadium, or a giant curved screen wrapping around a stage at an outdoor concert.
Leading manufacturers in the market, such as ROE Visual, have outdoor panels in their portfolio that are lighter and/or larger for easier, faster construction for massive screens. Some carbon fiber panels combine lightweight with durability and a stronger structure, making them ideal for transport and frequent build and dismount, for example for touring.
LED panels also come in many different characteristics, and these are all specifically designed to perfectly fit and greatly enhance their intended use. Certain LED panels are constructed in a way that they can be bent in both smooth, flawless convex and concave curves, and can be used just as well in flat configuration as in a curved LED screen.
When it comes to working around the (sometimes extreme) elements, certain carbon fiber panels are made blow-through (also ideal for outdoor touring). They come with a lightweight design and a strong, wind-bracing frame that allows them both to be suspended or stacked on ground, providing enhanced wind resistance and functionality.
Not to be confused with blow-through products, transparent LED panels seem open enough, however they still act like a sail in the wind, not having the wind-bracing characteristics of a blow-through panel, and thus can easily be damaged by the elements if not well protected. On the other hand, their unique design allows for spellbindingly creative visuals and are, for this reason, also ideal for touring.
Brightness and image clarity
One of the major benefits of using outdoor LED screens is that they provide excellent brightness and image clarity. LEDs are significantly brighter than conventionally projected images, as they produce their own light, rather than rely on displaying a replicated image. Because they are their own light source, LEDs are not restricted by the quality and brightness of the outdoor ambient light, making them visible regardless of the weather, and do not require to be shaded, which makes the placement the screens and the stage less dependent on the position of the sun (the terrain and the direction of the wind, however are factors that must be carefully considered, but more on that later).
Longevity and maintenance
While LED screens and panels are not a cheap investment, they are remarkably cost-effective given their lifespan and maintenance needs. When maintained by experienced AV professionals, LEDs have a lifespan of between 50,000-200,000 hours. You also won’t need to spend time replacing diodes or other parts – LEDs are remarkably resilient and low maintenance as long as they are used as intended and well looked after. Rigorous maintenance is especially important in for outdoor LED – for example, dust is notoriously unkind to LED (which even requires careful storage in the warehouse, and not just after an outdoor festival).
A massive, 60m x 6m curved ROE Visual V8T LED screen, supplied by Novatech Creative Event Technology, at the AO Finals Festival at the Australian Open 2024 in Melbourne’s John Cain Arena. Photo: Ashlea Caygill
Using outdoor LED screens: What you need to look out for?
While there are several benefits to using LED outdoors, there are some notable factors you will have to consider. Unsurprisingly, outdoor environments are simply not as permissive for electronic equipment as indoor ones. Wind, rain, sun, snow, temperature and other variables can seriously impact the performance and structural integrity of LEDs.
Water and temperature
Water, dust and extreme temperatures can cause serious, if not irreversible damage to LEDs. While many LEDs are water and dust resistant, they are still vulnerable.
Modern LEDs come with an Ingress Protection (IP) number, which indicates the level at which they are protected against the intrusion of water and dust into their inner structure. According to ROE Visual, AV Alliance Gold Partner and leading LED manufacturer, LEDs should be rated at IP65 or higher. The first number indicates protection against water, the second against dust. The higher the numbers, the better the protection.
Temperature extremes and fluctuations can also be a cause for concern. Significant fluctuations may cause mechanical parts to expand or contract, potentially damaging seams and weakening the vital structures. Unusually high temperatures above 45 degrees (114 Fahrenheit), or temperatures below freezing can also cause damage to parts that may require repair or replacement.
Wind and structure
If you have ever held an umbrella in the wind, you will know that structures with large, flat surface areas and wind gusts do not mix. As you may expect, outdoor LED panel screens, and in particular, large walls, are especially vulnerable to damage in high winds.
Wind gusts can cause larger LED screens to sway and flex, creating potentially damaging internal forces on the panels. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable for suspended or vertically rigged LED screens. Due to the complex nature of wind gusts, screen dimensions, rigging specifics and other variables, it can be challenging to engineer effective solutions.
If you are looking to protect against the wind, you will need temporary support structures, trusses, and rigging that meet the appropriate standards for the screens you are using. Modern ISO design standards dictate how to strengthen support for your LED structures based on their dimensions, on how much wind they will catch, staging geography, pressure factors for the wind force, and their specific shape.
Location and geography
The location of your event and the local geography surrounding your site can also have a major impact on the weather factors you need to consider. When planning your event, make sure to work with a qualified structural engineer to assess key factors like the basic wind speed of the wind zone you are operating in, the nature of the terrain, local humidity and the buildings or structures nearby.
ROE Visual‘s Vanish8 Touring (V8T) panels offer an outstanding outdoor touring solution in a GOB transparent panel design with an optimum transparency of 50%, and special frames for easy handling and fast building.
Safety first: preparing for your next outdoor event
While you need to plan and prepare against a number of environmental variables, building a world-class outdoor LED screen display doesn’t need to be a daunting task. Modern LED rental and event technology providers, like members of The AV Alliance, are highly qualified and experienced in minimizing risks through various solutions, such as ensuring safe weight distribution, meticulous rigging, and advanced screen protection.
Engineering solutions
For your outdoor LED screens, you will need Temporary Demountable Structures (TDS). These outdoor structures support and secure the video, audio, and lighting equipment at an outdoor event, and in this case your LED screens. They are most commonly towers, roof structures, video wall supports etc. for the stage, and are designed to be constructed and deconstructed quickly, should there be a need for urgent dismantling.
Unlike permanent structures, TDS adhere to lower wind pressure rating requirements, which is largely due to the reduced chance that they will face extreme wind speeds or weather events. Despite this, LEDs should be able to withstand the same wind speed challenges as the TDS supporting them – this is to ensure the screens can be removed within a 15-minute time frame in case of extreme weather risks.
When it comes to LED and TDS construction guidelines, you will need to trust your local AV rental provider with adhering to those, as there are multiple standards in place around the world. As a guiding principle, for events with large outdoor screens, whether suspended or nested within another construction, you should always follow the recommendations of qualified riggers and structural engineers when planning your event.
Additional structural support
Alongside your TDS, you will need to ensure your outdoor LED screens have the appropriate additional structural support. This may take the form of trusses, beams, rigging or other solutions.
Most LED screens are not rated to bear high wind forces, so integrating support structures falls under the responsibility of the staging company or the head rigger. LED manufacturers provide detailed structural reports for all LED screens and panels, which will help you and your contractors make and execute effective plans. Some modern LED panels come with integrated support structures, which while stronger than your average panel, may also still require further support as directed.
An outdoor LED screen is being built and rigged by the Nordic Rental AS crew at Denmark’s Kløften Festival in June 2024
Ultimately, installing and operating outdoor LED screens – in particular larger, suspended panels or walls – requires expert oversight and detailed preparation. Experienced riggers and construction engineers are essential to ensure all structures adhere to the appropriate safety and performance standards – but we will cover this topic in more detail in an upcoming post.
Provided you prepare in advance, there’s no reason why your outdoor event can’t feature stunning visuals courtesy of state-of-the-art LED screens – come rain, wind, or shine.
To learn more about the technical aspects of LED technology, choosing the right and highest quality equipment for your outdoor event, and of course the related costs, we invite you to get in touch with us and find out what our AV Alliance members can do for you and your event!