The difference between indoor and outdoor LED display screens
If you want to install an LED screen but are unsure about the differences between indoor and outdoor LED displays, this article will help you understand the distinctions.
LED Modules
LED modules are the core components of LED screens and are primarily divided into two types: conventional LED modules and flexible LED modules. In order to better distinguish between indoor LED modules and outdoor LED modules, we will introduce them from two aspects: structural design and LED chip color.
In terms of structural design, outdoor flexible LED display modules mostly use a rear cover design, which can block dust, water, and other foreign objects from entering the interior of the outdoor flexible LED module, thereby protecting the internal structure of the module.
At the same time, outdoor flexible LED display modules have a traction rope design to prevent outdoor flexible LED modules from detaching from outdoor LED displays, reducing the probability of accidents. Indoor flexible LED display modules do not use a rear cover design, making them more lightweight and easier for staff to assemble.
In terms of LED chip color, LED display LED chips mainly come in three colors: black, gray, and white. Most indoor LED display modules use black or gray LED chips. Black or gray LED chips can reduce the brightness of indoor LED displays, making the light emitted by indoor LED displays softer and better suited to indoor environments. Most outdoor LED display modules use white LED chips. White LED chips can make outdoor LED displays brighter.
Brightness
According to the measurement results, the brightness of outdoor LED displays is 4000–5500 nits. Under strong sunlight, the high brightness of outdoor LED displays allows viewers to see the display content clearly.
The brightness of indoor LED displays is 500–800 nits. Under dim light, the low brightness of indoor LED displays blends in with the surrounding light, providing a comfortable viewing experience.
LED screen cabinet
In most cases, indoor LED displays use simple cabinets. Simple cabinets do not have a back cover, only a frame-like structure, which is relatively light and easy for staff to install. Outdoor LED displays use conventional cabinets. Conventional cabinets have a back cover and waterproof hole design, which are highly hydrophobic and can effectively drain rainwater from the internal structure of outdoor LED modules.
Pixel pitch
Different packaging technologies result in different pixel pitches on LED modules. Indoor LED displays have a smaller pixel pitch, which can provide a high degree of refinement for indoor LED displays. Outdoor LED displays have a larger pixel pitch, which can provide high-brightness image content for outdoor LED displays.
Waterproof rating
In terms of waterproof rating, outdoor LED displays are IP65, while indoor LED displays are IP35.
The reason is that outdoor LED display modules have a waterproof ring design that can prevent water from seeping into the internal structure. The outdoor LED display lamp beads themselves are waterproof, which allows outdoor LED displays to resist water penetration from the front.
At the same time, a layer of triple-proof paint is applied to the PCB circuit board to prevent water molecules from reacting with the PCB board and causing a short circuit.
Indoor LED display modules are coated with glue or a film on the surface to achieve a waterproof effect on the front. At the same time, the internal PCB board is also coated with triple-proof paint to reduce external interference with the indoor LED display.
Scanning method and refresh rate
The scanning method divides the LED display area into N parts, and the LED lamp beads in each part are scanned in order. In most cases, indoor LED displays have a lower scanning rate, are divided into more areas, require more IC chips, and have a higher refresh rate. Outdoor LED displays have a higher scanning rate, are divided into fewer areas, require fewer IC chips, and have a lower refresh rate.
Under normal circumstances, the refresh rate of indoor LED displays is 1920Hz. If there are high requirements for the display screen, then the refresh rate of indoor LED displays is 3840Hz. The high refresh rate of indoor LED displays can make the display screen switch more smoothly. The refresh rate of outdoor LED displays is 960Hz. The refresh rate of outdoor LED displays basically meets the viewing needs of most people.
Power consumption
Outdoor LED displays have high brightness and consume a lot of power. At the same time, outdoor LED displays need to be installed with fans, which consume even more power.Indoor LED displays have low brightness, do not consume a lot of power, and do not need to be installed with fans, so they consume less power.
Installation method
In terms of installation methods, outdoor LED displays and indoor LED displays are mostly the same, but embedded installation and column installation are special. Embedded installation is a unique installation method for indoor LED displays, which can embed indoor LED displays in walls to save indoor space. Column installation is a unique installation method for outdoor LED displays, which can install outdoor LED displays on columns so that more people can see the content on the screen.
Control method
There are two control methods: synchronous control and asynchronous control. Indoor LED displays mainly use synchronous control, which can be controlled directly by a computer. Outdoor LED displays mainly use asynchronous control, which can be controlled by Wi-Fi, 4G, and other signals.
Viewing distance
The viewing distance is related to the size of the LED screen. Indoor LED screens are relatively small, so the viewing distance is relatively close. Outdoor LED screens are relatively large, so the viewing distance is relatively far.
Price
In terms of price, indoor LED displays are more expensive than outdoor LED displays. The reason is that indoor LED displays have a smaller pixel pitch, a more complex manufacturing process, and higher manufacturing costs. At the same time, indoor LED displays have a high refresh rate, require a large number of IC chips, and have high material costs, making them expensive.
Application scenarios
Indoor LED displays are mainly used in indoor scenarios, such as conference rooms, museums, and other indoor venues. Outdoor LED displays are mainly used in outdoor scenarios, such as large concerts, stadiums, and other outdoor venues.
Conclusion
After reading this article, we believe you will be able to distinguish between indoor LED displays and outdoor LED displays. If you would like to learn more, please visit the MuenLED official website.