LED walls are the solution if you need to engage an audience on the stage with your performance, shows, and information. That is why, in the next few minutes, I will tell you all you need to know to get started, from understanding the led display technology to the technical details, practically and intuitively. However, you also have up-to-date market options and even price comparatives to delight your crowd.
The Basis
Firstly, let’s clarify what a LED wall is. We are already familiar with a big LED screen which is a panel that covers numerous tiny light-emitting diodes. When these diodes are arranged strategically, they produce an image. We have them on our phones, laptops, and some, even cars; they are everywhere. This is so because it is a very reliable tech and extremely versatile and can withstand weather as well as staying active for days without malfunctioning.
So, a led display panel is just an extension of this concept, an identical technique but scaled up. This is essentially a large computer screen that can display anything you can imagine, whether it’s a scene from space, a rainforest, a traffic sign, or a marketing campaign. Digital stage backgrounds are widely used in various settings such as churches, advertising banners, concerts, theaters, weddings, shopping malls, retail shops, DJ’s events, trade shows and much more. They can even be used for a movie night with your neighbors. The possibilities are endless, and you can apply these types of products to any stage.
What do you need to know before installing a stage background?
Before installing an LED screen for your event, you must determine its location and the space the panels will cover because It is important to buy the correct size of panels to cover the correct amount of surface area. For example, a standard LED display package 11.5′ x 6.6′ P3.91mm is constructed with 28 led tiles or panels, achieving an aspect ratio of 7:4. However, there are many other options to fit your needs.
Besides that, you need all the other parts, for instance, the frame where everything comes to be one piece, and video processors like NovaStar Mctrl300 with 1.99mm High-resolution panels. This equipment has HDMI, VGA, and DVI inputs and the sending card and cables; also, it is crucial to make sure you have some spare parts for the smaller components. The number of ports required by each screen will determine the processor to use. Considering that each panel has a specific pixel count and size.
The key element in led walls: viewer distance
Another vital factor to take in mind is the distance that the audience is going to have from your screen. Pixel pitch is the key element because it is related to the optimal viewing distance; that way, you can give them a top-notch audiovisual experience.
In LED panels, every pixel is a led (light emitter diode); in the market, pixel pitch is denoted as P son. When a panel has P1.5, it means that a pixel (same as a circle) has a radius of 1,5 millimeters.
Generally speaking, the pixel pitch increases with the distance from the audience, taking into account the pixel density. So, 1-3 mm pixel pitch or lower is recommended for a close audience or indoor events while 3-6 mm for outdoor events with more distance from the screen.
It’s important to choose the right pixel pitch. If the pixel is too big, people will see the white spots between the LEDs, making the image less sharp. Also, keep in mind that if you buy a pitch skin that is too thin, like a 1.99mm panel, it will probably cost 2 or 3 times more than your budget. For events, trade shows, or churches, you don’t need the smallest pixel. On the other hand, TV studios and AV production companies need the sharpest image possible, so a 1.99mm pixel is a good choice.
Here are some up-to-date types of panels:
Indoor P3.91 mm LED panel
- Pixel Pitch: 3.91 mm
- 16 pounds or 8 kilograms
- 15 magnetic modules are present.
- Viewer range: 8 feet distant
- Aspect ratio of 5:3
- 128×128 pixel display
- Size: 500 x 500 x 75mm
- Lifespan: 100.000 hours
- LED Configuration: 3-in-1 SMD2121 LED
Indoor P5mm display panel
- Pixel Pitch: 5mm
- Sophisticated encapsulation and high resolution
- LED Configuration: 3-in-1 SMD2121 LED
- Video panel density: 192×192
- Brightness: 3500 NITS
- Video processor having inputs for VGA, DVI, and HDMI
- Lifetime: 100,000 hours
Truss & Ground Supports
Even when we say it is a LED “wall”, it does not mean it can stand by itself, you need to consider the proper ground support for your project and there are options for every situation. You will need to acquire the following components:
- Truss, pillars, iron bases, and accessories.
- Crank Stands.
- Indoor ground supports many sizes.
- Lifting systems
- Chains, clamps, and slings.
Is a LED Wall worth it?
A LED display panel is equipment that fulfills the role of a tool for sharing content and information with an audience. From there, it depends on what type of content and what audience you are aiming to have. You might be planning a weekend event or something more long-lived, outdoor or indoors, great and massive spaces, small or big crowds, small or big budget. For all these situations, LED backdrops for digital stages are worth the impact.
Some ideas worth the investment in stage backdrops
Small lounges for services and ceremonies
- Best match: P3.91 mm Indoor Panel
- Size: 8.2’x5’
- See specs above
Low-ceiling events with few attendees
- Best match: P5 mm indoor series
- Size: 12.6’x6.3’
- Viewer distance: 16 feet or 5 meters
- Weight: 61 pounds
Church % house of worship stages
- Best match: P5 mm indoor series
- Size: 18.9’x6.3’
- Viewer distance: 16 feet
- Video processors: HDMI, DVI, and VGA connections
Indoor theater & small stadiums
- Best match: P5 mm indoor series
- Size: 22’x 9.5’
- Viewer distance: minimum of 16 feet
- Video processors: HDMI, DVI, and VGA connections
- Angles: 140 degrees vertical and horizontal
Large Concert Stages
- Best match: P5mm video wall series
- Size: 25.2 ’x 9.5’
- Viewer distance: minimum of 32 feet up
- Video processors: HDMI, DVI, and VGA connections + additional processor system
- High-resolution and advanced encapsulation
Let’s talk budget
Companies with a limited budget can rent LED walls and have them installed while the rental company takes care of all the necessary details. This way, you can relax and focus only on the content of your event.
If the budget is not an issue, and if you are going to need this product many times, you can buy a display and pay the company to install it or uninstall it when necessary.
Below are the different price ranges that can be found based on the industry:
It is essential to know the size of the complete wall plus the pixel pitch to see where your project falls in this range of prices.
- Churches: packages starting from $9000 to $24000*
- Virtual Production: you will find options from $24000 up to $40000*
- Trade Shows: starting at $9000 to $16000*
- Shopping Malls: $9000 to around $24000*
- Airports and other transportation facilities: $9000 to $14000*
*All prices mentioned in US dollars are estimates, do not represent reality, and may vary depending on the provider of led video walls.
After Sales Support
Since a stage wall is a show-related investment, the best LED screen companies offer a package with after-sales support, this is important to ensure the best quality possible for your spectator besides a nice extra for your money. This type of services is better to have them written down in the warranty of your rental or your purchase, with some things to have in mind:
- 24h attention line with multiple communication channels.
- Trained personnel at your call for any emergency with the equipment.
- Fast technical support.
There are endless possibilities when using LED video walls for digital stage backgrounds. They are easy to install, reliable, durable, and customizable, and you can find all your options at Led Market, where you can be assisted by professionals in your decision-making or for technical support.