Not every LED is alike. Choosing the correct LED display for your sign is the first step to successful digital out-of-home advertising. SMD and DIP are the two main types of LEDs used for displays. While their mechanics are similar, they offer different advantages. Distinguishing between the two allows you to choose the one more suited to your needs. So, let’s get technical and learn the difference between SMD and DIP modules.
What are DIP LEDs?
DIP or Dual In-Line packages resemble a traditional light bulb. They are cylindrical-shaped with an elongated cell. A triad of bulbs, sometimes a quad, forms a spectrum of color. RGB or Red, Green and Blue are always used, with White additionally to enhance variety and brightness. These bulbs remain separate, soldered or inserted into PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) directly. These are visible in proximity.
These have a light output of 4 lumens per LED. Their luminosity can extend from 8000 nits to 10000 nits. Bulbs are visible within the screen and have a larger pixel pitch. DIPs are weather-resistant and more durable. These qualities make DIP LED displays more suited for outdoor signs.
What are SMD LEDs?
SMD or Surface Mounted Diode LEDs are mounted directly onto PCBs. It creates a compact enclosed case. The RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is in an optical arrangement that produces a single black or white point. The point can be a circle or square. SMD is a newer technology that developed due to devices becoming smaller.
These have more versatility due to their smaller size. The modules can be as small as 1mm. They have a high lumen output of about 50 to 100. Their pixels are not noticeable when up close. They have high resolution, a smaller pixel pitch and brightness for superior close-viewing. It makes them ideal for indoor signs. However, their outdoor application is also gaining popularity.
Features of DIP LED displays
Viewing distance – with a large pixel pitch, you get a further viewing distance. A 10mm pixel pitch (P10) can have an optimal viewing distance of 30 meters. It makes the content visible to the audience from a greater distance. Most DIPs start at an 8mm pixel pitch and increase onwards. Billboards along the highway, sports arenas and city centers use this technology to stand out to motorists and crowds.
Viewing angle – these have an average horizontal viewing angle of 120 degrees and a vertical angle of 60 degrees. Larger displays have broad and diffused light spread. It means the message reaches a large audience across a chosen location.
Visibility – their brightness works well against sunlight. These also stand out in rain and snow, offering visibility in all weather.
Cost-effective – when comparing costs, DIPs are cheaper. It is beneficial when building large displays.
Durability – they have better heat dissipation. It contributes to longer lifespans. Their design enables easy maintenance and repair. They also have a much more robust design that resists impacts well.
Weight – due to their large design and components, DIP LED displays are heavier compared to SMDs.
Weather resistance – thicker packaging of DIPs gives them better resistance to weather conditions.
Features of SMD LED Displays
Viewing distance – displays using SMD technology are superior at a shorter viewing distance. Most SMD displays have a small (1mm – 3mm) to medium (4mm – 7mm) pixel pitch. However, its application for longer viewing distances is emerging in outdoor signage.
Viewing angle – these have wider viewing angles. A typical SMD would have 140 degrees horizontal and 140 degrees vertical viewing angles. They offer uniform viewing from a broader range of positions. Large SMD panels are ideal for indoor stadiums, concert venues, conference halls and entertainment venues. It is easier to control the viewing angle due to the 3 in 1 packaging.
High resolution – packed tightly together, it creates a higher pixel density. It leads to sharper visuals and crisp images. SMD LED displays have higher color saturation.
Visibility – displays have excellent brightness and image quality. SMDs use the entire surface to emit light, giving rise to a uniform overall color. They also have better color accuracy.
Cost – due to their sophisticated design, SMDs can be costlier than IDPs. However, they are becoming more affordable as the technology develops. These carry a higher maintenance cost as entire modules need to be replaced instead of replacing the dysfunctional components.
Durability – when comparing SMD vs DIP in durability, DIPs have a better advantage due to their through-hole mounting method. These can withstand vibration, impact, and mechanical stress. As SMDs are surface-mounted, they are not as resistant to impact. However, they are less prone to breakage. These also have good thermal efficiency, generating little heat.
Weight – these are lightweight due to smaller components and design features.
Energy-efficiency – due to their lighter, smaller and streamlined design, SMDs are more energy efficient.
SMD vs DIP: which should you choose?
Now that you understand the difference, how you use each type depends entirely on your needs. DIP is an older technology with proven efficacy for outdoor use. If making an impact with big, bold colors is your goal, they are better suited to the job. They are suitable for greater viewing distances. Their flexibility for repair and replacement adds to cost-effectiveness.
If creating immersive atmospheres is your goal, SMDs are better suited to the role with their high-resolution displays. While SMDs are the best for indoor use, they also have some outdoor capability. Newer technology always wins at energy efficiency, too.
Making informed decisions with LED Craft
Choosing the correct LED displays is essential to achieving your advertising and marketing goals. Learning the difference between SMD and DIP is only one prerequisite.
LED Craft has been building LED signs for industry leaders and small businesses for decades. We offer consultation to provide our clients with industry insights and technical knowledge. Our qualified team also offers professional sign design so your sign can make the most visual impact.
We save you money by engineering our products ourselves. Our reliable traffic count and ROI reports ensure your sign gets maximum exposure. We even help with permit assistance. LED Craft undertakes installation and continues to provide customer support well into the initial purchase date. What do you want to know about the sign type that brings you the highest ROI? Ask our team today!
