LED Video Wall

Understanding LED Video Walls

LED video walls have become the preferred large-format display technology for concerts, corporate events, broadcast studios, control rooms, and digital signage. Understanding their construction and capabilities helps with proper specification.

How LED Walls Work

**Self-Emitting Technology:** Each pixel contains red, green, and blue LEDs that produce light directly—no backlight or projection required. This enables:

• High brightness in any environment
• True blacks (LEDs simply turn off)
• Wide viewing angles
• Seamless images across panels

**Modular Construction:** LED walls are built from components that tile together:

• Modules: Small PCBs with LED pixels
• Cabinets/Panels: Frames holding multiple modules
• Wall: Multiple panels locked together

Key Specifications

**Pixel Pitch:** The distance between pixels, determining resolution and optimal viewing distance. Smaller pitch = higher resolution = higher cost.

**Brightness (Nits):** Light output capability. Indoor walls: 800-1,500 nits. Outdoor walls: 5,000-10,000+ nits.

**Refresh Rate:** How often the image updates. Higher rates reduce flicker on camera. Broadcast applications need 3,840Hz+.

Applications

**Live Events:** Concerts, festivals, corporate conferences, trade shows. Rental panels designed for quick setup and teardown.

**Permanent Installation:** Retail, lobbies, control rooms, houses of worship. Fixed panels optimized for specific environments.

**Broadcast:** Studios, newsrooms, virtual production. High refresh rates and color accuracy critical.

**Outdoor:** Billboards, building facades, stadiums. Weather-resistant with high brightness.

Advantages Over Alternatives

**vs. Projection:**

• Works in any lighting condition
• No shadows from people/objects
• Higher resolution potential
• More reliable (no lamp replacement)

**vs. LCD Video Walls:**

• No bezels/gaps between panels
• Higher brightness
• Better contrast
• More flexible shapes/sizes

Planning Considerations

**Viewing Distance:** Determines required pixel pitch. Match resolution to audience distance for best value.

**Content Resolution:** Native content resolution should match wall resolution when possible.

**Power and Data:** LED walls require significant electrical infrastructure and proper signal distribution.

**Structural Support:** Walls are heavy. Ground support, rigging, or wall mounting must be properly engineered.