Pixel Pitch
Definition
Pixel pitch is the distance, in millimetres, between the centres of two adjacent pixels on an LED display. A smaller pitch gives more pixels per square metre, so a higher resolution for a given size and a shorter viewing distance before the pixel structure becomes visible. A common rule of thumb, repeated in manufacturers' guides, puts the minimum viewing distance in metres at about the pitch in millimetres (pitch × 1000 = distance in mm, so about 2.5 m for a 2.5 mm pitch). It is an estimate, not a standard. A smaller pitch also means more LEDs per square metre, and therefore a higher cost per square metre.
In the field
The pitch is chosen for the closest audience position. A P3.9 panel seen from 1.5 m shows its pixel structure more than a P5 panel seen from 3 m, because the ratio of viewing distance to pitch is lower. The rule of thumb is an approximation: content, contrast and viewers' eyesight change the distance at which pixels become visible.
Related lessons
Sources
- Daktronics, LED Displays: How to Determine Optimal Viewing Distance? Relation entre pas de pixel et distance de vision · daktronics.com
- Planar, Recommended Viewing Distance & Direct View LED : distance de vision des écrans LED à vision directe selon le pas · planar.com
- Christie, Understanding LED video wall pixel pitch : définition du pas et effet sur la résolution et la distance · christiedigital.com