Even though LED (light-emitting diode) technology is one of the oldest display technologies, its rise to fame did not begin until the late 2000s. LEDs are a particular type of diode that convert electrical energy into light, like tiny lightbulbs (but requiring far less power to operate). Over the years, as the technology progressed, diodes got smaller, requiring the technology that was formerly hand-made to be machine-operated, which in turn also made LED more affordable (and more energy efficient). From the large-scale and infamous Time Square signs in New York and stadium score boards across the globe, to consumer televisions and boardroom displays, LED technology seems to be everywhere.

In his seminar, “The Rise of LED,” at this year’s Vistacom Tech Expo, Randy Pagnan, of RP Visuals, discussed how LED technology originated, how it’s used and where the technology is headed next. But according to Pagnan, there are three big factors that could make or break an LED display:

The Individual LEDs
One of the great things about LED technology is its flexibility to work in various applications. LED displays can be used in large signs that convey a message from hundreds of yards away or designed to be crystal clear for a person standing only a few feet away. However, each of these are designed very differently, starting with the LED brand itself. 

Each brand of LED is not equal, depending on the burn in time, diffusers, and binning and batching, your quality of LED will increase or decrease.   All LED brands are also not equal in their customer service efforts.  Choosing an LED provider with team members close by, and spares on hand from your bin and batch, will allow on-site support to occur easily.

Mounting
Another benefit of the technology is the limitless design possibilities it creates. From a seamless video wall in a casino to an integrated command center for a traffic center, LED can be adapted to fit almost every design need. However, poor mounting of the individual LED cabinets can ruin an entire project by making the seams visible either as a dark line or bright line. 

Meanwhile, exceptional mounting can help keep your LED cabinets from moving on the X, Y, and Z axis, helping prevent possible damage while also creating a seamless display experience for the viewer.

“Modern buildings are built to move and grow to accommodate weather and other environmental changes, but LED is not,” said Pagnan. “But if properly installed by professionals who understand all the quirks, LED can be a huge asset to the project.”

A sturdy, well-engineered mount will keep your LED display a solid single piece as the wall behind it moves or flexes over time.

Processing
With LED technology continuing to evolve, including the emergence of LED touch capabilities, the tech is still only as good as its content. LED technology can display everything from live video, such as in an NFL football game, to an interactive video wall at a conference, but this is all dependent on a reliable audiovisual (AV) partner to make sure integration is seamless.

With LED in particular, it is necessary to make sure the pixel input matches the pixel output. Having a reliable processor will allow the content to transfer from the source to the LED creating a stunning image.  If the pixels do not match up properly, the image can look distorted and will take away from the message/goal you are trying to accomplish with your videowall.

Tips for Installing LED Technology
Installing LED for digital messaging is a great long-term investment for a business. But when looking to buy and install, Pagnan had a few more tips:

1. Pick reputable experts. LED can be tricky, so bring in experts to make sure it’s perfect. From professional custom support structure fabricators to experienced integrators, the right team is critical when trying to protect your investment.
2. Be careful while purchasing technology. While LED is quickly being adopted more widely across the globe, it is not yet standardized, which can lead to quality and integration issues. However, a professional integrator can help guide a customer through the purchasing process.
3. Be creative. LED provides limitless design opportunities. Combining a great LED brand, a well designed and manufactured creative mounting solution and a strategic processor, the world is an LED oyster.

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