Modern technology has progressed visual displays all over the globe, from advertising billboards to theatres and festivals, LED walls are now one of the top choices for backgrounds and displays. Early LED displays were used as dynamic focal points for advertising, offering content updates and greater visibility at night. But it is clear to see that LED walls are now being used for more.

What can LED walls be used for?

With technological advancements, LED walls have begun to permeate into a wide range of various industries. Here are just some of the ways that these walls are being used today:

• Entertainment: LED walls are a staple in the entertainment industry, gracing concert stages, movie theatres, and sports arenas. They create immersive experiences, enhancing live performances and sporting events.
• Film and TV: LED screens are fast becoming a go-to for filmmakers all over the globe. Recent films like Batman and The Mandalorian have been filmed using these screens.
• Advertising: Digital billboards and advertising displays have transitioned from traditional static signage to dynamic, eye-catching LED displays that can showcase multimedia content.
• Retail: In the retail sector, LED walls are used to create visually appealing storefronts and interactive shopping experiences, attracting customers and conveying brand messages effectively.
• Events and Exhibitions: Trade shows, conventions, and exhibitions benefit from the versatility of LED walls, which can be customised to fit any space and display dynamic content.

How do you make an LED wall?

‍These dynamic displays are built up of millions of tiny Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). These LEDs are grouped into panels which light up in sync to create high-resolution graphics. The ‘pixel pitch’, refers to the distance between each cluster of LEDs, the smaller the distance, the sharper the images. There are also sophisticated processors that manage the content displayed to ensure that there are seamless transitions between content.

Why use LED walls?

‍There are a number of advantages that come with LED walls, but depending on your requirements, they may not be right for every project.

Advantages

• Flexibility: Because LED walls are made up of such small LEDs, there are a wide range of sizes available, and they can be custom made to fit within a specific space.
• Visual References: Being able to see the environment around them allows actors to better interact with the displayed content as if it were physically present.
• Less Post-Production work: LED walls can reduce the need for extensive post-production work, as they generate visual effects in-camera, which can save time and money.
• In-Camera Effects: LED walls are ideal for shooting practical effects, such as scenes in a moving car or in front of a dynamic background. The background can react to camera movements in real-time, enhancing the sense of immersion.
• Realistic Lighting: LED walls provide realistic lighting conditions because they emit actual light onto the scene. This helps in achieving natural shadows and reflections on actors and objects.  
• Less Time Wasted: Unlike traditional filming, there is no need to wait for good weather or the right time of day to film particular scenes.
• No Travel Needed: With 5G capabilities, there is now no need for directors and actors to be in the same location.

Disadvantages

• Upfront Costs: LED walls can be expensive to hire and operate, especially for large-scale productions.
• Limited Physical Space: The size of the LED wall restricts the scale of the background or environment that can be displayed. Creating expansive landscapes may require massive LED installations.

LED vs Green Screen

LED walls and green screens are both powerful tools used in the world of visual production, but they serve different purposes. When might a green screen be better to use?
If you are unsure about what the final background post-production might look, or if you want to have the flexibility to have the creative control after filming, using a green screen might be the best option. Nevertheless, unlike with LED walls, there will be extensive work to do post-production to ensure the background is consistent and there is no green colour spill on reflective surfaces.

Advanced Media Production at Gateshead

‍The Advanced Media Production studio at PROTO in Gateshead is home to a curved 8 x 3.5m LED wall. It is made up of Leyard VVRi 2.5 LED panels with a combined resolution of  3200 x 1400 pixels at 100Hz 10bit HDR. The pixel pitch of 2.5mm allows for stunning photo-real environments to remain sharp and clear even close up. There is even an additional movable wall that allows you to cast realistic reflections and lighting upon objects and people in your scene. The experienced studio team at PROTO will also be there to provide advice and support with your projects. Learn more here.

Final Thoughts

‍LED walls can be used in a multitude of ways and the only limit is your creativity.
If you would like to learn more about LED walls or arrange a visit to our advanced media production studio at PROTO, please feel free to contact Studio Manager, Sophie Craggs: sophie.craggs@sunderlandsoftwarecity.com

‍