While content and messaging are the more exciting aspects of LED digital signage, the technical details matter as well. In order to create the best viewer experience with the greatest impact, the technical factors that affect LED digital signage must be understood and optimized. Specifications such as pixel pitch, resolution, brightness, and color calibration can help create successful displays that yield results. In this blog, PixelFLEX will explain a few of the technical features of LED signage and why they matter.

First of all, a light-emitting diode, or LED, is a semiconductor device that emits visible light when an electric current passes through it. LEDs require much less power than other light elements, making them more energy efficient. In addition, since they do not have filaments like those in incandescent lamps, there’s nothing to burn out or fail, giving them significantly longer life.

Here are some technical aspects of LED digital displays to consider:

Pixel Pitch

Pixel pitch is simply the distance from the center of one LED pixel to the center of the next pixel, measured in millimeters. The smaller the pixel pitch, the more pixels make up the image on a display, improving the resolution. However, this improved image quality comes at a higher cost. Pixel pitch typically ranges from 1mm up to 20mm for indoor LED displays and 6mm to 34mm for outdoor displays.

Resolution

Overall resolution is determined by pixel pitch, pixel technology, display size, and viewing distance. If your LED video wall has very detailed images or graphics or needs to be viewed clearly at a close distance, you’ll generally need a higher resolution or pixel pitch. This can be accomplished by creating a larger screen for lower resolutions, and smaller screens at higher resolutions. There are, of course, other factors that affect legibility, including font size and contrast.

Brightness

LED displays measure brightness by nit, which is the total brightness over one square meter of the display. This value takes into account all of the contributing factors to brightness, such as the number of LEDs per pixel, the pixel pitch, and the brightness of individual LEDs. The optimal brightness for a digital display depends on the sign’s exposure to the sun and whether the messaging must be readable both day and night. Brighter nits are better able to compete with the sun. Brightness typically ranges from 2,000 to 8,000 nits for outdoor displays and 1,000 to 2,000 nits for indoor displays. However, should an interior screen be exposed to a lot of natural light, a brighter display may be more desirable.

Color Calibration

Color calibration relates to brightness and contrast as well as the actual color desired. The video signal and the internal hardware are calibrated at the factory to make sure colors display true. This particular technical factor is directly related to the quality of the LED screen itself and can’t be changed with software or settings.

When purchasing LED digital signage, you’ll need to consider several aspects including viewing range, content, imagery, and messaging. With a complete understanding of the technical factors, viewing area, and content, you can choose the LED display that’s optimized for your intended audience. The experts at PixelFLEX have the knowledge and options to help you choose the ideal LED display to fit any need.

LED technology has drastically evolved from the first dimly lit, red diode invented in 1962 by General Electric. From space exploration to gigantic stadium screens, LED systems are now used in many industries for their efficiency and brightness. Video walls and other digital signage solutions have long been a way to create a visually captivating experience to enthrall viewers and attract attention. Seamless video integration across multiple screens adds an additional wow factor that produces an eye-catching display. Older technologies like LCD and Plasma displays are becoming obsolete due to the intrinsic properties of LEDs like brightness, efficiency, maintainability, and sustainability. LEDs save on costs via easier maintenance and lower energy demands, which can make a huge impact on ROI for the consumer.

The LED display market has seen strong growth as the technology becomes better integrated and continues to improve. Since LEDs draw much lower power, components like ballasts and power supplies are less likely to malfunction from heat and other inefficiencies that higher power products produce. Maintenance costs decrease since these hard to reach components last longer and fail less. Most large video walls require boom lifts and other equipment in order to change faulty components and the cost of renting the equipment is significantly more than the cost of the replacement.

Advantages of LED displays offer excellent brightness, fast response time, wider viewing angles, and a higher degree of reliability than traditional LCDs. As LED technology improves, products are being invented that can be viewed from up close, eliminating what was a huge advantage for LCDs. With LED displays of 1.25 mm pixel pitch or smaller coming on the market at an ever-increasing rate, some industry experts are predicting the demise of LCD screens as a component of large video displays.  In the past, this quality reduction at close proximities has hindered LED applications. While LCD displays had long held an advantage over LED in terms of their interactive capability, that difference is quickly waning. LED touch displays are expected to appear on the market in the third quarter of 2017 with many other technological advancements forecasted.

The main advantage of LED displays over LCDs is the fact that there is no bezel, which allows for a completely seamless image. Another key advantage over LCDs is LEDs’ ability to be constructed in irregular shapes, as they allow for the creation of unique displays that can be a centerpiece of any venue. That flexibility makes them the perfect fit for environments such as retail stores, corporate lobbies and other high-end settings. The fundamental brightness of LED displays opens the door for video walls to be deployed in areas not previously possible, such as in store windows or other areas where light pollution may be a problem. LED-based displays are inherently brighter and more visible than LCD displays, and thus, much more visible and captivating across a myriad of applications ranging from low light to bright sunlight environments.

As with any evolving technology, ease of serviceability and sustainability go a long way in determining the degree to which video walls and LED displays are accepted over the long term. The American-based LED manufacturer, PixelFLEX ® offers clever solutions, reliable products, and faithful service for their industry-leading LED display technologies. PixelFLEX® offers a one-of-a-kind design for any LED installation through their award-winning line of LED video walls and video screens. PixelFLEX ® works alongside the industries best architects, designers, engineers and consultants, to develop custom LED solutions for each and every customer while also providing top-tier customer support throughout the entire experience.

Due to its intrinsic properties, LED technology has greatly evolved and is currently the premier choice for any type of digital signage solution. To learn more about PixelFLEX’s ® award winning LED solutions, visit https://pixelflexled.com/products/.

Digital signage is an effective solution for attracting eyeballs, displaying creative content, and broadcasting information. In the past, LED displays were mainly used for outdoor applications such as billboards, while their LCD counterparts dominated the indoor market. But recent advances in LED technology has allowed these screens to make considerable inroads into the indoor territories that LCD’s once monopolized. In fact, Transparency Market Research expects the booming LED display market is expected to reach $12.5 billion by 2020, up from $4.8 billion in 2013, for a compound annual growth rate of 14.7 percent. When deciding between LED and LCD displays, consumers looking to deploy LED digital signage either indoors or out should keep the following key considerations in mind when making an investment:

COST

While LED displays have a higher initial cost than those of the LCD variety, their energy efficiency gives them a lower overall operating cost in the long run. Not only do LED displays use less power, they last longer and require fewer maintenance interventions, reducing associated replacement and service costs.

ENGAGEMENT

The mission of digital signage deployment is to attract and hold people’s attention. LED displays have a high brightness aspect that encourages engagement, and gives creators the ability to develop exciting content that will retain interest. And because LED displays offer a wider viewing angle than LCD’s, they are able to capture a larger audience.

SERVICEABILITY

While LED displays are very durable, they may need to be serviced at some point within their useful lifespan. Because most rely on a modular design, repairs typically only require replacing one of the defective modules, and not the entire unit. In this instance, the screen may also have to be recalibrated to ensure uniform color and brightness.

NETWORK CONNECTION

It is important to consider the availability of a network connection when choosing a digital communication solution. A network connection will allow for the easy distribution of content to all displays linked to the network. Users will be able to remotely control their system from an internet connection, placing real-time access and content updates right at their fingertips. This can prove powerful for deploying LED displays across far flung locations, while still maintaining consistency and quality of messaging.

LED displays are poised to continue expanding across sectors, providing captivating communication in both outdoor and indoor spaces. PixelFLEX ® is a leading provider of custom LED solutions offering top-tier customer support throughout the entire experience. To learn more about the advantages of LED, visit our LED University!

Digital signage is an incredible tool for broadcasting content, message dissemination, and advertising. It has applications in virtually every market and sector, from academia to retail to places of worship, both indoor and out. Today’s cutting-edge flat or curved displays add a touch of modernity and aesthetic beauty to any space. However, digital signage technology evolves quickly, and can seem confusing to the uninitiated. To get the most out of their digital display investment, it is advisable that consumers learn some key terminology which can empower them to make a more informed purchasing decision.

I don’t think there is a need for the LCD Display Mention. Unless we discount it by saying it has color calibration issues and Burn in. Led does not have burn in. Maybe we say today we will focus on LED Digital signage.
● LCD Display: A flat-panel display using liquid crystals via a backlight or reflector to produce images.
● LED Display: A display solution utilizing light-emitting diodes as pixels for a video display.
● LED: A light-emitting diode (LED) made up of a two-lead semiconductor which emits light when activated, offering lower energy consumption, longer life, and availability in sizes smaller than traditional light sources.
● Video Wall: A video wall employing multiple displays, tiled or overlapped, to form what appears to be one large screen.
● Pixel: A physical point in a raster image; the smallest controllable element of a picture represented on a display.
● LED Density: Indicates the quantity of LEDs per display or square meter, with greater density translating to higher brightness and higher resolution.
● Pixel Pitch: The distance between pixels center to center on a display screen, usually reserved for LED display technology.
● Fine Pixel Pitch: LED displays with a minimum amount of space between pixels, usually 2.5mm or less; narrow pixel pitches yield clearer displays when viewed up close.

When it comes to LEDs, there is more that consumers should understand as part of their research. LEDs do not use filaments, making them highly efficient as nearly all of the electricity is converted to light rather than heat. This efficiency also displays itself in maintenance costs. Filaments and light engines in standard lights burn out as a result of this heat. The frequent replacement of these parts is costly. LEDs require less time and money to maintain. However, LED displays do require a module replacement every few years, depending on usage.LED diodes naturally lose about 20% of their initial brightness after the first 2,000 hours of use (or 3 months), and that brightness will slowly degrade until it dies at about 100,000 hours (or 11 years). Thus, it is important to note that the manufacturer’s claimed display brightness will drop about 20% after 2 to 3 months of operation.

Buyers should also ask the following questions when shopping for digital displays:

1.) How does the unit stay cool?
2.) Where is the device’s service access point? How is it serviced?
3.) Is the display good for both indoor and outdoor use? Only indoor? Only outdoor?
4.) Who manufactures the driver and switch integrated circuits (ICs)?
5.) Do all pixels come from the same bin?
6.) Is the fill factor of the screen (how much of the screen is covered by light-emitting pixels) at least 40%?What % is the fill factor of the screen?

Digital signage can be of great advantage, but only if the solution meets an organization’s unique needs. Through education and asking the right questions, consumers can ensure their satisfaction with their display, and PixelFLEX®, your partner in digital signage, is pleased to clarify these concepts. Put your new LED knowledge to use and check out the PixelFLEX products page!

 

 

When buying an LED display, no one wants to overpay by purchasing a higher resolution than is required to do the job. On the other hand, you want to purchase a display that delivers a crisp, clear picture to the intended audience. To ensure you are buying exactly the display you need and no more, it is essential to understand how viewing distance and resolution correlate.

Recommended viewing distances are somewhat subjective, but can be roughly calculated based on the resolution, display type, application, and intended use. The higher the resolution you have, the clearer your content will appear. Text size is another important consideration. In general, larger characters can be viewed from a longer distance at a lower resolution.

Resolution in an LED display is the result of a specification called pixel pitch. Pixel pitch describes the spacing of individual pixels. In the case of a color display, it is the physical distance measured in millimeters between the center of an LED diode and the next closest diode on the board. Generally speaking, the larger the pitch number, the lower the resolution of the display with more pixelization. Likewise, the lower the pitch number, the higher the resolution will be, resulting in less pixelization. As a rule of thumb, each time pixel pitch is reduced by a millimeter, a viewer can stand one meter closer to the display.

Resolution is proportional to the number of pixels contained in the physical area of your LED display. The more pixels you have per square meter, the more detail your wall will display. When viewed from the recommended minimum viewing distance, these pixels will appear connected, giving a smooth, colorful image, without the appearance of any spaces between pixels or separation of the LEDs. In addition to pixel pitch, the effective resolution is also influenced by display size, pixel technology, and viewing distance.

Each display has a recommended minimum viewing distance that may vary based on the application and the intended use. Understanding how viewing distance and resolution correlate can help you choose the right product to meet your unique needs, potentially saving you a ton of money. When choosing a digital display, consider the ideal viewing distance from the sign to help choose the correct pixel pitch.

At PixelFLEX ®, we want to educate our customers so they purchase the correct product and don’t overbuy. We offer a large variety of award winning LED display systems that provide clear and detailed images in virtually any size and shape screen you desire. The experts at PixelFLEX ® will help you choose a quality solution that makes your creative vision a reality.

To learn more about how PixelFLEX ® can help you meet your business goals, visit PixelFLEXLED.com today! Also, Visit our LED University page to get a little more in depth on this topic above.

At long last, it’s time to install that show-stopping video wall you’ve been planning. You want it to be bright, flexible, energy-efficient, and cutting-edge—something truly unique and exciting!

But which kind of display should you use?

Until recently, most large-format video walls were built using LCD displays arranged in standard configurations: 2X2, 3X3, 4X4 and so on.  This was the preferred method for achieving large video images due, in part to the cost of LED display technology.  But now, with efficient, brighter LED technologies and manufacturing techniques, large-format LED displays are economically comparable with the older LCD matrix video walls they so easily outperform.

Liquid crystal displays (LCD) have been popular for years in both the video wall and consumer electronics markets. You have probably already used LCD technology several times already today and the technology is perfect for smartphones, computer monitors, and television screens. But when LCD displays are tiled together to create a video wall, the bezels (or visible edges of the cabinet) create “mullions” which interrupt the video image.  Even when expensive “ultra-thin-bezel” displays are used, the mullions are still there dividing the image.  Direct View LED panels assemble together with no visible bezels forming completely seamless video walls.

Recent innovations in LED manufacturing allow more brightness, higher resolutions, greater reliability and energy-efficiency than LCD displays with the best color accuracy and refresh rates of any display type available.  For large-format video experiences, Direct View LED is the obvious choice.  Here’s a quick comparison:

  • LCD monitors have bezels which interrupt the image
  • LCD monitors can exhibit “burn in” of an image type over time
  • LCD video walls require special pullout mounting brackets that allow precise physical alignment and are typically pretty thick
  • LCD monitors require frequent color calibration and physical alignment to keep them looking good
  • LCD monitors by their very nature prevent smooth curves
  • LCD monitors used with complex, non-standard designs require expensive image processors with outputs for each display
  • LCD video wall displays typically have much lower brightness levels than LED
  • LCD video wall displays are not available in outdoor configurations
  • LED displays have no bezels to interrupt the image
  • LED displays don’t require pullout brackets and the entire display including the framing can be 3″ thick or less
  • LED displays typically don’t require color calibration and the physical alignment does not change over time
  • LED displays offer greater shape flexibility including non-standard flat displays, curves, cylinders, thin ribbons, and outside corners
  • LED displays are controlled differently with a single processor and only a few outputs required to drive very large displays
  • LED displays perform better in high ambient lighting conditions than LCDs (even outdoors)
  • LED displays provide a wider viewing angle due to its direct emission of light
  • LED technology Is very robust and reliable, even in high humidity and in a wide range of temperatures

Numerous display technologies are available today. Each has value, but the unique characteristics of LED displays may better suit your needs.  And LED provides a lower total cost of ownership.  LED is more energy-efficient, requires virtually no periodic maintenance, installs quicker, and has a longer usable lifespan than LCD video walls.

America-based LED manufacturer PixelFLEX offers creative solutions, reliable products, and dependable service for our industry-leading LED display technologies and solutions. Driven toward excellence to meet your standards, PixelFLEX offers an award-winning line of LED video walls and video screens to fit your every need. To learn more, visit PixelFLEXLED.com today!

Blog in conjunction with Reflect Systems.

LED displays increase productivity and educate and entertain customers and there are several exciting new technologies coming down the pike for 2017. Business leaders…stand up and take note: new and improved fine pixel pitch LED display solutions will enable novel applications in many different sectors, including sports venues, retail, restaurants, healthcare, entertainment, and much more. PixelFLEX, an industry leader in digital LED displays & signage, can provided customized indoor and outdoor solutions, all assembled and supported in the U.S.

Trends for 2017

Think of the most visually exciting graphic display ever seen in a sci-fi movie, and chances are excellent the same technology is becoming available to businesses today – at increasingly affordable rates. According to Transparency Marketing Research (TMR), the high initial cost of fine pixel LED technology will fall in coming years as growing competition, along with advances in R&D, work to bring costs down. Look for:

  • Growth of flexible/curveable LED displays, such as the PixelFLEX FLEXMod, an extremely high-resolution, flexible rubber substrate LED product that can create compound curves, and quickly and securely attaches via magnets to virtually any surface, allowing for a unique no-fan, no-noise design guaranteed to attract attention.
  • More pixels. New enhanced picture, 4K technologies will meet requirements for large-sized ultra-high-definition (UHD) displays in applications such as air traffic control, where every detail counts, as well as command centers and corporate lobbies. PixelFLEX offers ultra-high resolution as low as 1.2mm in the FLEXUltra model. And the company just announced the TrueFLEX 1.9mm pitch option, which is one of the highest resolution flexible LED products now on the market.
  • Virtual reality will become even more popular, and not just for gaming. Applications such as architecture, medicine, military, etc., are expanding rapidly. But VR is not just for headsets. At the September 2016 LDI Conference and Tradeshow in Las Vegas, PixelFLEX demonstrated a true 3D LED visual experience, treating visitors to an Augmented Reality Rave.

“With our new AR-LED technology with Partner 3D Live we can create a visual image that physically and optically comes off the LED screen for a true Augmented Reality experience no matter if you are five or 500 feet away from the source,” said Alex Williams, PixelFLEX Director of Project Management.

PixelFLEX also recently announced a new partnership with SpaceView, an Augmented Reality technology that provides near-instantaneous and accurate product installation renderings.

  • Increased return on investment. LED video walls and screens create impactful first impressions, and showcase professional competencies – and compared with a TV projection wall, maintain brightness much longer, with a 100,000-hour half-life. Stunning new UHD videos will enable branding messages and logos to compete for attention in the age of HD smart phones and tablets.
  • More immersive, interactive, and artistic designs. Merging the digital and physical worlds through the deployment of the FLEXLite NXG displays, curved and flexible displays like TrueFLEX, and the LumiFLEX interactive LED floor,there is the potential for even more creative engagements by both viewers and creators.
  • Memorable, unique experiences. PixelFLEX is continually increasing the functionality of our award-winning LED technologies, whether it’s a captivating trade show experience or a bright, high-performance FLEXCurtain HD LED video wall that requires minimal tech time to pack and unpack on tour. For PixelFLEX, each project is unique, and we pride ourselves on creating custom solutions for each individual customer. Working with architects, designers, engineers and consultants to blend LED displays with an environment is our specialty.

About PixelFLEX

Engaging customers is imperative. The experienced team at PixelFLEX can help develop creative solutions from our large variety of award winning LED displays. We can create nearly any size and shape screen you desire – with pixel sizes from 1.2 mm to 100mm – in outdoor, indoor and curvable configurations. Our LED seamless display systems provide clear and detailed imaging, whether viewed from just a few feet or hundreds of feet away.

We are dedicated to providing top tier customer-focused support throughout the entire design, build, and buy or rental experience – including after-purchase support and service. As a U.S.-based company, we are driven to excellence and pledge to meet a high standard of support.

At PixelFLEX, we understand how quickly LED technology is evolving as prices are dropping. We want our valuable customers to be aware of the unique and affordable display solutions available to help their businesses grow. To learn more about PixelFLEX, visit pixelflexled.com.

Each unique project begins with an idea, concept or vision that some may not have even thought was possible. As creative LED video wall displays and digital signage continue to see dramatic increases in popularity, more companies than ever are beginning to offer products and services to meet the high demand. With this increase in providers, thorough research is essential to ensure that a company’s product and service can successfully bring your project to life. Here’s a look at a few of the questions you should consider before diving head first into your LED video wall project.

What are you trying to create?

  • There are many uses for LED video displays beyond that of a traditional square or rectangle design. There are magnetic, rubber, cast, and aluminum based products that serve a number of unique purposes. Just because a company appears to have done a lot of large scale work, this does not necessarily make them the best fit for your project.

Does the product exist to make your vision a reality?

  • Often, architects and designers may pitch concepts and ideas using LED video products before doing research to make sure that a solution exists for that application. The LED video display industry is rapidly advancing its products and capabilities on a technical playback side as well as the physical attributes of the displays themselves.

Is the design feasible and is it serviceable?

  • The market can often limit the mind of its creativity, but making sure the LED Video design is feasible both physically and financially is the best place to start. A final install can look incredible, but if you cannot easily service the display in the event of product failure then you may have a lot of costs on the back side of the installation you were not expecting. Making your LED video display design works from a support and service standpoint will save you a lot of headaches.

Who have they worked with?

  • Have they worked with large fortune 500 companies? Can they provide quality references from clients? What type of work have they done primarily? Appropriately educating yourself about your potential LED provider can help ensure that your project will go more smoothly.

Does the provider have the resources to provide service before, during and after the installation?

  • Often times, people only see the end goal in mind, overlooking the bigger picture. Will the company you choose have project managers, technical sales reps, and accessible post sale technical support? Making sure you feel comfortable with your provider after they have your money is most important to the successful longevity of your LED video display

Is the company you’re looking at trying to sell you what you need?

  • This is one thing that you need to look at very hard. While each project has a product that can meet the basic requirements you need to optimally create your video design, there is often a slightly better option that the client wants. Make sure your provider is giving you product options and be sure to ask for a product demo. This will allow you to feel 100% comfortable in your choice of both provider and LED video product.

Can your LED video display provider grow with you and your long term vision?

  • Every company has a growth plan, and future projects in mind. Making sure your provider can grow with you and your long term ideas and goals is something that is often overlooked when making the investment into LED video displays. Keeping in mind your future growth needs, your LED video investment should serve you for at least five to ten years depending on your specific application.

When selecting a LED Video Display company, they should guide you through the purchase and installation process and provide routine maintenance and service. Be sure to choose an sign company that is experienced in LED sign installation and service. Ask for and check references, and if you have the opportunity for a facility tour, take it. As always, PixelFLEX LED video displays are sold exclusively through our network of dealer partners, and we’d be more than happy to guide you through that process as your partner along the way.