How to choose the right LED Video wall

October 13, 2025

0) Start With Use-Case (don’t skip)

Primary use: fixed install, rental/touring, broadcast/studio, retail signage, immersive showroom, control room, outdoor billboard.
Content type: powerpoint/video mix, sports/live camera, fine-detail UI, HDR films, static branding.
Camera presence: will it be filmed/photographed? (dictates refresh/PWM, moiré control).
Environment: indoor vs outdoor (sunlight, dust, rain, temperature swings).
Viewing distance & size: define minimum viewing distance and pixel pitch window.
Mounting constraints: wall can’t take load? need ground stack or truss? curves/corners?
Noise/power limits: fans acceptable? circuit capacity? 110V vs 220V?

1) Pixel & LED Tech

1.1 Pixel Pitch (mm)

What: center-to-center LED spacing (e.g., P1.5, P2.6, P3.9).
Pros/Cons:
- Smaller pitch = sharper close-up, higher cost, more modules, lower max brightness (often).
- Larger pitch = cheaper, brighter, more moiré risk up close.
Rules of thumb:
- Minimum comfortable distance ≈ 1–1.5× pitch in meters (P2.6 ≈ 2.6–4 m).
- If cameras involved, lean tighter pitch to reduce aliasing.

1.2 LED Package Type

SMD (1515/2020/2121/3535)
- Pros: proven, broad ecosystem, serviceable.
- Cons: exposed diodes can chip; lower contrast than full-black COB.
IMD/MiniLED clusters
- Pros: improved reliability/consistency over discrete SMD.
- Cons: newer, check repair process/parts.
COB (Chip-on-Board)
- Pros: robust surface, great blacks, wider viewing angles, anti-collision.
- Cons: harder field repair, cost premium, vendor lock-in risk.
GOB/Glue-on-Board (encapsulated SMD)
- Pros: impact/ingress protection, better cleaning.
- Cons: slight haze, can affect contrast if poor resin.

1.3 Diode Color: Black vs White

Black-face LEDs: higher perceived contrast/black level, premium look; slightly less raw nit output.
White-face LEDs: more raw brightness; lower perceived contrast, “milky” blacks in dim rooms.

1.4 Shader Mask / Surface Finish

Matte, micro-louver, or black mask reduces reflections and moiré;
Large mask lips protect LEDs but can narrow viewing angles.

1.5 LED Binning & Consistency

Demand same BIN across the batch; check factory color/brightness binning reports to avoid patchwork tones.

2) Image Quality & Motion

2.1 Brightness (nits)

Indoor: 600–1200 nits typical.
Retail/front windows: 1500–3000 nits.
Outdoor daylight: 4500–10,000 nits.
Auto-dimming sensor is mandatory for comfort and energy.

2.2 Contrast & Black Level

Influenced by LED face (black vs white), mask design, panel reflectivity.
Ask for ANSI contrast numbers or demo in your lighting.

2.3 Refresh Rate vs PWM

Refresh rate (Hz): how often the image updates (1920/3840/7680 Hz).
PWM frequency: sub-pixel modulation rate; higher PWM reduces camera flicker/banding.
For filming: target ≥3840 Hz refresh and high-PWM driver IC (flicker-free on high-shutter cameras).

2.4 Grayscale & Bit Depth

True 14–16 bit processing helps gradients; beware “marketing bits.”
Ask for low-level grayscale demos (dark ramps without sparkle/crush).

2.5 Color Gamut & White Point

Verify sRGB/Rec.709 minimum; ask if HDR10/HLG supported end-to-end.
White point calibration to D65 (or your target).

2.6 Uniformity & Calibration

Factory calibration per panel and per module;
Ask for camera-based calibration support and on-site re-cal workflow.

2.7 Viewing Angles

Horizontal/Vertical spec plus off-axis color shift demo.
Masks, COB coatings, and diode size affect angles.

2.8 Moiré Control (for cameras)

Tighter pitch, matte masks, slight defocus, and angle control reduce moiré.
Test with your camera/lens at your planned distances.

3) Electronics: Drivers, ICs, Scan, Cards

3.1 Driver IC Brand/Spec

Reputable ICs (e.g., ICN/MBI) with high-PWM, low-ghosting, anti-smearing, true-dark performance.

3.2 Scan Ratio

1/8, 1/10, 1/16, etc. Lower denominator (e.g., 1/8) → generally brighter & better low-level, but costlier/denser electronics.
High scan (e.g., 1/32) can flicker more and dim at low brightness.

3.3 Receiving Cards (per cabinet)

Check brand/series (e.g., Novastar A8s/A10s Pro, Colorlight, Brompton data cards on certain systems).
Features to verify: 10/12-bit pipelines, low latency modes, 3D LUTs, seam correction, module mapping, redundancy.

3.4 Sending/Control

Senders/Processors: HDMI 2.0/2.1, DP, 12G-SDI, fiber inputs, scaler quality, genlock/framelock for broadcast, HDR pass-through, 10-bit pipeline.
All-in-one media players (Novastar TB, etc.) for signage; simpler but less live-show control.
Redundancy: dual senders, looped data, PSU backup.

3.5 Latency

Critical for live/IMAG. Processor + mapping should keep end-to-end latency low (ask for measured ms).

4) Mechanics: Modules, Cabinets, Frames

4.1 Cabinet Type

Fixed-install (thin, light, front-service)
- Pros: slim, neat; Cons: less robust for frequent handling.
Rental/Touring (die-cast, quick-locks, edge protection)
- Pros: fast rig, robust; Cons: thicker/heavier, pricier hardware.

4.2 Cabinet Size & Tolerances

Common: 500×500, 500×1000 mm; fine-pitch may be 480×540, etc.
Tight flatness tolerance (<0.5 mm) reduces seams.
Ask for auto/alignment pins and strong corner protection.

4.3 Serviceability

Front-service magnets vs rear-service;
Hot-swap modules/PSUs/receiving cards without power-down.

4.4 Curves & Corners

Inner/outer curve kits, adjustable ± angles;
90° corners with special modules; edge masks to avoid exposed LEDs.

4.5 Protection & Durability

COB/GOB for impact resistance;
IK rating if public touchable; IP rating (see below).

4.6 Noise & Cooling

Fanless (quiet, less airflow) vs active fan (cooler but noisy).
Thermal design: heat-spreaders, derating at high ambient temps.

5) Installation & Rigging

5.1 Mounting Method

Wall-mount frames, ground stack, or flown (truss/beam).
Load ratings (TÜV), safety cables, quick-locks.

5.2 Structural & Permits

Wall capacity (shear/pull-out), seismic/wind loads (outdoor).
Local permits, landlord restrictions, façade rules.

5.3 Alignment & Commissioning

Frame shimming, laser alignment, seam adjustments, color calibration on site.

5.4 Accessibility

Front access for tight spaces; rigging points for service lifts.

6) Environment & Ruggedness

6.1 IP Rating

Indoor: typically IP20–IP43;
Outdoor: IP65 front/IP54 rear or better. Verify UV stability.

6.2 Operating Range

Temperature & humidity windows; conformal-coated PCBs for humid/salty air.

6.3 Sunlight & Glare

Polarization effects on sunglasses; anti-glare masks help.

6.4 EMC/EMI

FCC/CE/ETL/UL compliance; low RF noise if near sensitive gear.

6.5 Fire & Safety

Flame-retardant plastics, certified cabling, correct breakers and ground.

7) Power & Energy

7.1 Power Architecture

Common-cathode (often lower heat/energy) vs common-anode.
Redundant PSUs in critical installs.

7.2 Consumption

Max vs typical draw (ask both); design circuits for worst case.
Brightness scheduling & auto-dimming = huge savings.

7.3 Electrical

110/220 VAC compatibility, power factor, inrush current;
Surge protection, SPD, UPS for processors.

8) Control System & Workflow

8.1 Processors

Live events/broadcast: Brompton, Novastar flagship, Colorlight—look for genlock, 10-bit, HDR, low latency, seam/area correction, 3D LUTs.
Signage: CMS with remote control, scheduling, health monitoring.

8.2 Connectivity & Distance

CAT6/6A vs fiber for long runs;
Data redundancy rings to survive single-point failures.

8.3 Software

Mapping tools, auto-cal, remote diagnostics, RCFG profiles, EDID handling, presets.

9) Reliability, QA & Support

9.1 Burn-In & QA

Request 72–168 hr burn-in report, dead-pixel counts, calibration logs.
Ask for Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) video and Site Acceptance Test (SAT) plan.

9.2 Spares & MTBF

Spare modules (2–5%), PSUs, receiving cards; MTBF statement; future diode EOL plans.

9.3 Warranty & RMA

Parts + labor? Advance replacement? Local service partner? Turnaround times?

9.4 Batch Matching

Lock your order to a single production batch when possible. Keep reserve stock from the same batch.

10) Compliance & Paperwork

Certifications: UL/ETL (North America), CE (EU), FCC (EMI), ROHS.
Documentation: wiring diagrams, rigging manuals, service manuals, color calibration profiles.

11) TCO, Hidden Costs & Logistics

Processors/scalers, mounts/frames, rigging, truss, lifts, cabling, fiber converters.
Installation labor, commissioning/calibration, permits, structural steel.
Power bills (auto-dimming saves real money).
Shipping/insurance, customs, lead time, after-sales service.

12) Option Matrix (what exists / what it’s good or bad at)

Option	Best For	Pros	Cons	Watch-outs
SMD Black-face	Premium indoor, retail, showrooms	High contrast, broad ecosystem	Slightly less raw nits	Ask for matte mask, high-PWM IC
SMD White-face	Bright indoor/window	More raw brightness	Worse blacks/contrast	Looks washed in dim rooms
COB	Touchable/robust, fine pitch	Very durable, deep blacks, wide angle	Repair complexity, cost	Confirm local service & spare policy
GOB (encapsulated SMD)	Public areas, rental abuse	Impact/water resistance	Slight haze risk	Inspect in person for clarity
Fixed-install cabinets	Thin, clean installs	Slim, front-service	Not for constant re-rig	Confirm front-service depth
Rental cabinets	Touring/live events	Fast locks, protected edges	Thicker/heavier	Check corner wear, spares
High brightness (≥3000 nits)	Windows/outdoor	Cuts glare, daylight visible	Power/heat/noise	Auto-dimming + robust power planning
High refresh/PWM	Filming/live IMAG	Flicker-free, smooth motion	Higher cost	Verify with your camera test
Common-cathode	Energy-sensitive installs	Lower heat & draw	Not universal	Validate real-world meter readings
Front-service magnets	Tight spaces	No rear access needed	Magnet wear over time	Spares for magnets & tools
Curvable frames	Creative shapes	Visual impact	Complexity & cost	Tolerances to avoid seam gaps