Are you unsure how to navigate the world of LED displays? There are different terms, elements, and resolutions to consider as you look at your options. While there are best practices for indoor and outdoor displays, it’s important to understand the basics first. Let’s begin with essential LED display terms so that you can move forward with confidence!

What is LED?

It is a light-emitting diode (LED) semiconductor device that pours out visible light when an electric current passes through it. It requires less power than other light sources, and it has a long lifespan. 

What can I use LED displays for?

LED can be utilized for signage display, all the way to high-resolution video playback for indoor, outdoor, and custom uses. LED displays can create unforgettable experiences at concerts, trade shows, schools, airports, and events.

How do I know which screen size to choose?

Screen size will depend on your specific space and goals. The physical screen size and resolution will ultimately work together to create the best display for your situation. If your audience will be close to the screen at an event or trade show, consider a higher resolution for maximum clarity. If the screen will be farther away from your audience in a stadium or on a billboard, you can get away with a lower resolution without sacrificing experience for your audience.

What is a pixel pitch?

Pixel pitch is the distance between the center of one LED pixel to the next LED pixel, measured in millimeters. A smaller pixel pitch will create a higher resolution for the LED display. Similarly, a larger pixel pitch will display a lower resolution. There is a time and place for each resolution, so be sure to ask a professional about which resolution level is appropriate for your project!

What is a NIT?

NIT measures the brightness of an LED display and is just as important as resolution. It shows how much light the display sends to your eyes in a given area. Keep your use case in mind when selecting NIT because the right NIT will help you achieve the brightness needed for your audience to perfectly see your display–especially critical when selecting outdoor LED displays.

What is an IP rating?

This is a two digit number defining a display’s sealing effectiveness. The first digit represents ingress protection against solid objects like dust, dirt, and other elements. The second digit represents protection against liquids such as rain. Outdoor LED displays have higher IP ratings to withstand the elements.

It’s not always easy to navigate through the world of LED display terms, especially if you are new to these options. The possibilities are endless, and a little guidance will help you find the right application for your project. Learn how to choose the right display type for your business by downloading our Buyer’s Guide. Have a question specific to your business? Fill out our contact form, and we will get back to you shortly!

What Resolution Do I Need For My Screen Size?

Resolution and screen size are two important factors to consider, but before you can consider those, you will want to think about two more critical items.  You must consider the average viewing distance for your audience and the brightness of your space (indoor, outdoor, etc.).  If the screen will be farther away from your audience, typically over 50 feet then maybe a lower pixel pitch is a good fit so you can have your display be as bright as you want. If your audience will be close to the screen, less than 50 feet, you will want to consider a higher pitch or resolution to provide maximum clarity while not as bright.