Fiber optic signs have two advantages over the Diamond Vision system of CRT's. The use of one light source precludes the need to periodically change thousands of bulbs or CRT's. The massive power transformers needed to support the wattage required by the system in also unnecessary. Inc. In essence, the Eidophor system consists of a piece of glass coated with a very thin oil film. This film is bombarded with a scanned electron beam very much like the bombardment of a television set's picture tube.
Ripples form in the oil and a powerful light source shines through the oil film.
To make a color projector, three light sources with different color filters are needed to be projected through the film. The Eidophor system has been available for over 20 years but has never been accepted by sports arenas because of the cost, complexity, and maintenance requirements. It has the added problem of being applicable only in low light areas. Many customers refused to adapt their overhead lighting to accommodate the system. The demand for large screen displays has never been a question.