Lights in the Sky? TV, Not UFOs

By Michael Santo
Contributing Writer, RealTechNews

Next time someone sees lights in the skies, it may not be UFOs, it might be television. An Orlando-based blimp company called The Lightship Group has recently received FAA approval for its new A-170 lightship, which broadcasts a lot more that “Goodyear” but commercials, highlights, trailers on its 70-by-30-foot LED screen.

The new blimp is the crossroads of technological advances in both balloon and LED technology, with stronger lift power, a more durable “envelope” (the part that fills with helium), and lighter, higher-quality electronics. Similar television screens previously were just too heavy.

It will first be deployed overseas next month, though company officials, at their client’s request, are keeping secret who paid $5 million for a yearlong campaign or where it’s headed. Source: AP via Yahoo! News

We Say: Can’t skip a blimp commercial, like I can one on my PVR. On the other hand, I pretty much can’t take the time to watch anything on a blimp because a) it’s usually too far away, b) I’m usually driving. The blimp will be able to use red during the day, and full colors only at night. The next version will be able to broadcast full color during the day.