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Annendix A — Current Sien Technoloeies <br />Roadside signage has long been used to alert and direct travelers to retail businesses, lodging, <br />attractions and other destinations. Until the 20th century much of this image was "static" in <br />nature, presenting a single image that could only be altered by repainting or otherwise removing <br />an image and replacing it with another. With the advent of motorized travel, signage became <br />more "dynamic" or active in its efforts to attract the traveler's attention as they moved at ever <br />increasing speeds. Initially, motion was created by flashing bulbs or alternating sets of neon <br />tubes. <br />Today's technologies allow for an increasingly sophisticated display of images that can be <br />manipulated by a few strokes of a keyboard. Simpler forms of signs capable of displaying <br />multiple images include "tri-vision" signs which present a series of images through mechanical <br />rotation of multi -sided vertical strips. The rotation occurs at regular intervals presenting a series <br />of static images. Other forms are electronically produced, allowing for a wide range of colors, <br />messages and images depending on the level of technology, and typically produced by light <br />emitted by the sign face. Basic levels of technology present letters or numbers in a single color <br />of light, such as "time and temperature" signs or gas pricing signs. Many of these signs can <br />present longer images in a scrolling fashion, or can provide simple animations. <br />Recent advances have introduced a variety of technologies to the outdoor advertising arena. The <br />largest impact has been made with LED signs which offer an inexpensive yet powerful approach <br />that combines full motion, brilliant colors and a readable display. Other technologies are in <br />development, including "digital ink" signs that offer a changeable medium on a surface that <br />looks like a normal vinyl billboard. These signs manipulate ink on the surface, allowing for a <br />dynamic presentation of images without being internally illuminated. <br />The various sign technologies are referenced by a wide array of terms: "changeable message <br />signs," "electronic billboards," "animated signs." In general, this report focuses on the broad <br />range of signage types which are capable of displaying multiple images through electronic <br />manipulation, which we will refer to as "dynamic" signing. Reference to specific signage types <br />is made when necessary to discussion of specific issues (e.g. the brightness of LED signage). <br />A-1 <br />