LED, without the alphabet soup
Four common ways to build the picture. The right choice depends on viewing distance, environment, handling and budget.
SMD
The proven all-rounder
Individual red, green and blue lamp packages sit on the surface. Bright, widely available, cost-effective and easier to repair.
Best for outdoor displays and larger screens seen from farther away.
COB
Smooth up close
Tiny chips sit directly on the board under a protective resin. It delivers deep blacks, strong contrast and resists bumps, dust and moisture.
Best for premium indoor, fine-pitch screens seen close up. Costs more; single-pixel repair is harder.
GOB
Extra surface protection
A clear glue layer protects a traditional LED module. Think of it as added armor against knocks, dust and splashes.
Useful for busy public spaces, floors and rental panels that get handled often.
MiP
Micro scale, modular repair
Very small LED chips are packaged first, then placed on the board. It aims for fine detail, consistency and easier manufacturing at tiny pitches.
A newer premium option for close-view indoor displays; compare model support and parts carefully.
Indoor vs. outdoor LED
The location changes more than brightness. Here is the practical difference customers should expect.
FactorIndoorOutdoor
BrightnessComfortable for controlled room light; too much brightness can be tiring up close.Higher output for daylight and direct-sun conditions, with automatic brightness control often preferred.
Weather protectionDesigned for dry, protected spaces.Weather sealing, drainage, corrosion resistance and temperature planning are essential; verify the rating for the entire assembly.
Detail and distanceOften a smaller pitch because viewers are closer and text or faces need finer detail.Often a larger pitch because viewers are farther away; the right choice still depends on distance and content.
Cabinet and structureUsually lighter and shallower, with attention to quiet operation and interior finish.Typically deeper and more rugged, with engineered structure for wind, access and local permits.
Power and coolingPlan room ventilation, electrical load and quiet heat management.Plan higher peak load, heat, sun exposure, airflow and safe service access in all seasons.
Typical usesConference rooms, retail, houses of worship, lobbies and sports venues.Building facades, roadside billboards, stadium exteriors and public-facing advertising.
Indoor vs outdoor
Outdoor cabinets need sun-readable brightness, weather sealing, drainage and temperature planning. Indoor displays prioritize detail, quiet operation and low brightness comfort.
Brightness (nits)
Nits tell you how bright the screen can get. Indoor rooms often need hundreds to low thousands; window-facing and direct-sun locations need much more. More is not always better indoors.
IP weather rating
IP65 typically means dust-tight and protected from water jets on the rated face. Always confirm whether the front only or the entire cabinet carries the rating.
Refresh rate
A higher refresh rate reduces camera scan lines and makes motion look cleaner. 3,840 Hz is a strong target for filmed events, broadcast, worship and social video.
Front or rear service
Front-service modules come out from the viewing side — ideal against a wall. Rear-service cabinets need a safe walkway or access space behind the screen.
Power & heat
Plan dedicated circuits, peak and typical wattage, ventilation and operating hours. Energy-saving drive modes lower running cost, but electrical design uses the safe maximum load.
Content control
A media player sends scheduled images and video to the controller. Update locally by laptop/USB or remotely through a cloud platform; live feeds use HDMI/SDI and a video processor.
Resolution is custom
LED walls are built from modules. Final pixel dimensions depend on physical size and pitch. We match the content canvas after the cabinet layout is confirmed.
Serviceability matters
Standardize modules, power supplies and receiver cards; keep calibrated spare parts from the same production batch. A great screen is one your installer can maintain quickly.