Atomic Clocks: Self-setting and accurate
One of the most useful features of modern digital wall clocks is atomic timekeeping technology. Atomic clocks utilize signals from atomic clocks via radio waves to self-set and remain precisely accurate down to the second. Brands like La Crosse Technology use radio-controlled atomic time to automatically adjust for Daylight Saving Time. No longer do you have to manually change your wall clock twice a year!
Atomic digital clocks can receive radio signals transmitted from the atomic clock in Colorado. This means you never have to set them – the clock will always display the correct, exact time. Atomic timekeeping gives you absolute precision and reliability.
Digital Displays: Choose LCD or LED screens
Today’s digital wall clocks feature crisp, easy-to-read displays using LCD (liquid crystal display) or LED (light emitting diode) technology. Both LCD and LED displays are available in a range of sizes from small to extra large wall clocks over 30 inches.
LCD screens use liquid crystals and backlighting to clearly present numbers and text. LED displays utilize tiny light emitting diodes and offer ultra bright illumination. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose digital clocks with normal, dimmable or super bright LED displays. Some models even have color changing LEDs!
Extra Large Sizes: Up to 30+ inch diameter options
One of the great advantages of digital wall clocks is that they come in a vast array of sizes to fit any space. You can find small 7-inch digital clocks up to huge 30+ inch models and everything in between. Jumbo size digital wall clocks are ideal for offices, classrooms, gyms, auditoriums, lobbies, meeting halls and more.
Oversized digital wall clocks ranging from 14-inch diameter to 30-inch and even larger can display the time clearly from far away. Extra large digital wall clocks often feature seconds displays, calendar dates, temperature readings and other information along with the time in big, bold digits.
Outdoor Use: Weatherproof and water resistant models
Digital technology allows for wall clocks suited for both indoor and outdoor use. Outdoor digital wall clocks have weatherproof, water resistant casings to withstand rain, snow and temperature extremes.
Battery powered outdoor digital clocks can be conveniently mounted on walls or posts without worrying about electrical outlets. Look for wireless atomic outdoor clocks offering accurate, auto-set timekeeping indoors or outside.
Backlighting: Illuminated dials for nighttime visibility
Many digital wall clocks incorporate backlighting to make the display easy to read in low light conditions or at night. Options like auto-dimming adjust the brightness based on ambient light levels. Some models have a hi/lo dimmer switch to manually control the intensity.
Backlit digital wall clocks with atomic timekeeping combine accurate auto-set functions with clear illuminated dials viewable day or night. The backlight keeps the time conspicuous even in darkness.
Multiple Time Zones: Keep track of different locations
World travelers and those with friends & family in different time zones appreciate digital clocks that can display two, three or even four different times and locations. You can quickly reference multiple major cities like New York, London, Paris, Tokyo etc. in a glance.
Atomic clocks with dual time zone features switch between main and secondary times. You’ll always know what time it is locally and in other parts of the world.
Date and Day: View the full date along with time
Digital wall clocks often show more than just the time. Many models incorporate calendar date and day of week displays. Seeing the date and day in large illuminated numerals along with the time provides helpful info and context.
Date and time wall clocks allow you to get the full picture at a quick glance. The day and date complement the timekeeping functions. Some clocks even add moon phase indicators.
Temperature: Built-in indoor and outdoor thermometers
For added functionality, consider digital wall clocks with built-in thermometers that show current indoor and/or outdoor temperatures. Wireless outdoor sensors conveniently transmit backyard or patio temps to show on the clock’s display.
Digital atomic wall clocks with temperature reporting provide accurate time, date, day and temperature data all together for fast reference. You don’t have to check multiple devices.
Humidity Readings: Monitor indoor air quality
Digital clocks can report both temperature and humidity readings to help monitor indoor air quality and comfort. Humidity levels that are too low or too high can impact health and wellbeing.
Digital wall clocks with hygrometers (humidity gauges) let you know if the air is too dry or too damp. This allows you to better control environments in your home or workplace for optimal comfort.
Alarms: Wake up on time with audible alerts
Don’t rely just on your phone for alarms – get a digital wall clock with built-in alarm functions. Choose from pleasant beeping alarms or wake to your favorite FM radio station or tone.
Digital clocks with dual alarms let you set separate alerts for multiple people.ALARM2 can be great for couples with different wake up schedules. Adjustable alarms ensure you get up when desired.
Snooze Function: Hit snooze for extra sleep
Running late or need a few more minutes of shut-eye? Digital clocks with snooze buttons allow you to catch a bit more sleep before the alarm sounds again. Snooze durations typically range from 5 to 10 minutes.
The snooze feature gives you flexibility to briefly delay your wake-up call. Just tap snooze when the alarm goes off, then get a few more precious minutes of sleep.
Battery or Electric: Choose cordless or plug-in
Today’s digital wall clocks run on either batteries or electricity. Battery operated models offer cordless convenience for versatile placement anywhere. Many use easy to find AA batteries.
For constant power, AC electric digital clocks simply plug into an outlet. You don’t have to worry about batteries running down. Just pick the power option that best suits your needs and preferences.
Easy Mounting: Convenient hanging and wall mounting
Mounting your new digital wall clock is a cinch with built-in hanging holes, fold-out tabletop stands and keyhole slots for affixing to walls. Most models include the required hardware.
Hanging hooks, mounting screws and other accessories simplify installation. Just choose a spot and easily hang or mount your clock. Some outdoor models mount to fences or posts too.
Modern Styling: Sleek, contemporary designs
While analog clocks have an old-school vintage look, digital wall clocks flaunt modern, high-tech style. Displays with smooth rounded corners, flat panels and large crisp digits exude contemporary flair.
Digital clocks come in square, rectangular, round and oval shapes with metallic, black, white or wood grain trim for fashionable accenting. Sleek digital wall clocks complement both traditional and modern decor.
Added Features: Timers, calendar, moon phase and more
Beyond telling time, digital clocks incorporate extra functions like timer/stopwatch modes to track elapsed time. Calendar displays show each day’s date along with special icons for holidays and events.
Added features like moon phase indicators, indoor comfort indexes and wireless temperature sensors provide ambient environment data. Digital clocks keep you informed in many ways beyond just displaying the hour and minute.
Digital Displays: Choose LCD or LED screens
When selecting a new digital wall clock, one of the first decisions is what type of display technology you want – LCD or LED. Both options provide crisp, easy-to-read displays, but there are some differences between the two technologies.
LCD (liquid crystal display) screens have been around for decades. They utilize a thin layer of liquid crystals between polarizing filters and a backlight to form digits and text. Colors are also possible with LCD displays. They are cost-effective and energy efficient.
LED (light emitting diode) displays are a newer technology. As the name suggests, LED screens are illuminated by an array of small light emitting diodes. LEDs offer some advantages versus LCD:
- Brighter screens – LEDs give off very intense light, so numbers are highly visible.
- Wider viewing angles – LED screens maintain clarity even when viewed from the side.
- Thinner/lighter – LED displays are thinner than LCD screens.
- Durability – LEDs are solid state with no filaments to burn out.
- Energy savings – LEDs are extremely energy efficient.
When choosing between LCD and LED for a digital wall clock, consider the size, viewing location and your budget. Here are some guidelines:
- Smaller Clocks – LCD is generally sufficient for clocks under 14 inches. Screens are easy to read from normal distances.
- Larger Clocks – Go with LED for extra visibility on clocks over 14 inches viewed from afar. The brighter LED display maintains clarity.
- Side Viewing – LED is preferable if the clock will be viewed from extreme side angles. LCD blacks out from sharp sides.
- Outdoor Use – LED’s brighter display is easier to read outside in daylight from a distance.
- Night Use – Both LCD and LED clocks are easily visible at night with backlighting.
- Price – LED clocks cost a bit more than LCD models, but prices are coming down.
Both LCD and LED digital wall clocks will serve you well. But for larger clocks, those used outdoors, or if viewing from odd angles, the extra brilliance of LED really shines through! The super bright and crisp LED display provides optimal clarity and visibility.
For indoor clocks under 14 inches placed straight on, LCD and LED screens are comparable. It comes down to your needs and budget. Rest assured that either LCD or LED displays will give you a sharp, digitally precise digital wall clock.