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What Is a Jumbotron and How Does it Work?

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If you’re a sports fan, you’ve probably heard about the Jumbotron – the giant screen known for “Kiss Cam” and “Hockey Lookalike Cam”. It’s a staple for sporting events, but it can also be used for a wide range of occasions.

But what is a Jumbotron screen, and how do they install these massive ‘televisions’? In this post, we will tell you exactly how our team at Rent For Event builds this enormous display. We will also teach you how to incorporate these big displays at your next event! 

What is a Jumbotron?

A Jumbotron is widely known as a giant screen typically used for large venues like stadiums and arenas.

Imagine a TV screen but hundreds of times bigger. Also, Jumbotrons are incredibly bright, allowing the audience to see the feed even under direct sunlight.

This massive display is actually a registered trademark of the Sony Corporation. It was first used during the 1985 World’s Fair held in Tokyo, Japan.

Nowadays, the word ‘Jumbotron’ has become generic and refers to any large screen. It’s now indispensable for sporting events, which are used for close-up shots, player profiles, and audience entertainment.

You’ll also find Jumbotrons in public areas like Time Square in New York City where it displays huge ads. It can also be rented from various AV production companies, making it accessible to event planners. 

The origin of the Jumbotron screen

Sony Corporation was the first to use the word ‘Jumbotron’ as a brand for their giant screens.

While Sony was the one to popularize this massive display, the Mitsubishi Electric had its own version years earlier. It’s called the Diamond Vision screen that debuted in the Major League Baseball All-Star game in 1980.

This 875-foot video display was recognized by the Guinness World Record five times as one of the biggest Jumbotrons to have ever existed. This screen remained at the Dodger Stadium until it was replaced by newer screens in 2012.

While the first Jumbotrons are massive in size, they are ironically low in resolution. In fact, a 30-foot Jumbotron would only have 240 x 192 pixels of image quality. Nowadays, a modern Jumbotron would have at least a 1920 x 1080-pixel resolution or even more. 

How does a Jumbotron work?

Early Jumbotrons produced by Sony and Mitsubishi used the outdated cathode ray tube or CRT. This is the same technology used on old and bulky television sets.

However, CRT displays are best used indoors. If you put it under direct sunlight, the audience won’t see the display as clearly. It’s also why CRT displays are now considered ‘dead technology ‘ since it’s already out of production, but old models still exist.

Soon enough, LED (light-emitting diode) technology replaced the unusually large CRTs with slimmer LED panels. Aside from their thinner and lighter profile, LED screens are also more energy-efficient than CRTs.

Unlike CRT screens that use electron beams, LED has individual diodes that produce blue, red, and green colors, which will create an image.

Moreover, the greatest thing about LED technology is its brightness. It remains visible even when placed outdoors and in direct sunlight.

Moreover, Jumbotrons are often installed overhead or on an elevated area in a stadium. This ensures excellent visibility, but this requires the expert installation to guarantee the safety of the spectators. 

How much does a Jumbotron cost

How much is a Jumbotron, you ask? Before it ceased production in 2001, Sony installed a Jumbotron in Ontrario’s SkyDome, which cost a mind-blowing $17 million.

Nowadays, with better technology, these big screens cost around $5 million to install, or even less. Others on the lower end cost under a million bucks.

In terms of daily Jumbotron cost, the rental pricing varies widely. It typically ranges from $4,000 to $20,000+ a day, depending on the size, resolution, and installation complexity involved.

Aside from that, long-term contracts in renting or maintaining the Jumbotron will also affect its overall price. Long-term contracts are often less expensive as providers offer special discounts.

Do you want a quick estimate for a giant LED wall or Jumbotron? Call us, and our AV team will give you a free quote. 

Where can you use a Jumbotron?

Jumbotrons have gone more popular and accessible ever since it was introduced to large-scale venues. Nowadays, these giant screens can also be used for the following applications: 

1. On your next sporting event

Do you want to level up your next sporting event? Whether it’s an athletic meet or an international sports tour, Jumbotrons would be an excellent addition.

You can use this to show game highlights, live game feeds, and other content. It’s also a great platform to entertain the attendees during half-time breaks. 

2. On your next concert or festival

Aside from sports, Jumbotrons are also popular for musical performances. It’s an excellent choice for concerts, festivals, and other related acts.

This can be used to show close-up shots of the performers, so the guests will see what’s happening onstage. It will keep everyone immersed in the show, especially those in the far sections of the venue. 

3. On your next corporate event

A giant LED screen like Jumbotron can also be a helpful tool for corporate events. It can be used to communicate with guests, show ads and sponsorships, and project marketing materials.

A large display will surely make your next corporate event stand out from the competition. It will also catch the attention of your target audience, which translates to better recall and branding for your company.

4. On your next trade show

LED Jumbotrons can be used to display product demos, marketing materials, and videos at trade shows. Unlike static displays, these screens will catch the attention of more attendees, which will create more impressions on your brand.

You will get more people to check out your booth, and they will remember your brand better after leaving the event. 

5. On your commercial establishment

Do you own or run a sports bar? A Jumbotron will level up the dining experience of your customers. You can use it to host game nights, pay-per-views, and special events. On regular days, your Jumbotron can be used to show your menus and special offers.

Since modern Jumbotrons are highly customizable, you can get them in different sizes to match your establishment. 

6. On your game room

Jumbotrons are not just for commercial purposes! You can also install a mini Jumbotron for home use!

A home jumbotron is a classy addition to your own game room. And if you want to change things up at home, you can also get a Jumbotron in the living room. It’s like having a front seat at the stadium right in the comfort of your own home.

Also, a small Jumbotron for your home is a perfect investment if you always host guests. It will give them a unique entertainment experience much better than watching TV alone. 

Jumbotron vs. LED wall

The traditional Jumbotron and LED walls have major differences. Nowadays, modern Jumbotrons have already been replaced with LED panels. But if we are to compare the original Jumbotron with the modern LED wall, the following are the stark differences:

  • Resolution

Both the Jumbotron and LED wall are large, but the latter has higher resolution and image quality. This makes it a good choice for detailed graphics and short-distance viewing.

  • Customization

Since giant LED walls are made of small panels, they can be customized into different shapes and sizes. It can easily fit the dimensions and installation requirements of the venue.

  • Viewing angle

LED walls have better viewing angles than a standard Jumbotron. More people can see what’s happening on the screen, and it can also be used in bigger venues. This means fewer screens will be needed.

  • Power consumption

When it comes to energy efficiency, LED walls are the best choice. This modern technology consumes less electricity than the power-hungry Jumbotrons of the past. With regular use, this translates to massive cost savings.

  • Cost

Due to its old technology, standard Jumbotrons are now more expensive to produce and maintain. Meanwhile, LED walls are more affordable and easily accessible since many AV companies offer them locally. 

Enhance your event experience with giant displays!

Are you planning a large outdoor event and looking for ways to enhance your guests’ experience? Getting an outdoor LED wall would be a great way to do it!

At Rent For Event, we provide LED screens of all sizes, shapes, resolutions, and configurations. Our licensed technicians and engineers can design a modern Jumbotron to match the needs of your event.

Whether it’s a sports meet, a concert, a religious gathering, or a festival, our LED walls will make your event stand out. Your guests will be impressed with the eye-catching displays they don’t usually see at other events.

If you’re looking for a professional LED wall provider, we are the preferred choice. We’ve worked with thousands of events before, and yours can be our next successful project!

Call us today to get a quick estimate from our technicians!

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