What is the state-of-the-art in terms of pixel pitch – both in terms of development models and commercially available models?
SiliconCore introduced its first outdoor screen using its Common Cathode technology (the Tulip Outdoor) at InfoComm this year.
“When LED first entered the market, there was a real excitement every time a new product was launched with a smaller pixel pitch than the last. Now that the market has developed, for us the most exciting introductions into LED technologies have been manufacturers bringing to market pioneering features, whilst keeping the quality display performance consistent,” explains Stuart Holmes of Stuart Holmes, Director, PSCo (part of the Midwich Group).
“These new features include reductions in weight, low power and front serviceability. We ensure that with our multi-vendor strategy we can provide all of these features from within our portfolio.”
But what about the seemingly random emails that popup in inboxes on a regular basis? There seems to be slightly less now – does that mean that the market is consolidating?
“The LED market has been consolidating and maturing for some time, due to a number of acquisitions and the need for increased volume. There are now five public companies producing LED out of China, with two clearly leading the way,” explains Holmes.
“The focus has shifted to not just bringing the newest product to market first, but bringing the best product to market. A great performing product builds confidence in the brand, so the industry is now familiar with the best manufacturers available.” So no more unreliable suppliers or misleading claims.
“Whilst the risk is reduced now that there are established manufacturers, a risk we do still see is how the product is going to be maintained and serviced after purchase for the following 3-5 years,” warns Holmes.
Choosing the right solution?
Widely admired, the demand for LED has been constrained by its price. Hopes that increased volumes would automatically lead to steep price reductions will be frustrated, at least in the short term.
“I think that the pricing of indoor LED is levelling off following a period of a steady decline,” comments Holmes. Price is related to pixel pitch and so: “It’s not always the case of the smaller the better. It all depends on the application the LED is being used in – the viewing distance, resolution required and content being showcased. With a finer pixel pitch, you can end up over-specifying – and potentially paying for something you won’t be using. The main decision should be based on how the product can perform visually in the final application.,” adds Holmes.
But price is only one consideration when choosing a supplier and a solution:
“Initial considerations are going to be around the application; whether you have rear access? If not, it needs to be front installation. Does it need to have low power performance? How is it going to be installed and handled? And is there a servicing and maintenance after-care package post-install? A price performance conversation should be had to make sure you get the performance you are looking for within the right budget,” advises Holmes.
Emerging applications
With the availability of new products from credible sources, new applications will surely continue to drive market growth. Direct view LED displays are now being used in areas that previously larger pixel pitches wouldn’t have been able to facilitate, including simulation and high-end visualisation. SiliconCore has found that its 0.95mm is particularly effective within caves. These environments used to feature volumetric 3D projection on all surrounding walls to immerse users, but systems integrators can now use LED screens with 3D content.
This means that there is no edge-blending needed, and the displays can present increased performance in high ambient light levels. Further advantages include lower maintenance needs and a much smaller footprint. The market is starting to appreciate the advantages offered by direct LRD in terms of improved colour reproduction, contrast ratios, refresh rates and off-axis viewing – all of which support direct view LED an ideal choice for immersive applications.
State-of-the-art
SiliconCore launched its smallest pixel pitch to date, the Camellia 0.95mm LED display in February 2016. This achieves 4K resolution at 165” diagonal (11.97’ x 6.7’) with “superb” contrast ratio and greyscale qualities and 1700 Nits of brightness. This advancement is raising questions about the long-term viability of projection for large scale, high brightness applications. The LED option offers lower power consumption, a longer lifespan of over 100,000 hours, minimal maintenance and increased brightness with no image compromise for high ambient light environments.
SiliconCore’s Common Cathode technology is said to reduce the heat output of displays, thereby removing the need for additional cooling. This increases lifespan beyond 100,000 hours and results in lower power consumption so reducing the total cost of ownership.
But one of the most popular solutions is that of LED tiles, which are much more compact and, with front service accessibility, need hardly any space behind them. Traditionally LED displays wouldn’t have been able to compete but as pixel pitches get lower, they are now a feasible and a desirable option.
Right now, the SiliconCore Orchid 1.9mm is a good midrange to high-end choice, achieving 1K resolution at 165’’ (directly comparable with the classic 3×3 video wall formation from 55” narrow bezel panels). The Orchid offers a much improved viewing experience, fitting together seamlessly with impeccable colour uniformity and a native resolution for pixel to pixel match without the need for expensive scalers.
The lifespan is significantly longer than LCD at over 100,000 hours with 2,000 Nits high brightness maintained during this time, with none of the classic LCD wall issues such as uncalibrated screens or dust ingress in the backlight. In environments where quality and impact are the premium factors in the choice of technology for an indoor application, the 1.9 mm pitch Orchid and similar offerings from competitors is probably the current state of the art.
Stuart Holmes, Director, PSCo (part of the Midwich Group): “I think that the pricing of indoor LED is levelling off following a period of a steady decline.”
Outdoor developments
With all the talk about indoor applications, it’s easy to forget that the vast majority of direct LED installations are in outdoor or semi outdoor environments. The technology in this sector is also evolving. In June 2016, SiliconCore unveiled its first Common Cathode outdoor LED display, the Tulip Outdoor 3.9mm.
The display is IP65 rated, features 4500 Nits of brightness, maintaining spectacular contrast even in direct sunlight. This technological advance has been made possible due to the manufacturer’s unique Common Cathode technology and patented driver chip, which is at the core of all its products. The Tulip Outdoor has a physical resolution of 65,536 pixels per square meter and accurate reproduction of 281 trillion colours at a wide viewing angle of 140 degrees.
Steve Scorse, VP of EMEA for SiliconCore explained:
“High resolution outdoor LED signage of less than 6mm pixel pitch, largely consisted of limited choices such as semi-outdoor LCD. The LCD platform however has limited effectiveness, brightness, and ability to face environmental challenges such as direct sunlight.
“As we continue to push the envelope of LED displays with Common Cathode technology, we look to transform the outdoor viewing market with our power efficiency while maintaining a higher level of colour, contrast and brightness.”
SiliconCore’s Common Cathode technology has made this possible, reducing the power consumption up to 30%, thereby removing the need for additional cooling, extending the lifespan of the display and resulting in industry leading total cost of ownership.
A growing number of applications can benefit from high resolution outdoor LED, such as drive thru signage and outdoor mall screens, where close proximity viewing is a priority. Rental and staging can look forward to products stemming from the Common Cathode technology in fine pitch resolutions and more durable packaging.
