Commercial TV displays, video walls, digital signage, billboards, and sporting venues are just a few of the applications for which LED displays are designed. The display’s pixel density determines how clear each of those business applications will be.
A smaller pixel pitch is better because the density of pixels used to form the image on your display increases as the pitch measurement decreases. A display has a higher resolution when the pixel pitch is lower.
For example, a 1.5mm LED display will have a complete resolution of 2.75x that of a 1mm LED panel. You can immediately see the clarity in the presentation between pitches by contrasting those differences on an enormous video wall. A 1mm pixel pitch results in a resolution comparable to a UHD 4K display at the appropriate viewing distance to a 16′ by 9′ video wall. On the other hand, a 20mm setting on the same wall and space considerably lowers the resolution.
A video wall display that has a lower pixel pitch is more expensive than one with a higher pixel pitch. Consider the cost associated with establishing the proper level of visual acuity for operators as you layout your new video wall.
Why is pixel pitch significant?
Pixel pitch is a significant factor to consider while setting up a video wall because it affects the ideal viewing distance for your display. Lower pixel pitch values provide smoother borders and finer details in an image. This enables the viewer to get closer to the screen and take a crisp image without being distracted by pixel-by-pixel detail.
The general guideline is that a smaller pixel pitch enables a closer viewing distance when determining viewing distance and pixel pitch. On the other hand, a large pixel pitch lengthens the minimum viewing distance. A screen with a 1.2 mm pixel pitch will have a far greater resolution and a closer ideal viewing distance than a screen with a 16 mm pixel pitch.
Although increasing pixel density results in better visual quality, it is not always the best choice. A closer viewing distance necessitates a higher pixel density. Higher pixel density loses its visual benefits at a farther viewing distance. It only increases the price of the display.
Which pixel pitch is ideal for your needs?
Better resolution is always achieved with smaller pixel pitches, but the cost is higher. Since more LED clusters are needed to produce a higher pixel density, narrower pixel pitches have higher material and production costs.
By figuring out the ideal viewing distance for their LED screen, consumers may get the most for their money. The image clarity is maintained at the perfect viewing distance. Still, if the observer were to get any closer, the image quality would drop, or the screen would appear pixelated.
For instance, a display with interactive touch capabilities will require a low pixel pitch to provide clear visuals for the audience in the immediate vicinity. On the other hand, a greater pixel pitch could be used for an LED screen visible from above viewers, like one suspended in an arena. The quick answer is that a smaller pixel pitch will always result in a higher-quality image. Still, the investment will not be fully appreciated if the screen is not viewed from a near enough distance.
How to measure the viewing distance for a video wall?
The following three methods are commonly used in the industry to determine a reasonable viewing distance:
- The 10x Rule is an easy way to determine an approximation of the visual acuity distance.
- The formula is: Approximate Viewing Distance in Feet = Pixel Pitch x 10
- Visual acuity distance, commonly referred to as retina distance, is a formula used to determine how far away from an LED display someone with 20/20 vision must stand to see a clear, unpixelated image.
- The math is as follows: Millimeters of Visual Acuity = Pixel Pitch x 3438.
The average comfortable viewing distance is an estimation of the distance that most people would find pleasant. This estimate is based on the individual and will consider factors like eyesight, content type and resolution. In order to get the perfect resolution, it is better to call in professionals.
How to Pick the Best Pixel Pitch?
There are five key considerations when determining the ideal pixel pitch for an LED video wall.
- Board dimensions:
You can work backwards from the intended size of your LED board to determine the ideal pixel pitch. As a general rule of thumb, divide your horizontal dimension by (1.9m) 6.3 feet to get your pixel pitch for a rectangular board with a shorter vertical dimension than the horizontal dimension to get a standard resolution of 1920 x 1080 (in mm). Therefore, a 4mm pixel pitch is ideal for, for instance, a 25.2 (7.6m) by 14.2-foot (4.3m) board since 25.2 / 6.3 = 4. - The ideal viewing distance for an LED display:
To determine the perfect pixel pitch, divide your intended viewing distance (in feet) by 8 if you know the appropriate viewing distance for your LED board, such as the distance to a billboard from a motorway (in mm). In this case, a 4mm pixel pitch would be appropriate for a 32-foot (9.7m) viewing distance since 32 / 8 = 4. - Indoor or Outdoor: For a more cost-effective solution without compromising customer experience, outdoor screens can employ a bigger pixel pitch since they will typically be viewed from a greater average viewing distance. Indoor screens, however, are normally visible from across a room or lounge at the furthest point, making a smaller pixel pitch more crucial in these applications.
- LED display resolution: As previously said, a lower pixel pitch is required if you need a greater resolution. Similarly, you can utilise a higher pixel pitch if you don’t mind using a lower resolution.
- Budget: Given your available resources, it’s crucial to consider the best pixel pitch for your application. It is useless to know about a better pixel pitch if it is out of your price range, so always consider your budget when selecting a pixel pitch as generally the smaller the pixel pitch the higher the price.
A general rule is that higher quality and more precise images will always emerge from a lower pixel pitch. However, it is only worthwhile spending the additional money needed to acquire this degree of sophistication if the purpose calls for it.
Typical Measurements of Pixel Pitch for a Video Wall
LED screens used for indoor screens typically have pixel pitches between 4mm and 20mm. A 4mm pixel pitch is generally ideal in retail stores and offices where most customers stand close to their screens. Similarly, since travellers can view these tiny screens up close, airport signage often uses pixel pitches between 5 and 6 mm. Since customers will be looking at these signs from across the street or down the block, LED displays in store windows typically have pixel pitches closer to 11mm. Close-up resolution is less significant in this case because those close to the store would already understand the sign’s message.
Typically, outdoor screens employ LED displays with pixel pitches between 16 and 25 mm. What pixel pitch is suitable for LED signs? 16mm is a decent estimate for more minor signs. 16mm to 20mm is a decent range for tiny digital billboards. At the same time, 25mm to 32mm is sufficient for more enormous digital billboards. Since they are rarely seen up close, all of these pixel pitches are larger than the indoor values mentioned above. Considering the budget, selecting a bigger pixel pitch is wise because costs in these large applications can add up.
calculating pixel pitch vs viewing distance
| Pixel Pitch | Visual Acuity Distance | Avg. Viewing Distance |
| 0.75mm | 2.58m | 1.29m |
| 1.00mm | 3.44m | 1.72m |
| 1.25mm | 4.30m | 2.15m |
| 1.50mm | 5.16m | 2.58m |
| 1.75mm | 6.02m | 3.01m |
| 2.00mm | 6.88m | 3.44m |
| 2.25mm | 7.74m | 3.87m |
| 2.50mm | 8.60m | 4.30m |
| 2.75mm | 9.45m | 4.73m |
| 3.00mm | 10.31m | 5.16m |
| 4.00mm | 13.75m | 6.88m |
| 5.00mm | 17.19m | 8.60m |
| 6.00mm | 20.63m | 10.31m |
| 7.00mm | 24.07m | 12.03m |
| 8.00mm | 27.50m | 13.75 |
| 9.00mm | 30.94m | 15.47m |
| 10.00mm | 34.38m | 17.19. |
FAQs
- What is LED pixel pitch or pixel pitch?
Pixel pitch is the distance between the centres of each pixel on an LED display. Millimetres are used to measure adjacent centres. - What other name does pixel pitch have?
Other names for pixel pitch include dot pitch, line pitch, phosphor pitch, and stripe pitch. All words share the idea of pixel spacing. - What do pixel density and pixel pitch mean?
Pixels per inch (PPI), a commonly used indicator of pixel density, expresses how many pixels can be found in one square inch of an LED display. - What is the perfect pixel pitch?
This is dependent upon what you need. A higher resolution is achieved with a narrower pixel pitch because there is less space between consecutive pixels. In contrast, a lower resolution is achieved with a smaller pixel per inch number because a lower PPI indicates a lower pixel density. if the viewing distance is close then the pixel pitch needs to be small else the image will look good.