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center that wraps around the front of the
theater and displays dynamic content. It
is surrounded on both sides by traditional
manual message boards. This combination
of old and new technology allows the
theater owners to accomplish their vision.
(See The Clyde Theatre photo)
There are a number of reasons to consider
a digital sign when renovating a marquee.
The most obvious is that LED signs are more
ecologically friendly because they operate
with just a fraction of the electricity required
for incandescent bulb signs. Since LED
The Clyde Theatre, Fort Wayne, Ind., was designed by A.M. lights use 75 percent less electricity than
Strauss. Built in 1951, the art deco building was purchased incandescent lights, the energy savings can
at a tax auction in 2012 and then restored. The marquee be significant over time.
and 60-foot spire were recreated from original blueprints
and includes a 4’ x 20’ curved digital message center flanked LEDs also last much longer than
by traditional manual message boards. incandescent lights. In fact, the average
incandescent has a 750-hour lifespan,
compared to 100,000 hours for an LED. This cuts down significantly on maintenance and the
disposal of used bulbs.

Updating the content on LED signs is easy and offers more versatility. A digital marquee
can automatically rotate through artwork, logos and photos for multiple acts, rather than
crowding all the information on to a manual reader board. Digital marquees can also
showcase movie clips and other video and can be used to generate paid advertising for the
venue to help defray costs.
Content management software allows operators to program content weeks or more
in advance and make quick changes without going outside. The software also can be
“locked” to ensure that the desired historic look and feel of content cannot be changed.
Finally, servicing a digital marquee is much easier and less disruptive than traditional reader

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The Fillmore Theater in Detroit, Mich., before and after renovation. The iconic venue located in Detroit’s downtown
historic district and has been the catalyst for a revitalization of the area. The five-foot-tall Fillmore name sits atop the
marquee with more than 1,000 exposed LEDs.