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Choosing the right rental LED screen can make or break an event. This guide explains—in clear, practical terms—the few specifications that matter (and the ones that don’t), how to plan for indoor vs outdoor use, and the questions to ask any AV provider before you make your decision. It reflects Dynamo LED Displays’ field experience across conferences, brand activations and large‑format stages.
Key takeaways on how to specify LED panels for an event
| Topic | Quick rule | Why it matters | Pro tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel pitch & viewing distance | Minimum comfortable distance (m) ≈ pixel pitch (mm). For crisp text/on‑camera: use 1.5–2×. | Legibility, perceived sharpness & reduced moiré on cameras. | Seat plan from front‑row distance; if filming, validate with camera tests. |
| Brightness (nits) | Indoors: ~800–1,200. Outdoor daylight: ≥4,500. Direct sun: higher. | Ensures readability against ambient light and sunlight. | Don’t run 100% for long periods; manage glare for cameras. |
| Refresh rate (filming) | Specify ≥3,840 Hz. Match camera shutter/frame rate in rehearsal. | Prevents flicker, banding and rolling artefacts on video. | For broadcast‑critical work, ask for synchronisation/genlock. |
| Ingress protection (IP) | Outdoor rain exposure: IP65 (front) typical; confirm rear protection. | Weather resilience and electrical safety. | Use connector covers and drip loops; check cable routing. |
| Rigging & wind planning | Engineer sign‑off; size ballast to calculations; set wind action thresholds. | Structural safety and event continuity. | Prefer truss for outdoor; define “pause/strike” wind speeds in RAMS. |
| Power sizing | Single‑phase: A ≈ (Max W/m² × area m²) ÷ 230. Three‑phase: I ≈ P ÷ (√3 × 400 × pf). | Prevents trips and overheating; protects upstream supplies. | Add 30–40% headroom; separate feeds for audio/lighting where possible. |
| Weight & access | Typical rental: ~20–25 kg/m². Verify floor loading & access routes. | Staging safety and manual handling planning. | Confirm lift sizes, door widths and any load restrictions early. |
| Curves & floors | Use compatible frames/locks; check allowed angles and floor load limits. | Guarantees fit‑up and protects modules. | For interactive floors, specify slip rating and protective surface. |
| Control system | NovaStar for most shows; Brompton/advanced VP for complex camera workflows. | Colour pipeline consistency and camera performance. | Request 1:1 pixel map and backup controller where mission‑critical. |
| Content delivery | Design to the wall’s exact pixel resolution; avoid tiny fonts. | Sharp, artefact‑free playback. | Supply a pixel map early; test key slides/videos on site. |
Note: Ranges are typical; exact values depend on the chosen system and content.
How to specify rental LED panels (without the noise)
Pixel pitch & viewing distance
Pixel pitch is the distance from the centre of one LED pixel to the next, measured in millimetres (mm). A simple rule‑of‑thumb:
Minimum comfortable viewing distance (metres) ≈ pixel pitch (mm) × 1.5–2.0.
Examples: 1.9 mm → ~3 m; 2.6 mm → ~4–5 m; 3.9 mm → ~6–8 m.
If your audience is closer than the minimum distance, they’ll likely see individual pixels. A common belief is that if much farther away, you’re paying for resolution no one can discern but at Dynamo we believe the higher the resolution the better. For example, it’s like viewing a 4K or HD TV, the pixel density on the 4K TV is what gives the 4K the better viewing experience even when viewed from the same distance. For conferences, awards and LED backdrops behind a lectern, 1.9–2.6 mm is common. For larger stages and fan‑zones viewed at distance, 3.9 mm is a proven workhorse.
Brightness (nits)
“Nits” measure luminance. Indoors, ~800–1,200 nits is usually ample. Outdoors you’re competing with sunlight; aim for ≥4,500 nits to remain legible in daylight, rising to 6,000–8,000 nits for direct sun. Higher brightness increases power draw and heat, so plan power and ventilation accordingly.
Refresh rate & filming
A low refresh rate can strobe or band on camera. For events that will be filmed or live‑streamed, specify ≥3,840 Hz and coordinate with the video director on camera shutter angles. Where critical, request signal chains that support frame synchronisation/genlock to your broadcast system. [Reference: EBU/SMPTE camera‑display guidance]
Colour uniformity & batch consistency
Ask whether the rented cabinets come from the same LED batch and are calibrated as a set. Mixed batches can create visible brightness/colour seams on gradients and skin tones.
IP rating & environment
Outdoor events demand hardware designed for the elements. IP65 (front) is the common minimum for rain exposure; it indicates a dust‑tight enclosure and resistance to water jets per IEC 60529. Confirm rear protection and cable ingress/egress details as part of your risk assessment. [Reference: IEC 60529]
Weight, rigging & logistics
LED walls act like sails in wind and add concentrated point loads to truss or ground‑stack systems. Ensure your supplier provides:
Total system weight (cabinets, frames, rigging, processors).
Certified rigging plan and wind‑load analysis for outdoor builds.
Safe Working Load (SWL) and inspection docs for lifting equipment, in line with UK practice. [Reference: PLASA/BS rigging guidance; HSE Event Safety]
Built for the road: what makes a rental panel different?
Quick‑lock & fast rigging: Tool‑less interlocks and guided alignment pins reduce build times and improve seam quality.
Lightweight, robust frames: Die‑cast aluminium (and, in some systems, reinforced composites) balance rigidity with low weight to ease handling and reduce structural demands.
Serviceability: Front/rear module access and removable power/data packs speed field swaps.
Creative geometry: Rental systems often support concave/convex curves, columns and arches using compatible frame kits—useful for theatrical reveals and exhibition features.
Ruggedised faces: Resin‑protected surfaces such as X‑RES (resin glue protection) improve impact, moisture and dust resistance while delivering true blacks and high contrast—ideal for high‑traffic environments.
Dynamo works extensively with NovaStar control systems and show‑ready workflows to ensure rapid deployment and colour‑consistent results across mixed content formats.
Outdoor events: plan for weather and wind
Taking your screen outside introduces three non‑negotiables:
Ingress protection: Specify at least IP65 (front) and inspect seals, gaskets and connector covers. [Reference: IEC 60529]
Brightness headroom: Target ≥4,500 nits for overcast daylight; push higher for direct sun.
Engineering & safety: Obtain structural sign‑off, ground anchorage details (for ground stacks), and a wind action plan (build/operate/de‑rig thresholds). [Reference: IStructE Temporary Demountable Structures; HSE Event Safety Guide]
The renter’s checklist: 10 questions to ask your AV provider
Who is on site? Will an experienced LED technician stay through rehearsals and live?
What are the contingencies? Confirm spare cabinets, PSUs, receiver cards, and data/power leads.
Batch consistency: Are all tiles from the same LED batch and pre‑calibrated together?
Schematics: Request power distribution and data topology (redundant loops where available).
Structural data: Total weight, centre of gravity, wind ratings, and rigging method (fly vs ground stack).
Camera plan: Stated refresh rate, potential genlock, and tested camera settings for rehearsal.
Ingress protection: For outdoor, written confirmation of IP rating and any rain shrouds or connector covers.
Power budget: Max W/m² and circuit plan. A simple sizing formula:
Max Amps ≈
Max W/m2 × Screen Area (m2)
230
× 1.15(The 1.15 factor adds a sensible allowance.)
Content checks: Native resolution, aspect ratio, and safe areas for lower thirds, interpreter boxes or ticker elements.
Evidence: Showreels and case studies for similar venues and audience distances.
From the field (by Daniel Reynolds)
On a recent awards show, our rehearsal flagged faint banding on camera even though the screen spec was 3,840 Hz. The fix wasn’t new hardware—it was coordinating shutter angle and frame rate with the broadcast team and enabling the processor’s anti‑banding profile. We also applied our pre‑calibrated LUT to ensure skin tones matched across cameras.
For outdoor fan‑zones, we budget power using the W/m² figures and the formula above, then cap peak white in content (pure white full‑screen slugs are rare in real productions). This preserves headroom, reduces generator size and keeps the screen cool without compromising perceived brightness.
Typical configurations & use cases
Conference backdrops (indoor): 1.9–2.6 mm; 1,000 nits; 3,840 Hz; slim frames for tight stages.
Festival/arena stages: 3.9 mm main wall; matching side IMAGs; robust frames; redundant data.
Outdoor fan‑zones: 3.9 mm; ≥5,000 nits; IP65 (DRX outdoor LED); engineered ground stack with ballast and wind plan.
Immersive activations: Resin‑protected surfaces (e.g., DRE Series) for touch‑prone areas; LED floors (DI Series) for interactive sets.
Recent examples of our experience include luxury showroom video walls for Sotheby’s International Realty in London (6 m × 2 m high‑brightness LED; ~1.8 m × 1.013 m fine‑pitch LED), demonstrating reliable performance in premium environments.
Control & content management
Processors: We deploy NovaStar and Brompton Technology systems for reliable scaling, mapping and colour management across show conditions.
Content delivery: For rentals, media servers or switchers feed the processor; for long‑term installs, our Dynamo CMS enables cloud‑based scheduling or local updates without constant internet access.
FAQs
Q1. How do I choose pixel pitch for my event?
A. Match pitch to the closest audience. As a rule, minimum viewing distance (m) ≈ pitch (mm) × 1.5–2.0. Conferences often use 1.9–2.6 mm; large stages commonly use 3.9 mm.
Q2. What brightness (nits) do I need?
A. Indoor: ~800–1,200 nits. Outdoor daylight: ≥4,500 nits; direct sun: 6,000–8,000 nits. Higher brightness needs more power and thermal management.
Q3. What refresh rate should I ask for if we’re filming?
A. Specify ≥3,840 Hz and coordinate camera shutter settings in rehearsal. Add sync/genlock where critical for broadcast.
Q4. Do I need IP65 for outdoor events?
A. Yes—IP65 (front) is the usual minimum for rain exposure, defined by IEC 60529. Also confirm rear protection and connector covers.
Q5. Can rental panels curve?
A. Many systems support concave/convex curves using compatible frames. Ask for the allowable angle per cabinet and any seam limitations.
Q6. What’s the difference between SMD, GOB and COB?
A. SMD (Surface‑Mounted Device) is the standard LED package. GOB/COB encapsulate LEDs in resin for better impact, dust and moisture resistance—useful in high‑traffic or touring scenarios.
Q7. How do I size power for an LED wall?
A. Use the manufacturer’s max W/m². A practical formula:
Max Amps ≈ (Max W/m² × Area m² ÷ 230) × 1.15.
Your supplier should provide circuit layouts and diversity assumptions.
Q8. Will a technician stay on site?
A. They should. Insist on an on‑site LED engineer, plus spare cabinets and critical components for rapid swaps.
Ready to spec your next event with confidence? Speak to our engineers on +44 (0)203 489 9878 or request a tailored plan via LED screen hire. We’ll propose the right pitch, brightness, rigging and power—no guesswork.
External references (standards & guidance)
[Reference: IEC 60529] — IP code definitions for dust/water ingress.
[Reference: IStructE Temporary Demountable Structures] — Structural guidance and wind management for event builds.
[Reference: HSE Event Safety Guide] — UK health and safety guidance for events.
[Reference: PLASA/BS rigging guidance] — Industry rigging practice and equipment inspection.
[Reference: EBU/SMPTE camera‑display guidance] — Managing refresh/shutter interactions for broadcast.