FAQs
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What is an LED Video Wall?
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A Light Emitting Diode (LED) screen is a scalable display technology where individual RGB LEDs act as self-light emissive pixels, eliminating the need for a backlight or Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) layer. These modular systems form seamless video walls of virtually any size, delivering exceptional brightness, vivid color, deep blacks, and smooth motion with wide viewing angles. LED displays are engineered to enhance large-scale visual experiences and are commonly deployed in high-impact environments like stadiums, theme parks, museums, corporate lobbies, broadcast studios, and virtual production stages.
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How does LED differ from LCD or OLED?
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Unlike LCDs that rely on backlights and liquid crystals to modulate light, LED displays generate images by emitting light directly from thousands of inorganic LED pixels or pixel clusters. This self-emissive design delivers superior brightness, contrast, and scalability, with vivid colors and deep blacks that LCDs struggle to match. LED screens use inorganic materials that are highly durable and resistant to burn-in, unlike OLEDs which rely on organic compounds. The result is a seamless, high-performance video wall ideal for demanding environments where visual impact and longevity are critical.
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What is pixel pitch and why does it matter?
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Pixel pitch refers to the center-to-center distance between adjacent pixels on an LED display, typically measured in millimeters. It directly affects resolution and optimal viewing distance, smaller pitches yield higher detail and allow closer viewing without visible pixelation. Each LED pixel carries precise color and brightness data, and the overall pixel density determines image clarity: finer pitches produce sharper visuals, while coarser arrays reduce detail. As a general guideline, a 1mm pitch suits a 5-foot viewing distance, making pixel pitch a critical factor in tailoring display performance to audience proximity and content demands.
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What are common cathode vs. common anode LEDs?
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An LED is a two-terminal semiconductor that emits light when current flows from its positive terminal (anode) to its negative terminal (cathode), much like a one-way valve. In LED displays, the way these terminals are wired, either common-cathode or common-anode, has a direct impact on energy efficiency and heat generation. Common-cathode designs connect the cathodes of the RGB subpixels to a shared ground, allowing the driving circuitry to individually control each anode with precise voltage and current. This targeted power delivery reduces heat, minimizes energy consumption, and extends the lifespan of the display, making it ideal for efficient LED systems. In contrast, common-anode designs tie all anodes to a shared positive supply, forcing each subpixel to receive the same voltage regardless of its actual needs. This leads to power inefficiencies and excess heat, especially since red LEDs typically require less voltage than blue or green. Ultimately, common-cathode architecture offers a smarter, more optimized approach to powering LED displays.
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What’s the difference between COB and SMD LEDs?
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COB (Chip-On-Board) and SMD (Surface-Mounted Device) LEDs differ primarily in packaging and performance characteristics, each suited to distinct applications. COB LEDs mount individual RGB chips directly onto a printed circuit board (PCB), eliminating the need for separate packaging and wire bonding. This streamlined design enables finer pixel pitches, smoother matte finishes, wider viewing angles, and higher contrast – making COB ideal for indoor displays where visual uniformity and close-range clarity matter. In contrast, SMD LEDs package the RGB chips onto a metal carrier using wire bonding, which increases power consumption and heat output. However, SMD displays offer broader pixel pitch options, extremely high brightness, weather resistance, and long lifespans, making them well-suited for outdoor environments where durability and visibility are paramount.
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Can LED displays be customized in size and shape?
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Yes! LED panels are modular, allowing for seamless video walls of virtually any dimension or configuration.
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What are IP ratings and why are they important?
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Ingress Protection (IP) ratings define how well an electronic product is sealed against dust and moisture, which is critical for ensuring durability, especially in outdoor LED installations. The rating format uses the prefix “IP” followed by two digits: the first indicates protection against solid particles like dust, and the second reflects resistance to water. For example, an IP54 rating means the product is protected against limited dust ingress and splashing water. Higher numbers signify stronger protection, making elevated IP ratings essential for displays exposed to weather, humidity, or harsh environments.
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Where are LED displays typically used?
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Yes! LED panels are modular, allowing for seamless video walls of virtually any dimension or configuration.
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Why choose LED over projection or LCD video walls?
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LED offers bezel-free visuals, higher brightness, longer lifespan, and better energy efficiency, especially in high ambient light settings.
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What brightness levels are typical for LED?
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Brightness, measured in nits, refers to the luminance or perceived light output of a display surface. This metric is crucial for determining visibility across different lighting environments. In indoor settings with controlled lighting, displays typically range from 750 to 2,500 nits, offering sufficient clarity without overwhelming the viewer. Outdoor applications, however, demand much higher brightness, often between 3,500 and 10,000 nits, to remain visible under direct sunlight. Simply put, the higher the nit value, the more light the display emits, ensuring optimal performance and legibility regardless of ambient conditions.
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What does PSS mean by "Turnkey" Solutions?
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At PSS, our turnkey LED solutions include design, hardware, installation, and calibration; all bundled and delivered as a finished system. The only participation we require from our clients and contractors is to sign for the equipment when it arrives on the project site. We'll take it from there. Contact us for more customized detail.
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The turnkey approach is advantageous for the following reasons:
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Saves time: No need to coordinate multiple vendors or phases.
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Enhances Return on Investment: System optimized hardware (semi-to-fully custom screens) saves on overall costs of goods
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Reduces risk: One provider is accountable for the entire solution and overall quality standards of the finished deliverable.
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Streamlines deployment: Especially valuable in high-stakes environments like control rooms, retail rollouts, or enterprise tech stacks.
Have additional questions about your project? Contact us directly.
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