We get asked this in lobbies, tasting rooms, churches and storefronts all the time, and the answer is rarely the same twice. Here’s how we think about it.
What is an LED video wall?
An LED video wall is built from modular panels covered in tiny light-emitting diodes, each one its own pixel. The panels lock together with no bezels or seams, so a wall can be almost any size or shape, from a lobby feature wall to a curved display behind a bar.[1] Because the image is made of light rather than reflected light, it stays bright and vivid even in a sunny room.
How do LED walls, TVs and projectors compare?
700–1,000
nits
Typical indoor LED wall brightness
0
seams
Panels lock together edge to edge
Any
size or shape
Curves, columns and corners
| LED video wall | TV / display wall | Projector | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seams | None | Thin lines between screens | None |
| Brightness | Highest; works in bright rooms | Good in normal indoor light | Washes out in daylight |
| Size | Almost any size or shape | Fixed screen sizes | Large, but needs a screen and throw distance |
| Lifespan | Long; built for all-day use | Commercial screens: long; consumer TVs: shorter | Lamps or light sources need replacing |
| Best for | Lobbies, storefronts, venues, worship, feature walls | Menus, conference rooms, wayfinding | Dark training rooms, occasional events |
Indoor LED walls typically run at 700 to 1,000 nits of brightness, which is why they hold up where other displays fade.[1]
When is a projector still the right choice?
Projectors can throw a very large image onto a wall, but that image fades as the room gets brighter. They suit rooms you can darken, like training rooms, theaters and occasional presentations. In a lobby with windows or a sunny storefront, a projected image looks washed out.
Can I just put up a big TV?
For a single screen in a normally lit room, often yes. Muzicraft recommends a commercial-grade display rated for long daily hours, with a warranty that covers business use.[2] Once you want something wider than one screen, or you don’t want lines running through a logo or a face, an LED wall makes more sense.
What about content?
A video wall only works if what’s on it stays fresh. Muzicraft’s video walls run on the same content platform as our digital signage, and our design team can create custom animation and graphics for you.[3] We’ll help you plan the content and who updates it before any hardware goes up.
Southern California spaces
Lobbies
Storefronts
Restaurants
Worship
Conference
Venues
Coastal light is bright. Lobbies with big windows, storefronts on State Street, winery tasting rooms and open-air patios are hard on projectors and ordinary TVs, and that’s exactly where LED walls pay off. Muzicraft designs, installs and supports LED video walls and commercial displays from Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo, and we’ll bring a sample panel so you can see it in your own light first.
Frequently asked questions
Are LED walls only for big venues?
No. Indoor LED walls are common in lobbies, retail, restaurants, churches and conference rooms.
Do LED walls work outdoors?
Yes, with outdoor-rated, weatherproof panels. They’re a different product from indoor panels.
Is LED more energy-efficient than LCD?
Modern LED walls can be significantly more efficient than LCD video walls over their lifetime, and they last longer.[1]
Can an LED wall be curved or an odd shape?
Yes. The panels are modular, so they can wrap columns or corners and form curves.
How do I choose the right LED wall for my space?
That depends on your room, your light and where people will stand. It’s what our site visit is for.
How do I control what’s on the wall?
Through digital signage software. Muzicraft can manage the content for you or train your team.
Sources
- Christie Digital, “LED vs. LCD: What’s the best technology for your next video wall project?”
- Mood Media, “Commercial Grade Screens.”
- Mood Media, “Digital Video Walls.”