Feature: Displays


The Importance of high- brightness TFT displays in outdoor and harsh environments


By Mathew Rehm, Joint-Managing Director, Relec Electronics


F 20 April 2025 www.electronicsworld.co.uk


or engineers and product designers, choosing the right sunlight-readable TFT display isn’t just about brightness, it’s about durability, efficiency and long- term reliability in the field. In this article, we’ll break down why outdoor TFT displays are essential and what factors truly matter when selecting the


right one for your application.


Why high-brightness TFT screens matter Standard displays struggle in outdoor and high-ambient-light environments because they can’t produce enough luminance to outshine the surrounding brightness. A typical indoor display has a brightness level of around 200-300 cd/m2, but for outdoor use, a display should be at least 800 cd/m2, with premium models exceeding 1500 cd/m2 for maximum clarity. A high-brightness TFT screen ensures that critical information


remains visible, whether in direct sunlight, fog, or rain. Industries like transportation, marine, military, industrial automation and digital signage all rely on these rugged displays to function effectively in real-world applications.


Key features of a sunlight-readable TFT display When evaluating an outdoor TFT display, here are the most important features to consider: 1. High brightness (800+ cd/m2) Brightness is measured in nits (cd/m²), and the higher the value, the better visibility in bright conditions. Many industrial-grade high-brightness TFT screens reach 1500-2500 cd/m2, making them readable even in direct sunlight.


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