How To Choose The Perfect LED Display

The world of LED technology can be a minefield as there’s a lot of display types out there – it can be difficult to know what the best solution is for your needs. That’s where PSCo comes in! We can offer unrivalled assistance from experts to create the perfect LED solution for you. But before we get into that, you might have some questions.

This handy guide will tell you everything you need to know before embarking on your LED display journey.

What Is An LED Display?

At a glance, an LED screen looks like a giant TV. However, the inner workings are very different. An LED display is made up of thousands or even millions of light dots known as pixels, and inside each pixel is a small group of LED diodes. Each of these LEDs emits three colours – red, green and blue – which when combined, can display billions of colours.

The LED pixels are placed on square or rectangular panels which are joined together to create a full image. A high-quality LED display, expertly installed, looks like one continuous, unbroken image.

Types Of LED Displays

Fundamentally, there are three different types of LED technology that are used in LED displays: SMD, MiniLED and MicroLED. To help distinguish between the technologies, we have outlined the major differences that set them apart and their relative strengths to help you decide which solution is best for your business.

SMD LED

SMD (Surface Mounted Device) is the most common LED technology where the LED pixel (consisting of red, green and blue diodes) is placed directly onto the surface of the circuit board. It is a tried and tested technology that delivers the best price performance with flexible design options for any environment. The vast majority of LED displays today use standard SMD technology.

MiniLED

MiniLED (also called Integrated Mounted Device or ‘IMD’ for short) is an evolution of the previous LED technology in which multiple SMDs are packaged into one integrated device. This matrix pixel configuration adds strength and packs more pixels into a smaller space so the display can achieve higher resolutions. This has made it a popular choice for high-end rental applications with its brilliant picture quality and ability to withstand the rigours of everyday use.

MicroLED

MicroLED displays are made up of non-organic microscopic LEDs that are sealed directly onto the display with a coated surface. This helps protect the pixel from physical impact and removes the need for the package completely. Each pixel has is its own light source so is able to turn on or off as required, providing incredible contrast and making it more energy efficient. You can read our MicroLED handbook to find out more about this LED technology. 

What Size LED Screen Do I Need?

Size is not the main concern to consider when choosing an LED display. Rather, consider the viewing distance and type of content. The distance between the display and your audience and the detail required in your content will determine the resolution/pitch you need. The smaller the pixel pitch, the closer the viewing distance.

A good rule of thumb is that for every 1m you stand away from the display, you should have a minimum of 1mm of pixel pitch and so on.

Currently, the mainstream pixel pitch for an indoor display is between 1.2mm to 2.5mm, with some high-end applications below 1mm. Outdoor LED displays vary greatly due to the viewing distances, but we are seeing that 4mm to 6mm is the most popular choice.

The best way to determine what the right LED display technology and pixel pitch is, we recommend the following:

What Are LED Displays Used For?

 LED displays can be used for a wide array of environments across a variety of industries from retail stores to corporate meeting rooms, and live events to outdoor advertising. The main use cases for LED are for presentations, signage and data visualisation.

At PSCo, we cover the whole LED spectrum with world-leading brands such as Samsung, Sharp-NEC, LG and Absen. Better yet, we offer end to end service for the very best buying experience. 

Corporate 

A report by Forbes revealed that businesses have 7 seconds to make a first impression and LED displays can help create everlasting impressions. At first, LED displays were mostly in the reception area to provide a ‘wow’ factor and communicate brand values to guests and employees when they enter the building, but they are now also common in conference rooms and event spaces for epic presentations and video calls.  

What’s more, most LED providers now offer convenient “All-in-One” solutions that come in a variety of fixed sizes ranging from 110” to 220”. These are easy to install and economical enough to justify replacing existing projection and LCD displays.

Retail

At one time, only luxury brands could afford an LED display but as competition demanded it and the cost dropped, digital signage is now a common sight in any retail store or shopping centre. Especially in the wake of COVID-19, brick and mortar shops are having to step up their game to compete with online shops.

As 90% of buying decisions are influenced by visual factors, LED displays create immersive shopping experiences to remember. The beauty of LED is that it can blend seamlessly into any environment. Retailers can even create a display that is completely unique to their store, choosing the shape and size and customising the display to a variety of designs including floor, ceiling and curved walls. 

Higher Education

Falling costs, enhanced warranty terms and availability of easy fixed-size solutions, makes LED the ideal solution for lecture theatres, presentation spaces and digital signage at universities competing to attract the top students.

As with the corporate market, all-in-one LED bundles are the perfect option for educational institutions looking to deliver an engaging learning experience with the latest LED technology and there are plenty of options to accommodate all budgets.

Live Events

Absen Polaris is the market leading LED products for the rental market, available as indoor and outdoor options, featuring high brightness and extreme contrast at any viewing angle. LED displays not only bring live shows to life and deliver memorable experiences. They are rugged, well-built and able to stand the test of time.

Broadcast / Virtual Production

In a content driven world, broadcast and production companies are bringing their stories to life with dynamic LED backdrops that work well on screen and under the spotlight. The realistic picture quality, versatility and reliability of LED technology has also led many film studios to opt for virtual productions over on-location shooting, helping to reduce their carbon footprint and travel bills.

Outdoor

The number of digital out of home (DOOH) screens in the UK has doubled in just two years with increasing demand for flexible, real-time content management and delivery across digital signage, outdoor advertising and sports displays.

These are just a few applications and there are many LED options for each. The best way is to see it yourself at our experience centre! Speak to us to learn about the full range and how we can help.

LED displays help break through constraints to deliver breathtaking visuals in any environment. Now you know the basics, you can begin your journey to find your perfect LED solution. For more information call us on 01344 592222 or email us at sales@psco.co.uk.