Neon Signs Without The Gas Are On The Rise

Neon Signs Without The Gas Are On The Rise

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Neon lights and neon signs attract attention regardless of one's age. Back in the old days when Baby Boomers were kids in the 1950's and 1960's, neon signs were at the height of popularity to advertise department stores, dime stores, movie theatres, pharmacies, motels, bars and restaurants. Large billboards with neon lights that were synchronized to blink on and off in succession suggested movement and were prominently displayed at Times Square in New York City. Outdoor neon signs were prominent starting in the 1930's through the 1950's, from urban centers to sleepy towns in the desert. As a matter of fact, a neon sign in the Nevada desert night can be seen for many miles.

Neon lights were made of glass, fragile in nature and could break easily. They were constructed of tubes of thin glass filled with various gases including neon gas. An electric current caused the gases to light, creating eye-catching messages and advertisements. As the cost of electricity rose along with maintenance challenges, neon signs began to decline in popularity. Add to it, a movement from urban cities to the suburbs where advertising nightlife gave way to a more quiet family life. By the 1980's, neon signs were relegated to junkyards and the only places with prominent neon lights were in South Miami Beach and Las Vegas. At the same time, neon lights as an art form began to emerge in Los Angeles when the Museum of Neon Art opened. Another reason for the decline of the picturesque light-scapes was the how the gases were environmentally unfriendly.

Today, the neon sign is making a come back but outfitted with LEDs that are made from light emitting diodes and placed in a polymer jacket for rugged construction. The LEDs are less hot than neon lights, do not use gas and are environmentally friendly. While LEDs are costlier now, the energy savings and efficiency offer a balance in the long run. As the price of semi-conductors gets lower, LEDs will replace neon lights all together.

Neon signs still attract people to business establishments so the primary use of the neon still reigns. We've just found a replacement that achieves the same effect but does it in an environmentally friendly way. The color is there, the excitement of advertising with colorful lights is there but the gas and glass are gone. And the art of the neon sign lives on.

About the Author:
Arter Neon (http://www.arterneon.com/) is about outdoor neon sign. Art Gib is a freelance writer.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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