Spec’ing dvLED Right the First Time

Spec’ing dvLED has a reputation for being complicated, and to be fair, it can be. Pixel pitch options, brightness ratings, viewing distances, environmental factors, and budget pressures all collide early in the process. But most dvLED problems don’t start on install day. They start at the spec.

For AV integrators and consultants, over- or under-specifying dvLED is one of the most common causes of budget overruns, redesigns, and uncomfortable client conversations. The good news? Many of these issues are preventable with smarter upfront decisions.

The Pixel Pitch Myth

Pixel pitch is often the first (and loudest) spec conversation. Smaller pitch is frequently assumed to be better, sharper image, higher quality, happier client. But that assumption can be costly.

If a wall is viewed from 20 or 30 feet away, an ultra-fine pixel pitch may offer no real-world visual benefit while significantly increasing cost. Conversely, choosing a pitch that’s too coarse for a close-viewing environment can result in visible pixel structure and disappointment.

The key isn’t chasing the smallest number. It’s matching pixel pitch to actual viewing distance, content type, and expectations. Right-sizing pixel pitch alone can dramatically improve performance-to-cost ratios.

Viewing Distance: The Spec Everyone Forgets

Viewing distance should drive nearly every dvLED decision, yet it’s often estimated loosely or overlooked altogether. Lobbies, boardrooms, control rooms, and briefing spaces all behave differently.

Ask early:

• How close will viewers realistically get?

• Will people walk past the wall or sit for extended viewing?

• Is the content data-heavy, text-based, or experiential?

Accurate viewing distance assumptions prevent overspending on resolution that will never be noticed, or worse, underspec’ing clarity where it actually matters.

Brightness Isn’t a Flex

Brightness is another area where projects tend to go sideways. High nits sound impressive, but indoor dvLED rarely needs extreme brightness levels.

Overspec’ing brightness can:

• Inflate costs unnecessarily

• Increase power consumption

• Create glare or visual fatigue

• Complicate calibration

Instead, consider ambient light, wall placement, and content usage. A properly matched brightness level delivers better image quality and a more comfortable viewing experience, without wasted spend.

Environment Changes Everything

A dvLED wall doesn’t exist in isolation. Room lighting, wall flatness, acoustics, ceiling height, and structural conditions all influence how the display performs and installs.

Ignoring environmental factors early can lead to last-minute engineering fixes, mounting challenges, or design compromises. Thoughtful upfront coordination with architects, engineers, and stakeholders keeps projects on track and avoids costly surprises.

Why Upfront Design Saves Real Money

When dvLED is spec’d correctly from the start:

• Budgets stay predictable

• Quotes reflect real requirements

• Install timelines shrink

• Rework disappears

• Client confidence increases

Better specs don’t just protect margins, they protect relationships.

For integrators and consultants, the goal isn’t to sell the biggest wall or the smallest pitch. It’s to deliver a solution that looks right, performs reliably, and aligns with how the space is actually used.

At LEDgend Distributors, we believe great dvLED projects start with clarity — not guesswork. The more intentional the design phase, the smoother everything else becomes.