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By Alberto Jessurun / February 9, 2022 / Blog

How to Choose the Right LED Display

Select the right features and narrow in on the best value for your LED display

Key Takeaways
  • The right LED display varies depending on your needs.
  • Your display objectives dictate the size you need.
  • Resolution and pixel density determine the clarity of your display.
  • You have to consider how far away or close your viewers will be.
  • Bright backlights are essential for outdoor displays.
  • The bezel is the border between the frame and the display.
  • Commercial-grade LED displays last longer.
  • Make sure you like the user interface of any accompanying software.
An LED display can enhance your storefront, provide an interactive experience with customers, help with video surveillance, or play countless other roles. Businesses, schools, churches, and other entities use LED signs for advertising, communication, entertainment, and more. These cutting-edge signs are an investment in your organization, but you need to ensure that you choose the right display for your needs.

There is a wide range of LED display options available. To help you narrow in on the optimal choice for your situation, this guide explains what to consider as you look for digital signage. 

LED display size

How are you going to use your sign? Where do you plan to install it? Where will the viewers be in relation to the sign? These are the types of questions you need to consider when selecting the size of your sign. 

If you want to reach a large audience from far away, for example, you need a large sign. If you're installing an LED display in a kiosk or for individual interactions, a small screen may meet your needs.

Resolution and pixel density

Resolution determines how clearly people will be able to see the images on your LED display from certain distances. To determine resolution, you count all of the horizontal and vertical pixels on a screen, but you also have to take into account the size of the screen. A large screen with the same number of pixels as a small screen will have a lower resolution, so its images won't be as clear. 

Optimal viewing distance

Additionally, you may want to consider pixel pitch. This is the distance between each of the pixels on the screen, and it's typically expressed in millimeters. For example, a 2mm pixel pitch means that the center of each pixel on the LED display is 2mm from the other pixels. 

The distance people are going to be from your sign can help you narrow in on the size of sign you need, but it can also guide you toward the right pixel pitch. 

To give you an example, imagine a giant LED billboard on the top of a tall building. Most people are viewing that sign from down on the ground hundreds of meters away. The pixels can be quite far away from each other, and that won't be noticeable. 

However, if someone were standing right next to the sign, they wouldn't see the intended image. Instead, they would probably just see lots of big pixels. 

Typically, the optimal viewing distance is two to three meters times the pixel pitch. If the pixel pitch is 4 mm, viewers should be eight to 12 meters away to view it best. As pixel pitch increases, the distance for viewers also increases. 

A sign with a very low pixel pitch can be viewed from far away (when the right images are put on the display), but in this case, you don't need the low pixel pitch. You can save money by choosing an LED display with a higher pixel pitch.

Backlight

The backlight of your LED display determines its brightness. For indoor displays, you don't need as much brightness as you do for outdoor displays, but of course, you also need to consider sunlight from windows and skylights. 

The standard measurement for backlights is in nits or candela per square meter. Candela basically refers to how much light the display produces in comparison to a candle. 

Bezel

The bezel is the border between the edge of the LED display and its frame. A thin bezel creates a sleek look and draws the viewer's attention to your display. However, a thicker bezel can create a visual distinction between the screen and the surrounding frame.

Equipment lifespan

When investing in an LED display, you need to consider how long it's going to last based on your intended usage for the sign. Most digital signs are either consumer- or commercial-grade. 

If you're going to use your sign only once in a while, you may be able to get by with a consumer-grade sign. For instance, if you're putting a digital sign in a classroom to play videos, a consumer-grade option may work. 

However, for intense business use, you need a commercial-grade display. It will cost more but last longer. For example, if you want to use your sign as a 24-7 billboard, it should be commercial quality. Typically, LED display life expectancy is measured based on the number of hours its backlights can operate without dimming.

Software

Many LED displays include software, and you'll want to consider that when making your choice. The software is where you'll determine what gets broadcast on display and it can also determine how you connect other inputs such as videos or live feeds. You need software with a user interface that works with your skillset. 

There are countless aspects to consider when choosing an LED display. Ultimately, you need a display that meets your needs and works with your budget. To ensure you select the best option, you may want to work with a specialist.

Contact Unisol International to talk about LED displays

At Unisol International, we help our clients spec, find, and implement a wide range of technological solutions. Regardless of why your organization needs an LED display, we can guide you toward the best option for your needs, and we can help you install it and integrate it with your existing systems. 

To learn more or to start talking about the right display for your organization, contact us today. 

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