From 2017 to 2019, there was a 50% increase in fine or narrow pixel pitch products, which most would say is undeniable growth. The business-owner is demanding this crisper technology and so is the market; the real challenge is how to create these high-res products and still make them affordable to the end user, while also making a stable product that has traditionally been unstable.
Read moreShopping around for a new display can be confusing. At first glance, it may seem as though there are tons of different kinds of video wall displays, let alone brands. How are you supposed to choose between Direct View LED, LED Wall, LED Screen, or a standard Video Wall? Well the truth is, these are all different names for the same thing. Rather than getting hung up on the name for the overall display, what’s important is understanding the parts behind these screens, so that you can get the best bang for your buck. At PixelFLEX, we have experts that can walk you through the entire process to find a dynamic display that fits your exact needs. To make things a little, easier, however, we’ve put together a run-down on what exactly makes up a “video-wall,” regardless of what name you use for it.
Read moreAll too often, companies spend large amounts on production and editing of high-quality videos, without thinking about how they will actually be seen. The result is that, instead of a bright, engaging and visually grabbing display, important videos are shown using low-resolution projectors, or even a simple screen that is too small to be anything more than an afterthought to customers. For this reason, video walls are becoming key to companies looking to make a strong impression. From creative LED screen entrances, to auditorium viewing screens or even artistic structures incorporating the video itself, video walls have emerged as a versatile and unique alternative to help companies stand out.
In most industries, there are norms and standards applied across all manufacturers. Plumbers all use the same size pipes. Car manufacturers must abide by the same standards for fuel mileage, safety, and more. However, that is unfortunately not the case in the world of digital signage. Each respective manufacturer has the freedom to build LED displays to their own desired specifications. The “standards”, therefore, don’t really exist—size and pixel counts are determined by the manufacturer. So, how can digital signage users make a clear comparison? It’s never going to be apples to apples, but it requires looking further than just cabinet size. Instead, the focus should be on the features that matter the most: pixel pitch, matrix, and viewable area.
Pixel Pitch: Defining Resolution
A pixel is a grouping of three LEDs: green, red, and blue. The term pixel pitch describes the measurement between each cluster of pixels known as a diode. This measurement does have a standard, at least in how it’s calculated. It’s the distance between the center of one pixel to the next pixel’s center, and is applicable in both vertical and horizontal applications. For example, if an LED screen has a pixel pitch of 5-mm, its pixels are spaced 5-mm apart. Pixel pitch is normally within a range of .9-mm to 100-mm.
Two screens may be the same size, say 40”, but have different pixel pitches. Lower pixel pitch allows the viewer to stand closer to the screen to read or interact with it, while higher pixel pitch is for screens being viewed from distances further away. So, back to the 40” screen example. If the screen is used as a menu board directly in front of a customer, the pixel pitch should be low, typically sub 3mm in pixel pitch. However, if the screen is 6’ to 8’ away from the audience, a higher pixel pitch can be employed. Keep in mind pixel pitch is subjective to each viewer, and what looks good to one, may or may not look good to another. However, there is a general guide to follow, and that can be seen here.
The Matrix: Viewable Space Matters
Matrix is another digital display measurement, calculated based on the number of pixels on each LED display tile multiplied across the entire display. In a matrix, LEDs are arranged in rows and columns similar to X and Y coordinates. A 2’ x 2’ display with a 30 x 30 matrix translates to 30 pixels per foot multiplied by 2’, totaling 60 pixels by 60 pixels. To find the number of pixels for the entire sign, multiply 60 by 60, for a total of 3,600 pixels. While seemingly simple math, it’s not always accurate as some manufacturers are less exact in their configurations than their counterparts. And while the difference may be unnoticeable, consumers should be aware that not every LED display is going to adhere to a specific set of standards. All of our products pixel resolutions can be found in their respective specification sheets on our site.
The actual size of a screen has very little to do with how crisp the resolution will be. Therefore, when comparing displays, universal module sizes provide for the most exact viewable space determination for screens with different resolutions but identical matrices. Take a 20-mm display and 10-mm display, each with a matrix of 96 x 144. Because it has more space between pixels, the 20-mm would need to be significantly larger; but the 10-mm display could achieve the matrix at a much smaller size with better resolution.
Look for more than size to pick the best screen
When determining what displays are best, placement is key. Interactive kiosks are another category altogether from large backdrop displays. Work with a professional provider to review pixel pitch, matrix, and viewing area for the most appropriate LED solution for your application. Choosing a LED display partner that will help you understand these factors can greatly save you time, money and headaches throughout the entire process.
At PixelFLEX®, we collaborate with clients for the best LED solutions. Explore options with the PixelFLEX® Product Selection Tool.
Video walls are becoming a more and more popular tool for creating impactful and dynamic experiences. Their magnitude and vividness can create a dramatic entrance or backdrop in a variety of spaces and applications. Entertainment venues, retailers, restaurants and corporate offices are all turning to LED video walls to connect with audiences. LED video displays are designed to present users with creative options, which can be overwhelming when trying to decide what will work best for your business scenario. With such a significant investment, it’s important to consider the initial set-up and design, as well as how to optimize your return.
You should always try to future-proof your LED video wall solution. By asking yourself a few simple questions, you can easily set yourself up for immediate and long-term success in your deployment. How easy will it be to upgrade to the latest technology, and how flexible is the platform? Using systems that have standard architecture, including standard PCs and Ethernet networks, are more adaptable, as are software-based systems. Is the product and supplier you are choosing a quality product and what kind of support is offered?
To ensure you get the most out of your investment, we want our customers to consider the following for the best outcomes:
- Goals
- Content
- Installation and layout
- Functionality
What are your goals?
Define the business case for your LED wall. Determine how it will influence purchases, promote items, entertain, or offer information. There are many uses for LED walls; this is the time to actually write this out in use case form. Set goals for your objectives based on the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time Limited) philosophy to visualize the impact of your screens.
What type of content will you display?
This will be directly related to your goals. That purpose will drive the design of your content. If your signage includes a lot of text, you should opt for high contrast (white/black) and a clean font. Background images should be subtle. If your content is more for entertainment value, the focus will be on motion and clarity.
Much of the time, customers just want information. If you can provide this conveniently, it can influence their purchase. This influence was validated in a Cisco IBSG study, finding that 40 percent of shoppers agreed that digital displays, like video walls, had influenced their purchase because it provided them relevant information.[1]
Related to content, there’s also the question of if you will display multiple pieces of content, or one video split up among all the screens? You will need to marry your content expectations with the capabilities of the screen, like 4K resolution for high-quality video visuals.
How will the video wall be installed?
As noted previously, the design has to be easy to update and adjust. It’s not just something you install once and never interact with again. Regular maintenance is recommended as well. This means accessibility is necessary, so make that part of your installation plan. This will allow you to work on the system in the future with minimal down time. Other factors affect installation and placement, including:
Interior vs. exterior
- Ambient light vs. direct light
- Sight lines and angles
- Wall space: consider not only your total space, but also what configurations you can fit into that space
- Viewing distance
- Any code requirements for the mounting structure
What kind of functionality will you need for hardware and software?
When choosing hardware, opt for commercial grade LEDs, as they are built for constant use and don’t get overheated. Plus, using a non-commercial screen in a commercial setting voids the warranty. Whether built into the screen or as an attachment, you will need a player or processor.
When determining what software to use, go back to your goals. It makes sense in most applications to play different content at different times, so scheduling is a must-have feature. You should also consider the ease of updating content, which is usually found with a cloud-based system that can be accessed from anywhere.
Find Video Wall Success with PixelFLEX
Developing a video wall is a big task. When well executed, these displays can dazzle and boost your connection with audiences. By focusing on goals, content, installation and layout, and functionality, you create a video wall that will offer the return you expect and be an investment that continues to yield for years to come. When you start planning, rely on the experts at PixelFLEX to deliver a custom creative solution built on reliable digital signage equipment. Learn more about our premier LED displays today.
[1] https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en_us/solutions/industries/retail/downloads/dms_brochure_0709.pdf
Video wall technology is one of the most exciting communications developments of the decade. This technology has experienced huge popularity growth mainly because there is just so much to love about video walls. Their flexibility, clarity of picture, and dynamic presentation abilities are just a few of the benefits they bring to a space. As a series of seamlessly overlapped displays that are controlled by one processor, this technology is exceedingly intricate, yet extremely powerful. Utilized in higher education, the military, and lobbies of executive office suites, their applications are nearly limitless.
One of the current prevalent uses of video walls is the 24/7 control room. Their functionality, ergonomic design, and capability to share critical data quickly and accurately make them a must-have in today’s decision-making environments. However, not all video walls are the same. Some are created to dazzle and entertain, and others, like those needed in control rooms, should offer more practical features. When looking to purchase and install this technology in your control room, there are several key factors to consider.
From a financial standpoint, you need to ask some important questions. First, what is the life-span of the wall? This technology is currently advancing at a rate faster than the degradation of the typical control room housing, so you must consider the protection of your investment. The best approach, then, should include investigation of longevity issues such as maintenance and service policies, as well as upgrade options.
While longevity is an important consideration, it is only one portion of the TCO, or total cost of ownership. Other significant features to research are power consumption, cooling requirements, and reliability. Your video wall will be in operation 24/7, and thus, will require sizeable capital, so it’s important to make the smartest choice to preserve that investment.
Less directly related to financial concerns are questions of quality and functionality. Color quality and brightness are paramount in a control room setting. Timely educated decisions depend on clarity of text and images. Sharpness of display improves legibility, both close-up and at a distance. When deciding which system to use, you’ll want to investigate issues such as pixel size and resolution, relative to the planned positioning of your wall.
At PixelFLEX ®, our process for your video wall begins with your vision. We offer creative solutions to your unique projects, and we want a partnership to last the long haul. As technologies change, you can trust that our relationship with you stays strong.
To learn more about PixelFLEX’s products and services, visit us online today!
In the past five years, the market for high-resolution LED displays has grown exponentially on a wave of new pixel pitch technology. The rapid growth has provided businesses with an array of powerful display solutions, but the skyrocketing price has some concerned about how to develop a balanced budget that maximizes the value of their investment. There are a number of considerations to take into account when surveying the field, and though the market is producing cutting-edge technologies, the key to efficiency may be surprising.
Recently, competitors in the LED display market have focused on increasing resolution by focusing on reducing the fine pixel pitch, which measures the physical distance between two LED diodes, center to center. Less than a decade ago, 10mm to 20mm pitches were standard. But recent advances have put 3mm and less products in the spotlight, with a 15.8% CAGR predicted between 2014 and 2024.[1] Industry insiders say that this race to develop the finest possible LED display have pushed prices too high, as the R&D and man hours necessary to create the technology is simply too expensive for manufacturers. This both limits the growth of the market and creates an additional challenge for businesses looking to integrate an LED display into their approach.[2]
The key for businesses looking to maximize their investment is to look back by a year. Though instincts say that older technology is outdated and therefore not as good, the upgrades seen in fine pixel pitches have been incremental. Whereas 4mm pixel pitches were cutting-edge last year, this year they’re considered old news. Despite that, 4mm products are extremely high-resolution and using that technology means the same goals can be met with a much smarter, leaner budget.
Creating an immersive experience for customers is harder than ever, and though having a high-resolution display is essential, it’s far from the only consideration to be made. Putting up a digital display of any kind will create more engagement from viewers, with more than half (55%) not only recalling a digital screen they’d seen but remembering the exact message displayed.[3] Standing out from the crowd is absolutely key, and recent advances in LED have made thinking outside the box more than possible, but necessary. “Audiovisual designers can be more creative than they’ve really ever been able to be. They’ve been limited to rectangular boxes for such a long time,” David Venus of LED manufacturer Pixel Flex said.
When looking to balance a high-resolution with price, distance is your friend. The more natural distance between viewer and display, the less important it is to have a fine pixel pitch. Many locations, like university unions and property managers, are renting out ad space on their digital display to offset the cost of an initial investment, and though this solution isn’t ideal for every user, it’s a powerful way to regulate a budget.
Perhaps the most important element of investing in a current digital display is to seek out manufacturers who are creating standardized displays. When electronics are uniform across platforms, it’s easy to buy a lower-resolution version today and then simply upgrade later down the line when more powerful technology becomes affordable.
The future of digital displays is a thrilling one. As technologies grow more powerful and affordable, the A/V world will likely never be the same. To learn more about the exciting new technologies emerging and ways to find digital solutions on a smart budget, just visit: https://pixelflexled.com/products/
[1] https://epsnews.com/2016/09/01/fine-pixel-pitch-led-display-market-reach-3-1b-2024/
[2] http://www.tmrblog.com/2016/09/fine-pixel-pitch-led-displays-market.html
[3] https://oaaa.org/NewsEvents/PressReleases/tabid/327/id/4244/Default.aspx
When designing a new project, architects face numerous challenges to deliver clients designs that are not only efficient, practical, and functional, but also unique and beautiful. Coming up with bold and creative new ways to set a new space apart from any other or achieve the desired look and experience is increasingly difficult to do. However, as both interiors and exteriors are becoming smarter and more advanced, and the materials and technologies themselves evolve, architects and designers find themselves with more room to explore and more boundaries to push. Utilizing LED Wall technology for both interior and exterior applications opens up a new world of creative possibilities for dreamers to construct that will stand out, connect, inspire, and communicate with customers.
There are an endless variety of applications for LED Wall technology in contemporary design, from outdoor signage to grand artistic expressions. With LEDs, even a 33,000-square meter,160 story facade can be used as a blank canvas in a myriad of creative and eye-catching ways.
Currently, the largest and highest LED Wall in the world is not actually a wall, it’s also the tallest skyscraper! The skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, doubles as the screen itself! With 163 floors to cover, this massive project required 72 kilometers of cabling and 10,000 connectors to cover a total facade area of 33,000 square meters. The results are both beautiful and majestic, as seen during the 2017 New Year celebration when the entire structure was lit up with artists’ work. The Burj Khalifa has since issued an open call to artists to use the facade as their blank canvas, making an already iconic skyscraper even more eye-catching.
Another example of a creative and innovative use of LED technology in a unique, fun, and cutting-edge design is the Roskilde Pavilion by BIG Architects of Denmark. The architect was inspired by the inflatable castles of his youth and so designed a foam pavilion that inflates in just 7 minutes into a 120-square meter canopy. The entire pavilion is lit by a changing palette of colorful LEDs that illuminate the canopy, and party goers, with whimsical light.
LED technology also has a vital communication role to play in the form of signage. Approximately 71% of consumers claimed to have seen and absorbed large format advertising, showing that bold, striking LED signage can greatly boost brand awareness to the passing public.
LED Walls are not only a way to create unique designs that stand out or a powerful tool to harness for strong communication; they also open endless opportunities for creativity and expression in architecture. LEDs bring attention to the structure, enhance the beauty of the design, and inspire admiration in viewers. Just like the Burj Khalifa, the world, every building, every space is a blank canvas ready to be filled with an immersive, beautiful, and powerful LED experience. It just requires an architect who is flexible and has an eye for the future, and a
a company that believes the same and takes pride in being just as flexible as the designs themselves. Often this means helping architects to create something entirely new for the marketplace. PixelFLEX’s goal is to offer solutions that fit their clients’ individual needs, working in tandem with them and their visions to create brand new solutions and stay ahead of trends.
PixelFLEX is an innovative LED solutions provider based in Nashville, Tennessee, offering dependable, award-winning LED technology, and reliable, flexible service. For architects whose creative vision requires flexibility and the freedom to customize, PixelFLEX strives to help make their visions realities that work just as imagined and stand out from the rest. To learn more about PixelFLEX and the products and services they can provide, visit us online today!
In today’s competitive business environment, companies must make a concerted effort to differentiate themselves and stand out within a crowded marketplace. One-way organizations are setting themselves apart is through the adoption of LED digital signage. These vibrant and dynamic video screens are proven to drive customer engagement and promote better guest experiences. While digital signage is an excellent tool for content delivery and audience retention, it is only effective when properly integrated into a space.
Successful signage requires 5 key elements: proper planning, the right company, the right product, the right content, and proper calibration.
- Every LED signage deployment is unique, making it crucial to plan properly. This means defining the goals of the displays. Is the intended video wall meant to entertain, inform, or advertise? What is the source of the content? Is it television, video, internet, live stream, or presentation? Will the content be HD or 4K? Is text readability important? Having firm answers to all these questions is important to ensure a high ROI.
- While many organizations believe they can integrate LED displays into their space on their own, it would serve them better to turn to a company with expertise in LED installation. This means connecting with an experienced partner that can make a video wall dream a reality. The company should be able to offer custom solutions, and know how to work with architects, designers, engineers, and consultants to blend LED displays with an environment.
- The right company will be able to recommend the right products for the job. Taking into account the location of the intended video wall, specific professional-grade products will be needed that are suited for the climate and constant 24/7/365 use. The installation company can configure the screens so that they are seamless and provide easy access for future maintenance. These products should be expandable, and contain the necessary cooling fans and robust inputs to allow for an extensive lifetime of usage.
- Even the most advanced LED displays that are perfectly installed will still not deliver the expected ROI if the right content isn’t broadcasted across the screens. Who is creating the content? Is the content capable of fulfilling the objective or goals of the display? How will it be updated across a network? Is the content configured correctly so that the images are displayed correctly, and not stretched or distorted in any way?
- An investment in a video wall and the corresponding content won’t pay dividends if the screens aren’t properly calibrated. Each screen must be perfectly and uniformly calibrated for color, brightness and contrast so that images consistently look great. Failing to do so would be throwing money out the window.
By following the five keys to proper LED signage installation, an organization can drive engagement and better guest experiences, ensuring that the investment in the technology pays off. To learn about how PixelFLEX can help integrate LED signage to create memorable moments visit us online today!
LED walls have the power to captivate audiences with their impressive visual stimulation, high contrast ratios, and ability to reproduce vibrant content. When deciding to implement a creative LED video wall application, understanding exactly what is desired for the video wall is important when considering the price of your LED video wall. LED display screens have so many custom factors involved that it can be difficult to estimate the price of a display application without the help of expert knowledge and job specific consultation. LED displays have so many possible configurations that it is sometimes challenging to understand what the display visuals will turn out based on the buyer’s vision. Finding a LED partner that can ask you important questions and help you consider various options will help you decide what you need and what you don’t and what the overall price will be. By considering all the available options with a LED display expert, unnecessary costs can be avoided while optimizing your installation without sacrificing your audiences experience and the final price of the project.
When first deciding on an LED display one must consider these 5 variables that will affect viewing environments and project price:
Display Size
Bigger displays reach wider audiences and produce an enthralling environment but are more expensive. Basic principles show that screen size will directly affect price, but the next topic can help with overall cost of your display.
Resolution/Processing
Resolution is determined by the pitch of pixels in an image. The smaller the pitch, the more pixels fit into a fixed dimension, resulting in a clearer image. Increasing the pixel count delivers higher levels of detail and smoother edges to the images. Understanding viewing distance and how it correlates to resolutions needs can decrease project budget. The processor is many times the most expensive part of the display and with newest technologies emerging, processing speed plays a critical role in image quality. 4K and Ultra HD displays have recently become popular but will dramatically increase the amount of processing needed to produce the desired image. High-quality processors run anywhere from around $8K to upwards of $30K depending on desires of complex playback capabilities. If you choose to add a higher quality processor, it is important to understand that your project price will increase dramatically.
Wall Configuration
Complex LED video tile arrays are more expensive but ultimately command more attention. Fascinating video installation with missing tiles and various spacing between display sections will increase the price of the wall but can create a unique art installation. Curved LED walls can make the display that much more striking, but are higher priced due to the additional mechanisms and components that allow the tiles to curve.
Mounting
Today’s video wall mounts come in nearly every imaginable configuration and have slowly evolved into complex installations. Mounting solutions vary from display to display. Some displays may call for a custom mounting solution, while others are accomplished with standard mounting practices.
Indoor Vs Outdoor
Screen environment can have a large effect on price. Outdoor screens are IP rated to withstand dirt, wind and precipitation which makes these types of screen more costly to manufacture with module coatings and sealed enclosures. Indoor displays are usually much simpler in terms of cabinet and componentry, ultimately allowing price to remain lower.
Working with a LED expert can lead the project in the right direction by focused questions and providing important information to understand exactly what is needed and what is being paid for. PixelFLEX® develops customized solutions for every customer, as they understand that each project is unique. Their team of architects, designers, engineers, and consultants work to innovate LED displays that will amplify the surrounding environment. LED displays are not cheap, and designing one can be challenging due to all the factors to consider. PixelFLEX® helps support customers by giving them exactly what is needed to optimize the function of their display, the display quality, and their overall project budget.
To learn more about PixelFLEX’s® award winning displays and how they can help you optimize your display designs and fulfill your project needs, visit https://pixelflexled.com/design-build/
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