When diving into the world of LED display technology, understanding the basics is crucial. This guide will walk you through fundamental terms and technical concepts used across the LED screen industry, helping you make informed decisions whether you’re a buyer, integrator, or enthusiast.
1. What is an LED?
LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. In display applications, these are tiny light sources that emit visible light when electrically charged. LEDs are the building blocks of modern LED video walls, creating vibrant and dynamic visuals.
2. What is an LED Display Module?
An LED display module is the core structural unit of an LED screen. It consists of LED pixels, driver circuits, and a protective casing. Multiple modules are assembled together to create larger displays, from indoor signage to large-scale outdoor LED billboards.
An LED display is a screen made from a matrix of LED modules. Controlled digitally, these displays show video, images, animations, and text content in real time. LED displays are widely used in retail, stage events, corporate environments, and public spaces.
4. What is a Pixel (Pixel Point)?
A pixel is the smallest light-emitting element on an LED screen, similar to a pixel on a computer monitor. Each pixel usually includes red, green, and blue LED chips (RGB), allowing for full-color output through color mixing.
5. What is Pixel Pitch (Dot Pitch)?
Pixel pitch (or dot pitch) measures the distance in millimeters between the centers of two adjacent pixels. A smaller pixel pitch means higher resolution and greater image clarity, ideal for short-viewing distances.
6. What is Pixel Density?
Pixel density refers to the number of pixels per square meter (dots/m²) and is directly related to pixel pitch. The formula is:(1000 ÷ Pixel Pitch in mm)²
For example, a P1.25 screen has a density of(1000 ÷ 1.25)² = 640,000 dots/m².
Higher density means sharper visuals, especially for high-definition LED displays.
7. Brightness
Brightness describes the intensity of light emitted by the LEDs and is measured in nits (cd/m²).
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Indoor LED displays: 800–1200 nits
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Outdoor LED screens: 5000–10000 nits
Choose brightness according to your environment to ensure visibility without discomfort.
8. Refresh Rate
Refresh rate refers to how often the display updates its image per second, measured in Hertz (Hz).
Higher refresh rates (like 1920Hz or 3840Hz) reduce flickering, offering smoother visuals — especially important in broadcast, live events, and sports displays.
9. Resolution
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Module resolution = horizontal pixels × vertical pixels per module
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Screen resolution = horizontal × vertical pixels of the full screen
Higher resolution delivers more detail and a clearer, more immersive viewing experience.
10. Contrast Ratio
Contrast ratio is the difference between the brightest and darkest displayable pixel.
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Higher contrast = vivid colors and sharp images
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Lower contrast = dull or washed-out visuals
Using full black LEDs helps maximize contrast on both indoor and outdoor displays.
11. Grayscale
Grayscale refers to how many levels of brightness a display can show from darkest to brightest.
High grayscale capability ensures smoother gradients, more lifelike images, and greater detail in shadows and highlights.
12. Viewing angle
Many people mistakenly believe the viewing angle refers to any angle from which you look at the screen — even trying to view it from the extreme side. However, that’s not entirely accurate.
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The viewing angle is closely related to brightness. It refers to the angle at which the screen’s brightness drops to 50% of the brightness measured directly in front of the screen (normal axis).
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The angle is measured in both the horizontal and vertical directions.
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Within the viewing angle range, the audience can enjoy optimal image quality and brightness.
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Once beyond this range, the image will appear dimmed (less than 50% brightness), and overall display quality will be significantly reduced.
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A wide viewing angle ensures that the content remains clear and vibrant for viewers watching from different positions — making it ideal for large venues or open public areas.
🔍 Conclusion: Learn More About LED Displays
Understanding the basics of LED display systems sets the foundation for better planning, selection, and installation of screens in any environment. From pixel pitch and brightness to contrast and viewing angle, these technical specs directly impact performance and visual impact.
👉 Want to learn more about LED display technology?
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