Chip-on-board displays are the future of LED screens.
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They offer a smoother, cleaner, brighter visual experience compared to SMB LEDs.
So, if you have decided to get a COB LED screen for your space but don’t know which screen you should get, I am here to help!
In this blog, I will walk you through the 3 types of COB LEDs and then list 5 factors to help you decide which one you should choose.
Towards the end, I will also answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding how to choose COB LED screens.
Let’s dive in.
Choosing the Right COB LED Screen: Table of Contents
- What is a COB LED Screen?
- What are the Types of a COB LED Screen?
- How to Choose the Right COB LED Screen?
- Elegant Lightings: Your Guide to Finding the Perfect COB LED Screen
- Choosing the Right COB LED Screen: FAQs
What is a COB LED Screen?
A Chip-on-Board LED screen is a type of display where the LEDs are directly placed on a surface and coated over with a layer of epoxy resin.
Think of it like a wooden floor where thousands of tiny wood particles are tightly placed next to each other, such that all you see is a smooth, brown floor without any gaps.
You can also contrast them with Surface-Mounted Displays (SMD LEDs). They are like tiles placed next to each other on a floor – you can see grey, black, or brown lines between the different tiles.
Just like the wooden floor looks shinier and smoother compared to the tiled floor, a COB LED screen delivers sharper, brighter, and smoother images compared to SMD LED screens.
What are the Types of a COB LED Screen?
The types of COB LED screens are categorized based on two factors: their pixel pitch and their application.
Pixel pitch is the distance between the center of one LED and another. The overall pixel pitch then refers to the distance between all the LEDs in a COB LED display.
The pixel pitch determines the overall quality of the image that the screen can generate. It thus decides the kind of application it is suited for.
Based on these two categories – pixel pitch and applications – you will find three primary types of COB LED screens on the market:
1. Fine Pitch COB Displays (P1.2 to P1.8)
In fine pitch COB LED displays, the LEDs are placed between 1.2 and 1.8 millimeters apart.
They thus offer ultra-high resolution for up-close viewing. That is, fine pitch COB displays deliver crystal-clear images even from short distances.
They are thus best suited to be used in command centers and boardrooms where viewers are close to the screens and need crystal-clear images.
2. Standard Indoor COB Displays (P2.0 to P3.9)
Next, we have standard indoor COBs. Their pixels are placed 2 to 3.9 millimeters apart.
This offers the most common balance of resolution and cost for general indoor applications. Standard COB LED screens are thus perfect for applications where viewers are a few feet away.
You will most commonly find them in retail stores, lobbies, and public spaces in corporate campuses. Simply put, they are used as indoor LED screens.
3. High-Brightness COB Displays
Lastly, we have high-brightness COB displays.
These are designed to offer high luminosity to combat glare and direct sunlight. These displays ensure that the image remains visible even from faraway distances with the best possible clarity.
High-brightness COB LED screens are ideal for semi-outdoor environments or bright indoor atriums.
How to Choose the Right COB LED Screen?
Now that we have explored the three main types of COB LED screens, let me walk you through the five factors you should consider when selecting a screen for your space:
1. Pixel Pitch
The very first question you should ask while choosing a COB LED screen is: “What pixel pitch do I need?”
As we have seen, the pixel pitch is the distance between the pixels of a COB LED screen.
For close viewing, choose a fine pitch (e.g., P1.2-P1.8) for a sharper image. It will deliver smooth visuals and is the most cost-efficient COB screen for indoor spaces.
For larger indoor LED screens viewed from a distance, I recommend a larger pitch. It is both more cost-effective and will deliver a better viewing experience for outdoor spaces where the audience might be far away from the screen.
2. Resolution
Resolution is the factor that determines the clarity of the images that your COB LED screen will display.
However, the good part is that the pixel pitch of your screen will also determine its resolution.
For example, a finer pixel pitch allows for higher native resolutions (like 4K or 8K), which is crucial for a detailed COB LED video wall used in broadcasting or control rooms where every pixel counts.
3. Brightness
Brightness is one of the most important factors you need to consider when choosing a COB LED screen.
It is measured in nits and tells you whether your image will be visible under different ambient conditions.
Standard screens can produce a brightness level of up to ~1,000 nits, perfect for indoor LED displays.
For areas with high ambient light, I recommend going for a high-brightness chip on board LED display. It will deliver glare-free visuals and prevent problems like washouts.
I also suggest quickly scanning through the table of differences in my blog post on Nits vs. Lumens. It will help you decide whether you want to prioritise the screen type or the LED type in your display!
4. Viewing Environment
The viewing environment is another very important factor you need to consider.
In the lighting industry, we categorize the “viewing environment” or spaces under 3 types:
- A controlled indoor space.
- A semi-outdoor location.
- A high-traffic area.
The type of space for which you want your LED screen will impact the required IP rating for dust/water resistance.
For eg, you will need a COB LED screen with an IP rating of 65 for outdoor lighting. A COB screen of this type will also ensure optimal brightness for open spaces.
5. Application & Content
Lastly, you should think about the kind of content you are going to display through your COB LED video wall or display.
For example, you will need a COB screen with a high refresh rate to display dynamic videos.
For static data or images, standard specs can get the job done.
Simply put, you should match your screen’s capabilities to your primary content type for the best result.
Elegant Lightings: Your Guide to Finding the Perfect COB LED Screen
Through this blog, I have walked you through the 3 types of chip-on-board display screens and the 5 factors you should consider when choosing a screen.
To recap, you should choose a COB LED video wall or display based on the following metrics:
- Pixel pitch
- Resolution
- Brightness
- Viewing Environment
- Application and Content
But if you are not sure which type of screen or the precise model you should select for your space, we are here to help!
At Elegant Lightings, we specialize in manufacturing, supplying, and maintaining Chip-on-Board LED screens and display systems.
Over the years, we have helped enterprises, executives, and luxury homeowners alike find the right displays for their spaces.
And that is exactly what we can do for you: connect with us, tell us about your requirements, and we will help you select the COB LED display that perfectly fits your use case!
Choosing the Right COB LED Screen: FAQs
1. What is the main advantage of a chip-on-board LED display?
A chip-on-board LED display offers superior reliability and image quality. Its seamless, epoxy-coated surface provides a wider viewing angle, higher contrast, and better protection against moisture and impact compared to traditional SMD LEDs.
2. What pixel pitch is best for indoor LED screens?
For most indoor LED screens like those in lobbies or retail stores, a pixel pitch between P2.0 and P3.9 offers the ideal balance of sharp image quality and cost-effectiveness for the typical viewing distance.
3. Can I rent a COB LED display before purchasing?
Yes, many suppliers (like us at Elegant Lightings) offer rental options. In fact, renting a COB LED display is an excellent way to test its performance in your specific environment. This way, you can be sure that the COB LED screen you are paying for meets all your needs.
4. Is a COB LED video wall suitable for bright areas?
Yes, but you must select or ask your supplier for a high-brightness model. A high-brightness COB LED video wall is engineered to combat glare, ensuring vibrant and clear visuals even in sunlit atriums or semi-outdoor locations.
5. How do I choose the right COB LED screen?
My suggestion: start by defining your viewing distance and ambient light. Then, match a chip-on-board LED display with the appropriate pixel pitch and brightness (nits) for your space and content type for optimal results.
