About Outdoor LED Displays
Outdoor LED displays are an increasingly popular and effective way for businesses to communicate with customers and stand out in busy environments. These displays are desirable for eye-catching visuals that can be seen clearly, even in direct sunlight, and for real-time content flexibility.
Today, businesses of all sizes use outdoor LED displays to enhance brand visibility, engage passersby, and deliver impactful messages tailored to their audiences.
What Is An Outdoor LED Display?
An outdoor LED display is a large digital screen designed specifically for use in outdoor environments. It uses arrays of LEDs to create images and video content that can be updated remotely.
Outdoor LED displays are built to withstand harsh weather conditions while providing high brightness and visibility.
What Is An Outdoor LED Video Wall?
An outdoor LED video wall is a large-scale display made up of multiple LED panels arranged together to create one seamless screen. These modular systems consist of custom sizes and shapes that can be arranged to fit different spaces and applications.
Video walls offer higher resolutions and more flexibility than single-panel displays. See our Product page for an overview of Elite Displays products including outdoor video walls.
How Much Do Outdoor LED Displays Cost?
Smaller, basic outdoor LED displays typically start around $5,000 to $10,000. Mid-range displays cost between $10,000 and $50,000.
Meanwhile, large, high-resolution video walls or billboards for applications like stadiums or major advertising spaces can range from $100,000 to several hundred thousand dollars, with some extensive projects potentially exceeding $1 million.
Note that the total cost includes expenses beyond the display itself, such as mounting hardware, installation, and ongoing maintenance. Custom installations and specialized weatherproofing will also impact the final price.
Outdoor LED Display Panel Price
LED display panel prices cover a wide range, from $500 to $10,000 per square meter.
Factors that impact LED panel pricing include pixel pitch, brightness, build quality, and brand. Again, the total project cost extends beyond just the panels and includes installation hardware, weatherproofing measures, and ongoing maintenance.
Contact Elite Displays for a quote on an outdoor LED display.
The Impact of Outdoor LED Displays on Brand Visibility
Outdoor LED displays are an important part of modern advertising strategies, and with the right team designing and implementing your campaign, they can outperform static signs and increase awareness for your brand.
Advantages Over Traditional Signage
Many businesses prefer outdoor LED displays for their unique advantages over traditional signage, especially their dynamic content capabilities. The content capabilities of modern outdoor LED displays are huge and must be emphasized.
Today, content management systems can run ads based on time, weather, demographics, and much more, greatly streamlining the advertising process.
Just as importantly, outdoor LED displays reduce long-term costs by eliminating recurring printing and manual installation expenses for:
- New campaign designs
- Seasonal promotions
- General updated messaging
This flexibility allows businesses to keep their advertising fresh and responsive without the logistical challenges and expenses associated with changing traditional signage content.
High-Contrast Colors Maximize Impact
Another factor is high color contrast, which helps enhance the effectiveness of outdoor LED displays. Compared to traditional outdoor signs, outdoor LED displays can be more easily tailored to specific color combinations that boost visibility and impact.
If you’re working with a limited color palette, Elite Displays will help you find the best display solution for your needs.
10 Things to Know Before Buying an Outdoor LED Display
1. Durability and Weather Resistance are Critical for Outdoor LED Displays
Outdoor LED displays must be able to withstand harsh conditions, which is why products with a high IP rating (IP65 or above) are recommended. Outdoor LED displays with this rating offer protection against water, dust, and comparatively extreme temperatures.
UV protection is also crucial for long-lasting outdoor digital billboards. Displays with UV-resistant coatings help prevent color fading and degradation of components over time, ensuring your investment maintains its visual impact.
2. Not All Outdoor LED Display Suppliers Care About Your Needs
Many outdoor LED display suppliers don’t bother to understand their clients’ specific needs. When choosing a supplier, look for one that takes the time to assess your specific needs, whether for advertising, information display, or entertainment.
A quality supplier will consider local weather conditions, direct sunlight exposure, and viewing distances to recommend the most suitable display. They will also discuss your content management needs, including remote access and real-time update capabilities.
Partnering with a supplier who asks these questions and tailors solutions to your business will increase your odds of finding an effective and long-lasting display that truly serves your purposes.
3. Low-Quality Cheap LED Displays Cost More in the Long Run
Today, the market is flooded with low-quality, knock-off LED displays that often lead to higher costs in the long run. These imitations frequently suffer from poor performance, require more frequent maintenance, and have significantly shorter lifespans compared to genuine products. Opting for reputable brands known for quality and durability is crucial.
While knock-offs might offer initial savings, they typically use inferior components that can’t withstand the demands of outdoor use. Genuine displays, on the other hand, feature high-grade LEDs and weather-resistant materials that ensure longevity and reliable performance.
4. Pixel Pitch, Brightness, and Resolution Are The Big Three
If you’re new to outdoor LED displays, three factors are crucial to understand: One, pixel pitch affects image clarity, especially for close-up viewing. Two, brightness, measured in nits, determines visibility in sunlight. Three, resolution greatly impacts overall image quality.
For outdoor use in tight urban areas, consider displays with lower pixel pitch (like P3.91mm or P6) for higher resolution and brightness of 5,000 to 10,000 nits for clear visibility in sunlight. Generally, closer viewing requires a lower pixel pitch for crisp images, making it a good option for outdoor displays in busy pedestrian areas, storefronts, and transit hubs.
Also, bear in mind that weather-resistant hardware with IP65+ rating ensures durability in various conditions, and high-contrast colors with large fonts offer better readability.
Elite Displays can guide you in selecting the right specifications for your needs and location, ensuring your LED display is effective.
5. Energy-efficient Outdoor LED Displays Reduce Operating Costs
Outdoor LED displays are energy-intensive. So, choosing options that offer energy efficiency without compromising brightness or quality is important.
Features that can significantly reduce long-term operating costs include automatic brightness adjustment based on ambient light, scheduling capabilities to reduce power usage during off-hours, and efficient LED drivers.
6. Customizable Outdoor LED Displays Exist To Meet Your Business Needs
The outdoor LED display market offers a vast array of products and customization options to meet practically any business need. From standard rectangular displays to custom-shaped screens, there’s a solution for nearly every application.
Customization options include:
Shape and size: Beyond traditional rectangles, displays can be circular, triangular, or even freeform to fit unique architectural elements.
Pixel pitch: Ranging from fine pitches like 2.5mm for close-viewing applications to larger pitches like 16mm for distant viewing.
Brightness levels: From sub-5,000 nits for darker areas to 10,000 nits for direct sunlight visibility.
Mounting options: Wall-mounted, freestanding, pole-mounted, or integrated into existing structures.
Interactive features: Touch-enabled screens, gesture recognition, or integration with mobile devices for enhanced engagement.
Weatherproofing: IP65 to IP68 ratings for various environmental conditions.
Energy efficiency: Smart power management systems and low-power LED technologies.
The key is finding and working with an experienced LED display provider that will assess your business needs and present a tailored solution.
7. Professional Installation and Maintenance Save Time and Money
When seeking an outdoor LED display, we recommend choosing a white glove, end-to-end service that covers every detail from installation to ongoing maintenance. This ensures a seamless experience, with experts handling everything, so you don’t have to.
A true white glove service includes professional installation, regular inspections, and proactive maintenance to keep your display running smoothly, saving your business time and money.
Look for options with features like front-serviceable panels and modular designs that allow for quick repairs without disassembly. These features, combined with a dedicated support team, help protect your investment.
8. Expert Support Ensures Your Investment’s Longevity
While choosing the right display and receiving professional support are crucial, the journey doesn’t end there. Ongoing customer support is foundational to the long-term success of your outdoor LED display.
When choosing a display, look at the quality of customer support and technical assistance. Look for providers offering 24/7 support and clear service agreements.
9. The Price Should Be Weighed Against the Value Provided by the LED Display
Premium options have higher upfront costs but allow you to avoid the headaches that come with cheap, unreliable displays and inadequate customer support.
Ultimately, a higher-quality display will usually offer a better return over the long run by reducing maintenance costs, minimizing downtime, and maximizing viewer engagement.
10. Choosing a Reputable LED Display Company Ensures Reliability and Quality
We can’t overstate how important it is to find a trusted and experienced LED display provider. With so many options available, it’s easy for businesses to be lured by low prices or flashy marketing from unreliable suppliers.
Red flags to watch out for include:
- Unusually low prices that seem too good to be true
- Lack of verifiable customer references
- Unwillingness to provide detailed product specifications
- Poor communication or unresponsiveness to inquiries
- No physical address
- Unclear company history
- Pressure to make quick decisions without proper consultation
- Lack of after-sales support and maintenance services
- Inability to provide demonstrations of their products
- No adherence to industry safety standards
Green flags include:
- A proven track record with verifiable customer references
- Transparent pricing and clear explanations of costs
- After-sales support
- Adherence to industry safety standards
- Willingness to provide detailed product specifications
- Ability to offer customized solutions tailored to your specific needs
- A dedicated team for installation, maintenance, and ongoing support
- Clear communication and responsiveness to inquiries
- Offers product demonstrations and site visits to view installed displays
Find The Best Outdoor LED Display For Your Needs
At Elite Displays, we specialize in providing high-quality outdoor LED display solutions tailored to your needs. Our expert team can guide you through the selection process, ensuring you get the right display for your application and budget.
Contact Elite Displays for a quote.