What is Pixel Pitch (LED) and Why is it Important?

[toc]

Have you been investigating LED displays or LED video wall installations? Wondering what pixel pitch is and why it matters? Well, look no further. We’ll go over the basics of pixel pitch in LED displays and why it’s important for your viewing experience.

If you’re thinking about investing in an LED solution, our experts at Focus AV can meet with you to assess and discuss all of your LED needs, and how you can use perfect pixel pitch to your advantage. 

What is Pixel Pitch?

Imagine pixels are tiny dots on a screen, pixel pitch would then be the “blank spaces” between the dots. The more space between the pixels, the higher the pixel pitch and the lower the image quality. In technical terms, pixel pitch is the distance between the centre of a pixel to the centre of the adjacent LED pixel on an LED display, measured in millimetres (mm). Pixel pitch is a crucial factor in determining the image quality and viewing experience of an LED screen or video wall.

Pixel pitch is also sometimes referred to as “dot pitch” or simply “pitch”.

Why is Pixel Pitch Important?

Pixel pitch directly affects image quality as well as the cost of the LED screen. So, choosing the correct pixel pitch is critical to ensuring the best viewing experience. In many ways, low-quality images and displays can reflect negatively on the perceived quality and prestige of your business and brand. The difficulty here is that too large a pixel pitch will pixelate the image, while too small a pixel pitch can increase your costs without actually making significant improvements to the image quality. 

It’s also important to note that image quality will be affected by the aspect ratio as well as the original quality of the media being displayed. You can use the finest pixel pitch, but if your media is low quality, your screen will not be able to fix it. 

Understanding Different Pixel Pitches for LED Displays

When choosing a pixel pitch for your LED display, it is essential to consider the minimum viewing distance, the intended or average viewing distance, and the desired image quality. The smaller the pixel pitch, the closer the pixels are, resulting in higher screen resolution and sharper images on your LED video wall. LED walls are constructed using LED cabinets, LED clusters, LED modules, and packages, so a lower pixel pitch will require more of these components. However, this comes at a higher cost. On the other hand, a higher pixel pitch means a lower pixel density, resulting in a lower-resolution image, but a lower cost.

The table below provides an overview of the optimal viewing distance, as well as the best use cases for various pixel pitch sizes. 

Note: This table can be a useful reference for those who are planning on investing in LED displays or video walls.

Which Pixel Pitch is Right for You?

Choosing the right pixel pitch can be difficult and time-consuming without a professional guide. Here are some of the factors to consider and discuss with your LED salesperson before you make a decision. 

1. Screen size and resolution: This is the first factor to consider – pixel pitch is optimal when it matches the screen size and resolution, ensuring that the images, videos, and text are sharp and clear.
2. Viewing distance: Another essential factor is viewing distance. The optimal pixel pitch varies depending on how far the audience is situated from the LED display. A higher pixel pitch is suitable for a further viewing distance, such as viewing a large outdoor screen from about 40 metres away. However, a smaller pixel pitch is ideal for a closer viewing distance, such as viewing a high-end indoor retail display from about 3 metres away.
3. LED display modules and packages: The LED display module and package size can also impact the pixel pitch. A smaller LED module and package size will allow for a lower pixel pitch, resulting in a higher resolution.
4. Performance and maintenance: Pixel pitch can also influence the performance and maintenance of the LED display. A lower pixel pitch will require more LEDs, which require higher power consumption, resulting in more maintenance and heat generation.

With all this in mind, choosing the right pixel pitch will ensure that your LED display meets your needs and lasts long term.

Why Should You Choose the Right Pixel Pitch?

LED technology has revolutionised how we view and interact with digital content. So, let’s look at some of the benefits of making the right pixel pitch choice for your LED display.

1. Increased pixel density: A lower pixel pitch means a higher pixel density, resulting in a sharper, clearer, and more vivid image. This is key for LED displays that are viewed up close, such as indoor LED video walls, where a higher pixel density ensures a seamless and immersive viewing experience – without visible individual pixels.
2. Large pixel pitch: Larger pixel pitches can be beneficial in certain situations; for instance, outdoor LED displays viewed from a further distance can utilise a higher pixel pitch to reduce overall costs while preserving clear images and text.
3. Closer to the screen: Fine pitch LED displays have a pixel pitch of 2 mm or lower and are ideal for up-close viewing of indoor displays. These screens provide a better viewing experience without sacrificing image quality. Fine pixel pitch LED displays are also modular, which allows for easy replacement of faulty modules.
4. Higher pixel pitch universally provides greater resolution: While lower pixel pitches do offer higher resolution, higher pixel pitches also provide greater resolution universally. For example, an LED display with a 10 mm pixel pitch viewed from a distance will appear to have a higher resolution than an LED display with a 4 mm pixel pitch seen from the same distance. This is because the higher pixel pitch uses more LEDs per square metre, resulting in brighter, clearer, and more vivid images.

What if You Choose the Wrong Pixel Pitch?

The wrong choice is often due to budget constraints; however, saving money in the short term will eventually lead to very little return on your investment. In today’s economic climate, trying to save costs and cut corners is understandable, but you don’t want your end product to look cheap and/or pixelated. Consequently, working with experts who understand the technical aspects behind LED products is the best way to select the appropriate pixel pitch and ensure a great viewing experience while balancing costs. 

Get in Touch

Our experts at Focus AV Perth can guide you through the process of selecting the best pixel pitch for your LED display. We take factors such as screen size, viewing distance, LED display modules, and LED packages into account so that you can make an informed decision. Contact us today at enquiries@focusav.com.au or give us a call on 1300 757 818.