LED vs LCD: Choose the Right Display Type

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A display wall, also known as a video wall, is comprised of several panels grouped, or tiled together to create a high-res single, dual, or multi-screen view in many different environments. While software and hardware work in tandem to connect and arrange content from multiple sources, the display wall acts as the method of delivery.

A large visual display of real-time information can help your organization make mission-critical decisions fast. But which display type works best?

Choosing a Display Type

Whether you are updating an existing system or building one from scratch, you need to choose a display wall setup that fits your organization’s needs and budget. While both LCD and LED displays are flat panel screens that exhibit a bright, high-definition picture, knowing the features and benefits, considerations, and typical use cases is key to making an informed decision. Let’s explore the two most popular options.

LCD

LCD panels (Liquid Crystal Displays) are composed of two polarized pieces of glass surrounding a layer of liquid crystals. Liquid crystals themselves aren’t light-emitting, so standard LCDs feature their own backlighting array that shines through the arrangement of liquid crystals to create the display’s picture.

 

Features/Benefits

Things to Consider

Typical Use Cases

High resolution

  • Bright display due to high pixel density
  • Displays text, images, and video with great clarity

Reliable

  • Supports 24/7 visualization over a long period of time
  • Resilient in its environment and can withstand vibrations, humidity, and UV light

Serviceability

  • Remote electronics and power supply improves life span by removing heat from the panel system, also provides easy access for servicing

Affordable

  • Requires minimal maintenance
  • Energy efficient
  • Designed to last over time

Bezel edges

  • Can form visible seams when monitors are arranged in a tile format

Portable

  • Much easier to move from location to location compared to LED panels

LED

LED (Light Emitting Diode) or Direct View LED (DvLED) panels are similar to LCDs. However, unlike LCDs, LEDs use an array of light-emitting diodes as individual pixels across the entire display. Hundreds and hundreds of light-emitting diodes across the display are grouped in clusters of red, green, and blue which provide their own light while producing the required image.

Features/Benefits

Things to Consider

Typical Use Case

Seamless view

  • Monitors can be grouped together for a seamless visual canvas

Bright display

  • Offers extreme brightness and color accuracy

Reliable

  • Expected lifespan is 5-7 years or more
  • Functions well in varying temperatures and humidity levels

Higher cost

  • Higher upfront price point vs other displays

Very high ambient lighting

  • Rooms that require greater than 500 NITs should use LED displays

Aesthetics play a key role

  • Ideal when the criteria is to create an impressive video wall

LED controller

  • The right controller can dictate the capabilities of the display in good or restrictive ways
  • The same time spent evaluating the display type should go into evaluating the LED controller
  • Very large video wall setup (more than 40 panels)
  • Control room applications such as SCADA and DoD layouts where bezels can negatively impact content

Neither option is uniformly better than the other, and your specific use case will be a major factor in what you ultimately choose. It’s important to partner with the right video wall solutions provider to help guide you down the right path.

Contact us today for a demo of our state-of-the-art products and more information on a customized video wall solution for your organization.

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