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LED Sign Basics

What you need to know about a suitable digital LED display for your business.

What is an LED display?

An LED sign consists of a matrix of individual LED lights (LED pixels) that are individually controlled to make text, picture or video images.

The Basics

Before selecting an LED sign, its necessary to understand the basic parameters and why they are important. These parameters are Pixel Pitch, Matrix, Viewing and Reading Angle, Viewing Distance and Viewing Time. These parameters determine which type of sign is best suited for your business. Let’s start with the general information and concepts of LED signs.

LED Pitch

The led pitch is the center-to-center spacing of the LEDs in an LED display. A smaller led pitch means there is less space between the pixels and therefore more pixels resulting in a higher resolution and better image quality.

Viewing distance is the main factor in determining the pixel pitch. For indoor LED signs with short viewing distances and stationary viewing. a high resolution sign (2mm to 6mm led pitch) is required. For outdoor signs, 6.67, 8mm and 10mm LED pitches are recommended.

Display Resolution

The display resolution is determined by the number of LEDs that make up a sign, (height x width). The display resolution is determined by the number of LEDs that will fit into a specified area. As the LED pixel pitch decreases, more LEDs will fit into a given area so the resolution will increase.

RGB Color

Color LED Displays are made up of 3 LEDs, 1 red, 1 green, and 1 blue which when viewed from a distance they are seen as a single color.

Viewing Angle

For LED Displays, viewing angle is the maximum angle at which a display can be viewed with acceptable visual performance. LED Displays are brightest when viewed straight on and become less bright and less readable as the viewer moves away from center, therefore is important to purchase a screen incorporating Wide Angle LED’s.

The viewing angle is measured from side-to-side, and will be given as the maximum degree from center that the sign can be viewed. Some LEDs exhibit different behavior in horizontal and vertical axis, and manufacturers will specify maximum usable viewing angles in both directions. Usually, the LEDs used for signs will have a greater horizontal viewing angle, and smaller vertical viewing angle.

Viewing Angle

While in most applications a wide viewing and is preferred, in some types of signs, such as traffic signage, a narrow viewing angle is used, to direct the message at the intended viewer at maximum brightness.

Viewing Time and Distance

When choosing a LED sign, consideration of viewing time and distance is key. As the distance at which the sign will be viewed increases, the character height must also increase. As a rule of thumb, for every inch of character of height, the viewing distance increases by 50 ft. If you are aiming at a stationary audience, such as traffic at a stop light or shopping center, you can choose smaller size with higher resolution (pixel pitch). If you are aiming at moving traffic, the viewing time will be less a larger size character is required.

Controller Types

There are 2 types of LED Sign Controllers, Synchronous and Asynchronous

Synchronous Control

Synchronous Control requires a computer to be connected directly to the LED display and operating full time. This is type of control method is best suited for large billboards, Video backgrounds for stages, and scoreboards where you require a direct video feed, large memory capacity, real time control, or are running 3rd party software. Since Synchronous Controls are computer based, it is easy to upgrade the hardware and add additional software apps. The computer can be located in an office or inside the sign cabinet. When the computer is located in an office or control room, data cable is needed to connect to the sign. If mounted in the LED Display cabinet, the computer will still require a data connection (wired or wireless) and will be subjected to harsh environmental conditions (summer/winter temperature extremes), dust and humidity.

Asynchronous Control

Asynchronous Controlled Displays use an Embedded Micro Controller located within the sign cabinet. They are meant for autonomous operation with all advertising data saved on internal flash memory then played back according to a programmed schedule. Asynchronous controllers are not suited for real time control and the hardware and software is not easily upgraded. The controllers are designed for harsh environments.

It is essential that you understand pixel pitch and relation between pixel pitch, resolution and viewing distance in order to make best decision according to your requirements, space and budget.

Pixel Pitch

How Pixel Pitch Effects Image Quality?

Pixel pitch determines the resolution, minimum viewing distance and best viewing distance of an LED screen. A smaller pixel pitch allows more pixels per square foot and results in a more detailed and higher image quality. If the display is to be viewed from a short distance, a LED display with a small pixel pitch is required. The following chart shows the pixel pitch effect vs minimum viewing distance.

Minimum Viewing Distance

How to choose the best Pixel Pitch size for your location?

A display with a large pixel pitch will have almost the same image quality as a smaller pixel, as long as the viewing distance is within the best viewing distance range for that pixel size. A smaller pixel pitch will deliver you better image quality, but at a long distance the difference will be difficult to notice and the cost will be higher. To save costs and ensure the best visibility first determine the distance from the sign to your audience. Adtronics will survey your location and determine the right display pitch to save you money.

When considering an outdoor display, a 10mm pitch resolution is usually the best choice economically as most outdoor displays are viewed from 32 ft. or greater. When your audience is closer than 32 ft. from your sign and you are displaying graphics refer to the viewing distance chart to determine the best resolution. If the intention is to display text only 10mm is the best display choice from any distance.

Take an LED sign with a pixel pitch of 10mm. The minimum viewing distance for a 10mm pixel is 32 ft (10m) and the best viewing distance is 60ft (20m) and further. So, if your audience will be viewing the display from 32ft to 160ft (10m to 50m) away, they will see an acceptable image quality with a fading level of pixilation from 32ft to 60ft (10m to 20m) and very good image quality after 60ft (20m). So, while you could increase the image quality using an 8mm pixel, (with a higher cost) the benefit is marginal since the viewing distance of 30ft to 160ft (10m to 50m), is already within the recommended viewing distance for a 10mm pixel. To save costs and to ensure the best choice display for your location, determining the proper pixel pitch vs. viewing distance is essential.

Adtronics will survey your location and determine the right display pitch to save you money.

The following table gives the Minimum and Best Viewing Distance for different Pixel Sizes:

Pixel Pitch Minimum Viewing Distance Best Viewing Distance
1.5mm 5ft (1.5m) 10ft (3m)
3mm 10ft (3m) 20ft (6m)
4mm 13ft (4m) ≥ 25ft (8m)
6mm 20ft (6m) ≥ 40ft (12m)
8mm 26ft (4m) ≥ 50ft (16m)
10mm 32ft (4m) ≥ 60ft (20m)

Each location requirements are different, 4mm, 6mm, 6.67mm, 8mm, 10mm pixel pitch

Pixel Pitch6.67mm8mm10mm16mm20mm
Pixels per Sq Ft20881452929363232
Displayable Colors281 Trillion281 Trillion281 Trillion281 Trillion281 Trillion
LEDs Per Pixel1R/1G/1B1R/1G/1B1R/1G/1B1R/1G/1B1R/1G/1B
Viewing Angle160 Degrees160 Degrees160 Degrees160 Degrees160 Degrees
Contrast Ratio1000:11000:11000:11000:11000:1
Brightness>9000 nits (+)>9000 nits (+)>9000 nits (+)>9000 nits>9000 nits
LED Life100,000 hrs (+)100,000 hrs (+)100,000 hrs (+)100,000 hrs100,000 hrs
Operating Temperature-40F to +140F
(-40C to +60C)
-40F to +140F
(-40C to +60C)
-40F to +140F
(-40C to +60C)
-40F to +140F
(-40C to +60C)
-40F to +140F
(-40C to +60C)
Graphic CapabilityText, Picture, Video
(jpg, bmp, gif, swf, wmv, avi, mp4)
Text, Picture, Video
(jpg, bmp, gif, swf, wmv, avi, mp4)
Text, Picture, Video
(jpg, bmp, gif, swf, wmv, avi, mp4)
Text, Picture, Video
(jpg, bmp, gif, swf, wmv, avi, mp4)
Text, Picture, Video
(jpg, bmp, gif, swf, wmv, avi, mp4)
Control Software OptionsXM Player-Novastar Pluto Manager
Windows OS
XM Player- Novastar Pluto Manager
Windows OS
XM Player- Novastar Pluto Manager
Windows OS
XM Player or       Pluto Manager
Windows OS
XM Player or       Pluto Manager
Windows OS
ComplianceUL48-15, CSA C22.2 No. 207-15UL48-15, CSA C22.2 No. 207-15UL48-15, CSA C22.2 No. 207-15UL48-15, CSA C22.2 No. 207-15UL48-15, CSA C22.2 No. 207-15
Warranty5 year parts / factory labor5 year parts / factory labor5 year parts / factory labor5 year parts / factory labor5 year parts / factory labor

One of the most important considerations for any electronic sign installation is how to communicate with the sign and how it will be updated. There are many factors to consider in determining the best communication method. Choosing which communication method best suites your needs, consider the following questions:

  • How often do you change the sign information?
  • What is the distance between your computer and the LED sign?
  • What is height of your sign and how accessible is it?
  • Can you provide data cable or Wireless Ethernet connection in the sign location?

There are many communication methods and each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

USB Flash Communication

USB Flash communication is the most basic type of communication. It requires you to export the new message data and sign settings to a USB flash drive and then go to the sign and manually upload the files from the USB drive to the sign.

AdvantageDisadvantage
This is the most basic type of communication. It requires no extra data cable or hardware that could fail, and is easy to repair and maintain.To use USB communication, you need to go to the sign to upload you messages which may not be convenient.
USB Flash Communication for LED Signs

Data Cable Communication

Wired Data Cable communication uses a direct wired Ethernet connection (Cat5/6 or Fiber Optic) between the sign management computer and the LED sign. It is inexpensive, easy to install, and requires no extra hardware that may fail.

AdvantageDisadvantage
Wired Data Cable communication is inexpensive and is easy to install.When used outdoors, data cable is usually run underground in conduit. If there is no existing conduit, running new conduit for long distances or across sidewalks, and paved areas can be expensive.
Data Cable Communication for LED Signs

Wireless Communication

Wireless communication has become the standard option for local communication to LED signs because it is inexpensive and easy to install. The sign management computer communicates with the LED sign directly using RF point to point wireless or 2.4/5.0 GHz wireless Ethernet.

AdvantageDisadvantage
Wireless communication is inexpensive, easy to set up and doesn’t require data cables to be run through your building or across parking lots.Wireless communication has a distance limit and there must be Line-of-sight between the transmitting and receiving antennas. The signal will not pass-through buildings or go around corners.
Wireless Communication for LED Signs

Internet Communication

This communication method is best for controlling one or several electronic sign from a central location or from an off-site location. The sign management computer communicates with the LED sign through an internet connection. Each sign would require an internet connection either at the sign or from a near by building with a wired or wireless connection bridging the distance between the sign and building. There is no distance limitation between the controlling PC and the sign.

AdvantageDisadvantage
Can control one or several LED Signs or LED displays from any computer with the software installed and connected to internet. There is no distance limitation. Can use Secure TCP/IP.An internet connection needs to be provided both at the computer and location(s). There would be a monthly fee for the internet service.
Internet Communication for LED Signs

Mobile Data – GPRS Communication

This communication method is best for controlling outdoor or mobile electronic signs from a far distance. The controlling software communicates with the LED sign through an internet connection, by uploading the message files to a Cloud Server. At the sign, the message files are downloaded from the Cloud Server using a controller that has mobile data (GPRS/3G/4G) connection.

AdvantageDisadvantage
Can control one or several LED Signs from any computer with the software installed and an internet connection. The LED Signs can be mobile or fixed. There is no distance limitation and it doesn’t require any data cabling in the sign location.Each sign would need to have its own mobile data plan, with a monthly fee.
3G/4G Communication using Cloud Server

One of the most important factors that is easily ignored when purchasing a sign is the sign’s cabinet structure. There are different types of cabinets and a LED sign cabinet should be carefully chosen based on the size, installation height, and accessibility.
The main concern when choosing a cabinet is maintenance. Considering the high cost of labor, lift equipment, transportation, work permits and more, a properly chosen LED sign cabinet can significantly save repair and servicing costs.
Adtronics’ IP rated cabinets prevent water and dust ingress and are manufactured from aluminum our cabinets are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Outdoor Rear Service

Rear service cabinets have large access doors at the rear for electronic service. The cabinets need to be installed with sufficient space to allow the doors to swing open, 24” to 30” with no obstructions. Cabinets can be joined vertically and horizontally to make up any size sign. This type of LED cabinet is suitable for large signs and billboards.

Advantages:

  • Low Cost
  • Strong Body
  • No limitation for the sign height or length
  • The electronics can be serviced from a catwalk without the need for a bucket truck

Disadvantages:

  • Requires space in back for access
  • Modules still need to be removed from the front, requiring a bucket truck

Outdoor Front Open Service

Front hinged cabinets are made in two parts. The back side of the cabinet can be attached directly to a wall or structure, while the front door panel can lift up for service. This type of LED cabinet is suitable for any application without space at the back for rear service access.

Advantages:

  • Easy Access for Repair and Service
  • With doors open all electronics are easily accessible

Disadvantages:

  • Sign height is limited 72 inches
  • Requires minimum 3” clearance top and bottom for the door panel to open.
  • Usually requires bucket truck for service

Front Removable Modules

Front Removable Modules are installed from the front and locked in place using a key. By eliminating the need for hinged doors, the cabinets can be made slimmer and lighter. Cabinets can be stacked vertically and horizontally to make up any size sign. This type of LED cabinet is suitable for large signs and billboards.

Advantages:

  • Easy Access for Repair and Service
  • No limitation for the sign height or length
  • No mounting clearance restrictions at rear, top, or bottom
  • Suitable for High resolution LED displays

Disadvantages:

  • Requires bucket truck for service
  • May require multiple LED panels to be removed to diagnose problems