The graphics and animation on an LED sign are programmed through a standard PC that connects to the sign via one of these four methods:

• Radio Frequency (RF) connection

• Phone modem (similar to a dial-up Internet connection)

• Fiber optics

• Network (LAN or other)

The software allows the user to program and change messages on the sign. The person who programs the sign chooses from a menu of text and animation options and creates a schedule of messages, sometimes setting a schedule weeks or even months in advance. Prepackaged graphics, web graphics and your own original graphics can be part of the messaging mix.