Why Brightness Matters in an LED Sign
Resolution often gets the spotlight when choosing an LED sign, but brightness is just as critical. Brightness, measured in nits, determines how well your sign stands out in daylight, at night, and in challenging lighting conditions.
What Does “Daylight Rated” Mean?
A daylight-rated LED sign is bright enough to stay clear and readable in direct sunlight.
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Indoor displays typically run at 1,000–2,000 nits.
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Outdoor signs need at least 5,000 nits to compete with glare.
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7,000 nits or higher is the threshold for “daylight readability.”
This means your content won’t fade away when the sun is shining directly on your display.
Why Not All Signs Reach 10,000 Nits
Modern LED signs range from 7,000 to 10,000 nits, depending on resolution and pitch.
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P6 and P8 modules usually top out between 7,000–8,500 nits.
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P10 modules can push brightness higher, up to 10,000 nits.
This doesn’t mean P6 or P8 are “worse.” In fact, for close-up viewing, they deliver sharper images with plenty of brightness. For larger, highway-visible signs, P10 modules can run brighter, making them the best choice for maximum-distance visibility.
When Lower Brightness Is Enough
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Shaded Locations: If your sign faces north or is partially covered, 7,000 nits is often more than enough.
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Close-Range Viewing: For storefronts or walk-up signs, high resolution (P6 or P8) paired with standard brightness delivers excellent readability without being overpowering.
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Nighttime Environments: Auto-dimming makes ultra-high brightness unnecessary after dark.
When Stepping Up to 10,000 Nits Makes Sense
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South-Facing Signs: Direct sun exposure requires maximum brightness to stay visible.
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Highways & Open Fields: Drivers need to see your message at long distances and high speeds.
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Competing Light Sources: If your sign is near reflective glass, neon, or another digital display, more brightness ensures you stand out.
Why Brightness Is Important
Think of brightness as your sign’s ability to cut through distractions. Resolution makes the message clear, but brightness makes sure people actually see it. The right balance means your sign looks:
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Readable in all conditions
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Attractive day and night
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Matched to your environment
Our One Price Guarantee
At LED Sign City, every customer receives our One Price Guarantee:
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Best price upfront — no haggling, no surprises.
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All-inclusive pricing — everything except tax.
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No shipping charges.
We’ll recommend the right balance of resolution and brightness for your specific location, so you always get a sign that performs at its best without overpaying.