Ideal pixel pitches for different usage

In our previous blog post we broke down what a pixel pitch is and its purpose in LED signage. There is a large range when it comes to the pitch makeup of a sign, from high resolution at 2mm to low resolution at 25mm. It may seem ideal to always invest in a higher resolution pixel pitch, however it could be a poor use of budget if your sign is located where the image’s quality cannot be seen.

If you are thinking about having an LED sign installed to enhance the atmosphere of your recreation centre, or display messages outside of your business there are a few considerations that need to be made before determining which type of sign will ultimately best suit your needs.

Knowing the ideal size and location of your new sign, amongst other things will help give you an idea of a pixel pitch that will work best in your situation.

A few factors to consider which will affect the pitch, when shopping for signage are :

• Location of the sign (environment and height)
• Viewing distance, or how far the spectator will be from it
• Desired image resolution
• The intended content (what will be displayed on the screen)

Signs being installed indoors typically require a lower pixel pitch, from anywhere between 2mm for close viewing and 10mm, in order to offer a higher resolution picture to spectators. We recommend using a 6mm or 10mm pixel pitch for indoor LED scoreboards. We recommend range because it can produce great quality video content, and detailed imagery that is visible to fans in their seats and players on the bench.

A pixel pitch less than 6mm would be used where people can walk close to the sign and in similar locations where you would consider putting a TV or TV video wall.

If you’re looking at outdoor signage such as an electronic message centre to display text to traffic, a higher pixel pitch of about 16mm to 20mm is optimal. Since the intended audience is either moving past at a fair speed or is further away the pixel pitch can be greater.

Ideal viewing distance is an estimate calculated as an average distance viewers must be to comfortably read a sign. Some factors such as eyesight, content resolution, and speed traffic is moving by (if at all) can affect the viewing distance. For a point of reference here is a chart of approximate viewing distances for larger pixel pitches: