Advantages and disadvantages of a LED screen

Is the result always better if I use a LED screen ?

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The visual communication market is increasingly going in the direction of the LED technology, which is the most flexible solution for creating modern screens with a high visual impact in size and brightness. Recent developments in the industry have further enhanced the usability and applications of LED screens, making them increasingly popular among businesses and advertisers.

But this is not always the optimal solution for customer needs. In some cases, a video wall solution or even a single LCD monitor is better suited. With continuous innovations, such as advanced pixel pitch technology and smart control systems, it is advisable to thoroughly investigate all aspects of the project and highlight the positive and negative aspects of each technology before making our choice.

Our expert and specialized consultant will explain all the technical aspects and construction details, so that the choice is optimized and profitable.

Screen Size and Resolution

The first enemy of the LED wall is the resolution in small sizes. Recent trends show that when the detail required for our images is 4K, the size of the LED wall must reach high levels, typically 220'' or 270'' (to talk about products sold at reasonable prices), leading to installation, dimension, and cost challenges. Meanwhile, a high-quality 4K solution can be achieved with a single LCD monitor sized up to 100'', typically at a fraction of the cost of an LED wall solution.

If size is not a problem but a large image surface is needed to give visibility to more people, an LED wall allows for a 4K resolution across any screen size requested, with many pixel pitch options available. This reduces the complexity of the control system and scaler by working with a standard 4K. Conversely, a video wall solution would require additional effort in content creation and control system, due to a higher screen resolution than 4K.

Design, shape and aspect ratio

LCD monitors, and therefore video walls made from them, benefit from a significant aesthetic design advantage. They are well-finished products designed for close viewing, with a focus on detail that LED walls typically lack. A single LCD monitor, however, limits the final shape to a rectangle in either orientation, though available in various sizes and aspect ratios. The combination of multiple LCD monitors in a video wall system allows designers to create imaginative configurations that can range from typical matrix arrangements to more artistic and asymmetrical designs with carefully managed control systems.

With the advent of the LED wall, this flexibility reaches its peak, as the mechanical structure of the LED wall panel allows larger screens with any other aspect ratio as well, horizontally or vertically. Currently, innovative LED wall panels with unique shapes, including triangular and flexible designs, are emerging on the commercial market, broadening the scope for creative applications.

In evaluation of a LED wall screen solution, it's clear that it cannot always be considered the best option for all situations and customers. Engaging an expert consultant ensures that we assess all aspects, including brightness and viewing angle, essential factors often overlooked.

Brightness

The brightness of the environment where the screen will be installed is fundamental for deciding the technology to be adopted. Stores, malls, train stations, and airports typically have high ambient light, necessitating screens with high brightness levels for effective visual communication. Even workplaces, such as meeting rooms and conference halls, often have ample lighting, making it challenging to darken the environment when necessary. In outdoor settings, like street advertising panels, very high brightness becomes essential.

The brightness of the front surface emitted by LCD monitors and LED walls is measured in candles per square meter or nits. Standard indoor professional LCD monitors have brightness ranging from 300 nits to up to 700 nits but can reach 1,500 nits for semi-outdoor devices and 3,500 nits for outdoor products.

Where LCD monitor brightness is inadequate to counter ambient light, LED walls come to the rescue. Indoor LED walls typically feature brightness from 800 to 1,200 nits, while semi-outdoor models reach about 3,500 nits, and outdoor screens can achieve brightness up to 10,000 nits.

Such high brightness levels can be excessive at certain times of the day; therefore, environmental light probes can be utilized, allowing screen brightness to adjust in response to changing ambient conditions for optimal visibility.

Viewing angle

When many viewers observe a screen, some may be central to the display while others are more lateral. This situation prompts the importance of the viewing angle—the angle at which image quality in terms of contrast, color, and brightness becomes unacceptable. Although this definition varies among manufacturers, professional LFD monitors generally offer a viewing angle between 170° and 178°.

Looking at LED walls, the viewing angle can be somewhat reduced due to the construction technology. Moving away from a central view may disturb the appearance, altering the original colorimetry in traditional SMD LED walls, which typically offer a viewing angle from 140° to 160°, with the vertical angle often slightly lower than the horizontal.

Advancements in LED wall COB (Chip on Board) technology have allowed several manufacturers to provide viewing angles of 170° in both horizontal and vertical dimensions, alongside other significant advantages.

What other technical, optical, and logistical aspects should we consider when a customer raises the common question: "Is it better to install a video wall or an LED wall?" Beyond resolution, size, shape, brightness, and viewing angle, various fundamental features also differentiate screens made with LCD monitors versus LED panels.

Frame or seamless?

The presence of thin black frames between the monitors of an LCD video wall versus the seamless design of a high-quality LED wall is an important optical aspect to evaluate. The latest generation of LCD monitors offers frame thicknesses as low as 0.5mm, though more common products feature around 1.5mm frames. Ultimately, it is the customer's decision to assess how detracting these black lines are in relation to the video content and whether they are willing to invest more to have a seamless display.

Mechanical characteristics

In addition to essential electro-optical features, mechanical characteristics can also play a crucial role in the final choice—considerations that should be weighed during installation and maintenance. With their different construction technology, LED panels predominantly present advantages over traditional LCD monitors and video walls.

Transport and logistics

The transportability of LED panels is a significant advantage. LCD monitors up to 55'' align with traditional transport measures and can be handled on standard pallets. However, larger models shift to 'non-standard' transport, raising costs and damage risk. In contrast, LED panels vary in size but will generally fit standard pallet compatibility. With robust construction, LED panels also feature reduced frequencies of damage during transport.

Weight is also key when factoring transportation and structural costs. Typical fixed indoor LED panels weigh around 25kg/sqm, while conventional or video wall LFD monitors range from 35kg/sqm and above.

Shock strength and maintenance

The most prominent mechanical distinction between LED walls and video walls lies in shock resistance and overall durability. A frontal or side impact can often irreparably damage an LCD panel, compelling total monitor replacements that are inefficient and introduce risks regarding colorimetry consistency with substitutes.

LED panels, although subject to manufacturing defects or accidental impacts, demonstrate exceptional impact resilience compared to LCD monitors, particularly front-facing units. If an accidental collision causes LED failures, replacing a small module (or LED tile) typically restores screen functionality efficiently. Subsequent repairs can be managed off-site without compromising the original colorimetry. Other potential equipment failures, including power supply and signal transmission issues, can generally be addressed conveniently on-site using supplied spare parts.

Final considerations

These highlighted features represent just the primary aspects to consider when encountering the frequent question: "Is a video wall or an LED wall better?" Customer responses serve to clarify their needs, helping prioritize key factors such as resolution, dimensions, shape, colorimetry, brightness, and mechanical strength.

Only after these main aspects are discussed can we confidently recommend a product suitable for present and future needs.

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