Over the past decade, video walls have become an increasingly popular digital signage choice. This is because they are particularly effective at engaging people and delivering messages with impact. They present larger, higher resolution images compared to a single display and can be built to almost any configuration to fit a specific space or purpose.
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Video walls have found homes in many different types of settings, including corporate offices, retail stores, transportation hubs and sports venues, as well as command and control facilities. When deciding which type of video wall installation is appropriate for your customers’ needs, first determine which of the two basic types of technology – LCD or dvLED – is best suited to the specific application. LCD and dvLED displays have very different features and benefits.
Liquid crystal display (LCD) panels are manufactured by inserting a layer of liquid crystal, a substance that is part solid and part liquid, between two sheets of glass. When electricity is applied to this layer, the crystals shift to create an image. Because the crystals do not produce their own light, some form of backlighting is needed to display the image. Ironically, LEDs are the most popular source of backlighting for LCD panels.
LCD panels are bright and provide high-resolution images. They offer powerful calibration capabilities to deliver an image which is perceived by the viewer as homogenous across multiple screens. They are slim, easy to install and can be configured to many shapes and sizes for creative and scalable video wall deployments. With a low initial cost and energy efficient operation, they offer an impressively low total cost of ownership.
One potential disadvantage of an LCD video wall is that each individual display has a bezel frame, but with image gaps as little as 0.88mm this need not be a hindrance.
A light emitting diode (LED) is a tiny semiconductor that converts electricity into visible light. In an LED panel, each color pixel has one red, one blue and one green LED. The combination of these three colors enables the LED to create trillions of colors. In an LED panel, each LED produces its own light, unlike an LCD panel where the backlight passes through the liquid crystal layer. This is where the name “direct view” LED (dvLED) originates.
dvLED panels have many advantages, including superior contrast and viewing angles, long life, energy efficiency and high brightness corresponding to its suitability for both indoor and outdoor applications. Because there are no bezels, dvLED panels configure to create a single large surface area without distraction from image gaps.
LCD panels have traditionally been the popular choice for video walls, particularly for indoor applications, whereas dvLEDs have been the go-to choice for outdoor installations. Recent advances in LED technology mean that dvLEDs are now a viable alternative also for indoor applications, offering a wider choice to customers.
Selecting the best video wall solution for a specific indoor installation can be challenging. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
Pixel pitch
Measured in millimeters, the pixel pitch is the distance between the center of one pixel and the center of an adjacent pixel. A screen with a smaller pixel pitch has a higher pixel density resulting in a shorter viewing distance. In general, a large screen viewed from afar can have a relatively high pixel pitch, but a screen viewed close up should have a small pixel pitch. LCD video walls today tend to feature a smaller pixel pitch compared to dvLED.
For tiled settings, it is vital to achieve a perfectly matched image across the entire surface; mismatched colors and misalignments are very distracting to the eye. Look for reliable color reproduction and uniformity. Proprietary SpectraView Engine technology ensures that image performance matches across LCD panels out of the box while continually stabilizing the luminance behind the scenes. Enhanced imaging performance can control all visual parameters for precise, natural images. In high bright environments look for low reflection surfaces to avoid distracting glare.
Not only for outdoor installations, brightness is also a major consideration for indoor video walls. Consider the ambient light conditions to ensure the video wall will have sufficient brightness to provide excellent viewability; pleasing to the eye dvLED is capable of creating very high brightness levels of up to 5,000 cd/m² or more which is required for large scale outdoor screens, whereas indoor screens typically feature brightness levels of between 500 and 1,200 cd/m².
The contrast is the ratio of the brightest to the darkest area of the image. The greater the difference, the greater the contrast, making shadows darker and highlights brighter. A higher contrast ratio adds vibrancy to the image. dvLED creates a high contrast ratio by turning off the LED completely, whereas the liquid crystals of an LCD display block the light emitted from the backlight. For dvLED, a high-efficiency LED chip and a black mask ensure deep contrast levels. Both LCD and dvLED have functionality to support high contrast levels and the best choice is down to the viewers’ perception.
Both technologies can be described as energy efficient with power consumption managed via the display settings. For instance, if a lower brightness level is sufficient to achieve eye-pleasing viewing, then power consumption reduces accordingly. The power consumption of a dvLED is dependent on the content type and therefore will be higher when displaying super bright content.
Because LED (used as a backlight for LCD or for dvLED) emits heat as well as light, heat build-up can be a concern especially in multiple display set-ups and can potentially affect image performance and speed aging. NEC LCD displays feature professional heat management with user controllable fans and a metal back cover to disperse the heat. dvLED emits the majority of heat from the front of the screen surface which makes cooling easier but leads to slightly warmer screen surfaces. Consult with the manufacturer or supplier to better understand how each solution manages heat dissipation and what requirements are needed for your application.
Indoor video walls in public spaces should be robust enough to withstand exposure to harsh environmental conditions including minor knocks. LCD displays must be of robust commercial build with a metal back cover and be specially designed for integration into video walls. Use an appropriately designed mounting infrastructure, preferably from the same supplier as the display. Choose from a high quality dvLED manufacturer with a robust connection system between modules enabling precise placement and adjustment.
For easier installation and lower-cost maintenance, make sure video wall panels have front and rear access. dvLED manufacturers such as NEC provide direct front access to each module and LCD video walls can be equipped with special mounts that enable front access. Both ways ensure easy access to the display for maintenance, repair and installation.
LCD panels are less expensive than dvLED panels, but the gap is narrowing. A finer pixel pitch is the primary contributor to a higher cost in a dvLED display, so it is important to work with your solution provider to ensure that the pixel pitch matches your client’s budget, image quality expectations, viewing distances and content type.
dvLED modules benefit from impressive longevity. Their typical lifetimes range from 70,000 to 100,000 hours before they reach a brightness output 50% below the original value. LCD video walls also provide a long life expectancy, 60% to 70% of that of dvLED.
Individual LCD displays can be easily replaced or adjusted according to neighboring screens in the wall should maintenance be required. Similarly, dvLED video walls are equipped with spare parts that ensure color consistency across the entire surface following a module replacement. Having the ability to calibrate the display will prove essential in the later years of the video wall’s lifespan, this is because calibration enables the colors and brightness of each pixel or panel to be closely matched to the others in the wall. Ultimately, calibration will make the video wall look like new across its entire lifetime.,
For many customers, choosing a video wall installation that is a complete end-to-end solution including hardware and services will best satisfy their need. Sharp/NEC provides expert consultancy in order to find the perfect fit video wall display technology to fit your customer needs.
In the digital age, LCD screens have become an integral part of our daily lives, from smartphones and laptops to televisions and digital signage. But have you ever wondered how these screens work to deliver crisp images and vibrant colors? As an expert in display technology, I will guide you through the fascinating world of LCD screens, unraveling the complex processes that make these devices so essential in our modern world.
We’ll delve into the fundamental components that constitute an LCD screen and explore the pivotal role that liquid crystals play in this technology. We’ll also shed light on the intricate process of backlighting, which is crucial for the visibility of images on the screen.
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Further, we’ll break down the science behind pixel formation in LCD displays, a process that is key to the clarity and sharpness of the images we see. We’ll also discuss the function of color filters, which are responsible for the rich and varied hues we enjoy on these screens.
Finally, we’ll navigate through the diverse types of LCD screens available in the market today, understanding their unique features and applications.
This comprehensive guide aims to address common misconceptions and alleviate any apprehensions you may have about LCD technology. So, whether you’re a tech enthusiast eager to expand your knowledge or simply curious about the technology you use every day, this article is sure to enlighten and inform. Let’s embark on this journey to understand the inner workings of LCD screens.
At the heart of every LCD screen, there are three primary components that work together to create the images we see. Firstly, the backlight provides the light source necessary for the display. Secondly, the liquid crystal layer, which is sandwiched between two polarizing filters, manipulates the light from the backlight to create images. Lastly, the color filters add the necessary colors to the images.
Delving into the core of LCD technology, we find the fascinating world of liquid crystals. These unique substances, which exhibit properties of both liquids and solid crystals, are the key players in LCD screens. They have the fluidity of a liquid, but their molecules are arranged in a crystal-like way. This dual nature is what makes them perfect for display technology.
When an electric current is applied to these liquid crystals, their molecular structure changes. This change in structure alters the way light interacts with them. By controlling the current, we can control the amount of light that passes through the liquid crystals, effectively creating different shades of colors. This is how images are formed on an LCD screen.
Tip: To extend the life of your LCD screen, avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures. Liquid crystals are sensitive to heat and cold, and extreme temperatures can cause them to malfunction. Also, remember to clean your screen with a soft, dry cloth to prevent scratches and damage to the liquid crystals.
One of the most crucial components of an LCD screen is the backlighting process. This process is responsible for illuminating the pixels on the screen, making the images visible to the viewer. The backlighting process begins when the light from a series of fluorescent or LED lamps is diffused across the screen by a panel known as the diffuser. This diffused light then passes through a series of polarizing filters and a liquid crystal layer, which manipulates the light to create the images we see.
There are several key steps in the backlighting process that are critical to the functioning of an LCD screen. These include the generation of light, the diffusion of light, the manipulation of light by the liquid crystal layer, and the final polarization of light. Each of these steps is crucial in ensuring that the images displayed on the screen are clear, bright, and accurately colored. Understanding these steps can help users better appreciate the complex technology behind their everyday devices.
Pixel formation in LCD displays is a fascinating process that involves a complex interplay of light, color, and electricity. Each pixel on an LCD screen is composed of three sub-pixels: red, green, and blue. These sub-pixels are controlled by a matrix of thin-film transistors (TFTs) that switch on and off to allow varying amounts of light to pass through.
When an electric current is applied to the liquid crystal layer, the crystals align in a way that either blocks or allows light to pass through. The degree to which the crystals twist is determined by the voltage applied, which in turn determines the amount of light that reaches each sub-pixel. By controlling the light reaching each red, green, and blue sub-pixel, the LCD display can produce a full spectrum of colors.
In conclusion, the formation of pixels in an LCD display is a result of a carefully orchestrated dance of light and electricity. It’s the precise control of this process that allows LCD displays to produce sharp, vibrant images. Understanding this process not only gives us a greater appreciation for the technology, but also helps us make more informed decisions when purchasing or troubleshooting LCD displays.
Color filters play a crucial role in LCD technology. These filters are responsible for the vibrant display of colors that we see on our screens. Each pixel on an LCD screen is divided into three subpixels, each with a dedicated color filter – red, green, and blue. These subpixels, when combined, can produce a wide spectrum of colors. The intensity of light passing through these filters is controlled by the liquid crystals, which in turn determines the color that is displayed.
Let’s delve deeper into the process. The backlight of the LCD screen emits white light, which passes through the polarizing filter. This light is then directed towards the subpixels. The liquid crystals control the amount of light that can pass through each subpixel. The combination of light intensities from the red, green, and blue subpixels results in the final color that we see on the screen.
Here is a simplified sequence of how color filters work in LCD technology:
When it comes to LCD screens, there is a wide array of types that cater to different needs and applications. Twisted Nematic (TN), In-Plane Switching (IPS), and Vertical Alignment (VA) are among the most common types of LCD screens. Each of these types has its unique characteristics and advantages.
Understanding the different types of LCD screens is crucial when choosing a display for a specific application. For instance, a graphic designer might opt for an IPS screen for its color accuracy, while a gamer might prefer a TN screen for its fast response time. Meanwhile, a user who wants a balance between color accuracy and response time might find a VA screen to be the most suitable option.
Moreover, these different types of LCD screens also find their uses in various devices and industries. TN screens are commonly used in gaming monitors and some televisions. IPS screens are often found in high-end monitors, smartphones, and tablets due to their superior color reproduction and viewing angles. VA screens, meanwhile, are typically used in televisions and monitors where a balance between performance and image quality is required.
Polarizing filters in an LCD screen are crucial for controlling the light that passes through the liquid crystals. They are oriented at 90 degrees to each other, allowing only certain orientations of light to pass through. When the liquid crystals twist, they change the light’s orientation to match the second filter, allowing it to pass through.
Backlighting is necessary in LCD screens because liquid crystals do not emit light on their own. The backlight illuminates the liquid crystals from behind, making the images visible to the viewer. Without the backlight, the screen would be very dim and hard to see.
An LCD screen produces different colors using color filters and varying the intensity of the backlight. Each pixel on an LCD screen is made up of sub-pixels that are red, green, and blue. By varying the intensity of light that passes through these sub-pixels, an LCD screen can produce a full spectrum of colors.
LCD technology has several advantages over other display technologies. It consumes less power, making it ideal for portable devices like laptops and smartphones. LCD screens also have no risk of burn-in, unlike plasma screens. They also have excellent color accuracy and can be made very thin and light.
There are several different types of LCD screens, including Twisted Nematic (TN), In-Plane Switching (IPS), and Vertical Alignment (VA). TN screens are the most common and are known for their fast response times. IPS screens have better color accuracy and wider viewing angles, while VA screens offer better contrast and deeper blacks.
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