Types of LED Displays for Digital Signage

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In this guide, we cover the main types of LED displays commonly used for digital signage. You’ll also learn about key technologies, including SMD, DIP, and others.

What Is An LED Display?

An LED display is a screen made up of tiny light-emitting diodes arranged in a grid.

LED displays can be categorized by: Display technology, color, pixel pitch, installation type, indoor or outdoor usage, transparency, flexibility, shape, and general use.

Ultimately, there are dozens or even hundreds of LED display types from hundreds of manufacturers around the world. Given such variety, this guide only focuses on the most common types of LED displays used for digital signage.

Before we jump into the types of LED displays, let’s first clarify the difference between SMD and DIP.

SMD vs. DIP: What’s The Difference?

SMD (Surface-Mount Device): Each pixel on an SMD LED display is formed by grouping red, green, and blue LEDs into one compact unit. This design allows for higher resolution, excellent color display, and fairly wide viewing angles. Overall, SMD LEDs are ideal for indoor digital signage.

DIP (Dual In-Line Package): Each pixel on a DIP LED display consists of three individual LEDs (one red, one green, and one blue), which are positioned next to each other. DIP displays perform exceptionally well outdoors.

What About COB and GOB?

COB (Chip-on-Board): COB displays mount many tiny LED chips directly onto the board, which is then generally covered with a thin epoxy layer. Given their ability to achieve ultra-fine pixel pitches, COB displays are used for certain high-resolution applications.

GOB (Glue-on-Board): GOB is a protective technology that coats the entire LED module with a transparent resin. This shields the LEDs from dust, moisture, and physical impact. This design is sometimes used in environments where a display needs extra protection.

In summary: Today, SMD LEDs generally dominate indoor applications, while DIP LEDs are still favored for outdoor displays. COB and GOB technologies, meanwhile, are emerging as excellent options for environments that require either ultra-fine image quality or extra durability.

Direct View LED Displays vs. LED-Backlit LCD Displays

It’s also worth clarifying the difference between direct view LEDs and LED-backlit LCD displays.

Direct-View LED Displays: These displays are made up of many tiny LEDs, each of which acts as its own pixel. Because each pixel emits its own light, direct-view LED displays are incredibly bright and can be built in a wide range of sizes and shapes.

LED-Backlit LCD Displays: Essentially, these are traditional LCD screens that use LEDs as a light source. They don’t create images with LEDs. Rather, they use LEDs to illuminate the liquid crystal layer that forms the images you see on the screen.

Outdoor vs. Indoor LED Displays

Another distinction worth making is the difference between outdoor and indoor LED displays. Although similar in principle, these displays are quite different in their designs and intended uses.

Outdoor LED Displays: Outdoor LED displays feature weatherproof enclosures and usually offer higher brightness levels because they need to be visible in sunlight. Their construction is robust in order to handle temperature changes, rain, and dust.

Indoor LED Displays: Indoor LED displays typically offer higher resolution for close-up viewing but are less bright, as this is more suitable for interior lighting. Their construction is sleeker and lighter.

Types of LED Displays Used in Digital Signage

Basic LED Displays (Single-Color, Text, and Basic Graphics)

Not all LED signage is full-color or video-capable. Many businesses still use basic LED displays, i.e., LED sign boards, to display information.

These displays are ideal for:

Basic information or announcements
Budget-friendly signage where dynamic images aren’t required
Transportation hubs

LED Video Walls

LED video walls are made of modular panels that, when combined, form large, high-resolution displays. Their modular nature makes them adaptable to various spaces and needs.

LED video walls are used in a wide range of applications, including:

Control rooms and command centers
Corporate events
Retail environments
Arenas, stadiums, and concert stages
Broadcast studios
Museums, educational settings, and interactive art displays

Flexible and Curved LED Displays

Flexible and curved LED displays bring new creative options to digital signage. These displays use bendable substrates that allow them to curve along walls, wrap around columns, or otherwise form custom shapes that rigid screens can’t.

They’re especially useful when the design or layout calls for something more dynamic than a standard flat screen. Additionally, their slim, lightweight design makes installation easier in challenging spaces.

Curved and flexible LED screens are commonly used for:

Unique retail displays
Artistic installations and museum exhibits
Entertainment venues, theaters, and event stages
Creative corporate and office environments
Gaming setups and simulators

Kiosk LED Displays

Kiosk LED displays are usually touch-enabled and connected to the internet. This makes them a great fit for tasks like wayfinding, check-ins, and placing orders.

You’ll often see them in places where quick access to information is needed, with specific examples including:

Retail stores
Transportation hubs
Hospitals and clinics
Hotels
Office lobbies and corporate campuses

LED Poster Displays

LED poster displays are slim, upright digital screens that use LED technology to deliver dynamic images and video. They’re lightweight and easy to move and generally simple to set up, as they offer versatile installation options, whether standing, wall mounting, or hanging.

Moreover, LED poster displays can usually be updated via USB, Wi-Fi, or a cloud system, which makes them useful for displaying content.

LED poster displays are often found in:

Retail stores and shopping malls
Hotels and hospitality venues
Transportation hubs
Corporate offices
Trade shows and exhibitions
Entertainment venues
Educational institutions
Healthcare facilities

LED Ceilings and Floors

LED ceilings and floors have redefined what digital signage can offer. LED ceilings offer businesses and venues the chance to present overhead visuals and advertise in a unique way. Similarly, LED floors open up new, attention-grabbing forms of advertising.

LED ceilings and floors are usually seen in:

Trade shows and special events
Museums, galleries, and exhibition spaces
Art installations
Concert and entertainment venues

Transparent LED Displays

Transparent LED displays are able to show digital content while maintaining a clear view of what’s behind them. This makes these displays feel lighter and more integrated into their surroundings.

Transparent LED displays are commonly used in:

Storefront windows
Glass walls
Showrooms and product displays
Building facades
Exhibitions and event installations

Mesh LED Screens

Mesh LED screens are a type of transparent LED display. Unlike traditional solid LED panels, they feature a lightweight, flexible grid structure, which makes them highly versatile.

They are commonly found in:

Storefront windows
Showrooms
Creative architectural features

MicroLED Displays

MicroLED is an emerging display technology known for its exceptional brightness, energy efficiency, and ultra-fine pixel pitch.

While still emerging in the industry, MicroLEDs can be found in:

Luxury retail environments and flagship stores
Corporate boardrooms
Broadcast studios
High-end entertainment venues

OLED Displays

OLED panels do not require a backlight, which makes them much thinner, lighter, and more flexible than traditional LED or LCD displays.

While they are less common for large-format digital signage due to higher costs and durability considerations, OLEDs are favored in settings where high-quality visuals are needed.

OLED displays can sometimes be found in:

Luxury retail environments
High-end showrooms
Corporate lobbies and boardrooms
Art installations and museums

Interactive and Smart LED Displays

Interactive and smart LED displays support direct interaction through touch, gestures, and/or voice commands. These displays make it easy for users to access the information they need.

Interactive and smart LED displays are commonly used in:

Retail stores
Museums and galleries
Schools and universities
Corporate lobbies
Transportation hubs
Entertainment venues