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Choosing the Right LED Screen Pixel Pitch: Distance, Content, and Budget

DATE: Aug, 17, 2024

1. Definition of Pixel Pitch

Pixel pitch, also known as pixel spacing, refers to the distance between the centers of adjacent LED beads on an LED display screen. This distance is typically measured in millimeters (mm). The smaller the number, the denser the pixel pitch, resulting in a higher level of detail and clarity in the display. (The letter "P" from the term "pixel pitch" is commonly used to abbreviate pixel pitch. For example, a screen with a pixel pitch of 2.5mm is referred to as P2.5, and a screen with a pixel pitch of 3mm is referred to as P3.)


2. How to Choose the Pixel Pitch for an LED Screen

(1) Viewing Distance: The Decisive Factor

The distance between the audience and the LED screen is the key factor in determining the pixel pitch. If the audience is close to the screen, a smaller pixel pitch is required to provide a high pixel density and a clear display effect. If the audience is further away, a larger pixel pitch can be chosen to ensure a good viewing experience while saving costs. The following are some common conversion formulas for pixel pitch and viewing distance:

Minimum Viewing Distance: The distance at which smooth images can be displayed. LED Display Viewing Distance (meters) = Pixel Pitch (mm) × 1.3

Optimal Viewing Distance: The distance at which viewers can see highly clear images. LED Display Optimal Viewing Distance (meters) = Pixel Pitch (mm) × 3

Maximum Viewing Distance: LED Display Maximum Viewing Distance = Screen Height (meters) × 30

 

Common Minimum Viewing Distances for LED Display Models:

The 1000-Fold Rule: This is a convenient method for calculating the minimum viewing distance. LED Bead Pitch (mm) × 1000 = Minimum Viewing Distance (meters). For example, an LED display with a P2.5 pixel pitch has a minimum viewing distance of approximately 2.5 meters; a P2 LED display has a minimum viewing distance of approximately 2 meters; and a P1.6 LED display has a minimum viewing distance of approximately 1.6 meters.

 

(2) Display Content: Factors Influencing Pixel Pitch

Different types of display content have different requirements for pixel pitch. For displaying detailed images, videos, and text, a smaller pixel pitch ensures higher clarity and better detail representation. For simple text, icons, or large-scale background images, the pixel pitch can be appropriately increased to balance cost and display quality.

Video Content: Common video formats include VCD (resolution 352*288) and DVD (resolution 768*576). Therefore, it is recommended that the resolution of video screens is not lower than 352*288 to ensure a good display effect.

Text and Image Content: For monochrome or bi-color LED displays primarily used for displaying text and images, the resolution requirements are relatively lower and can be chosen based on the actual size and amount of text.

 

(3) Budget Constraints: A Balancing Act

The specification of the pixel pitch directly affects the price of the LED screen. Generally, the smaller the pixel pitch, the higher the manufacturing cost. Therefore, it is crucial to weigh the budget constraints and display requirements and choose an appropriate pixel pitch specification. Within a limited budget, a trade-off must be made between clarity and cost-effectiveness.