The Stretched Bar LCD, also known as BAR LCD, Stretched LCD, or BAR LCD Display, is an advanced display technology designed for unique digital signage applications. With its elongated form factor, high brightness, and industrial durability, it has become a powerful solution for supermarkets, transportation hubs, hospitality venues, and corporate environments.
What Is Stretched Bar LCD (BAR LCD / Stretched LCD)?
Definition & Concept
A Stretched Bar LCD is a modified LCD panel with an ultra-wide aspect ratio, created by resizing traditional LCD glass or through native wide-format panel manufacturing.
Key Features & Technical Advantages of BAR LCD Displays
Ultra-Wide Aspect Ratios
Aspect ratios like 16:3 and 32:9 make BAR LCDs fit for shelves and narrow spaces.
Brightness & Viewing Angles
Brightness up to 1200 nits with 178° wide viewing angles.
Durability & Power Efficiency
Industrial-grade panels with LED backlight reduce power consumption.
Feature | BAR LCD | Standard LCD |
---|
Aspect Ratio | 16:3, 32:9, customizable | 16:9 fixed |
Thickness | Slim (mountable on shelves) | Thicker, limited placement |
Brightness | 400–1200 nits | 250–500 nits typical |
Applications | Retail, transport, hospitality | TVs, laptops, monitors |
Sizes, Resolutions & Customization Options
Available in sizes from 8.6” to 86”, resolutions include 1920×120, 1920×540, 3840×720, and 4K stretched formats.
Applications & Use Cases
Stretched LCDs are highly versatile. Below are key applications:
Industry | Use Case | Example |
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Retail | Shelf-edge pricing and promotions | Supermarkets, convenience stores |
Transportation | Timetables and passenger information | Train stations, airports |
Hospitality | Menu boards, schedules | Restaurants, cinemas, hotels |
Corporate | KPI dashboards and notices | Offices, factories |
Healthcare | Medical equipment displays | Patient monitoring systems |
Comparison with LED and OLED
Compared with OLED, BAR LCD is more durable and cost-effective for 24/7 retail. Against LED panels, BAR LCD is slimmer and easier to integrate for shelf-level signage.
FAQ
What is the difference between BAR LCD and stretched LCD?
They are the same concept, both describing ultra-wide aspect ratio displays tailored for narrow or panoramic mounting locations.
Can BAR LCDs be customized?
Yes — sizes, resolutions, touch options, bezel/finish and mounting methods can be tailored to your project requirements.
What is the typical lifetime of a BAR LCD?
Industrial-grade BAR LCDs commonly exceed 50,000 hours of operation under normal conditions; exact lifetimes depend on brightness, duty cycle, and environment.
Are BAR LCDs suitable for outdoor use?
There are high-brightness and ruggedized BAR LCD models designed for semi-outdoor or sheltered outdoor installations; verify IP rating and max brightness for full outdoor exposure.
Do stretched LCDs support touch interaction?
Yes — many vendors support PCAP or IR touch overlays for interactive shelf-edge or kiosk experiences.
How should content be formatted for a stretched aspect ratio?
Use large headlines, minimal text, short video loops (5–8s), clear CTAs and appropriately sized QR codes. Prepare assets at the exact stretched resolution to avoid distortion.