Why Is My LED Sign Pixelated?

Have you seen signs that don't look as sharp as you expected? If you’re dealing with a blurry or pixelated LED sign, then you’re not alone.

In this article, we explain the difference between high & low resolution signs while exploring some common questions asked, like: Can I replace the screen on an existing pylon? What do I do if I have dead pixels on my LED sign? How long do LED screens last?

Understanding LED Sign Pixelation

Pixelation on LED digital signs isn’t usually caused by a malfunction. In most cases, it’s due to the pixel pitch of your display. This refers to the space (measured in millimeters) between individual LED lights on your LED pylon sign. A smaller pixel pitch means that the lights are closer together, resulting in a sharper and more detailed image.

If your LED sign looks pixelated, it’s likely because of a large pixel pitch. While a 10mm pitch (10m viewing distance) or 6mm pitch (6m viewing distance) might look good from a distance, it will appear noticeably more pixelated than a 4mm pitch (4m viewing distance) or 3mm pitch (3m viewing distance) sign when viewed up close.

P4 vs P6: What's The Difference?

When comparing a P4 LED sign and a P6 LED sign side by side from 5 - 10 metres away, there is a noticeable difference in image quality. P4 LED screens can display images with exceptional detail and produce clear, easily readable text even with smaller fonts, letting your announcements stand out. We recommend a P4 screen if you intend to display your messages to pedestrians.

P6 LED signs have a lower quality image when viewed inside 6 - 10m, but they still offer good resolution for the majority of school environments while using less electricity. Combined with their lower upfront cost, P6 signs are a cost-effective alternative. We recommend a P6 screen when displaying information to motorists.

However, if your LED signage currently has a pitch of P8 or P10, then you are likely to run into issues when displaying detailed images or small text.

Can I Replace The Screen On My Pylon Sign With A Better One?

It’s definitely possible to upgrade the LED screen on your pylon sign. It is an affordable solution that many companies choose when they would like improved image quality without splurging on a full sign replacement.

Our specialised team can evaluate your LED digital sign to check its compatibility with a new LED module. We may have to modify the cabinet to make room for a different screen size or technology, but this is still typically more economical than investing in a brand new sign.

What Do I Do If I Have Dead Pixels On My LED Sign?

“Dead pixels” are pixels that no longer light up, leaving permanent dark spots on your display. They can occur on any LED sign over time and are usually caused by:

• Physical damage 

• Water ingress

• Power supply issues

• Natural wear and tear

When there are one or two dead pixels, it is often not visible. However, if you were to have 10 or more, it is usually enough to require a replacement of the specific module. More widespread failures might call for an extensive repair or full screen replacement.

If you’re seeing dead pixels on your LED sign, we can assess it to determine the best course of action. 

How Long Do Outdoor LED Signs Last?

Whilst most suppliers say there is a 100,000 life hour guarantee on LED’s, your LED Sign will not last that long. What is not mentioned so clearly is that the LED diodes will fade over 50% in that time frame. In some cases, this can mean the sign is no longer bright enough to read by the time it gets to 100,000 hours. Other things to consider are the workings inside the sign. Power suppliers, sending cards, and other components will rarely last that long.

However, with regular monitoring & maintenance, your LED digital sign should last for approximately 7-10 years. This will depend on a number of factors like how long your sign runs for per day, the LED quality, environmental conditions like saltwater, and brightness settings. However, after 5 - 6 years, degradation will start to occur.

LED technology is constantly improving, resulting in higher quality and additional features. Once it’s time to replace your LED sign, you can look forward to options with significantly better resolution, energy efficiency, and advanced features that might not have been available when your current sign was first installed.

How Corporate Sign Industries Can Support You

If you have a pixelated LED sign, we can assess it to provide recommendations based on the viewing distance and content needs. Once we have a better idea of your frustrations, we can either replace the screen or offer a new pylon sign with optimal pixel pitch.

Our specialised team works with a number of industries and a number of businesses across Australia to provide innovative signage solutions for their specific needs. We provide advice on when repair or upgrading makes sense versus when a full replacement would be more cost-effective in the long run.

Making The Right Choice

A clear LED sign isn’t just about enhancing your brand identity, it’s also about making sure that your message is properly communicated to visitors, staff, and your community. A blurry sign reduces the impact of messages and could reflect poorly on your brand image.

At Corporate Sign Industries, we understand that businesses need cost-effective solutions that don’t compromise on quality or reliability. So, our team will work with you to find the perfect solution for your current needs, while also providing support for maintenance and future upgrades.

Download our Electra Brochure to learn more about replacing or upgrading your organisation’s LED signage.