The foreign exchange rate board is an icon that identifies foreign exchange outlets all over the world. You will find then sited in airports, banks, travel centres and high streets oultets. The boards are the best and accepted method to convey daily exchange rates to the public.

The boards utilize digits made of 7 segment LED (light emitting diode) or back lit LCD (liquid crystal display. They are now fully programmable replacing old designs using stick on lettering, which were both time consuming, and irritating to update. The new sleek, slim-line attractive designs make them appear at home in any corporate establishment.

These Exchange Rate Boards are remarkably easy to use and can either be updated through data entered via an infra-red remote keypad or through a computer. The computer of course can also be set to receive the rates live as they change and automatically update the board.

The frequency with which the rates are updated is up to the individual bureau. Most banks and travel centres may wish to update the board only once a day, while businesses trading large sums of money may wish to display the latest live rates.

Exchange Rate Boards are connected to a local power supply and can switch on and off automatically at pre-programmed times. The specially used "anti-reflective acrylic"? allows the displays to be read clearly by passers-by, even through a shop window on a sunny day. The Exchange Rate Boards, can be placed anywhere. Mounting is normally on the wall or suspension in a window. Optional stands are often available for floor standing.

Most Exchange Rate Boards can display the rates of up to 24 currencies, though these boards can be custom-made, and the number of columns and rows can be tailored to suit the customer's needs. The advent of the Euro though, has reduced the number of rates needing to be displayed. One leading manufacturer of Exchange Rate Boards, Jayex Technology Limited (www.jayex.com) even offers an additional feature of a single line moving message display on which additional financial or promotional information can be streamed in.

Most importantly, these Exchange Rate Boards are so easy to set up, they allow the outlet to simply and clearly present the latest exchange rates to potential customers.

The boards are usually priced in the range of 500-2000 depending on the number of currencies, columns and personalized corporate artwork required.