Which LED Sign Resolution Is Best? The Answer Depends on This One Factor

 

If you ask a sales rep which LED sign resolution is best, their answer will likely depend on their interests. If they are focused on maximizing profit, they will push the highest resolution, most expensive option available. But is that truly the best choice for you?

To determine the right resolution for your LED sign, you only need to understand one key concept: pixel pitch.

What Is Pixel Pitch, and Why Does It Matter?

Pixel pitch refers to the distance (in millimeters) between individual pixels on an LED sign. The smaller the pixel pitch, the closer the pixels are packed together, resulting in a higher resolution. However, the most important aspect of pixel pitch is what it tells you about viewing distance.

 

For every 1mm of pixel pitch, the ideal viewing distance is approximately 10 feet away. This means that for a sign with a 10mm pixel pitch, viewers need to be at least 100 feet away for the image to appear seamless, with no visible gaps between the pixels. This is why LED signs designed for highways and large roadways have lower resolutions—because their audience is far away, and higher resolution would be unnecessary.

Why TV Screens and Movie Theaters Use High Resolution

You might wonder why televisions and movie screens use such high resolutions. The answer lies in the viewing distance. Since you sit close to a TV in your living room, the pixels must be packed tightly together to create a smooth image. This is also why most movie theaters still use 1080p resolution—because the screens are large, but the seating arrangement ensures an appropriate viewing distance for a clear picture.

Finding the Right Balance: Resolution vs. Brightness

For an LED sign, the goal isn’t to achieve a cinematic experience; it’s to maximize visibility and deliver a clear, attention-grabbing message. Brightness and contrast often play a bigger role than resolution in outdoor settings.

 

Think about your TV settings: switching from Cinema Mode to Vivid Mode makes the screen brighter and colors pop, improving visibility in a bright room. The same principle applies to LED signs. If an LED sign is too dim or the message is too detailed, it loses impact. You only have about three seconds to capture attention. If the audience takes longer to process your message, the opportunity is lost.

The 10mm Pixel Pitch and the Spotlight Series

Take our Spotlight Series as an example. It has a 10mm pixel pitch, meaning the ideal audience distance starts at 100 feet. Adding more pixels may enhance the image slightly, but at that range, it’s like adding extra dressing to a salad—the nutrients (visibility and clarity) are already there, and the dressing (extra pixels) is just a bonus.

 

The key takeaway is:

 

• The further the sign’s target audience, the larger and lower resolution the sign can be.

• The closer the audience, the smaller and higher resolution the sign should be.

Our 12-Month Resolution & Brightness Guarantee

While choosing the right resolution is mostly a technical decision, we understand that emotions and personal preferences play a role too. Some businesses want the best possible image just to make a statement (pun intended!). That’s why we offer our 12-Month Resolution and Brightness Guarantee.

 

If you install your sign and later decide you want a sharper image, or if you realize your audience is closer than expected, we’ve got you covered. You can upgrade to a higher-resolution model within 12 months—just pay the difference in cost, and we’ll handle the rest.

Final Thoughts

The best LED sign resolution depends on your viewing distance, not just the highest numbers on a spec sheet. Choosing the right resolution ensures a clear, vibrant message while balancing cost, brightness, and efficiency. And with our resolution and brightness guarantee, you can be confident that your sign will deliver the impact your customers deserve.