NEC Display Solutions Europe has completed the installation of two giant LED screens in the check-in and baggage reclaim areas at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, Sweden.
Measuring approximately 44m² (470ft²) and 15m² (160ft²) respectively, these wall-sized screens provide attention-grabbing, ultra-bright visuals, keeping passengers informed and updated, while also providing new revenue and advertising opportunities.
Due to the sheer size of the screens, one of the major challenges associated with the project involved reducing the electromagnetic interference associated with LED technology.
Johan Monie, head of passenger processes at Swedavia, said, “Before commissioning NEC, we had trialled an independent LED project, but in testing we immediately found that the screens were causing unacceptable interference with other equipment. LED emits large amounts of electromagnetic radiation, and these screens would have caused severe problems with wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity – precisely the sort of negative passenger experience we were trying to avoid.”
Swedish airport operator Swedavia commissioned NEC to supply two 3.91mm (0.15in)-thick direct view LED screens with special shielding so that they emitted negligible levels of electromagnetic radiation. NEC was responsible for every aspect of the project, from designing the modules, providing the power and data, manufacturing, installing and commissioning.
“More and more transport hubs are embracing LED as the display technology of choice, but they may not be fully aware of the impact that these screens have on other communications,” said Richard Wilks, airport and public transportation business development manager at NEC Display Solutions Europe. “Unless properly engineered, these screens can compromise the connectivity that passengers have come to expect when traveling, such as wi-fi, Bluetooth, 4G and 5G. They can also interfere with safety-critical systems that rely on radio frequency, for example employees’ walkie-talkies and, potentially, radar and air-to-ground communications.”
NEC Display Solutions will be exhibiting at Passenger Terminal Expo, March 26, 27 and 28, 2019, in London. Register here for your free exhibition pass.
