Understanding the Colored Light Leaks from the Rear of Portable Drive-In Movie Screens

Many people have noticed the colored lights shining through from the back of portable drive-in movie screens. While this can be a concern, it is often a normal part of the setup, primarily involving status LEDs. This article will explore why these lights appear, focusing on the ONYX system and the common types of projection screens used in drive-ins.

Why Do Portable Drive-In Movie Screens Shine Colored Lights?

The lights you might see from the back of a portable drive-in movie screen are mainly status LEDs. These LEDs serve as indicators to help technicians diagnose and troubleshoot the screen's performance. When you observe colored lights such as green or red, they are typically aimed to alert the operator to specific issues concerning power, data, or other critical components.

The ONYX System: A High-End Front Projection LED Solution

The ONYX system is an exceptional and state-of-the-art front projection LED system, though it is currently in limited use. This system is designed to eliminate light leaks, as it does not feature the same kind of optical system that can cause such issues. The light leaks you may have encountered could be from a different type of projection system that requires adjustment for light balance.

Rear-Facing Status LEDs on Video Screens

Whether the screen is mounted on a truck or hung behind a rock band like a video wall, the screen is made up of hundreds or thousands of tiles. Each tile manages a small section of the overall picture and receives data signals and power. The back of the screen is equipped with indicators to help with troubleshooting during usage.

These indicators typically include LEDs for power and data status, which are useful for identifying problems without needing to set up a test pattern. For example, blue LEDs often indicate power input, white LEDs for power output, and yellow LEDs for data signals. These lights are placed on the back of the screen for easier access and maintenance.

Example: Big Rock Show Video Wall

A specific example of a video wall can be seen in the Big Rock Show video screen from 2015. This type of setup is commonly found in drive-ins and concerts where large video walls are necessary. The mechanisms of these screens are quite complex, with each tile contributing to the larger display area.

For instance, the Big Rock Show video screen can be seen here (reference to an image). The screen includes a central panel that moves up and down, and the other two panels split into six columns that can track and rotate independently to reveal lighting equipment on the rear. Such complexity is standard in portable drive-in movie screens.

Conclusion

Most instances of lights from the rear of portable drive-in movie screens are simply status LEDs that help with maintenance and troubleshooting. By understanding the role of these LEDs and the nature of the different projection systems used, one can appreciate the complexity and precision required in these setups. If you encounter persistent light leaks, it may be necessary to consult with the system's manufacturer or installer to get a professional diagnosis.

For fans of drive-in movies and concert screens, these systems offer a mesmerizing and immersive experience. The technology behind them continues to evolve, making these setups even more reliable and visually stunning.