Pixel pitch is the distance between the centers of two adjacent pixels on an LED display, usually measured in mm. A smaller pixel pitch results in higher image quality due to higher pixel density, allowing for closer viewing distances. This higher resolution will come at a higher cost due to increased materials use and production costs.
How to choose the right pixel pitch.
Choosing a pixel pitch is based on optimal viewing distance and budget. A simple calculation is 3 feet for each mm of pitch. For example, a 4mm LED display would have a minimum viewing distance of 12 feet (Optimal viewing distance is actually 20 – 30 feet); a 10mm = 30 feet Optimal viewing distance is 50 – 100 feet). A 10 mm display can be seen clearly from 30 – 500 feet depending on font and colour choice, while a 4mm display is better up close but usually has a lesser max viewing distance as images are made with smaller fonts designed for closer viewing. It is essential to know your desired viewing distances for proper pitch selection as costs can greatly increase with smaller pixel size. Picture this: An LED display with a very fine 1.2-millimeter pixel pitch will look high def when viewed from just a few feet away. However, if viewers are 25+ feet away, their eyes wouldn’t pick up the visual differences between a 1.2-millimeter-pitch display and a 4-millimeter-pitch version. On the other hand, while that 4-millimeter display might look great from 25-30 feet away, it would not look very good at all if viewers were seeing it from much closer, as they would see each light pixel and the gaps between them. That makes determining the right pixel pitch vs. pixel size very essential.
How do pixel pitch and resolution relate?
Pixel pitch is the distance between the centers of 2 adjacent pixels. Resolution would be the total number of pixels that make up the display, measured in width and height. Pixel pitch combined with screen size will create resolution. A smaller screen with a greater number of pixels (Smaller pixel pitch such as 4mm) will have a higher resolution than a large screen with a lower number of pixels (Larger pixel pitch such as 10mm). Again, desired viewing distance and budget are the biggest factors.
What is PPI?
PPI is pixels per inch, which is measuring pixel density within 1 square inch, usually used to describe resolution in smaller displays such as computers or smartphones.
