Performance

Moiré Pattern

Moiré patterns are wavy, rainbow-colored interference patterns that appear when cameras capture LED displays. This artifact occurs when the camera sensor pixel grid interacts with the LED pixel grid or scan pattern. Higher refresh rates (3840Hz+) and proper camera settings minimize moiré.

Understanding Moiré Patterns

Moiré patterns are a common challenge when capturing LED displays on camera. Understanding the causes and solutions enables successful broadcast, IMAG, and virtual production applications.

What Causes Moiré

**Pixel Grid Interference:** When two regular patterns overlap at certain angles, interference creates visible moiré. This occurs between:

  • LED pixel grid and camera sensor grid
  • LED scan pattern and camera shutter timing

**Contributing Factors:**

  • Camera sensor resolution vs. LED pixel pitch
  • Camera angle relative to LED surface
  • Camera shutter speed vs. LED refresh rate
  • LED scan ratio and multiplexing

Types of LED Moiré

**Geometric Moiré:** Caused by pixel grid interaction:

  • Rainbow patterns
  • Wavy lines
  • Varies with camera distance/angle

**Temporal Moiré:** Caused by scan pattern and shutter interaction:

  • Horizontal bars or bands
  • Varies with shutter speed
  • Related to refresh rate

Prevention Strategies

**LED Panel Selection:**

  • High refresh rate: 7680Hz+ preferred
  • High scan ratio (1/8 or better)
  • Anti-moiré panel design

**Camera Settings:**

  • Adjust shutter angle (try 172.8° or 180°)
  • Experiment with frame rates
  • Slight defocus can mask moiré
  • Change camera distance or angle

**Genlock:** Synchronize camera and LED refresh for consistent relationship.

Virtual Production Considerations

**Stricter Requirements:** VP demands minimal artifacts because LED wall is final background.

**Higher Refresh Rate:** 7680Hz or higher is standard for VP panels.

**Camera Sync:** Genlock synchronization with ShutterSync or similar technology.

Troubleshooting

**Identify Type:**

  • Static rainbow patterns: Geometric moiré
  • Moving bars/bands: Temporal/scan moiré

**Adjust Accordingly:**

  • Geometric: Change distance, angle, or focus
  • Temporal: Adjust shutter, use genlock

Quality Evaluation

**Pre-Production Testing:** Always test actual camera and LED combination before event or shoot.

**Monitor During Capture:** Watch for moiré in real-time on high-quality monitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I eliminate moiré when filming LED walls?

Use high refresh rate LED panels (3840Hz minimum, 7680Hz preferred). Adjust camera settings: try different shutter angles, slightly defocus, or change camera distance/angle. Enable genlock if available. Some cameras have optical low-pass filters that reduce moiré.

Why do some LED panels show moiré while others do not?

Moiré visibility depends on refresh rate, scan ratio, and pixel pitch relative to camera sensor resolution. Higher refresh rates reduce scan-line moiré. Fine pixel pitch can create geometric moiré with camera sensors. Better panels are designed to minimize both effects.

Does moiré only appear on camera or can audiences see it?

Human eyes generally do not see moiré patterns that cameras capture, because our eyes do not have the regular grid pattern of a camera sensor. However, scan lines from low refresh rates can be visible to the human eye, especially in peripheral vision.

Related Terms

Refresh Rate

Performance

Refresh rate measures how many times per second an LED display updates its image, expressed in Hertz...

Scan Ratio

Processing

Scan ratio describes the LED driving method that determines how many pixel rows illuminate simultane...

IMAG (Image Magnification)

Production

IMAG (Image Magnification) is the live video technique of displaying close-up camera shots on large ...

Virtual Production

Virtual Production

Virtual production (VP) is a filmmaking technique that uses LED walls to display real-time computer-...

Apply This Knowledge

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