A look into anti-vandalism measures standard on our Digital LCD Displays
Vandalism creates constant challenges for public street furniture and Digital Out-of-Home networks. BoldVu® by MRI faces those same real-world risks. After 21+ years and 27,000+ deployments, we have seen almost everything. Vehicles have crashed into our units. Vandals have used tire irons, chains, rocks, knives, graffiti, acid, and bullets. They have also carved cover glass with diamond rings. As a result, BoldVu® uses several lines of defense. These systems help reduce damage, report incidents quickly, and simplify repairs when vandalism happens.
ShockVu™
Every BoldVu® product includes MEMS sensors that detect mechanical shock. When impact occurs, the system sends a ShockVu™ alert. Recently, we added an optional “play dead” response. After an impact, the display can turn black for a configurable time. In many cases, customers use a five-minute delay. Vandals often think they broke the display and leave. This response can reduce the frequency and severity of damage. SmartVu® also sends alerts to MRI and customer Network Operations Centers.
IK10 Certified ToughVu®
ToughVu® protects the LCD with laminated anti-reflective cover glass. The glass uses two or more sheets laminated together. This creates a stack at least 12.9mm thick. Think of it like a car windshield, but stronger. ToughVu® carries IK10 certification. It can survive the steel ball drop test without damage. It can also withstand small-caliber gunfire, pellets, and BBs from 10 feet away.
ToughVu® also uses a titanium oxide coating on its outer surface. This coating improves cleanability and resists aggressive solvents. Crews can use MEK or acetone to remove spray paint graffiti. However, they should avoid getting those solvents on painted finishes. If ToughVu® glass breaks, the laminated structure helps prevent dangerous shards. The display usually keeps its weather integrity. As a result, crews can often replace only the broken cover glass.
Why BoldVu® Avoids Optically Bonded Cover Glass
In 2008, MRI stopped bonding cover glass directly to the LCD. We made that change after fielding thousands of displays. Optically bonded glass creates several problems for large-format outdoor LCDs. First, it raises the surface temperature of the cover glass. Direct sunlight makes that problem worse. Large outdoor LCDs must still meet UL, CE, CSA, and other touch-temperature requirements.
Optical bonding can also raise LCD temperatures. Higher temperatures can stress the LCD edge seal. Competitive bonded displays often show browning or yellowing after long sunlight exposure. That discoloration shows that the LCD exceeded its operating limits. Current-generation BoldVu® products do not show this behavior.
Bonded displays can also develop LCD cell breach. This damage can appear as black circles, bubbles, vertical streaks, or a crying effect. The damage happens when the LCD edge seal cracks or delaminates. LCD fluid leaks out, and air enters the cell. Every black circle or streak represents air inside the LCD. Optical bonding adds mechanical stress to the LCD edge seal. High temperatures can make that stress even worse. Current-generation BoldVu® products rarely show this problem.
Bonded glass also makes vandalism repairs more expensive. When vandals break bonded cover glass, the LCD often fails too. The display may also lose weather integrity. Rain, moisture, dust, and debris can then enter the full assembly. In many cases, the entire unit may need replacement. BoldVu® abandoned optically bonded cover glass more than a decade ago.
ClipVu™
Beginning in 2025, every BoldVu® product includes ClipVu™ as standard. ClipVu™ reduces the cost of replacing vandalized cover glass. Instead of bonding glass to the door frame, ClipVu™ uses internal mechanical clips. These clips secure the ToughVu® glass from inside the door assembly.
When cover glass breaks, technicians can replace the full clipped door assembly on-site. They remove and replace four door-frame retaining nuts from inside the unit. This approach makes field replacement faster and easier. Afterward, crews can refurbish the damaged door assembly at a local facility. They remove the broken glass and replace the ClipVu™ retaining features. Then, they keep the refurbished assembly ready for the next repair.
SealVu®
BoldVu® monitors internal air pressure against exterior barometric pressure 24/7. We call this feature SealVu®. If something breaches the IP66 enclosure, SmartVu® sends an alert. Broken cover glass can trigger that alert. So can pried doors or drilled holes. If vandals severely damage a BoldVu® display, customers and MRI know immediately.
LockVu®
Every BoldVu® access door includes three electronic sensors. These sensors confirm that each door closes and latches securely. A vehicle impact can compromise a door. A vandal can pry one open. A technician can also leave one ajar by mistake. LockVu® and SealVu® work together to catch these problems. SmartVu® then alerts customers that the product may need attention.
AAMA 2605 Certified Powder Coat Exterior Finish
BoldVu® uses a durable powder coat finish on exterior surfaces. Powder coating helps resist vandalism and harsh outdoor conditions. Think of the finish used on outdoor playground equipment. BoldVu® applies an AAMA 2605 certified process. This certification supports 10+ year durability in South Florida outdoor conditions. Customers can also choose brushed stainless-steel exterior cladding for an added cost.
No Ferrous Materials Used by BoldVu®
BoldVu® products can sometimes receive chips, scratches, or nicks. Crews can usually touch up those areas on-site. They can use color-matched aerosol paint or brush-applied paint. BoldVu® uses stainless steel for structural components. It also uses aluminum for weather-integrity and thermal-management components. As a result, BoldVu® products will not rust or corrode.
Summary
Vandalism frustrates every owner of public physical assets. Unfortunately, few measures can prevent it completely. However, BoldVu® has proven its resistance through real-world use. That proof comes from 21+ years, 27,000+ deployments, and 17 product generations. Each generation includes lessons learned from the field.
SmartVu® also gives teams immediate autonomous notification after potential vandalism. Teams can remotely analyze the nature and extent of the damage. Then, they can dispatch technicians with the right parts and tools. In many cases, crews can restore the display without removing it. They also avoid shipping it to a service facility.
This approach can greatly reduce total cost of ownership. It can also support higher rate cards and 99%+ BoldVu® uptime. For more than two decades, BoldVu® has delivered proven 10+ year outdoor LCD performance. It remains a rugged 24/7 display solution for the DOOH industry.