This article discusses the importance of Videotron (Video Billboards) Installation to be regulated
There has been a significant increase of Videotron installation in Jakarta since 2020. Coincidentally, it was when the Covid-19 struck. They correlates probably because of the decline of people’s movements and the transition of the media consumption.
The point that will be discussed is the need for regulation for these Videotron. Mostly is caused by excessiveness of brightness. The main concerns are tied to potential harm caused by road accident and light pollution, disturbing the surroundings. We will also discuss how some unique videotron have used speakers and create sound disturbance.
First, the brightness of these videotron could potentially disturb the surroundings. There has been numerous complaints in social media about this. Mostly the people who are driving. There are two options for the regulation:
- Control the lumens level from the display.
- Control the lux level at a certain distance or certain building.
Lumens Control
Let’s discuss about controlling the lumens level from the display. First of all, there is threshold for the videotron to be visible in daylight or at night. They are at different value because they are relative to the ambient brightness. Like when you are at your laptop or device at day, we crank the brightness up so we can see what the screen displays.
So, the videotrons installed should have an adjustable brightness. They need to be just at the right brightness at day or night, without disturbing drivers or it’s surroundings. We should regulate the maximum lumens allowed, especially after the sun sets.
Lux Control
The second approach is controlling the lux level. Lux level is relative to distance and other factors, because they are a value that is measured at viewers point, not like lumens, the light source. One thing that push me to write this article is due to the fact that some videotrons are installed facing residential building, either its an apartment or a house. Like the picture above. There are some residential building in front of the videotron. They should be regulated so that the residence could still rest without the need to buy a curtain.
I imagine they are seeing “daylight” day and night. When it is night it is from the neighbouring building videotron. With the changing color of the video playback, you can have a party without buying a disco ball in your bedroom.
Videotron With Sound
Lastly, let’s discuss those videotrons that have speaker that let out concert level noise. In Gatot Subroto, there is one. Every time I go for Jakarta Car Free Day, when I pass this videotron, I close my ears.
“Brimo! Brimo! Brimo!”
What I heard, from 200 meters away.
My guess is that they are trying to get the attention of the motorists or passengers in vehicles. To get the attention of people in the car, they would need to step up the volume, because most cars are sound insulated. But, blaring sounds on a public road is, in my opinion, unethical. We should control the allowed maximum decibels speaker on the public area.
Imagine having both a bright and loud videotron near your bedroom!
We can continue to discuss how they affect light pollution in cities. This does covers a broader topic of light fixtures.
But, I guess that’s it for now. Until next time! Thank you for reading!