• On TechRepublic: FREE download: Automated invoice form
February 28, 2007 11:46 AM PST

Roadmaster scrolling LEDs enable artistic license

by Kevin Massy

Now you have an alternative to your programmable VW bumper sticker if you want to communicate digitally with other road users. Roadmaster has unveiled two scrolling LED message systems that enable drivers to program up to 99 preset messages and five user-edited messages to share with other drivers. The system comes in two models: the Roadmaster Scrolling Digital License Plate Frame, and the Scrolling Rear Deck Message System, which sits on the car's parcel shelf; both are priced at $69.

Preset words and phrases can be called up using numbers on the systems' TV-like remote controls. According to Roadmaster, stock messages include "help me," "slow down," "turning left," and "your lights aren't working". For more creative souls, the displays can be used to show off your favorite aphorism, sports-team message, or greeting. To ensure that the latter remain decent, Roadmaster has fitted the systems with a "profanity filter", which displays a select number of words as ****.

This seems a little prudish to us: I mean, come on, how the **** are you supposed tell other drivers what you really want to say?

Recent posts from Crave
Top 5 iPhone guitar tools
Amazon hooks up wireless store
The Real Deal 169: Travel tech tips
On the road with Autonet in-car Wi-Fi
Grazing robot would run on biomass
Concept Android phone features OLED buttons
2010 Jaguar XJ launched
Phiaton PS 320 headphones a compact alternative to earbuds
Add a Comment (Log in or register) (6 Comments)
  • prev
  • 1
  • next
Saw this on an SUV - Neat for Advertising
by techmonkey March 1, 2007 8:26 AM PST
Personally, any use of this product OTHER than for advertising is pretty lame.

I saw one of these scrolling LED license plates about 2 months ago on an SUV...it was advertising the services the person does, along with a phone number to call.

For those purposes its a cheap alternative. Eye catching and cool.

If you just want to scroll lame-a#$ messages, dont bother...you're the one going to look lame.
Reply to this comment
Saw this on an SUV - Neat for Advertising
by techmonkey March 1, 2007 8:26 AM PST
Personally, any use of this product OTHER than for advertising is pretty lame.

I saw one of these scrolling LED license plates about 2 months ago on an SUV...it was advertising the services the person does, along with a phone number to call.

For those purposes its a cheap alternative. Eye catching and cool.

If you just want to scroll lame-a#$ messages, dont bother...you're the one going to look lame.
Reply to this comment
Something else to distract people
by jeroethel March 1, 2007 10:57 AM PST
Just what we need -- "sorry I hit you, I was programming my message center to complement you on your breasts".
Reply to this comment
Something else to distract people
by jeroethel March 1, 2007 10:57 AM PST
Just what we need -- "sorry I hit you, I was programming my message center to complement you on your breasts".
Reply to this comment
Where Can We Get These?
by jbell94521 March 2, 2007 10:14 PM PST
I think if used judiciously, they could actually improve safety. For example, I put on my left turn signal to change lanes on a crowded freeway. I am having trouble merging in. Now I display the message: "May I?" Maybe the driver in the other lane backs off a bit to give me room. Perhaps wishful thinking, but I feel like it is worth a try. So where can I get one?
Reply to this comment
Where Can We Get These?
by jbell94521 March 2, 2007 10:14 PM PST
I think if used judiciously, they could actually improve safety. For example, I put on my left turn signal to change lanes on a crowded freeway. I am having trouble merging in. Now I display the message: "May I?" Maybe the driver in the other lane backs off a bit to give me room. Perhaps wishful thinking, but I feel like it is worth a try. So where can I get one?
Reply to this comment
(6 Comments)
  • prev
  • 1
  • next
advertisement

About Crave

The name says it all. Crave is our blog about gorgeous gadgets and other crushworthy stuff. If you would like to contact Crave with a tip or comment, please write to: crave@cnet.com

Add this feed to your online news reader

Crave topics

With Chrome, Google reignites the OS wars

roundup Google Chrome OS, due in 2010, underscores the Web giant's cloud-computing ambitions and opens new competition with Microsoft.
• What Chrome OS has on Windows that Linux doesn't

Laying a guilt trip on military robots

q&a Georgia Tech's Ronald Arkin aims to configure armed robots with a built-in "guilt system" to help them avoid civilian casualties.

Inside CNET News

Scroll Left Scroll Right