Gallery Place “Score Boards” Already Malfunctioning + New Poll

OMG these are hideous. We need to do something to have these removed.

esp. if these really are illegal.

Let’s mobilize!

Too late — they are not going to be removed. The screens are still in testing mode — there are some kinks to work out. I agree that the resolution is poor — looks like the kind of system that is supposed to be further away from the viewer, but I am sure they will become a fixture and feature of the corner soon enough.

FYI: I have contacted the firm that books time on the monitors to see about local arts and community groups using the screens to promote activities and events. Will see how that goes.

I thought these screens were going to be high resolution but the way they are running now it made me think I had to get a new ocular prescription. as J says, it looks like they are meant to be placed further away from the audience.

Mrs Columbo & I saw these for the first time on Sunday, same reaction as many of the others; what horrible resolution! I’m sure as a jumbotron in a stadium they’d look great, but from 10 feet away? Terrible.

At least they’ve turned the audio off. When they were first testing them last week it was very loud. What’s on there now was designed to use audio, I hope they don’t turn it back on.

#2: it’s never too late, and the screens aren’t in “testing mode” because they are displaying Coke ads.

They were already malfunctioning the weekend before last I saw them. It looks like they aare even worse now. But I’m sure they got a good deal on those poor quality displays.

It must have been JBG Development that bought them. That their MO based on my experience.

What? You don’t feel like you’re in Time’s Square? C’mon! lol Kidding! They’re awful… and since they’re probably not going anywhere, I do hope they find a cool use for them.

And silent too. Times Square, while loud for other reasons, doesn’t have audio playing on the JumboTrons. At least not regularly.

The resolution is so bad that pedestrians will have to keep their heads up longer to try and figure out what is on the screen. Which means it will be even easier to pickpocket tourists on that corner. “Just like Times Square.” If they are going to put up video boards, they should at least be of a quality that enhances the neighborhood. I suggest people contact City Councilman Jack Evans by phone and register your concerns. 202.724.8058 Ask for Wendy Abdul-Rahim, Sean Metcalf or Michele Molotsky. Let’s see if we can get 50 complaints registered by the end of the week.

I vote for a poll choice of:

Number of pedestrians killed in the intersection while drivers stare at the electronic billboard.

#11: Added

Haha! I want to change my vote!!!

I too thought that the screens would be of higher resolution. the photoshopping in the original post looked better, yes.

Let’s have a homicide count on the center screen that never goes away.

Are these signs owned by the building owner, or what is the deal with these?

Great, now the hood rats will have another free attraction to congregate around when they should be working or studying.

Lets not mobilize.

I do hate the resolution.

However, I like the concept. I do like the fact that they’re there though.

I guess I’m of the idea that bright lights and video screens are always a good thing.

Washington needs more grit and less “beauty.”

Grit can be beautiful. But this isn’t NYC, or the outer arrondissements of Paris, or Rio de Janeiro for that matter.

DC is a long way from trying to charm anyone with its “grit”.

Those screens are fugly! Even if they were at a better resolution they weren’t executed well enough to complement the architecture of the building they are tacked on to. And what about the beautiful Chinese archway that they’re totally stealing the spotlight from?

Sorry Chinatown but apparently you’re not shiny enough.

As for DC being a long way from charming anyone with grit, gotta start somewhere!

And I disagree that they’re stealing the spotlight from the arch.

To me, this isn’t about 3 video boards, but a mindset that constantly puts limitations on what DC should strive to be as a city in the name of “beauty.”

I saw them last night, and I think they’ve improved the resolution. I actually think they contribute to the energy of that area. It somehow adds to the excitement. Let’s face it, the architecture in the area of 7th is a chaotic mish-mash. I figure you might as well go balls out. I like the feeling of the energy and chaos of a Piccadilly Square etc., I feel like I am somewhere where things are happening. Why can’t DC have a little bit of that?

Thanks Jno.

Thats what I was trying to convey but you put it more succintly.

In fact, I’d say put up some more.

To Anonymous at 12:20 pm – You just might get your wish.

These video billboards at 7th & H Streets are just the beginning.

First, I will emphasize that 10 percent of the video content must be dedicated to community/public service.

According to Pharris Media, the exclusive advertising agent for these video billboards at Gallery Place, there is a plan to put up a 60 foot by 8 foot illuminated wedge billboard, right above the Regal Cinemas display monitor directly on 7th Street. This is advertised for January 2008.

There is also a plan to place six sidewalk billboards, 4 on 7th Street and 2 on H Street, that would be illuminated 24 hours a day. This is also advertised for January 2008.

Finally, 14 building-side banners are planned for Gallery Place. Some will have a maximum height of 60 feet with ambient light. January 2008.

According to Pharris Media, 100,000 people will see the video billboards that are installed at 7th & H Streets.

I know this news will be labeled good, bad, or anywhere in between, depending on who you are. But, this is what is planned for the neighbourhood.

Here is the press release on the video billboards by Pharris Media:
http://www.signindustry.com/pressrelease/releases/2007-11-18-First_Video_Billboards_in_Washington_DC_Coca-Cola-ATT-first_advertisers.php3

Octavio: 20 More billboards — Illuminated 24/7!!! Are they all going to be audio as well???

What were the Gallery Place developers thinking?

Anon,

Please excuse the confusion. the impending billboards are of the non-video type. The wedge billboard would be illuminated, however, in the evenings.

The sidewalk billboards would be illuminated 24 hours a day. The will sit directly on the street at seven feet high, four are to be placed on 7th street, and two are two be placed on H Street.

The building-side banners are meant to advertise upcoming events.

All these billboards and banners will be marketed to advertisers.

Still, 10 percent of the video content on the video billboards shall be reserved for community/public service.

Here is a link to the Gallery Place presentation by Pharris Media:http://www.pharrismedia.com/index.php?option=com_flippingbook&book_id=2

There are 17 pages to look at.