Hey everyone,
I’ve been noticing these big LED screens in public places lately. They’re pretty cool, but I got to thinking - is there a way to interact with them using code? Like, can developers access these displays through some kind of API?
I’m really curious about the possibilities here. Could we potentially create apps that show content on these screens? Or maybe even build interactive experiences for people passing by?
If anyone has info on this or has worked with something similar, I’d love to hear about it. Are there standard protocols for LED displays? Or does each system have its own proprietary interface?
Thanks for any insights you can share!
As someone who’s worked in digital signage for a few years, I can say it’s definitely possible to control public LED displays programmatically, but there are some caveats. Most large displays use proprietary software and protocols, so you’d need to work with the display owner or manufacturer to get access. Some cities have started experimenting with open APIs for their digital billboards, but it’s not widespread yet.
In my experience, the easiest way to get your content on public screens is to partner with the companies that own and operate them. They often have content management systems that let you schedule and upload media. For more interactive stuff, you’d probably need to build a custom solution with their hardware team.
Security is a huge concern, so don’t expect to just plug into any random display! But with the right partnerships and approvals, there’s a lot of potential for cool interactive experiences on these big screens. Just be prepared for a fair bit of red tape and technical challenges along the way.
ya, ive played around with these led things a bit. its def doable but kinda messy. most time youll need to hook up with the owner cause they use weird custom systems. some places do open apis, but its rare. be prepared for issues.
I’ve dabbled in this area as part of a smart city initiative. While it’s technically feasible to control public LED displays programmatically, the reality is more complex. Most systems use proprietary software and closed protocols, making direct access challenging. Some municipalities are exploring open APIs, but it’s not widespread.
Your best bet is to collaborate with display owners or operators. They typically have content management platforms for scheduling and uploading media. For interactive experiences, you’d likely need to develop a custom solution in partnership with their technical team.
Security is paramount in these systems, so expect significant vetting and approval processes. The potential for innovative public-facing applications is there, but be prepared for a lengthy and potentially frustrating development cycle. Patience and persistence are key when working with these systems.