LED vs LCD: the digital signage revolution
When brands and businesses begin to discuss implementing digital signage into their retail spaces, the question of LED vs LCD is more often than not, the first question on people’s lips. These two technologies represent the main options for businesses looking to upgrade their displays.
Digital signage has become an essential part of modern retail environments. In fact, over 70% of the world’s population sees digital signage every day, making it a critical tool for businesses to engage with their customers. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right digital signage can be daunting.
This blog will walk you through the differences between LED and LCD screens and how to determine which is best suited for your space.
LED vs LCD? What factors to consider…
The main factors to consider which type of screen is best suited for your needs are…
- Resolution
- Pixel pitch
- Size & Shape
- Cost
LCD – what is it?
If you’re looking for a piece of signage that users or customers are going to be viewing from a close distance, or physically interacting with, LCD is more than likely the best option.
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screens are flat panels commonly found in banks, supermarkets, department stores, and malls. They are great for displaying detailed images or text, and are often used for wayfinding systems and interactive totems.
LCD displays are typically pre-set in terms of shape and size depending on the manufacturer’s design. LCD screens also offer the opportunity for a more interactive nature with the capabilities of the screens allowing for touch screen and touch free displays.
LED – what is it?
For large, eye-catching displays that need to stand out in bright environments or from a distance, LED screens are the go-to choice. LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, and these screens excel in delivering bright, high-contrast images that can be easily seen from afar.
Today, LED is one of the most popular choices for digital displays, given its high-visibility and adaptability to suit projects of any magnitude.
LED solutions are available in a range of sizes and pixel pitches. This means LED is more effective from a distance, usually in a large-scale display format to deliver effective, eye-catching content.
Brightness and Display Quality
One of the major differences between LED and LCD is brightness.
LED displays are significantly brighter than LCDs, making them suitable for environments with high ambient light or direct sunlight. This is why you’ll often see LED used in outdoor advertising or in large, open indoor spaces like shopping centres.
On the other hand, LCD screens might struggle in bright environments, especially if there is glare. If your store is in a space with controlled indoor lighting, such as a bank or shopping center, LCD may still be a good choice. However, if your space has large windows or strong natural light, the brightness of an LED screen will ensure your content is always visible.
A common issue with LCD screens, and a point to be considered, are their tendency for image persistence. This is when the screen “burns in” an image that’s been displayed too long with colours often becoming stuck on the screen. LED screens, due to the different technology they use, do not suffer from this problem.
Resolution and Pixel Pitch
Resolution and pixel pitch are critical when considering how your content will be viewed.
- LCD Displays: Offer excellent resolution for close-up viewing, making them great for spaces where people will be interacting with or closely viewing the screen.
- LED Displays: The resolution of an LED screen is determined by pixel pitch, which refers to the distance between each LED pixel. A smaller pixel pitch, means less distance between each LED Pixel – which in turn, means higher resolution. This is best for displays that will be viewed from short distances.
For larger, more distant screens, a wider pixel pitch and lower resolution will still look sharp from far away.
Cost
IIn terms of upfront cost, LCD screens are generally more affordable.
However, over time, LED displays may prove to be more cost-effective due to their durability, lower power consumption, and the fact that individual components can be replaced without having to swap out the entire screen.
Size and Shape
When it comes to customisation, LED displays have a clear edge.
Given the nature of how LEDs are built together to form one larger screen, LED screens can be configured to practically any size, from small to enormous, and in various shapes, including curved or even 360º displays.
In comparison, LCD screens tend not to be as flexible in size and shape, as this is usually set as standard by the manufacturer. This limits the potential applications it can be used in.
The Bottom Line: Which Should You Choose?
As you can see, both LED and LCD displays have their strengths. To determine which one is right for your retail space, the most important consideration is how you’ll be using the signage:
- Choose LCD if you need a cost-effective solution for smaller indoor displays, especially where interactivity and detailed visuals are required.
- Opt for LED if you’re looking for large, high-impact displays that need to stand out in bright environments or be seen from a distance.
Remember, 75% of leading brands say that their success is heavily influenced by the effectiveness of their digital displays. So, whether you go with LED or LCD, you’re investing in a technology that can significantly enhance customer engagement and brand visibility.
Need help choosing the best display for your space? Contact us today to explore the perfect digital signage solution for your business
