Sunlight Readable Monitor Case Study – NCI Lyme Bay
Overview
Keeping Eyes on the Coast: How CDS Supported NCI Lyme Bay with High-Brightness Display Technology
Two specialist touchscreen monitors. One donated free of charge. One supplied at cost. One very worthwhile cause.
Supporting Coastal Safety Through Specialist Display Technology
At Crystal Display Systems (CDS), we believe great display technology should do more than deliver outstanding image quality. Sometimes, it can also make a real difference to the communities and organisations that rely on it.
That was certainly the case when CDS had the opportunity to support National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) Lyme Bay, a volunteer organisation dedicated to helping keep watch over the UK coastline.
Recognising the important work undertaken by its volunteers, CDS was delighted to provide two specialist 21.5″ touchscreen monitors on exceptionally favourable terms.
The first monitor was donated completely free of charge, while the second was offered at CDS’s own cost price, with no profit made on the equipment.
The result was a successful coastal CCTV monitoring installation, outstanding display visibility even in direct sunlight, and some wonderful feedback from the people using the technology.
The Challenge: Clear CCTV Monitoring in Bright Coastal Conditions
NCI Lyme Bay operates a coastal lookout at Hive Beach, monitoring the waters around West Bay and helping to identify potential incidents at sea.
Its volunteers provide a valuable watchkeeping service, observing coastal activity and helping to support safety along this popular stretch of the Dorset coastline.
A reliable CCTV monitoring system is an important part of this operation, allowing watchkeepers to observe activity along the coastline and surrounding waters.
However, the lookout’s coastal location presents a significant technical challenge: bright sunlight and demanding ambient lighting conditions.
With changing weather, strong sunlight and reflections, conventional commercial monitors can struggle to deliver the picture clarity required for effective CCTV observation.
For volunteers relying on clear images to monitor activity at sea, screen readability is particularly important.
NCI Lyme Bay needed a reliable, high-quality display that would remain clearly visible throughout the day, even when sunlight was shining directly towards the lookout.
The CDS Solution: A High-Brightness Monitor Donated Free of Charge
Understanding the importance of NCI Lyme Bay’s work, Crystal Display Systems was delighted to help.
CDS donated a 21.5″ Open Frame PCAP Optically Bonded High-Brightness Anti-Glare Monitor, completely free of charge, to support the charity’s coastal CCTV monitoring installation.
Designed for demanding environments where standard displays may struggle, the specialist monitor incorporated several technologies ideally suited to the application.
Why This Monitor Was the Right Choice
High-Brightness Display Technology
Designed to deliver clear, readable images in high ambient light environments, including locations exposed to strong natural daylight.
Optical Bonding
By bonding the display components together, internal reflections can be reduced and perceived contrast improved, helping maintain picture quality in bright conditions.
Anti-Glare Surface Treatment
Anti-glare technology helps minimise distracting reflections from the display surface, improving visibility for operators.
Projected Capacitive (PCAP) Touch Technology
Responsive touchscreen functionality provides a modern and intuitive method of interaction.
21.5″ Display Format
A practical screen size offering sufficient viewing area for CCTV monitoring applications while remaining suitable for integration within the lookout.
Open Frame Design
The open frame construction provides flexibility for integration into specialist equipment and bespoke monitoring installations.
Together, these features made the display particularly well suited to a coastal monitoring environment where sunlight readability was essential.
The Installation: A Bright Point Throughout the Project
As with many projects undertaken by volunteer organisations, bringing the complete CCTV system into operation took time.
NCI Lyme Bay encountered several challenges during the installation process, including camera-related issues, planning complications and system reliability concerns.
Despite these difficulties, one element of the project consistently impressed the team: the display supplied by CDS.
Once the CCTV system was fully operational, the volunteers were able to appreciate just how well the specialist monitor performed in its intended environment.
Even during periods of particularly bright weather, with sunlight shining directly towards the lookout, the display remained clearly readable.
For a coastal CCTV monitoring application, this was precisely the performance required.
Customer Feedback: Outstanding Visibility Even in Direct Sunlight
Following the successful commissioning of the CCTV system, Richard Deubert, NCI Lyme Bay’s IT/PC representative, contacted CDS to express his appreciation.
His feedback was particularly rewarding:
“The bright point throughout has been your display literally and figuratively.”
Richard also highlighted the display’s impressive performance in demanding lighting conditions:
“In the recent good weather, looking right into sun, it has always been easily readable.”
This feedback demonstrates the genuine benefits of selecting the right display technology for demanding real-world applications.
For CDS, hearing that our equipment performs so successfully in the environment for which it was supplied is extremely rewarding.
NCI Lyme Bay also publicly acknowledged CDS’s support on social media, thanking the company for providing a high-quality, high-brightness display and recognising the contribution it made to the charity’s monitoring activities.
Continuing the Support: A Second Monitor at CDS Cost Price
The success of the original installation was such that NCI Lyme Bay approached CDS about obtaining another monitor.
Having experienced the excellent sunlight readability of the first display, the charity was keen to expand its monitoring equipment with a similar solution.
CDS was more than happy to continue supporting the organisation.
A second specialist monitor was offered at CDS’s own cost price, with no commercial profit added.
The additional unit specified was a:
21.5″ PCAP 10-Point Touch Monitor with IP65-Rated Front Protection
This provided a further touchscreen display option with an IP65-rated front face, suitable for applications requiring protection against dust and water ingress at the front of the installed unit.
By donating the first monitor and offering the second at cost, CDS was able to help the charity access specialist display technology while keeping expenditure to a minimum.
This ongoing support reflects CDS’s belief in developing meaningful, long-term relationships with customers and organisations, regardless of their size or commercial status.
The Results: Display Technology Making a Real Difference
This project demonstrates how choosing the correct display technology can make a significant difference in demanding environments.
For NCI Lyme Bay, the key benefits included:
- Excellent sunlight readability: Clear CCTV images even in bright coastal conditions and direct sunlight.
- Enhanced display clarity: High-brightness, optical bonding and anti-glare technologies working together to improve visibility.
- Specialist touchscreen functionality: PCAP touch technology providing flexible interaction capabilities.
- Cost-effective charity support: One high-performance monitor donated completely free of charge.
- Continued partnership: A second 21.5″ touchscreen monitor offered at CDS’s own cost price.
- Practical support for coastal observation: Display technology helping volunteers carry out their important watchkeeping activities.
Most importantly, the installation demonstrates how specialist industrial display technology can support organisations working to make a positive difference in their communities.
More Than Just Displays: CDS Giving Back to the Community
At Crystal Display Systems, we are proud of our reputation for providing high-quality, innovative and reliable display solutions for a wide variety of markets and applications.
However, we also recognise that success is about more than products and commercial projects.
Sometimes, it is about being able to support organisations whose work makes a genuine difference.
NCI Lyme Bay’s dedicated volunteers give their time to helping maintain a watchful presence along the Dorset coastline, supporting maritime safety and the wider community.
Being able to contribute to this important work through the donation of one specialist display and the supply of another at cost price is something CDS is genuinely proud of.
The charity’s social media acknowledgement recognised CDS’s generosity and the quality of the display, highlighting how the technology contributes to its work providing “Eyes Along the Coast”.
For us, that is what successful technology partnerships are all about.
Sometimes, the greatest value of technology isn’t measured in sales — it’s measured in the difference it makes.
Crystal Display Systems would like to extend its sincere thanks to Richard Deubert and everyone at NCI Lyme Bay for their kind words, their support and, most importantly, the invaluable work they undertake.
Do You Have a Challenging Display Application?
Whether you require displays for coastal monitoring, marine environments, outdoor kiosks, industrial automation, transportation or other demanding applications, Crystal Display Systems can help.
Our extensive range of high-brightness displays, optically bonded monitors, anti-glare touchscreen solutions and bespoke industrial displays can be tailored to meet your specific project requirements.
From initial concept and technical advice through to supply and ongoing support, our team has the expertise to help you find the right solution.
LET CDS HELP WITH YOUR NEXT DISPLAY PROJECT →
CDS IS YOUR SUCCESS.