Resolution
Resolution describes the total number of pixels in an LED display, expressed as width times height (e.g., 1920x1080). Unlike fixed-resolution monitors, LED walls can be any resolution based on the panels used and their arrangement. Common configurations match standard video resolutions like 1080p or 4K, but custom resolutions are equally valid.
Understanding LED Wall Resolution
Resolution in LED displays works differently than in traditional monitors. While monitors have fixed resolutions determined by their LCD or OLED panels, LED walls achieve any resolution by arranging modular panels in various configurations.
Calculating Resolution
LED panel resolution is specified in pixels per panel. Common configurations include:
- 500mm x 500mm panels at 2.9mm pitch: 168 x 168 pixels
- 500mm x 1000mm panels at 2.6mm pitch: 192 x 384 pixels
- 600mm x 337.5mm panels at 1.5mm pitch: 400 x 225 pixels
Total wall resolution equals panels across times pixels per panel width, and panels down times pixels per panel height.
Standard vs. Custom Resolutions
Matching Standard Resolutions: Configuring LED walls to exactly 1920x1080 (1080p) or 3840x2160 (4K) simplifies content creation since standard video formats map directly. However, this constrains physical size options.
Custom Resolutions: Most LED walls use custom resolutions dictated by venue size, aspect ratio requirements, or panel inventory. LED processors scale standard video content to these custom dimensions.
Resolution and Content Workflow
Content creators need the actual LED wall resolution to design custom graphics. Even when scaling standard video, graphics, lower-thirds, and titles should be designed at the native wall resolution for maximum sharpness.
Resolution and Viewing Distance
Higher resolution provides more detail, but only when viewers are close enough to perceive it. A 4K wall viewed from 100 feet away looks no different from a 1080p wall of the same physical size. Match resolution to your actual viewing distances.
Processor Resolution Limits
LED processors have maximum resolution limits, typically expressed as total pixel capacity (e.g., 8 million pixels). Verify your processor can handle your intended wall resolution before specifying equipment.
Practical Considerations
When designing LED walls, start with physical size requirements, then work backward to resolution. Choose a pixel pitch appropriate for viewing distance, calculate the resulting resolution, and verify processor and content workflow compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my LED wall resolution?
Multiply the horizontal panel count by pixels per panel width, and vertical panel count by pixels per panel height. For example, 8 panels wide x 4 panels tall using 500x500 pixel panels equals 4000x2000 pixel resolution.
Should my LED wall match 1080p or 4K exactly?
Not necessarily. While matching standard resolutions simplifies content creation, LED processors can scale any content to any resolution. Choose your wall size based on venue requirements, then configure your content workflow accordingly.
What resolution do I need for text to be readable?
Text readability depends on character height in pixels. Aim for at least 16 pixels of height for comfortable reading at typical viewing distances. Larger displays viewed from farther away need more total resolution to maintain pixel density for text.
Related Terms
Pixel Pitch
BasicsPixel pitch is the distance in millimeters between the center of one LED pixel and the center of an ...
Aspect Ratio
BasicsAspect ratio is the proportional relationship between display width and height, expressed as width:h...
LED Processor
ProcessingAn LED processor is the video processing device that receives input signals (HDMI, SDI, DisplayPort)...
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