Best Practices: Color-Matching LED Tiles
When planning a show, renting LED panels from a matching batch is always the ideal scenario. Nationwide Video is a supplier of LED panels and guarantees matching batches on all LED rentals. But what happens when you’re combining tiles from different batches? Thankfully, this does not mean you have to compromise on the quality of your setup.
Why Matching LED Batches Matters
LED panels are manufactured in batches to guarantee uniformity of pixels. Due to the nature of changing components, slight variations can occur between different batches, even from the same manufacturer. These variations might not be immediately noticeable in small projects, but when panels from different batches are used together in large-scale applications, inconsistencies in color temperature, brightness, and even pixel performance can become apparent. This is why, when possible, it is best to rent LED panels from a single, matching batch.
How to Work with Mismatched Batches
Separate Batches for Multiple Walls
If your project involves multiple LED walls, aim to dedicate a single batch of panels per wall. This helps keep the color and brightness uniform on each wall, so you do not have to worry about inconsistencies. Mismatches between separate walls are much less noticeable than mismatches within a single wall.
Group Like Batches Together
If combining multiple batches on one wall is unavoidable, group panels from the same batch together in larger sections. For example, you can place one batch on the left side of the wall and another batch on the right. It is much easier to color match two or three large sections than to try matching individual panels scattered across the entire wall.
example: top row and bottom two rows are being matched together.
Leveraging the Right Processing Equipment
Color matching and calibrating mismatched batches can be time-consuming, but using the right equipment makes all the difference.
- Use Advanced Processors like Novastar MX40Pro
If you are using Novastar, consider opting for an MX40Pro processor or a processor from the COEX line instead of the older LCT-run processors. These processors have a user-friendly on-screen interface, making color matching and calibration much easier and more efficient.
photo: Novastar MX40 Pro LED Processor.
- Utilize Brompton’s OSCA Feature
If you’re using Brompton LED processing, take advantage of their OSCA (On-Screen Color Adjustment) feature, which simplifies the color matching process across different sections or batches of your LED wall. This feature is a lifesaver when dealing with mismatched panels and ensures that the final display looks consistent.
Photo: Brompton OSCA feature.
While matching different LED batches may seem like an overwhelming task, with a little preparation and planning on the front end, it is possible to achieve a desired outcome. If matching LED batches sounds like too much work, Nationwide Video can supply your entire show with top-tier LED panels and multiple layers of support to ensure your wall looks flawless. We guarantee that all of our panels are the same batch and run through a strict quality-control process.
Reminder: Nationwide Video is one of the top providers of LED tiles for indoor and outdoor, ground-supported and flown. To learn more about color-matching LED or get started on an LED wall rental, Nationwide Video can be reached at 800.935.2323 or info@subrent.com.