📖 Knowledge Base

Learn AV, LED, LCD, OLED and digital signage terminology — explained simply.

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All Av Display General Led Logistics Rental
Projector Buying Guide
av

Key Specifications

SpecWhat It MeansRecommendation
LumensBrightness3,000–5,000 for meeting room; 10,000+ for large venue
ResolutionImage sharpnessWUXGA (1920×1200) minimum for presentations
Throw RatioDistance ÷ width0.5–1.0 = short throw; 1.5–2.5 = standard
Laser vs LampLight sourceLaser: 20,000h life, no bulb changes. Lamp: cheaper, 2,000–5,000h
KeystoneImage correctionDigital = quality loss; Lens shift = better

Types

  • Short Throw: 0.5–1m from wall. Ideal for small rooms
  • Ultra Short Throw: 10–50cm. No shadows
  • Large Venue: 20,000+ lumens. Stadiums, concerts
  • Edge Blending: Multiple projectors for seamless wide image
PA System Basics for Events
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Components

  • Mixer: Controls all audio sources (mics, instruments, playback)
  • Amplifier: Powers the speakers
  • Speakers: Line arrays for large venues, point source for small
  • Microphones: Wireless for presenters, wired for instruments
  • Stage monitors: So performers can hear themselves

Room Size Guide

AudienceRecommended System
50–1002× powered speakers (12") + small mixer
100–5002× tops + 2× subs + 16ch digital mixer
500–2000Line array (4–8 boxes per side) + subs + monitors
2000+Full line array + delay towers + monitor world + FOH
Stage Lighting Basics
av

Main Types

  • Moving Heads — Spot: Sharp beam, gobos, precise positioning
  • Moving Heads — Wash: Wide coverage, color mixing
  • Moving Heads — Beam: Narrow intense beam, aerial effects
  • LED PAR: Fixed wash light, cheap, reliable
  • Blinders: Audience illumination, dramatic effect
  • Strobes: Flash effects, high energy moments

DMX Control

All modern lights use DMX512 protocol. Each light gets a DMX address (1–512). A lighting console sends commands to these addresses.

Typical Rig for 500-person Event

  • 8× Moving Head Spot
  • 8× Moving Head Wash
  • 12× LED PAR
  • 4× Blinder
  • 2× Strobe
  • 1× Lighting Console
  • + Haze machine, cabling, rigging
LED vs LCD vs OLED — Which One?
display

Quick Decision

  • Need big (3m+) seamless? → LED
  • Meeting room, budget? → LCD
  • Premium, perfect blacks? → OLED

Detailed Comparison

LEDLCDOLED
Max sizeUnlimited98"88"
Seamless✅❌ Bezels✅
Brightness10,000 nits700 nits1,000 nits
Outdoor✅❌❌
Black levelGoodOKPerfect
Price/m²€1,000–3,000€500–2,000€3,000–10,000
Lifespan100,000h50,000h30,000h
How to Build a Video Wall
display

Step by Step

  1. Choose display type: LED (seamless) or LCD (cheaper, bezels)
  2. Calculate size: Wall area ÷ panel area = number of panels
  3. Select resolution: 1920×1080 per panel or total?
  4. Choose processor: LED controller / video wall controller
  5. Plan power: ~300W/m² for indoor LED, ~600W/m² outdoor
  6. Mounting: Wall mount, floor stand, or rigging
  7. Calibrate: Color and brightness matching across panels

Example: 4m×2.5m LED Wall

  • 10m² × P2.5 indoor = ~€8,000–12,000 (panels)
  • Controller + processor = ~€1,000–3,000
  • Installation = ~€1,000–2,000
  • Total: ~€10,000–17,000
E-Ink vs LCD — Digital Signage Choice
display

E-Ink Advantages

  • ✅ Zero power when image is static (years on one battery)
  • ✅ Perfect readability in direct sunlight
  • ✅ Paper-like, no eye strain
  • ✅ Ultra-thin and lightweight

E-Ink Limitations

  • ❌ Slow refresh (1 second vs 60Hz)
  • ❌ No video — static images only
  • ❌ Limited to grayscale or few colors
  • ❌ Smaller sizes (max ~42")

Best Use Cases

  • Electronic shelf labels (retail)
  • Bus/train station timetables
  • Museum information panels
  • Office door signs / room booking
  • Restaurant menus
How to Write an Effective RFQ
general

What Suppliers Need to Know

  1. What exactly do you need? LED screen, projector, audio system? Be specific.
  2. Where will it be used? Indoor/outdoor, room size, ambient light conditions.
  3. What is your budget range? Helps suppliers propose feasible solutions.
  4. When do you need it? Deadline for installation/completion.
  5. Where are you located? Destination country and city.

RFQ Template

Title: [Equipment type] for [venue/event]
Description: We need [LED screen / projector / audio system] for our [conference room / exhibition stand / church].

Technical Requirements:
- Screen size: [Xm × Ym]
- Viewing distance: [X meters]
- Usage: [indoor/outdoor]
- Special requirements: [e.g., front service, curved]

Budget: €[min] – €[max]
Deadline: [date]
Delivery to: [city, country]
How to Choose the Right Pixel Pitch
led

What is Pixel Pitch?

Pixel pitch is the distance between LED centers, measured in millimeters (e.g. P2.5 = 2.5mm between pixels).

Decision Guide

Viewing DistanceRecommended PitchUse Case
1–2 metersP1.2–P1.8Control rooms, TV studios, museum
2–4 metersP1.8–P2.5Conference rooms, retail, corporate lobby
4–8 metersP2.5–P4Exhibitions, stages, houses of worship
8–20 metersP4–P6Outdoor advertising, stadium edges
20+ metersP6–P10+Billboards, building facades

Budget Formula

Rough estimate: Price ≈ Area(m²) × (1000 / Pitch) × €300–600

Example: 6m² P2.5 screen ≈ 6 × 400 × 400 = ~€9,600

Indoor vs Outdoor LED — Key Differences
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Indoor LED

  • Brightness: 600–1,500 nits
  • IP rating: IP20–IP31
  • Pixel pitch: P1.2–P3
  • Lighter cabinets
  • Front or rear service

Outdoor LED

  • Brightness: 5,000–10,000+ nits
  • IP rating: IP65 front / IP54 rear minimum
  • Pixel pitch: P4–P10+
  • Weatherproof cabinets with gaskets
  • Built-in cooling (fans or passive)

Semi-Outdoor

For shop windows, covered walkways — IP43–IP54, 2,000–3,500 nits.

Types of LED Displays — Complete Overview
led
TypeBest ForProsCons
SMDGeneral purposeCheapest, widely availableVisible pixels up close
COBPremium indoorLess glare, durableMore expensive
GOBSemi-outdoorImpact resistantSlight color shift
TransparentShop windowsSee-through, lightLower brightness
FlexibleCurved surfacesAny shapeComplex installation
RentalEvents, touringFast lock, road casesHeavier, more expensive
Fine PitchClose viewingTV-quality imageVery expensive
Renting AV Equipment — Complete Guide
rental

When to Rent vs Buy

RentBuy
One-time eventRegular use (weekly)
Need latest techBudget constrained
No storage spaceHave warehouse
Varying requirementsConsistent setup

Typical Rental Costs (per day)

EquipmentPrice Range
LED Screen P2.5 (per m²)€40–80
Moving Head Spot€25–50
Line Array Speaker (per box)€30–60
Digital Mixer€50–100
Truss (per meter)€2–5
Technician (per day)€250–400

What to Check Before Renting

  • ✅ Insurance included?
  • ✅ Delivery/setup included?
  • ✅ Backup equipment available?
  • ✅ Cable/rigging included?
  • ✅ Technical support on-site?