In the fast-paced world of display technologies, direct view LED screens have emerged as a shining star. With their ability to captivate audiences, even in broad daylight, LED displays are becoming increasingly popular in work spaces.  

But there’s a lot that goes into fully understanding your LED display and selecting the right one for your space. From pixel equity to display height, viewing distance to pixel pitch, it’s easy to become overwhelmed or, even worse, fail to optimize your device.

As experts in workplace innovation, we’re readily able to break down the process of understanding which direct view LED display is perfect for you and your space - down to what pixel equity best suits your room, what display height fits your space, and what distance your furniture should sit from it.  

So, how do you demystify the complexities of direct view LED displays? We recommend working backward.  

Take a New Approach  

Don’t be left guessing how to fully optimize your dream direct view LED that’s already been installed. Instead, calibrate your “perfect display checklist” with your physical space requirements.

What is the ideal display size for your conference room? It’ll determine what pixel pitch and resolution will fit that size display. How tall does your display need to be in order to efficiently fill the wall space? That’ll let you know where you should position your conference room table and chairs.  

The “4, 6, and 8 Rule”

Before you purchase a direct view LED display, consider the size of your conference room, where you’d like your furniture, and the total space you have to work with. The larger the room, the larger your screen can be. That’s because the height of your LED screen plays a crucial role in determining the optimal viewing distance as well as the ideal furniture arrangement within your conference room.  

You want to think about this in advance of purchasing a certain screen size to make sure your furniture will be able to sit at the recommended viewing distance. Opting for a screen that is too large can create an uncomfortable viewing experience, much like sitting in the front row at a movie theater. On the other hand, selecting a screen that is too small presents its own set of challenges as your meeting attendees will struggle to view the information displayed on the screen, which can hinder collaboration.

Luckily, there’s an easy way to determine your screen size: an AV industry trick called the “4, 6, and 8 Rule.”

It's all about finding the right distance between viewers and display screens for the best viewing experience. Here's how it works:

1. Analytical Viewing - If you need to analyze small details like small font text or intricate drawings, the viewer should sit no further than four times the vertical height of the display. Think Excel charts and web content browsing.
2. Basic Viewing - When you can make decisions based on the overall image without focusing on every detail, go for a distance of up to six times the vertical height. This applies to presentations with detailed images or information displays meant for a group.
3. Passive Viewing - For casual viewing where you can recognize images without getting into the nitty-gritty, sit at a maximum distance of eight times the vertical height. This is best for video conferencing, one-to-many presentations, or watching videos.

What is Pixel Pitch? What Pixel Pitch Do I Need?  

Simply put, in a direct view LED display, each individual light emitting diode (the term that makes up the LED acronym) typically represents one pixel. Pixel pitch refers to the distance between each of these. It’s measured in millimeters and determines the resolution and image quality of your LED.

Here are the commonly used pixel pitch sizes and their ideal applications:

Fine Pixel Pitch (less than 2mm): This size offers outstanding resolution and impeccable image clarity. It's the perfect choice for situations where viewers are up close to the screen, like control rooms, boardrooms, or broadcast studios. With a fine pixel pitch, you can be sure that even small text, detailed graphics, and intricate content will be crystal clear.

Standard Pixel Pitch (2mm to 4mm): This mid-range size strikes a nice balance between resolution and viewing distance. It’s an excellent option for digital signage and works well in environments such as lobbies and conference rooms where viewers are at a moderate distance from the screen. You'll enjoy clear visuals and legible text while keeping the solution cost-effective.

Coarse Pixel Pitch (greater than 4mm): When you need displays with larger pixel pitches, it's usually because the viewing distance is greater, like in stadiums, arenas, concert venues, or large auditoriums. Coarse pixel pitch displays ensure excellent visibility, even from far away. You can rest assured your content will remain vibrant and impactful, capturing the attention of everyone within viewpoint, even at a distance.

So, whether you're looking for high-resolution detail up close, a balanced solution for moderate distances, or powerful visibility from afar, we’ll find you a pixel pitch size that's just right for your needs.  

There’s plenty to learn about direct view LED displays. By understanding the optimal viewing distances and considering factors like screen height and pixel pitch before purchasing your direct view LED display, you can create an immersive visual experience that leaves a lasting impact. Let scientific data guide you in choosing the right LED display for your space and transform it into a captivating visual delight.  

As always, we’re here to help. We recommend checking out these solutions for yourself at our collaborative showroom, NextSpaceNextSpace. Upon touring, we will be able to further dive into the complexities of LEDs and see just how well we can simplify it.  

Register your tour today.