When you're investing in LED digital signs, one of the first questions you'll face is which pixel pitch or resolution you prefer. The terms P3, P4, and P6 might sound technical, but they directly impact how sharp your sign looks and how well it performs for your specific needs.
If you're considering an LED digital sign for your school, business, or organisation, understanding these differences can save you thousands of dollars and ensure your message reaches your audience clearly.
Pixel pitch refers to the distance (in millimetres) between individual LED lights on your digital sign. A P3 sign has LEDs spaced 3mm apart, P4 has 4mm spacing, and P6 has 6mm spacing.
The smaller the number, the closer together the LEDs are positioned, which means higher resolution and sharper images. However, higher resolution also comes with higher costs, lower brightness, and isn't always necessary depending on your viewing distance.
For a more in-depth guide, you can check out our detailed LED pitch comparison.
P3 offers the sharpest image quality of the three options. These screens display exceptional detail and produce clear, easily readable text even with smaller fonts. When viewed up close, the difference in clarity is immediately noticeable.
Best for: Indoor installations like retail displays, reception areas, and corporate lobbies where people view from 3-4 metres or less. P3 is the go-to choice when you need maximum visual impact in controlled lighting environments.
Why it's not ideal for outdoor pylon signs: While P3 delivers superior image quality, it has significant limitations for outdoor installations. P3 LEDs are not yet bright enough for outdoor environments, particularly in direct sunlight, which leads to compromised display performance. For outdoor signage, it is recommended that the sign be at least 4500nits in brightness. Whilst some P3 units start at 4500nits, LED screens generally fade to 50% of their brightness over 3 - 5 years. This means a 4500nit unit will not be suitable for outdoor use within a short space of time.
One important note: some suppliers advertise "P3" but they are actually a P3.8, which is effectively equivalent to P4. True P3.125 (which we supply) is superior to P3.8, but it still carries the same outdoor brightness limitations that make it unsuitable for most outdoor installations.
P4 strikes the ideal balance between image quality, outdoor performance, and cost-effectiveness. With a 4mm pixel pitch and optimal viewing distance of 4 metres, P4 screens deliver sharp images and clear text that stand out.
Best for: Schools, businesses, and organisations that need to communicate with both pedestrians and passing motorists.
Why we recommend P4: This pitch offers reliable outdoor brightness with proven field performance. When comparing P4 and P6 side by side from 5-10 metres away, there's a noticeable difference in image quality. P4 allows you to display more detailed images and smaller text sizes without sacrificing readability.
For pylon signs designed to communicate important announcements, event information, or brand messaging, P4 provides the clarity your audience deserves without the limitations of P3 or the compromises of P6.
P6 offers good resolution for viewers at 10 metres +, making it suitable for many roadside applications. With LEDs spaced 6mm apart, the image quality is lower when viewed up close but still effective from a distance.
Best for: Motorists viewing and situations where the primary audience will be viewing from more than 10 meters away.
Considerations: P6 uses less electricity and has a lower upfront cost, making it attractive for budget-conscious projects. However, when people get within 6-10 metres, the lower resolution becomes apparent. If your sign displays detailed images or needs to show smaller text, P6 may struggle to deliver the clarity you need.
For organisations that want their digital sign to serve multiple purposes (announcements for pedestrians, messaging for passing traffic, event promotions), P6's limitations can become frustrating over time.
It does come down to how far away you are viewing your screen from and its size. For example, most roadside billboards and stadium video LED screens would be P8 to P20. However, as they are viewed from a considerable distance, high definition is not as important. If your current LED screen is viewed from 5 - 20 meters and has a pitch of P8 or P10, you will likely experience issues when displaying detailed images or small text. These lower resolutions were more common in earlier LED digital sign installations but are now considered outdated for most professional applications.
Upgrading from P8 or P10 to P4 can dramatically improve your sign's effectiveness and ensure your messages are communicated clearly.
Yes. Many organisations choose to upgrade just the LED screen module on their existing digital signs rather than replacing the entire structure. This approach offers improved image quality without the expense of a complete sign replacement.
Our team can evaluate your current digital sign to check compatibility with newer LED digital sign modules. While we may need to modify the cabinet to accommodate a different screen size or technology, this is typically more economical than investing in a brand-new sign.
The best pixel pitch for your LED digital sign depends on three key factors:
For most schools, businesses, and community organisations, P4 represents the optimal choice. It delivers excellent image quality, reliable outdoor performance, and proven durability across hundreds of installations throughout Australia.
P3 offers marginal improvements in resolution but comes with outdoor brightness limitations and extended lead times that make it unsuitable for most pylon sign applications. P6 provides cost savings but sacrifices image quality that becomes increasingly noticeable as viewing distance decreases.
Choosing between a P3, P4, and P6 LED digital sign doesn't have to be complicated. Our team has installed signs across Australia, and we understand exactly which pixel pitch works best for different applications.
If you're considering a new LED digital sign or looking to upgrade your existing pylon signage, we can provide expert guidance tailored to your viewing distance, content needs, and budget. From initial assessment through to installation and ongoing support, we're here to ensure your investment delivers maximum impact.
Learn more about our LED digital signs or contact our team to discuss which pixel pitch is right for your organisation.