VIRTUAL MADNESS: LED Pixel Configurations Explained

June 20, 2017

Via WatchfireSigns.com Pixel pitch is a common way the sign industry describes an LED sign’s resolution. A pixel is comprised of a single grouping or cluster of LED diodes – typically one red, one blue and one green. The pixel may share a lens, as in the case of a surface mount diode, or it may be made up of three separate LEDs.

The simple rule of thumb is that a lower pitch measurement, where each cluster is close together, results in a higher quality image. Unfortunately, some manufacturers have introduced alternative pixel distance calculations as a way to reduce costs.  These configurations are often marketed as “virtual,” “enhanced,” or “optimized.” Here is a look at a few different pixel options and how they impact image quality.

The Real Deal: True pixel configurations are measured from the center of each pixel and do not rely on sharing LEDs. Watchfire’s 10mm uses a surface mount device (SMD) that contains red, green and blue under a single lens. This produces a high-quality display that provides exceptional resolution for crisp, vivid content and wide viewing angles.

The Two-Red Imposter Module: Virtual pixel configurations are set up completely different. In order to pass off a lower resolution product, some manufacturers will add a second red LED to each cluster. This configuration results in a pixel that has two red, one blue and one green LED. Then to claim the product is high resolution, these deceitful manufacturers will market it based on the measurement between each individual LED. The product will be marketed as an optimized 10mm, but in reality it has a true pixel pitch of 20mm.

The Missing LED Module: Another way some manufacturers are being deceptive is by using a technique known as LED sharing to claim a higher resolution. LEDs are shared to neighboring pixels to complete a grouping, effectively counting some LEDs up to four times. This layout has visibly larger spaces between LEDs and may even give the appearance that an LED is missing from the board layout. To market this configuration, pitch is measured between overlapping pixels so that the product can be promoted at a much higher resolution than it actually delivers.

The Cold Shoulder Module: Some manufacturers also use through-hole LEDs for higher resolution products like a true 10mm sign. Placing individual red, green and blue LEDs into a circuit board with 10mm spacing creates a product that is not robust enough for long term reliability. This configuration also creates an issue known as shouldering, where the LED lenses block the light of neighboring diodes. Shouldering results in limited viewing angles and can make the display look discolored when it is viewed off-center.

Disadvantages of Virtual Pixel Configurations: LED sharing results in weak color contrast and uneven edges on text as the pixels bleed into one another when they overlap.

Virtual resolutions with two red LEDs cause white graphics and text to look pink because red LEDs dim at a slower rate than blue and green.

Pixel layouts that use 4 LEDs do not allow for consistent black space. This results in fuzzy images that may appear washed out.

Color blending suffers on virtual configurations using the missing LED layout, compromising image quality.

Photos showing the disadvantages of virtual pixel configurations...

Full article via Watchfire Signs... http://www.watchfiresigns.com/blog/virtual-madness-true-vs-virtual-pixel-configurations

Serving Western Canada with the brightest solutions, call the professionals at Electra Sign Ltd. Winnipeg today.

 

2017 WATCHFIRE LED SIGN AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED

June 12, 2017

Watchfire Signs is proud to present the winners of the 2017 Watchfire LED Sign Awards, established to recognize Watchfire dealer partners who showcase the capabilities of on-premise digital advertising in superior sign design. The award recognizes sign companies who have displayed excellence in effectiveness, design, and how well the artwork showcases the digital components of on-premise advertising.

2017 Gold Winner
Electra Sign Ltd., South Beach Casino

Full list of winners... http://www.watchfiresigns.com/signawards

Complete sign solutions by Electra Sign Ltd. Winnipeg Manitoba, leading the signage industry in award-winning custom design and manufacturing.

Importance of Product Knowledge in Customer Service

April 5, 2017

Along with  Sam Nimchonok (pictured above) the entire Electra and Prairie Sales staff are certified EMC specialists trained at the Watchfire factory in Danville Illinois.

Oftentimes simply presenting brochures to prospective clients will do little to build relationships and close sales. Salespeople need to have a proper understanding of their product, because written words and spoken words are very different. The best way to gain product knowledge is by taking a hands-on approach. Whether it’s a vacuum, a new car or an electronic sign it is crucial to use and test your product extensively and assess it’s features and capabilities yourself before attempting to sell it. With a superior level of experience, you will be able to explain why your product is superior.

A sales pitch should not just cover the black-and-white benefits and advantages of your product, your clients are likely more interested in how your product can meet their own existing requirements. Being overly technical in explaining your product is inadvisable as well. Whenever possible your product should be presented in a way that is self-explanatory.

In closing, great salespeople should not only depend on company training for product knowledge but also express an invested interest in learning about their product themselves.

Branding & Awareness through effective signage. We are here to help at Electra Sign Ltd. Winnipeg Manitoba.