Everyone wants the most economical lightboxes they can get for their needs, but what are the main factors that drive the pricing of various lightbox models?

For example, Blue River Digital’s EdgeLyte Econo 24 x 36” is Internet-discount priced at $335.00 US each, and the EdgeLyte Premium model of the same size is $595.00 US each. Both are aluminum construction snap-frame models at the same display size, using edgelit T5 fluorescent lamps, and come with sandwich lens design. But the Premium is over 75% more of an investment, so what case is there for going with the Premium model over the Econo?
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Q: What are the differences between light boxes for backlit graphics display, that are designed for use indoors or outdoors?

A: The easiest way to characterize the differences between indoor and outdoor lightboxes, is to discuss outdoor-rated models, because almost all the differences occur as “upgrades” to make a lightbox outdoor-capable. So here is a list of features that distinguish outdoor models:
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Q. Do I want “Magnetic” or “Electornic” ballasts in my light box?

A. Almost all light boxes designed for backlit graphics display, use fluorescent lamps because of their superior diffusion quality and economy of purchase and operation. These fluorescent lamps are driven by one or more “ballasts”, which convert the electricity from a normal wall outlet down to the right type and quantity of power for use by the lamps in your lightbox. In this way they are similar to a “power pack” you would find on the cord for a laptop computer or other device. There are two types of ballasts used in backlit light boxes: magnetic and electronic. While the visual result may appear the same to the passer-by, there are significant differences between the two:
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Customers often ask, what are the pros and cons of having my backlit graphics laminated, or not? The best answer usually depends on one or more of several environmental factors, as follows:

Which type of backlit graphic do you have?
Most backlit graphics are made from Duratrans, or color positive photo film. Duratrans is fairly durable as backlit graphics go, although the emulsion side is susceptible to excessive moisture and scuffing. The emulsion side of Duratrans is the front (right-reading) side, and this is the side that typically gets laminated. For backlit graphics that are imaged using the aqueous inkjet process, lamination is almost always recommended, because the inkjet-receptive coating (either right or wrong reading) is very sensitive to moisture and scuffing. There is one other type of inkjet backlit graphics, solvent-based, in which case there is no coating and therefore less sensitivity.
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Q. What types of light box lenses are available?

A. Many customers are content to order default lens materials for their lightboxes, but often it’s important to know what’s available and what the differences are, whether you’re a TV studio looking for no-glare, or a casino needing a lens material that can go seamless over 20 feet, or a retail business who needs a long-term durable outdoor product. Review these common lightbox lens materials to determine which is best for your project:
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