Everything You Need To Know About Pixel Pitch
The advertising industry has drastically changed since the introduction of LED screens and displays. These improved marketing devices can vibrantly and clearly display company logos, information, and slogans. If you’ve decided to invest in an LED wall or screen, one of the things to think about is the pixel pitch. But what is pixel pitch, and what should you know about this concept? Here’s everything you need to know about pixel pitch.
What Is Pixel Pitch?
An LED wall is composed of pixels. Pixel pitch measures the density of pixels on an LED display. Manufacturers display pixel pitch with a P followed by a number. It will look something like P10 or P2.
The number measuring pixel pitch indicates the distance between pixels on the LED screen. The higher the number is, the more empty space there is between pixels. This means that when you have a higher pixel pitch, you have a lower screen resolution. On the other hand, the lower the pixel pitch, the closer the pixels are on your LED display. Lower pixel pitches mean higher screen resolutions.
A Narrow pixel pitch is ideal for indoor applications such as computer screens. The diodes are incredibly close together in the display. It makes document viewing easier and clearer.
Pixels Per Inch vs. Pixel Pitch
Smaller devices, such as HDTVs and handheld gadgets, use the measurement pixels per inch (PPI). You probably already guessed that PPI is the number of pixels present in 1 inch of the display. Pixel pitch is the most common measurement for pixel density on large displays, while PPI focuses on smaller devices. They measure the same thing but in different ways. In fact, PPI works opposite to pixel pitch, as the higher the PPI the higher the pixel density. With pixel pitch, the higher the pitch the lower the pixel density.
How Pixel Pitch Influences Pricing
Although pricing varies depending on the company and manufacturer, a higher pixel pitch generally means a lower cost for the unit and less maintenance. Likewise, a lower pixel pitch generally means a higher price point that ensures a higher resolution, but it comes with extra care—adding to the cost. This increased price is due to higher material and production costs.
Resolution vs. Pixel Pitch
You often hear about the resolution of displays with terms such as 4K and 1080p. But did you know that pixel pitch is the primary factor influencing potential resolution? As mentioned, if you want a higher resolution, you’ll need a lower pixel pitch.
Keep in mind, however, that you shouldn’t choose a high-resolution screen if you’re displaying a low-resolution image. Don’t overspend for the highest resolution and lowest pixel pitch—the content and aspect ratio matter. Everything needs to align with your business’s content strategy, so don’t pay extra for higher resolution when your images and logo don’t need it.
The Importance of Pixel Pitch
The main importance of pixel pitch is its influence on viewing distance. A good rule of thumb is the lower the pixel pitch, the closer a viewer will be able to get to the screen and still see a clear image. On the other hand, a higher pixel pitch lengthens the minimum viewing distance. For example, a 16-millimeter screen will have a lower resolution, higher pixel pitch, and a further viewing distance than a 1.2-millimeter screen.
How To Determine Optimal Viewing Distance
Is there an optimal viewing distance? Yes: it’s two to three times the pixel pitch number in meters. If your LED screen has a pixel pitch of two, customers, clients, and staff can view it from only 4 meters away. The higher the pixel pitch, the further the optimal viewing experience.
However, do you want to know more precise methods for determining the perfect viewing distance for your customers, depending on the pixel pitch of your screen? These are three methods to help you calculate the ideal viewing distance.
Visual Acuity Distance
This method is also known as retina distance. It is the formulated estimate of the space a person with 20/20 vision must back up from an LED screen to see the image without pixelation. The calculation looks like this: pixel pitch x 3438 = visual acuity in millimeters.
10x Rule
Are you looking for a shorthand method to calculate the estimate? Using this technique, you’ll get a quick estimate of the visual acuity distance in feet. Simply take the pixel pitch and multiply it by 10 to determine the calculation of rough viewing distance in feet.
Average Comfortable Viewing Distance
This calculation will provide an approximate comfortable—or optimal—viewing distance for most individuals, though it is subjective and takes into consideration content resolution, eyesight, and content type. Simply use the 10x rule as the foundation for the caluculation. Let’s look at a few examples:
If your pixel pitch is 1.25 millimeters, the visual acuity distance is 4.30 meters, with an average comfortable viewing distance of 2.15 meters.
If your pixel pitch is 2.50 millimeters, the visual acuity distance is 8.6 meters, with an average comfortable viewing distance of 4.30 meters.
These three methods are meant to be helpful guides. They won’t provide the exact ideal viewing distance, as this is something you should be able to determine once you have identified the general range.
However, these methods are useful in understanding what pixel pitch your business’s LED signs and devices need. For example, let’s say you are purchasing an LED sign meant to be seen from the road. First, figure out the average distance potential customers will be viewing your sign from, and then purchase a sign with a complementary pixel pitch. And if you still need help with these calculations, here’s a PPI calculator.
Now that you understand more about pixel pitch, turn to True Tech for all your LED screen needs for your business. We’ll provide you with an LED business sign and work with you to find your display’s perfect pixel pitch and resolution. At True Tech, your business is our top priority, so we design and deliver vibrant advertising solutions to bring you more business. With us, you’ll receive professional installation and superb customer service. Plus, we have the expertise and experience to help you determine which display is right for you. Call or email to discuss any questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you and working with your company!
