How To Choose The Right Pixel Pitch

Recommended Viewing Distance & Direct View LED

Direct View LED video walls are popular due to their ability to produce high-quality images, but when it comes to choosing the right one, customers have a critical decision to make about the pixel pitch. Pixel pitch refers to the physical distance between pixels in a given LED video wall, and it is measured in millimeters. The smaller the pitch, the denser the pixels and the closer the acceptable viewing distance. Conversely, a larger pitch requires viewers to stand farther away to have a good experience.

Nowadays, fine pitch LED video walls range from 0.7mm to about 2.9mm, while standard pitches are 3mm and higher. The pixel pitch influences costs, as a smaller pitch and viewing distance will lead to higher pixel density and costs. To get the best value, it's crucial to identify the average viewing distance required by the application and then choose the finest pitch that is suitable for that distance.

Calculating Viewing Distance

Ultimately, the acceptable viewing distance is subjective and dependent on the individual customer's preferences. Nevertheless, there are certain industry-standard methodologies available to calculate an objective viewing distance:

Distance Based on Visual Acuity

The Visual Acuity Distance is a calculation used to estimate the distance from which an individual with 20/20 vision would be unable to distinguish individual pixels on an LED video wall. This distance is sometimes called the "Retina Distance," a term popularized by Apple Inc

10x Rule

The 10x Rule is a quick and convenient way to estimate the Visual Acuity Distance for an LED video wall.

Average Comfortable Viewing Distance

The Average Comfortable Viewing Distance refers to the estimated distance at which most people are likely to find the video wall visually appealing. This estimate is based on real-world installations and can be influenced by various factors such as the viewer's eyesight, the type of content displayed, and the screen resolution. Since it's a subjective measure, the Average Comfortable Viewing Distance can vary from person to person.

Viewing Distance Chart

The chart below provides a comprehensive reference for determining the recommended Visual Acuity Distance and Average Comfortable Viewing Distance based on different pixel pitches ranging from 0.7mm to 10mm. Use this chart to help guide you in selecting the optimal pixel pitch and viewing distance for your specific needs.

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