What is an LED Matrix and How Does it Work?
What is an LED Wall and How Does it Work?
LED Matrix vs LED Walls: The Difference
Factors To Consider When Choosing Between The Two
LED matrices and LED walls are ubiquitous today; however, when deciding which one to choose for your business, you might be stuck between an LED matrix and an LED wall. Well, if you are confused between these two, do not worry as this article seems to differentiate between an LED matrix and an LED wall to help you make an informed decision for your business.
If you have ever been to the bank and seen those black screens with RGB colours displaying forex information, or seen a traffic light showing the traffic status for pedestrians, then you've probably seen an LED matrix. LED matrix. LED matrices are low-resolution displays which consist of rows and columns (an array) of small independent LEDs that work together to display characters, symbols, and numbers. These separate LEDs can be controlled together to display.
So, how do they work? Well, an LED matrix consists of three main sections:
The matrix board is responsible for displaying whatever output you pass through it. At the same time, the anodes are responsible for controlling the rows of the board, whiles the cathodes are responsible for controlling the columns of the board. It is important to note that current flows from the anode to the cathode. Therefore, the anodes are responsible for receiving and passing the data to be printed through the board by sending signals to the respective led. However, before the data gets printed on the board the cathode will multiplex or tell the board which LED to turn on/off depending on the signal (data) sent.
It is worth noting that this LED matrix can either be a single-colour, RGB, or multi-coloured display.
Compared to LED matrixes, LED walls are large that consist of grids--not matrices--of independent LED modules which work together to display high-quality and high-resolution video and picture formats just as a monitor would. This means, with an LED wall, you are looking at a combination of various LED boards that contain their chain of LED strips, working together.
For example, on the large boards in Times Square you see advertising pictures and videos, or even when you go to a concert and the performance is displayed on a large screen, those screens are LED walls.
so, how does it work?
LED walls consist of various LED modules which are mounted on a flat panel. The idea here is to have these modules work together as a unit for a more realistic display.
LED walls are much larger and more modular than LED matrices. Essentially, an LED matrix is often a single board or module which consists of chains of LED strips. LED walls on the other hand are a combination of LED boards which work together to produce a single image.
In terms of resolution, LED walls tend to have a higher resolution than an LED matrix. This is possible because LED walls are made up of more modules, allowing for more complex resolutions, sharper images, wider colour gamut, and more accurate colours.
LED matrices are typically used for displaying signage, point-of-sale displays, traffic signs, and industrial control panels. LED walls are used in displaying videos during concerts, outdoor advertisements, and any large video/picture.
There are two main things to consider when choosing between an LED matrix and an LED wall.
LED matrices tend to be cheaper compared to LED walls, and again this is due to their lower resolution and size. Therefore, if you are on a tight budget you might want to go in for an LED matrix as opposed to an LED wall.
The choice between both greatly depends on the purpose for which you want to use them. For example, if you need to display more realistic images and videos to communicate your brand, then you might want to go in for an LED wall. However, if you just need a board to display letters and symbols for simple communication, then you are better off with an LED matrix.
It is worth noting that modern LED matrices (RGB matrix) can display videos; however, they are not to the level of realism of an LED wall.
