What’s the difference in resolution between transparent LED screens and regular LED displays?

4 views admin 2025-09-19

The resolution difference between transparent LED screens and regular LED displays is essentially determined by their technical principles, structural design, and core application requirements. Regular LED screens focus on high-definition display, while transparent screens must balance visual quality with light transmittance. Consequently, there are significant differences in the definition, measurement standards, and actual performance of resolution between the two.

Different Resolution Definition Logic: Regular LED screens have the same resolution as TVs and monitors, following the principle of "pixel density determines clarity"—each LED bead corresponds to a sub-pixel, with red, green, and blue forming a complete pixel. The greater the number of pixels, the higher the resolution. For example, a 2m x 1.125m P2.5 screen has a resolution of 800 x 450.

The core appeal of transparent LED screens is transparency. They employ a hollow design (lamp beads are attached to a glass substrate or mesh support). Resolution must be balanced against transmittance: the higher the transmittance (the larger the hollow area), the lower the density of the lamp beads, and the lower the resolution. Conversely, pursuing high resolution sacrifices transmittance, losing the core value of transparency.

The "different meanings" of dot pitch: "Dot pitch" is a common key parameter, but its influence varies. In standard LED screens, dot pitch is the sole determinant of resolution. The smaller the dot pitch (e.g., P1.2 or P1.5), the denser the pixels and the finer the image. High-end indoor applications have already achieved 4K resolution using micro-pitch screens with P0.9-P1.8 pitches.

In transparent LED screens, the dot pitch must be linked to the "lamp arrangement" and "transmittance." To achieve high transmittance exceeding 80%, a sparse or diamond-shaped arrangement is often used. Even if labeled P5, the actual pixel density may only be equivalent to that of a standard P8 screen. If forced to scale down to P3, the increased number of lamps will reduce transmittance to below 50%, losing the transparency advantage.

The "resolution trade-offs" in use vary: Standard LED screens serve "pure display" scenarios (cinemas, surveillance, advertising), prioritizing smaller dot pitches to improve resolution, even at the expense of thickness and cost.

Transparent LED screens serve scenarios requiring light transmission and typically have lower resolutions: P3-P6 (60%-70% transmittance, sufficient for viewing from 1-3 meters) is used for indoor windows; P8-P20 (70%-90% transmittance, no impact on long-distance viewing, ensuring daylighting); and P5-P10 (balancing light transmission and long-distance display) is used for stage backdrops.

Resolution limitations vary: The upper limit of resolution for conventional LED screens is limited only by technology and cost (e.g., Micro LEDs can achieve higher density), theoretically approaching retinal quality. Transparent LED screens, however, face a physical limit due to the conflict between transmittance and LED density. Currently, there are very few 4K transparent screens, and most are small. As they scale up, resolution rapidly decreases to maintain transmittance (e.g., a 2m × 1.125m P5 transparent screen has a resolution of only 400 × 225, far lower than the 800 × 450 resolution of a conventional P5 screen).

1. If you're looking for high-definition image quality (for surveillance, cinemas, conference rooms): Choose a conventional LED screen, prioritizing pixel pitch (P1.2-P2.5 for indoors, P3-P5 for outdoors). Resolution is calculated as "screen size divided by pixel pitch."

2. If light transmission and basic display are required (curtain walls, display windows, stages): Choose a transparent LED screen. Prioritize light transmittance requirements (70%+ for curtain walls, 60%+ for display windows), then match the pixel pitch. High resolution isn't a must (long-distance viewing or dynamic content require lower resolution).

3. For special scenarios (transparent display cases): Choose a "micro-pitch transparent screen" (P2-P3), but accept a reduction in light transmittance to 50%-60% and higher costs.

The resolution of a regular LED screen is an absolute indicator, focusing on "denser resolution for clarity." The resolution of a transparent LED screen is a relative indicator, focusing on the balance between light transmission and display quality. There's no "higher or lower" competition between the two; the technology differs based on the application scenario—the former emphasizes "clear visibility," while the latter emphasizes "visibility without obstruction."