If you have been to sports events or concerts, you’ve probably seen the Jumbotron – the giant screen, which captured everyone’s gaze and drove the atmosphere of the scene.
Are you curious about the definition and technology of Jumbotron screens? This post is set to demystify what a Jumbotron is, how it works, and how to choose the right biggest jumbotron screen. Now, Let’s look into the details you need to know.
Table of Contents
1.What is A Jumbotron Screen?
2.How Does Jumbotron Screen Work?
3.Types of Jumbotrons
4.Where is the Jumbotron Used?
5.How Jumbotrons Transform Audience Engagement?
6.Jumbotron Screen Price Guide
7.How to Choose the Right Biggest Jumbotron
8.The World’s Largest Jumbotron Screen
9.Buy or Rent A Jumbotron Screen: Which is the Best?
10.FAQ
11.Conclusion
1.What is A Jumbotron Screen?
Jumbotron is a large-screen television technology that uses LEDs (light-emitting diodes) to create high-definition video displays, a term that has become common in colloquial speech. The mammoth screen originated with Sony’s introduction of the ‘JumboTron’ in the 1980s, a brand name that has stuck and is now commonly used to refer to any large LED screen in general.
Due to their large size, jumbotron displays can project visuals to audiences over long distances, making them ideal for concerts, stadiums, and other large-scale entertainment events.
1.1 The Origin of LED Jumbotron
In the early 1980s: The Jumbotron used cathode-ray tube (CRT) technology was introduced by Sony.
In 1985: Sony coined ‘JumboTron’ as a brand name in 1985. The first Jumbotron debuted at the 1985 World’s Fair in Tsukuba, Japan.
In 1990s: Light-emitting diode (LED) technology began to replace CRTs in large displays. Modular LED panels were invented, which allowed for customizable screen sizes and shapes.
In 2000s: High-definition (HD) mammoth screens became the standard in sports and entertainment venues. Innovations in pixel pitch allowed for greater resolution on larger screens.
In 2010s: Ultra-high-definition (UHD) and 4K displays became more common. It provides better color accuracy and contrast, further improving image quality.
In 2020s: Modern Jumbotrons incorporate technologies like seamless integration with wireless networks, smart content management systems, and microLED and miniLED technology, allowing for real-time updates and interactivity with the audience.
2.How Does Jumbotron Screen Work?
The Jumbotron screen perfectly displays images and video on a large scale by using a grid of light emitting diode (LED) panels. Here is a detailed introduction of how it works.
2.1 LED Panels
The Jumbotron consists of modular LED panels, each containing thousands of tiny LEDs. These LEDs are typically arranged in red, green and blue (RGB) clusters, which can be combined to produce a variety of colors. They adopt LED(light emitting diode) or LCD (liquid crystal display) to display images and videos.
2.2 Video Processor
A video processor or media server converts the incoming video signal into data that the LED panel can display. The processor handles tasks such as scaling, colour correction and content synchronization to ensure smooth playback across the screen.
2.3 Control System
The Content Management System(CMS) and network connectivity are two main content control methods. The CMS allows operators to manage the content displayed on the mammoth screen, including scheduling, remote control and diagnostics. Network connectivity enables cloud-based content updates.
2.4 Power Supply
Jumbotron screen requires a lot of power, so they need to be connected to a robust electrical system. Each panel has its own power supply, often with built-in redundancy to ensure reliable operation.
By integrating these elements, jumbotron screens can provide vivid, large-scale visual content that is clearly visible even from a distance, making them ideal for events, advertising and public information displays.
3.Types of Jumbotrons
There are many types of the Jumbotron screen, mainly distinguished by their display technology, installation location and application. The following are the main types of giant billboards:
3.1 LED Jumbotron
LED Jumbotrons are bright, energy efficient and flexible, which can be customized to fit any size or shape, making them ideal for event centers with specific design requirements.
3.2 LCD Jumbotron
LCD Jumbotron screen uses liquid crystal display technology to produce vivid and detailed images, which are renowned for high resolution and colour accuracy. LCD Jumbotrons are a reliable choice for indoor activity centers where brightness is not a major consideration.
3.3 Stadium Jumbotron
The stadium jumbotron you see tends to display exciting content, interactive content, and more. However, there is a unique use for perimeter jumbotrons – advertising content sharing.
3.4 3D Jumbotron Screen
3D Jumbotron screens, also known as 3D billboards, create the illusion of a three-dimensional image, adding depth and realism to the content displayed. They are widely used in high-traffic areas like city centers.
3.5 Rental Jumbotron Display
The rental jumbotron display can be quickly assembled, disassembled, and transported, specially designed for temporary events like concerts, trade shows, festivals, and corporate gatherings.
3.6 Curved and Flexible Jumbotrons
The biggest Jumbotron screens can be curved or flexible, so more creative display shapes and layouts are possible. They are often customized to specific installation requirements and can be integrated into unique architectural designs.
3.7 Mobile Jumbotrons
Mobile jumbotrons are mounted on trailers or trucks and can be moved for use in different locations. They are equipped with hydraulic lifts or mounting systems that allow the screen to be raised and rotated for better visibility, which are often used for outdoor events, parades, road shows, etc.
3.8 Transparent Jumbotrons
Each type of Jumbotron screen has specific features designed to meet the needs of its intended application, whether it’s outdoor advertising, temporary event displays, or immersive, custom-shaped screens.
The transparent jumbotrons have a semi-transparent screen that allows viewers to see through the display as it is displayed. They are commonly used for retail window displays, stage backdrops and other areas where the display needs to blend in with the background.
4.Where is the Jumbotron Used?
Jumbotron screens are widely used in a variety of venues for displaying excellent visual effects, enhancing audience engagement and conveying information. The following are some of the main places where giant LED screens are commonly used:
4.1 Concerts
As concerts gather large crowds to hear their favourite singers perform, not everyone has the opportunity to see them up close. Therefore, the biggest jumbotron screens are very useful and important to ensure the success of any concert and to make sure that a large number of people come to see their favourite singers perform!
4.2 Sports Matches
Jumbo electronic screens are a must-have for stadiums and arenas, providing live game coverage, replays, scores and other updates to enhance the spectator experience. In venues such as football stadiums, basketball courts, and baseball stadiums, mammoth screens allow fans to watch the game up close and personal, where they might otherwise miss the details of the game!
4.3 Movie Theaters
Large LED screens can be used to show an entire film to a large audience. Jumbotron displays are very useful, especially if you want to show a film or short documentary to a large audience gathered in the open air.
4.4 Commercial Center
In shopping centers or retail spaces, they are often used to attract shoppers’ attention with striking visuals and to advertise sales, new product launches or special events taking place in the mall.
4.5 Transportation Hubs
Airports, railway stations and bus terminals often use giant electronic screens to display travel information, timetables, advertisements and emergency announcements. Jumbotron display can provide real-time information for passengers.
4.6 Corporate Events
Used in corporate environments for presentations, product launches and branding, giant electronic screens provide a large, eye-catching platform to communicate information and engage attendees.
4.7 Social Events
Large displays can also be used for social events, especially where large crowds are expected. Social events such as government public events, educational activities and trade shows are made more effective by using large LED screens to display presentations and short documentaries.
4.8 Live Streaming
Jumbotron screens can be used in live streaming to broadcast real-time information, making large crowds share and get the information simultaneously.
5.How Jumbotrons Transform Audience Engagement?
Imagine your advert not only being seen, but being impossible to ignore. That’s the power of LED jumbotrons. These jumbotron screens stand like beacons of light and easily eliminate audience’s sensory overload. Here are the ways in which giant electronic screens make this transformation possible:
5.1 Personalized Content
Personalized content is your trump card. These huge screens allow you to tailor content to your customer’s interests, time of day and even current business events. Customisable content creates a personal connection with your audience, transforming generic messages into targeted conversations.
5.2 The Magnetism of Engagement
The use of large LED displays such as jumbotrons can effectively improve engagement. The massive size of the displays, their brightness, and dynamic content, can attract viewers, increase viewing time, and enhance brand influence. This increased engagement can translate into deeper brand relationships and higher conversion rates for small businesses.
5.3 Reaching a Wider Audience
Jumbotron displays have the unique ability to reach audiences that traditional LED displays may miss. Strategically placed in high-traffic areas, these screens attract the attention of a potentially diverse group of people – from professionals in urban areas to ordinary families.
5.4 Real-Time Interaction
Many of the giant electronic screens support interactive elements such as polls, social media integration and audience participation features (e.g., live voting), encouraging viewers to engage directly with the content and interact with each other.
5.5 Enhanced Storytelling
By combining visuals with sound and special effects, mammoth screens can display a variety of content types, including video, animation and graphics, enabling richer storytelling. This multifaceted approach helps to convey information more effectively and keeps the audience engaged.
5.6 Creating Memorable Experiences
The mammoth screen can create immersive environments with synchronised displays, light shows and 3D effects, enhancing the atmosphere of the event and leaving a lasting impression on attendees.
Largest jumbotrons transform audience engagement by combining visual feasts with interactive immersive experiences. Whether at sporting events, concerts or public gatherings, mammoth screens play a key role in increasing audience engagement and satisfaction.
6. Jumbotron Screen Price Guide
The price of a jumbotron screen can vary greatly depending on factors such as type, screen size, resolution, and display technology. Below are the main factors that affect the pricing of mammoth screens:
6.1 Jumbotron Screen Types
6.2 Screen Size
6.3 Display Technology
The cost of Jumbotron screen depends on the display technology such as LED, LCD, SMD, COB, DIP, and GOB. Generally speaking, LED displays are more expensive than LCD screens.
6.4 Resolution and Pixel Pitch
Pixel pitch is the distance between the centers of each LED pixel. Due to the increased number of LEDs per square metre, giant electronic screens with higher resolution (smaller pixel pitch) are more expensive.
6.5 Installation and Maintenance
Permanent installations require higher installation costs because they require more complex structures and support systems. Depending on the site, installation costs can range from a few thousand dollars to more than 100,000 dollars.
7. How to Choose the Right Biggest Jumbotron
The right jumbotrons for your event require that you carefully consider factors like viewing distance, screen size, and the specific needs of the venue or event. Here are the tips for you to choose the best oversized screen for any event.
7.1 Assess Event Type
In entertainment events or sports games, large and high-resolution screens can show close-up action and enhance audience immersion. For corporate events, clarity and readability for presentations may be the priority.
7.2 Audience Size and Viewing Distance
For larger numbers of viewers at longer viewing distances, a large screen with a higher pixel pitch can be selected. For smaller numbers and closer viewing distances, smaller screens with lower pixel pitches can provide clear visuals.
7.3 Screen Size and Resolution
Screen Size: Large outdoor venues may require screens that are more than 40 feet wide, while smaller events may only need screens that are 10-20 feet wide.
Resolution: For close viewing, a lower pixel pitch (e.g., 4-6 mm) will provide better image quality. For long distance viewing, a higher pixel pitch (8 mm or greater) may be sufficient and more affordable.
7.4 Consider Environmental Factors
For outdoor events, look for weatherproof screens with high brightness (5,000 nits or more) for daylight visibility and potential weather exposure. Indoor events can use screens that are less bright and less weatherproof.
7.5 Evaluate Display Technology
If you want a unique visual experience, consider advanced options such as 3D or transparent LED displays. These types of displays offer special effects that can enhance the atmosphere of your event, but are often more expensive and complicated to set up.
7.6 Balance Budget with Purchase vs. Rental Options
Rental for One-Time Events: Rental is more cost-effective for short-term use. Daily rentals can range from $5,000 to $30,000, depending on size and complexity.
Long-Term Use: If you host frequent events, purchasing a Jumbotron may save you money in the long run, although the initial investment can range from $100,000 to over $1 million.
To choose the right large Jumbotron, consider the size and needs of your venue and audience, the type of content you want to display, and your budget.
8. The World's Largest Jumbotron Screen
Often located in iconic venues, including large stadiums and bustling city centres, these mammoth screens deliver dynamic content to audiences. Here are some of the largest jumbotron screens in the world:
8.1 The Halo Board – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, USA
Size: 1,075 feet in circumference and 58 feet tall, covering around 62,350 square feet.
Description: The largest circular video board in the world, completed in 2017.
8.2 AT&T Stadium Screen – Arlington, Texas, USA
Size: 160 feet wide by 72 feet tall, totaling around 11,520 square feet.
Description: The AT&T Stadium Jumbotron is known for its largest centre-hung screen, providing a high-resolution 1080p experience for Dallas Cowboys fans and other event attendees.
8.3 The Big Hoss – Texas Motor Speedway, USA
Size: 218 feet wide by 94.6 feet tall, totaling approximately 20,633 square feet.
Description: Installed in 2014, Texas Motor Speedway’s ‘Big Hoss’ is one of the largest high-definition outdoor LED screens in the world.
8.4 Las Vegas Sphere
Size:366 feet (about 111.6 meters) in diameter, 516 feet (about 157.3 meters) in height, totaling approximately 580,000 square feet (about 53,882 square meters).
Description: Inside the Las Vegas Sphere is a state-of-the-art entertainment and performance venue. It is designed to provide audiences with an unprecedented audiovisual experience.
8.5 The Fremont Street Experience – Las Vegas, USA
Size: 1,500 feet long and 90 feet wide, covering about 135,000 square feet.
Description: It hangs above Fremont Street, providing visitors with an immersive 4K video experience through stunning light shows, concerts and entertainment.
9. Buy or Rent A Jumbotron Screen: Which is the Best?
When deciding whether to purchase or rent a Jumbotron screen, it is important to consider the specific needs of the event, the frequency of use, and the budget. There are clear advantages to both options.
9.1 Renting a Jumbotron
1. Pros:
Lower Initial Cost: Renting is perfect for short-term events or one-off use as it requires less financial commitment than buying.
Flexibility: Rentals offer the flexibility to choose different sizes and specifications for each event to suit various venue requirements or audience needs.
Rent the Latest Technology: Rental companies regularly update their stock, so that you can rent the latest models and not worry about outdated technology.
Hassle-Free Maintenance: Renting companies will take care of maintenance and setup. You can focus on other parts of your event.
2. Disadvantages:
Cumulative Costs from Frequent Use: If you need a jumbo electronic screen on a regular basis, rental costs may increase. Daily rental costs for large Jumbotrons can range from $5,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on size and complexity.
Availability Issues: Rentals need to be planned in advance and availability may be limited during peak event seasons or for specific screen models.
Limited Customisation: You will be limited by the options and availability offered by the rental company, which may not always align exactly with your preferences.
9.2 Buying a Jumbotron
1. Pros:
Long-term Investment: If you organize events on a regular basis, buying a giant electronic screen is more cost-effective in the long run. The initial investment may be high, but over time the payback can be huge, especially if you use it regularly.
Customization: Having a giant electronic screen allows you to choose the exact specifications (e.g. screen size, resolution and technology) that suit your venue and audience needs.
Availability: You have direct access to the screen at all times, avoiding potential scheduling conflicts or availability issues with rental companies.
Branding Opportunities: ownership allows you to brand the giant electronic screen with a logo, theme or repeating content at no additional cost or restriction.
2. Disadvantages:
Upfront Costs: Large jumbo e-screens can range in purchase price from $100,000 to over $1 million, depending on size and features, which can be a significant expense.
Maintenance and Storage: Owning a jumbo electronic display requires ongoing maintenance, repair, and storage in a secure storage space when not in use. This responsibility can be both expensive and time-consuming.
Depreciation: Technology evolves rapidly, so jumbo electronic displays may become obsolete within a few years, potentially reducing their resale value and effectiveness.
10. FAQ
(1) How do I maintain a Jumbotron Screen?
Maintenance includes regular cleaning, calibration, and checking for dead pixels or damaged modules.
(2) What is the lifespan of a Jumbotron Screen?
The lifespan of jumbotrons is about 8 to 10 years.
(3) Can I finance a Jumbotron purchase?
Many suppliers offer financing options, allowing you to pay in installments over time.
(4) Can a Jumbotron display live streaming?
Yes, Jumbotrons can display live video, social media feeds, or even real-time updates.
11. Conclusion
In this post, we introduce you to the Jumbotron in terms of definition, types, price, advantages, application, and the world’s largest jumbotrons. The jumbotron screen increasingly becomes a main marketing method to captivate customers and enhance brand recall. Contact us to learn more about jumbotrons.