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Quoting the matrix: A guide to understanding LED digital signage

Contractors know that a two-by-four is usually smaller than its name would indicate, still, as an industry standard consumers know what to expect. Unfortunately, in the LED sign industry there is no uniform, standard size for sign modules.

September 29, 2015 by Darrin Friskney — pr for Darrin Friskney, Clarus Communications

Contractors know that a two-by-four is actually smaller than its name would indicate. The name comes from the measurement of the wood when it's originally cut. Through the process of drying, the final measurements end up more like 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches. Still, as an industry standard consumers know what to expect.

Unfortunately, in the LED sign industry there is no uniform, standard size for sign modules. Each manufacturer has its own idea of what constitutes a module, according to size and the number of LED pixel groupings it contains. In competitive situations, it's necessary to look beyond cabinet size and consider details like pixel pitch, matrix and viewable area in order to get a true apples-to-apples comparison.

Pixel pitch is a standard measurement that indicates the resolution of a digital sign based on the spacing of LED clusters (also known as pixels). The accepted standard is measuring from the center of one pixel to the center of the next — both vertically and horizontally. This means that an LED sign with a pixel pitch of 10 mm has pixels spaced 10 millimeters apart. This is also referred to as a 10-mm resolution.

The matrix of a sign is calculated based on the number of pixels on each module, multiplied across the entire sign. For example a 1-foot-by-1-foot, 10-millimeter module contains 900 pixels in a 30-by-30 matrix (30 rows of pixels, each containing 30 pixels, or 30 times 30 = 900). For a 10-mm sign with a display area that measures 3 feet by 5 feet, the matrix would be 90 by 150 (3 times 30 pixels per foot, and 5 times 30 pixels per foot). To get the number of pixels on the entire sign, multiply 90 times 150 for a total pixel count of 13,500 in the viewable area.

But consider a manufacturer who plays a little loose with the measurements. Maybe their standard module is 10 inches by 10 inches, or even 9 inches by 9 inches. This change not only shaves off the number of pixels, but consequently reduces the overall sign matrix and viewable area.

Comparing matrices allows for the closest match on the sign's viewable area and a more consistent comparison. Smart buyers know that universal module size makes it possible to compare signs of different resolutions with an identical viewable area. Universal module sizes also offer a convenient path to upgrading — particularly when the sign's structure is grandfathered in by strict zoning requirements.

Two signs of different resolutions with an identical matrix will have different viewable areas. A 19-mm and a 12-mm sign are both available with a matrix of 96 by 144, but the 19-mm sign would have to be 44 percent larger to achieve it. The viewing area for the 12 mm would be 4 feet by 6 feet, compared to a viewing area for the 19 mm of 6 feet by 9 feet. The pixel pitch would be higher for the 12 mm, and would better utilize the sign's viewing area, particularly at close range.

Pitch, matrix, viewing area and module size are all important factors when purchasing an LED sign. When considering cost, you may pay less because you're getting less. The results will show in the size of the display and detail of your content. 

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