LED screen rentals have become increasingly popular for outfitting events with large and vibrant displays for audiences. Between mobile screens and modular screens there is always a size to fit your needs. They are perfect for creating a lasting impact at any event and can provide benefits to audiences and partners alike.
Large screens can change the dynamic of your event and can be used for video displays, interactive visuals, informative graphics, advertisements and more. The sky is really the limit here, but how do you know you’re getting the biggest impact from your screen? In this article we’ll go over some of the basics of LED screens and some use cases to consider.
What is an LED Screen?
First, we should talk about what an LED is. An LED is a Light Emitting Diode. They are used in a variety of applications from string lights hung up in college dorm rooms, to the massive Las Vegas sphere and everything in between. Of course, the quality and exact specifications of each LED vary depending on its usage. The LEDs in a computer monitor are similar to the LEDs in a large screens used at events.
Larger screens work the same as smaller ones, where each LED represent a pixel. In a computer screen, the LEDs are small and close together allowing you to view it comfortably at a close distance, but with a large screen, the LEDs are spread out further allowing for a clear picture to be seen further away. The LEDs in a large screen are also…. larger.
In short, any LED screen is an array of LEDs, each representing a pixel in an image, where the size and pitch – more on that later – of the diode determine the optimal viewing distance.
Why should my event have an LED screen?
LED screens have become an indispensable piece of equipment in the event industry. They are versatile, eye-catching and elevate the audience experience at any event. When considering the decision to have an LED screen at your event or not… we would typically say, “you definitely should”! Whether you’re hosting a conference or a concert having a screen ensures you capture the WOW! factor of your event.
What’s the difference between an LED Screen and a Projector?
LED screen vs. projector at events is a common question that arises in the planning phase for events. We are going to outline some of the biggest differences that may impact your decision when choosing one or the other for your event.
LED Screens
LED’s are their own light source, which enables viewers to see images created directly by the lights. With a projector, viewers are looking at a reflection of the light source. Because projectors are sending light a certain amount of distance, they provide better results in lower light environments. Bright environments will wash out the projection image in many cases.
Picture contrast is also impacted by bright and dim environments on projection – in dim environments black will appear darker, but in brighter environments black will appear closer to grey. LED screens are designed to perform well in low light or high light environments. It is also possible to adjust the brightness of the LEDs themselves to ensure a clear, crisp picture in any situation!
LED screens can be placed in a variety of different ways, while projectors require a white reflective backdrop that is lined up with the projection machine. LED screens can be placed anywhere on your stage or presentation area. They can be wall mounted, flown, or ground stacked. You can split up LED panels to create multiple smaller screens, custom to the layout of your event! Another bonus for the LED screen is that because they’re not dependent on projection, presenters or performers can walk in front of the LED screen without creating shadows.
Projectors
Projectors are somewhat limited regarding control of the output image. Typically, once the projector is set and lined up with the screen, most adjustments are done by remote control standing near the projector with an infrared remote. With projectors, the environment the screen is set up in greatly affects the image. In a dark room, the image from a projector will appear more vibrant and crisp; however, the image can become washed out as the ambient light increases.
With LED screens, you have full control over the image, regardless of ambient light. You can adjust the image’s brightness, contrast, aspect ratio, and scaling in real time without the need to be in front of the screen to make those adjustments. This allows you to format the picture for optimal viewing for you audience quickly and efficiently.
What value does an LED screen add to my event?
Having an LED screen at your event is a surefire way to elevate your event with beautiful visuals leaving a lasting impression for both you and your attendees. An LED screen enhances the overall experience and ensures your audience will remain entertained and engaged.
Audience engagement
An LED screen at your event is a great way to increase audience engagement! Creating interactive elements along with a stunning visual experience ensures a lasting impression for your attendees. Using a screen to increase audience engagement can help solidify your audience’s connection with your brand or message.
Advertising opportunities
Using an LED screen provides excellent opportunities for marketing and highlighting brand partnerships. You can display the event logo and incorporate branded graphics. You can also offer advertisement slots increasing revenue at your event. During breaks or intermissions, you can run sponsor mentions, advertisements, or highlight your own branding increasing the potential to increase partnerships and connections.
Use Cases
LED screens are truly a must for almost any type of event! From concerts to corporate events to outdoor movies and birthdays, a screen is sure to elevate your event! LED screens are versatile and customizable turning any type of event into a memorable experience.
What size LED is right for me?
Choosing the right size screen for your event can have a big effect on how viewable your content is and how much spectacle your screen brings. The main things to consider when selecting an screen size are your space and the screen’s resolution/pixel pitch.
Space
One of the most important things to consider when picking the size of your screens is the physical limitations of your space. Consider how far away your audience will be and how much room you have for the LED screen(s) themselves.
In stadiums or on larger stages, it is common for there to be a reasonably big buffer between the audience and the LED screen, and the audience may be spread out across a set of bleachers or a wide-open space perhaps in a ballroom. Your space might have room for a single extra-large screen or multiple large screens flanking a stage. Alternatively, at more intimate watch parties and expos, the audience may be up close and personal with the screen and less spread out. You may simply want a single large screen in this case.
Across the spectrum of these uses for LED screens, take into account the usable space in your venue for the screens to be placed and then remember the following:
The larger the viewing distance, the larger your screen should be.
As a rough guide, a comfortable viewing distance from a screen is roughly 3 times the screen’s height. For example, a screen that is 10 feet tall would be comfortably viewed by most audience members from around 30 feet away. However, keep in mind that as long as this LED screen is not obscured by objects or the crowd, it will be visible well beyond 30 feet away.
Resolution and pixel pitch
Viewing comfort also depends on how tightly packed the pixels of your LED screen are. Resolution is a measure of a display’s sharpness, which depends on the number of pixels the display uses. A higher resolution means a sharper image with a crisper look and feel.
In LED screens, resolution is usually described by pixel pitch: the millimeter distance from LED to LED on the surface of the screen. A smaller pixel pitch means the individual LEDs are closer together while a larger pixel pitch means they are further apart from each other.
Due to the way our eyes work, once you get far enough away from any pixelated display, the pixels will cohere into an unbroken image, and you can no longer perceive them individually.
A good shorthand method for estimating the distance in feet a person must move away for the individual pixels to resolve together is to multiply the pixel pitch (in mm) by 10. For example, for our example LED screen being viewed from roughly 30 feet away, a pixel pitch of 3mm will appear as an unbroken image.
Our LED Screen Sizes
At BCC Live, we offer LED screens in three arrangements: as a single 11’ x 6.5’ screen, as a single 16 ‘x 10’ screen, and as a pair of 11’ x 6.5’ screens. All our screens have a standard pixel pitch of 3.9mm.
This means our single 11’ x 6.5’ LED screen could be comfortably viewed from around 20 feet away and more, making it ideal for small stages, tailgating, and backyard movie nights.
Our 16’ x 10’ LED screen viewable from around 30 feet and more, so it would work well for large stages and events in an open plaza. This extra-large screen might also be a priority if you want to have a single, shared viewing focus, such as for movies in the park.
Finally, with a pair of 11’ x 6.5’ LED screens, you can spread the two screens apart and gain a wider viewing area. For stadiums and rallies with crowds spread out over a wide angle, two screens will allow for more coverage.
Mobile LED screens vs. Modular LED screens
Mobile LED screens are pre-built screens mounted on a tow-behind trailer. These screens can be driven directly on site and set up as quickly as you can level the trailer, rotate the screen to correct orientation, and run the cables for power and media. This means that mobile LED screens are often used at outdoor events with drivable access. However, the trailer portion of mobile LED screens means they can have a relatively large footprint within your event area.
Modular LED screens are built on site from smaller LED panels. These panels can be arranged in customized configurations that better fit the specifics of a given space. They are either built on the ground, which works well for expos or as a background to a stage performance, or they are hung from trussing up in the air for maximal viewing from a distance. These screens sometimes take longer to set up, but modern linkage solutions and a trained technical team have made modular LED screens faster and faster to set up.
Check out us setting up the 6.5’x11′ screen here!
Are you looking for an reliable Event Production Company in Denver? Boulder?
Are you looking to rent an LED screen, or seeking help producing your event in the Denver Metro area? Here at BCC Live, we specialize in event production and have a variety of LED screens for rent. With our qualified technicians, we ensure you get the Productions Made Great service you need to bring your event to the next level.
Check out our rental options here or contact us to talk about how we can help bring you dreams into reality. Interested in learning about other ways you can use LED screens… check out our blog post here!