Split-flap displays were once the focal point in airports and train stations around the world — the clicking sound of their revolving displays conjuring holiday memories in anyone who remembers them. Split-flap displays were commonly used as public transport timetables in airports and railway stations from the 1960s to the 1990s, and were also used in game shows for contestant podium scoreboards during the 1970s. Although they were — and still are — an ideal way to display constantly updated information to crowds of people, with the advent of digital technology, they’ve sadly become a thing of the past. Read more about the evolution of flight information displays.
These displays are often referred to as Solari boards, named after the Italian manufacturer Solari di Udine. The visible elements and the unique mechanical sound are part of their appeal, with the sound often described as a delightful click-clack, contributing to their charm. Split-flap displays can show changeable alphanumeric text and occasionally fixed graphics, and their aesthetic appeal has led to use in artistic forms and installations. The modular design of modern split-flap displays allows for various use cases and customization options, and they are considered energy-efficient signage options built with sustainable materials.
Each split-flap display is made up of modules, and each module contains flaps that rotate to reveal different characters. Each character position has a collection of flaps on which characters or graphics are painted or silkscreened, making each character an individual element that can be rendered or manipulated. Learn more about creating and customizing split-flap boards.
Fortunately, Split-Flap TV is now using digital technology to revive them. Using regular television screens, we’re bringing back the functionality and beauty of these displays in a convenient and affordable way. With Split-Flap TV, your shop, restaurant, hotel, or office can benefit from the clarity and style of these classic display boards.
Purchase a television or tablet, download an app and you are ready to go.
What are Split Flap Displays
Split flap displays are a captivating blend of engineering and nostalgia, instantly recognizable by their distinctive flipping sound and dynamic visual style. Originally developed in the 1960s, these displays became the focal point of bustling airports, train stations, and other public spaces, where the rhythmic click of the flaps signaled new arrivals, departures, or important messages. Each split flap display is made up of a series of modules, with each module containing flaps that rotate to reveal different characters—letters, numbers, or symbols—allowing the device to send messages and display constantly updated information.
The magic happens every time the flaps flip, transforming the display in a way that’s both functional and mesmerizing. This unique animation not only delivers information but also creates a sense of anticipation and engagement, making split flap displays as much a piece of art as a practical tool. Over the years, their iconic sound and retro charm have inspired a resurgence in popularity, with modern digital versions like Split-Flap TV bringing the experience to new spaces and audiences. Whether installed in a business, office, or as a statement piece on a wall, split flap displays continue to capture attention, spark conversation, and make every message feel special.
An Elegant Solution
Do you need to update your customer on the day’s specials? Have you been getting a lot of questions about your Wi-Fi password? Does your staff have trouble keeping up with all the pricing and offer changes during a busy shift? Then it’s time for an elegant solution in a simple package.
With Split-Flap TV, you no longer need to write down all of your information by hand or tape it to the door—and you certainly don’t have to try to fix it when the wind blows it away. Unlike traditional analog boards, Split-Flap TV is more convenient and cost-effective, letting you manage content digitally from anywhere.
Order a display screen from our website (whatever size screen suits you best) and we’ll prepare it so that it operates, looks, and sounds like a classic split-flap display board (yep, it can sound like one too). Key features include customizable layouts, a compact design that fits neatly into any space, and easy installation. The solution is fully customizable to fit different business needs, whether you want to display schedules, menus, or real-time updates. Our compact digital signage is perfect for bars, restaurants, offices, and retail spaces with limited space.
Once your screen arrives, just download the Split-Flap TV app and you’re ready to go. The installation process is simple and flexible, allowing you to set up your display quickly with minimal tools. Split-Flap TV offers a subscription-based service that allows you to display rotating messages and schedules on your existing screens.
Our experienced team of designers and installation specialists ensures that every Split-Flap TV setup meets high standards of quality and customization.
We know that customers love nostalgia—that’s why they keep asking for split-flap displays at every train station. This is your chance to give them what they want in a new, unexpected place.
Endless Possibilities
The Split-Flap TV app gives you complete control of how you want your split-flap display to look. You can create a collection of messages or designs to display, making it easy to curate and manage your content.
Users can organize their content into channels, allowing for playlists of messages, images, or custom designs. Scheduling options generally vary depending on the channel or type of content, giving you flexibility to display what you want, when you want.
The messages cycle in an endless loop, ensuring your split-flap display remains dynamic and engaging.
Variable Rows and Columns
Choose the number of rows and columns on your display. To get the best results, determine the optimal number of rows and columns based on your specific display needs and available screen size.
Multiple Pages
Flexible Duration
Multiple Colors
Easy Scheduling
Clicking Sounds
Clock and Date
News and Weather
Social Counters
With your messages rotating automatically in a continuous loop – much like a PowerPoint slideshow – your Split-Flap TV display keeps running smoothly without any ongoing effort. Once your content, timing, and layout are set, the system takes care of the rest, ensuring your messages are always visible, up to date, and presented exactly as intended. There’s no need for manual switching, constant supervision, or daily updates; your display works for you in the background.
This automated, always‑on approach is exactly why Split-Flap TV is such a powerful tool for public spaces, businesses, and venues that want to attract attention while communicating clearly. A split‑flap display stands out instantly—its iconic motion, sound, and visual style naturally draw the eye in ways modern screens often don’t. At the same time, Split-Flap TV combines that classic charm with modern digital control, giving you a reliable, low‑maintenance way to share information, promote your brand, and keep audiences informed.
Whether you’re displaying announcements, schedules, social proof, news, weather, or time‑based messages, Split-Flap TV helps you create a dynamic experience that feels both timeless and purposeful. It’s ideal for environments where visibility, simplicity, and impact matter – letting you set everything once, then sit back while your split‑flap display continues to engage, inform, and impress day after day.
Showcase: U.S. House of Representatives, Washington DC
Split-Flap TV is used at the United States House of Representatives at the Capitol building of Washington DC. The split-flap display enhances the space by adding a dynamic, retro-inspired focal point that engages visitors and complements the historic environment.
Showcase: Paper Planes Flagship Store, New York
Jay-Z is proudly standing in his Paper Planes shop in New York City, in front of our Split-Flap TV.
Retro
Display Your Messages With a Touch of Retro Charm
With split-flap displays becoming an increasingly popular feature in trendy bars, restaurants, and creative spaces around the world, it’s clear they have a timeless appeal. There’s just something uniquely captivating about the mechanical flip of those iconic tiles.
Unfortunately, owning a real analog split-flap display is far from budget‑friendly. Traditional manufacturers produce beautifully engineered units, but they come with premium price tags, optional subscription services, and long-term maintenance considerations. These displays are often built with high-end materials, strict quality control, and impressive durability — but all of that comes at a high cost. Replacement parts, warranties, and custom configurations can push the investment even higher.
Split-Flap TV offers the same charm, atmosphere, and functionality of a classic split-flap board — without the financial barrier.
From bars to museums, from retail shops to industrial environments, Split-Flap TV delivers an efficient and stylish communication solution at a fraction of the cost.
Businesses can use Split-Flap TV to display rotating messages, daily schedules, announcements, or real-time updates that engage both customers and staff. You get the iconic look and feel of a mechanical split-flap display, combined with the flexibility and affordability of modern digital signage.
Clarity
Display constantly updated information in a convenient and concise manner.
Design
Give your business a touch of retro cool that makes an impact on your customers.
Flexibility
Format your display to suit the particular needs of your business.
Some Ideas
Opening Hours
Show opening hours of your shop on a board
Safety Instructions
Improve safety by showing information and create awareness
Flight Information and Status
Public announcements and status updates at airports
Pricelist
The products you are selling clearly on a split-flap television screen
Large Pricelist
Full pricelist of your take-away on a Split-Flap board
Meeting Room Display
Show meeting room info and availability on a screen
Social counters on your board
Show real-time social counters and number of followers of your Facebook and Instagram pages to better promote your business
Real-Time News on your Boards
Connect to any newspaper and show real-time news to get more variation and attention for your shop and products
Go Full with Real-Time Weather
Show continuously updated weather information and forecasts of any location worldwide