LEDs have become a mainstay of the human experience, so it’s astonishing to think the first light emitting diode was invented by a GE employee only a little over 50 years ago. From that first invention, the potential was immediately evident, as LEDs were small, durable, bright and consumed less energy than traditional incandescent lighting.
LED technology continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of exactly where and how a display can be placed and used. There are virtually no limits, as screens can now go just about anywhere.
The Changing Display Industry: Miniaturization and Ultra-Thin Screens
As the LED industry has matured, it certainly has not slowed down when it comes to innovation. One amazing advancement is the miniaturization of the technology, helping to decrease the size and weight of the parts needed to build an LED screen. Additionally, it has enabled the screens to become ultra-thin and grow to monster sizes, allowing screens to rest on any surface, inside or outside.
Along with miniaturization of technology, Mini LEDs are also informing the sceen of the future. Mini LEDs refer to LED units smaller than 100 micrometers. Each pixel is individually enable to emit light; it’s an improved version of the traditional LED backlight. This new technology supports a more robust screen with super fine pixel pitch.
Significant Advancements Are Changing the Future of LEDs
From sports venues to retail stores to corporate environments, the applications for LEDs have multiplied, much in part to technological advancements, including enhanced resolution, greater brightness capabilities, product versatility, hardened surface LEDs, and micro LEDs.
Pixel pitch is the standard measurement to indicate resolution in LEDs. A smaller pixel pitch signifies higher resolution. Resolutions started out very low, but now 4K screens, which have a horizontal pixel count of 4,096, are becoming the norm. As manufacturers work to perfect resolution, creating 8K screens and beyond are becoming more and more promising.
Greater Brightness Capabilities
LEDs emit a bright clear light in millions of colors. When they work together, they provide alluring displays viewable at very wide angles. LEDs now have the highest brightness of any display. This means LED screens can compete well with direct sunlight, allowing for clever new ways to use screens outdoors and in windows.
LEDs are extremely versatile. One thing many engineers have spent considerable time on is constructing the optimal outdoor screen. Exterior screens face significant challenges including temperature swings, humidity, coastal air, and extreme dryness. Modern LEDs can handle just about anything that the weather brings. And because LEDs are glare-free, they are a perfect fit for many environments—from a stadium to a storefront to a broadcast set.
Hardened Surface LEDs
LEDs need to be robust to handle any situation, so manufacturers are now working with a process called Chip On Board (COB). With COB, the LEDs are attached right to the printed circuit board instead of being prepackaged (when the LED is wired, bonded, and encapsulated for protection as individual units). This means more LEDs will fit in the same footprint. These hardened displays allow designers and architects to consider LEDs as an alternative to traditional surfaces such as tile and stone. Instead of one surface, these LEDs could allow for one that changes on demand.
Engineers have developed a smaller LED—the microLED—and have included more of them onto the same surface. Micro LEDs are moving technology forward, linking LEDs and images produced on the screen. Since micro LEDs shrink the size of LEDs significantly, more diodes can be part of the screen. This improves resolving power and the ability to render incredible detail.
Using Large, High-Resolution LEDs
PixelFLEX offers industry-leading LED display technology and solutions that transform spaces, creating immersive, engaging experiences with large, high-resolution LEDs in a number of well-known settings.
NETAPP utilized our FLEXMod LED display technology to create a one of a kind trapezoidal and curved display in its new Data visionary center that opened in 2018. This display showcases the companies commitment to technology and being a top tier provider in Silicon Valley.
On the Las Vegas Strip, you’ll find Beer Park, the first rooftop bar and grill at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. The focal point of the space is a sub 2mm LED display above the center bar and allows for either multi or single views.
Hino Trucks, the commercial arm of Toyota trucks implemented three fine pixel pitch display in its new Detroit HQ to showcase its diagnostic technology as well as create a one of a kind employee theater for meeting and events.
PixelFLEX is proud to have been part of these projects and continues to deliver custom solutions in the LED industry, creating products that fit unique goals supported by unparalleled customer service. Learn more about PixelFLEX’s solutions by checking out their full line of products.