A Guide to Understanding LED Display Clarity: Viewing Distance and Module Spacing

High-definition LED display are becoming more common in outdoor advertising, event information, and public displays. If you’re new to LED screens, it can be challenging to understand how to choose the right one. In this guide, we’ll break down the three essential factors: clarity, viewing distance, and module spacing, to help you make informed decisions when selecting an LED screen.

Clarity: What Makes an Image Sharp?

Resolution is commonly used to measure clarity. resolution, refers to the sharpness and detail of the image displayed on an LED screen. It’s defined by the number of pixels the screen contains(e.g., 1920×1080). The higher the pixel count, the clearer and more detailed the image.

In outdoor LED displays, especially for billboards or street advertising, clarity is crucial. High-resolution screens can effectively deliver content, attract attention, and ensure that the audience easily understands the message. For instance, a high-definition LED display beside a busy highway allows drivers to grasp information from a distance in a short amount of time.

A general tip for outdoor advertising: LED screens should have a minimum resolution of P4 (pixel spacing of 4mm) for closer viewing distances (3-4 meters), while larger formats like P10 (pixel spacing of 10mm) are suitable for longer viewing distances.

Viewing Distance: How Far Can You Be to See Clearly?

Viewing distance is the physical space between the audience and the led display screen. It has a direct relationship with clarity—what looks sharp up close may appear blurry from a distance. Understanding the typical viewing distance of your audience is key to selecting the appropriate resolution.

For instance, outdoor billboards often have large viewing distances, sometimes exceeding 100 meters. In these cases, you can afford to use lower pixel density (e.g., P16 or P20), as the larger viewing distance naturally compensates for the lower resolution. However, for displays in busier, high-traffic areas where people might stand closer, you would want a higher resolution (e.g., P4 or P6).

Here’s a simple formula to help match resolution with viewing distance:

• Viewing Distance (in meters) = Pixel Pitch (in mm) x 1000 / 100

For example, with a P10 screen, the recommended viewing distance would be around 10 meters. If you expect viewers to be closer, you’ll need a screen with smaller module spacing to maintain clarity.

Module Spacing: The Technical Detail Behind Clarity

Module spacing, often referred to as dot pitch or pixel pitch, is the distance between the center of two adjacent pixels. This distance is measured in millimeters (e.g., 4mm, 6mm, 10mm), and it plays a significant role in determining the screen’s resolution.

The smaller the module spacing, the higher the pixel density and resolution. For example, a P4 screen has a 4mm distance between pixels, while a P10 screen has a 10mm spacing. As a result, P4 screens offer higher clarity and are suitable for closer viewing distances, but they come at a higher cost due to the higher pixel count. On the other hand, P10 or P16 screens are more budget-friendly and better suited for long-distance viewing.

One critical consideration: while smaller pixel pitch improves clarity, it also increases the cost of the screen. Therefore, balancing module spacing with the viewing distance is key to making the right choice.

Does pixel pitch (P value) refer to the resolution of the screen?

Is there anyone who consistently mistakes the two ideas of pixel pitch and resolution, particularly those unfamiliar with LED? Today, I’ll give you an accurate answer——Pixel pitch (P value) is not equal to the resolution of the screen,however it is closely linked. Specifically:

Pixel pitch (P value)： refers to the distance between two adjacent pixels, expressed in millimeters, such as P2, P4, P6, etc. The smaller the P value,the closer the pixels are to each other, making the screen display more delicate and suited for near viewing.

Screen resolution： refers to the total number of pixels that the screen can display, usually expressed as the number of pixels in width and height (such as 1920×1080). The higher the resolution, the richer the details that the screen can display.

Relationship：

The smaller the P value, the higher the resolution, Under the same screen size, the smaller the pixel pitch, the more pixels can be accommodated, the higher the resolution, and the clearer the display effect.

Conversely, the larger the P value, the lower the resolution, which is suitable for scenes viewed from a distance, such as outdoor advertising screens.

Therefore, pixel pitch is a factor that determines screen resolution, but it is not the resolution itself.

Finding the Balance: Resolution, Viewing Distance, and Module Spacing

1. Resolution and Viewing Distance

The further the audience is from the led display, the less detail they need to see for the content to be effective. If you expect your audience to be close to the display, opt for a high-resolution screen with smaller module spacing. For distant audiences, you can use screens with larger module spacing and lower resolution without sacrificing the display’s effectiveness.

2. Resolution and Module Spacing

The smaller the module spacing, the higher the resolution and clarity. However, smaller module spacing increases both the number of pixels and the cost of the screen. For indoor or close-up displays, small spacing like P2.5 (2.5mm) or P3 is ideal. For outdoor use, P6 to P16 is a more cost-effective choice, depending on the viewing distance.

3. Viewing Distance and Module Spacing

A rule of thumb: as the viewing distance increases, the module spacing can also increase. For long-distance displays, such as those in highways or stadiums, a P10 or P16 screen works perfectly fine, while for shorter distances, P4 or P6 is a better option.

Practical Tips for Choosing the Right LED Screen

Determine your viewing distance: Think about how far away your audience will be from the screen. Use the formula to estimate the required pixel pitch.

Choose resolution based on use case: For high-traffic areas with close viewing distances (like shopping malls), opt for higher resolution screens. For roadside billboards, you can go with a lower resolution.

Balance module spacing and budget: Smaller pixel pitches offer better image quality but are more expensive. For outdoor environments, carefully consider whether higher resolution is necessary.

By considering these three factors—resolution, viewing distance, and module spacing—you’ll be able to select an LED display that fits your needs, ensuring your content is displayed clearly and effectively for your audience.

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(All the pictures in the article are our actual cases)