EST Technology

SunBriteTV developed Enhanced Solar Tolerance technology to meet a need in the market for outdoor televisions installed where solar radiation may impinge on the LCD-LED (LED) screen for extended periods of time.

All LED televisions and displays have a characteristic where if the surface temperature of the screen gets to a certain threshold temperature then the liquid crystal will cease to respond to electrical signals. Areas of the screen at or above this threshold temperature will be dark and have no image. This is known as the liquid crystal’s isotropic stage. Once the temperature of the liquid crystal goes below this threshold the display returns to normal operation. This phenomenon does not damage the liquid crystal or the display itself.

SunBriteTV EST models - Pro Series outdoor HDTV , outdoor digital signage & touch screens - are designed so that fresh air is forced to flow over the surface of the LED panel to carry away the solar energy and prevent the heat build up. SunBriteTV EST technology is not a 100% fix to the isotropic problem, but provides a robust solution in comparison to other outdoor TV brands (or indoor TVs).

The LED panels we use are constructed with a special high temperature liquid, which is designed to withstand heat buildup of temperatures up to 230°F (110°C) before exhibiting any form of isotropic behavior. With the forced air flow of our EST technology, it is rare that the panel will ever reach the temperature range between nematic, (where liquid crystal can be used as an active view-able display) and isotropic, (where liquid crystal stops working and the display turns black); therefore making this an ideal product for direct sun installations.

SunBriteTV’s standard, non-EST product line (the Signature Series) is designed to tolerate considerable exposure to solar radiation without exhibiting this isotropic characteristic. In Signature Series models, the excess solar heat escapes via a heat dispersion system (heat sinks). This system works very well in most circumstances. The limitation is reached when the heat dispersion mechanism cannot remove the solar heat from the surface of the LCD-LED fast enough and its surface temperature increases to the isotropic level, 167°F (75°C) . This can happen within 15 minutes in areas of maximum solar exposure. Tilting or rotating the TV away from the direct sun will allow the screen to cool down and the image will return with no permanent damage.

Where should I place my outdoor TV? SunBriteTV recommends selecting an outdoor location that reduces the exposure to direct sunlight for our Signature Series models. In situations where this is not possible, our Pro Series models with EST technology provide a robust solution for direct sun applications - for home or commercial use.