Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can be found in torches, lamps and the backlight of most LCD screens; essentially they are tiny light bulbs. Direct View LED (DV-LED) solutions comprise of individual LEDs that light up with different colours to create an image; so think of each LED as a pixel. Our ranges of Direct View LED solutions use surface mounted device (SMD) technology, combining red, green and blue micro LEDs so each pixel can create a full range of colours. Direct View LED displays have a modular design so they can be made to fit any space. Content is sent, usually from a media player, to a sending box which then distributes the image to each module and in turn each LED.
When thinking about Video Wall technology the major choice you will be faced with is whether LED or LCD is the way to go. Both have their unique advantages and strengths depending on your requirements, expectations and resources.
Direct View LED Video Wall | LCD Video Wall |
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Between each module and cabinet there are no seams across the entire display, creating a seamless display. | Between each panel there is an ultra-narrow bezel that can be as thin as 0.8mm screen to screen. |
Fill any space thanks to the smaller cabinet sizes and modular design, is not bound to 16:9 aspect ratio. | As standard come in a fixed 16:9 aspect ratio, ideal for displaying High Definition content but more limiting. |
Both indoor and outdoor options available. | Can only be used for indoor applications. |
Ultra high contrast ratios achieve true blacks and an unbelievable colour range. | Smaller pixel pitch can potentially produce higher resolutions, depending on content and media player. |
Bespoke installation required. | More user friendly hardware. |
Robust, rugged enclosures. | Very fragile LCD panels can be damaged easily during installation. |
Unbelievable levels of brightness can be achieved, ideal for outdoor applications that need to compete with the sun. | Designed specifically for indoor use so not available in high brightness. |
Can be accessed from front or rear making maintenance flexible and simple. | Typically use pop-out wall mounts for serviceability. |
100,000 hours lifetime. | 70,000 hours lifetime. |
Premium solution. | Affordable option. |
One factor to consider when planning your DV-LED project is viewing distance and how pixel pitch plays a part in this. Pixel pitch refers to the distance between each LED/pixel, so in a P6 DV-LED Video Wall there would be 6mm between each pixel, both horizontally and vertically. This is why typically indoor DV-LED solutions have lower pixel pitches when compared to outdoor DV-LED solutions as you would expect outdoor displays to be viewed from a further distance. When deciding which pixel pitch is right for you, a general rule of thumb is the number after the “P” dictates the optimum viewing distance in meters. For example, the optimum viewing distance for a P6 DV-LED display is 6 meters or more.
An Direct View LED solution is made up of several components. The first of which is the media player, which sends the content via HDMI to the sending box. The sending box processes this video signal and sends it to the receiving card of the first LED cabinet. Each cabinet, which is comprised of separate LED modules, is then daisy chained to one another using a CAT5 cable to carry this signal.
All Digital Signage solutions require a commercial display, a media player and a content management system; this theory is no different with a Direct View LED display. Just like with our LCD based Digital Signage solutions, we can provide an all-in-one Direct View LED solution. By sourcing all of the necessary components from one supplier you can eliminate problems that arise when supporting and maintaining a solution from separate manufacturers and software suppliers. Our software is more streamlined and user-friendly, as we are not competing with traditional Digital Signage software companies who add an abundance of generally redundant features. Using over a decade of industry experience, research and development we have developed a content management system that works in sync with our Direct View LED displays.
Our Direct View LED solutions can be installed quickly and efficiently due to smart interlocking cabinets and secure magnets. When it comes to installation of Direct View LED there are multiple factors that need to be taken into account. Where is the Direct View LED display being mounted; is it going on a wall or a custom built freestanding structure? Is a structural engineer needed? Will extra equipment such as a cherry picker be required? Is the display a permanent install or a temporary rental? How much and what type of power is going to be needed? We can provide as much support as necessary when it comes to the installation of your Direct View LED solution.
LED is one of the most durable and reliable display technologies available but like any form of equipment it does need to be properly maintained to ensure optimum performance. The failure rate of LED is astonishingly low and even when it does occur the modules can be easily accessed and swapped out. The level of maintenance required can be mitigated by considering certain factors during the design and installation stage, such as making sure there is sufficient ventilation. Direct View LED solutions are not a ‘fit and forget’ type of technology and that is why we can offer maintenance packages where appropriate, so you can be sure your Direct View LED display is properly cared for and has a long lifetime of operation.