Introduction: A Decade of Innovation in LED Signage

Since its founding in 2006, ONLY LED has been committed to advancing LED display technology and redefining industry standards. One of its most groundbreaking innovations is the 1x2ft LED display module, which has now become the standard format for American LED signs and digital billboards.

What began in 2013 as an experimental idea has grown into the foundation of LED sign design in the United States. Today, thousands of digital signs across schools, churches, retail businesses, highways, and airports depend on the durability, efficiency, and compatibility of ONLY LED’s 1x2ft LED display module.

This article looks back at the history, technology, and global impact of this pioneering product, while also exploring why it remains the gold standard in the industry.

The Origins: First-Generation 1x2ft LED Modules (In year 2013–2014)

The story of the 1x2ft LED display module begins in 2013. ONLY LED was the first company in the world to design, engineer, and manufacture a 1x2ft LED module specifically for digital signage.

The first-generation modules were made of plastic, but their performance exceeded expectations. In 2014, these panels were deployed in Times Square, New York City — one of the most competitive and iconic advertising hubs in the world. A total of eight displays (using nearly 10000 1x2ft LED modules )were installed, delivering bright, eye-catching visuals that proved the practicality of this format.

YEAR -2013 Onlyled first generation 1x2ft LED display module -The V-series (victory series)

OnlyLED V-series LED panels are modular type, with one receiving card box controls maximum 8row of led modules, and each row of led modules cascade maximum over 20 led modules.

This marked a turning point for the LED industry. For the first time, a module size was created with the American market in mind, aligning with imperial measurements (1x2 feet) instead of the traditional metric dimensions used by most Chinese manufacturers.

Expansion to Europe: Digital billboard for Clear Channel  (2015)

The success in Times Square drew attention from global advertising giants. In 2015, Clear Channel, one of the world’s largest out-of-home advertising companies, selected ONLY LED’s 1x2ft modules for major projects in London.

The most notable was the London Wrap Rollout, which included more than 40 pieces of 48-sheet 7.62mm outdoor digital billboard displays. These projects set a new standard for digital advertising in the UK, demonstrating the scalability and reliability of ONLY LED’s modular design.Clear Channel also adopted the technology for its Heathrow Airport projects, where durability and performance under demanding conditions were critical.By this point, ONLY LED had proven its global leadership in LED display technology, with both American and European projects showcasing the advantages of the 1x2ft module.

Year-2015 Onlyled M-series 1x2ft led module-The master series

From M-series of 1x2ft LED modules and afterwards, Onlyled put one receiving card into each LED module and enable to monitoring and clibration functions of each led module.

Competition Emerges (2016 and Beyond)

After the success of ONLY LED’s projects, a couple companies began to replicate the concept. Later years around 2016 one USA company and after 2020 another one introduced their own 1x2ft LED panels.(Especially the company who launched 1x2ft led module after purchasing Onlyled U-series LED module samples for studying and their CEO and CTO visited Onlyled production facility in shenzhen china during covid-years). One more chinese factory who used to supply ONLY LED for materials also copied the 1x2ft led module. While these competitors gained market share, industry insiders and customers alike recognized that ONLY LED was the original innovator of this format. Unlike others, ONLY LED’s modules underwent continuous upgrades — moving from plastic housings to CNC-machined aluminum LED modules with superior heat dissipation and waterproofing.

YEAR -2017 Onlyled upgraded to U-series aluminum LED module, introducing IP67 waterproof rating outdoor led modules.

ONLY LED U-PRO-S 1x2ft led display panel

Product link:  https://www.onlyleddisplay.com/?m=home&c=View&a=index&aid=389

ONLY LED U-PRO-L 2x24t led display panel, also available in 3'x4'

Product link: https://www.onlyleddisplay.com/?m=home&c=View&a=index&aid=388

Year 2022- Onlyled upgraded to U-pro series aluminum LED module ,at the same year  Onlyled MADE the 2x4ft and 3x4ft led cabinet and get USA patent protection.

U-PRO series aluminum LED module features high brightness, long life-span, engery saving, multi-ceritifcations, less heat,versatile sizes.

besides, more pixel pitches for choices: from 1.9mm, 2.3mm, 3.1mm, 3.8mm, 4.7mm, 6.3mm, 7.6mm and 9.51mm

The Technology: Why Aluminum LED Modules Matter

One of the defining improvements in ONLY LED’s modules was the introduction of aluminum LED modules. While some companies use misleading marketing claims — such as calling plastic modules with aluminum housings “aluminum modules” — ONLY LED developed a true aluminum LED module.

Here’s how:

• The aluminum back shell is CNC-machined with precision, ensuring accurate fitting for every electronic component.

• The aluminum directly contacts the ICs, resistors, capacitors, and LEDs, drawing heat away from sensitive components.

• This results in superior heat dissipation, preventing overheating in high-temperature environments.

• With better cooling, the modules achieve a longer lifespan, reducing the risk of component failure and extending display durability.

• The modules are fully waterproof (IP65/66 rated), making them ideal for outdoor LED billboards, roadside signs, school LED displays, and church LED signs.

In short, ONLY LED didn’t just innovate in format size — it also set new benchmarks in engineering quality and product reliability.

Industry Recognition: The American LED Sign Standard

Over the past decade, the 1x2ft LED display module has become the standard format for the American sign and display industry.

From small-town school signs to massive digital billboards along highways, installers and end-users prefer the 1x2ft format because:

• It aligns with imperial size requirements (1x2ft modules and 2x4ft cabinets).

• It is easier to design and install into standard sign frames.

• It allows modular upgrades and repairs without replacing entire cabinets.

• It is compatible with a wide variety of applications — from indoor video walls to outdoor digital advertising boards.

Today, many U.S.-based LED display projects specify the 1x2ft format as a requirement — proof of how ONLY LED’s innovation has reshaped the industry.

Warranty, Energy Efficiency, and Long-Term Value

ONLY LED continues to offer standard 5-year warranties and extended 6-year warranties, reflecting its confidence in product quality.

Other key benefits include:

• Energy-saving design with common cathode technology for lower power consumption.

• High-brightness output (7,500–10,000 nits) suitable for outdoor daylight visibility.

• Durable aluminum housing for reliable operation in harsh climates.

• Long lifespan, tested and proven worldwide over more than a decade.

With thousands of successful installations, customers know that ONLY LED’s 1x2ft LED modules are a safe, long-term investment.

Looking Ahead: Innovation and Leadership

Even as competitors attempt to imitate, ONLY LED continues to lead. The company invests heavily in new designs, energy-efficient technologies, and global partnerships, ensuring its place at the top of the industry.For American sign companies, OEM/ODM partners, and global distributors, ONLY LED remains the most trusted source of 1x2ft LED modules, cabinets, and complete display solutions.

Conclusion

What started in 2013 as a bold idea has become the American LED sign industry standard. ONLY LED’s 1x2ft LED display module has proven itself in Times Square, London, Heathrow Airport, and thousands of installations worldwide.With superior aluminum construction, energy efficiency, waterproof reliability, and warranties up to six years, ONLY LED continues to set the benchmark for digital LED signage.

For sign companies seeking long-lasting, high-performance, and trusted LED solutions, ONLY LED remains the original innovator and industry leader in 1x2ft LED display modules.

Contact Information

ONLY LED DISPLAY
Email: info@onlyled.com
Website: www.onlyled.com | www.onlyleddisplay.com