Behind the Scenes: How Digital Billboards Are Made

More than just giant screens on the side of the road, billboards are feats of engineering and design that capture our attention with vivid displays and bold messaging.

At Whistler Billboards, creating these structures is a detailed and coordinated process involving everything from heavy-duty construction to high-tech installations. Led by Field Operations Manager Pat McClain, who has been with Whistler Billboards for over 20 years, the team ensures that every billboard is built to the highest standards. Have you ever wanted to see what it takes to create these giant structures? Let’s take a behind-the-scenes look at how they come together.

The Backbone: Building the Iron Structure

The construction of a digital billboard begins with its foundation—the iron structure that will support the massive display. With careful planning and site preparation, this process starts well before any steel is set in place. The ground must be cleared, leveled, and fitted with concrete footings anchoring the structure.

Steel beams, the primary components of the billboard’s framework, are then delivered to the site. These beams are not merely assembled; they are engineered for precision. Each piece is meticulously measured, cut, welded, and bolted together to form a towering frame that can withstand harsh weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy rain.

Throughout this stage, safety is a top priority. Pat McClain and his crew conduct regular safety checks to ensure every bolt is secure and every weld is strong. The result is a robust iron structure that stands tall and is ready to support the advanced digital technology that will soon be mounted on it.

Power and Brains: Installing the Computer and Software

With the iron framework in place, the next step involves installing the computer system to control the billboard’s digital display. This phase is crucial because it sets up the billboard’s “brains”—the hardware and software that manage all the content displayed on the screen.

A weatherproof control cabinet houses the computer and electronic components at the base of the structure. This cabinet protects sensitive equipment from environmental factors like dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures. The computer is connected to the billboard’s power supply, and the Formetco software is installed inside. Formetco is the trusted brand for Whistler’s digital LED billboards, and it is known for its reliability and ease of use.

This software enables remote billboard control, allowing content to be updated, scheduled, and monitored from anywhere. It’s a seamless integration of technology that ensures the billboard can display dynamic content tailored to the client’s needs.

Bringing the Display to Life: Installing the LED Panels

One of the most visually transformative stages of billboard construction is the installation of LED panels. Whistler Billboards uses high-quality LED technology from Formetco, which offers superior brightness, color accuracy, and energy efficiency. These LED panels transform the billboard into a vibrant, attention-grabbing display.

The installation involves carefully hoisting each LED panel to the billboard structure using cranes. Their size and weight require careful coordination between the crane operators and the ground crew. Once lifted, the panels are meticulously mounted onto the iron frame, piece by piece, ensuring they fit together perfectly to form a seamless digital canvas.

Connecting the power and data lines is another critical part of this phase. Each panel must be linked to the control system and power supply, which involves running cables and securing connections to guarantee consistent and reliable performance. After installation, the panels are calibrated to ensure uniform brightness and color, creating a stunning visual display that meets Whistler’s high standards.

Branding the Structure: Placing the Whistler Logo

Every Whistler Billboard installation is about more than just the client’s message; it’s also about showcasing Whistler’s brand. The company takes pride in its craftsmanship, symbolized by the Whistler logo on each structure.

The logo is typically fabricated from durable materials like aluminum or stainless steel, designed to withstand the same environmental conditions as the billboard. It’s mounted in a prominent position, either at the top or base of the structure, ensuring that it’s visible and adds a touch of branding to the billboard. This reinforces the quality associated with Whistler Billboards and serves as a signature of their work.

The Final Lift: Hoisting the Digital Billboard

One of the most dramatic moments in constructing a digital billboard is hoisting the completed display up to the top of the structure. Cranes lift the large, fully assembled digital billboard into position, requiring precision and teamwork.

The operation is a coordinated dance between the crane operators and the crew on the ground. The billboard is carefully lifted and guided by ropes and spotters to keep it steady and aligned. Once it reaches the top, the display is secured to the iron frame with bolts and brackets, and a final check ensures that it is perfectly level.

This phase is not just about lifting a heavy object; it’s about ensuring everything aligns correctly and the digital display is secure and ready to perform at its best. The crew’s expertise and experience, honed over many years, come to the forefront during this critical stage.

Testing and Final Touches

Once the billboard is in place, the final step is testing. Powering up the digital display for the first time is an exciting moment. The team conducts a series of tests to ensure everything functions as expected. They check the LED panels for brightness, color accuracy, and responsiveness, ensuring the display quality meets Whistler’s rigorous standards.

Content is then uploaded to the billboard to test the software’s capabilities and the system’s overall performance. This includes running through various display scenarios to ensure the billboard can handle dynamic content, adjust lighting conditions, and remain reliable in all weather.

Pat McClain and his team monitor the billboard’s performance over several days, fine-tuning settings and making any necessary adjustments. This attention to detail sets Whistler Billboards apart, ensuring that every installation meets and exceeds client expectations.

Wrapping Up

Creating a digital billboard is a complex process that blends heavy construction with cutting-edge technology. At Whistler Billboards, this journey is guided by a commitment to quality and a passion for outdoor advertising, led by the expertise of Pat McClain and his dedicated team. Every step is executed with precision and care, from building the iron structure to installing advanced LED panels.

The result is more than just a billboard; it’s a powerful advertising tool that is a testament to Whistler’s dedication to excellence. Next time you see a digital billboard lighting up the skyline, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for the intricate process that brought it to life, right down to the last bolt and pixel.

Whether you’re a business looking to launch a new product or someone interested in the art and science of billboard construction, Whistler Billboards provides an exceptional behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of outdoor advertising. With decades of experience and a focus on innovation, Whistler Billboards continues to set the standard for what’s possible in digital billboard advertising.

Explore our photo galleries to get a closer look at each stage of this incredible process. They document the assembly, installation, and testing of these remarkable digital displays. From start to finish, Whistler Billboards is committed to creating billboards that capture attention and deliver results.