Absen has completed the first UK installations of its XL1.5 COB LED technology, deploying large-format displays across some of the country’s busiest shopping destinations as part of a technology refresh for retail media owner Limited Space.
The project, delivered in partnership with integrator EcoVista, sees the XL1.5 installed across multiple sites within Limited Space’s Orbit network – a portfolio of large-format digital screens positioned within high-footfall circulation areas in major shopping centres. Locations include Metrocentre in Gateshead, Eldon Square in Newcastle and Manchester Arndale.
Absen says its XL1.5 was selected in part for its COB – chip-on-board – technology, which embeds multiple LED chips directly onto the substrate and seals them beneath a protective layer. The approach is designed to deliver improved durability, smoother visuals and greater reliability compared with conventional LED construction, and was described as a defining factor in the specification.
The displays carry a 1.5mm pixel pitch, which the company says is suited to close-viewing retail environments where image clarity and colour accuracy are critical. Each screen measures approximately 3m x 2m, providing a substantial visual presence within the shopping centre locations.
The upgrades replaced a mix of legacy LCD video walls and earlier LED solutions, many of which were housed within heavy frames or glass enclosures. While functional, those systems had begun to present increasing maintenance challenges and were limiting display performance. The brief required all work to be completed overnight, within operational retail environments, without interrupting trading hours or advertising schedules.
Where possible, existing structural frameworks were retained and adapted using bespoke aluminium mounting systems, reducing material use and allowing installations to be completed within the required overnight timeframes. A new control system was also introduced across each site to support consistent playback and long-term system stability.
The full LED surface is designed to offer enhanced protection against physical impact and wear – a consideration given the low-level, public-facing nature of the installations. The durable construction also supports touch interaction, allowing existing interactive capabilities within the Orbit network to remain in place following the upgrade.
David Neale, managing partner at EcoVista, said: “For this type of retail environment, you need technology that can genuinely stand up to everyday use while still looking exceptional. Absen’s COB solution gives us that balance – it’s robust, reliable and delivers the visual quality brands expect in premium locations.”
Matt Carroll, co-managing director at Limited Space, added: “This upgrade is about strengthening our retail media estate for the long term. Working with EcoVista and Absen, we’ve introduced a display solution that enhances visual impact for advertisers while giving us greater confidence in the performance and durability of our network.”
Libby Xing, regional manager for UK DOOH and sports at Absen, added: “Introducing XL1.5 COB to the UK retail market through this installation has been an exciting milestone for Absen. It shows how COB technology can deliver outstanding image quality while meeting the practical demands of busy, public-facing environments.”
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