When we started shopping for a commercial LED display for our office front, I thought it’d be simple. Pick a size, mount it, done. But the more I looked into it, the more I realised how much thought actually needs to go into choosing the right setup.

Here’s what I learned, and what I’d recommend to anyone going through the process.

Consider the Viewing Distance

One of the first things our AV consultant asked was, “How far away will people be when they view the screen?” It turns out this dictates your pixel pitch—the smaller the pitch, the sharper the image from up close.

For a shopfront viewed from the pavement, smaller pitch was essential. For a display seen across a lobby? Larger pitch saved cost without losing clarity.

Indoor vs Outdoor Use

Outdoor displays need:

• Higher brightness (to compete with sunlight)
  
  

• Weatherproof casings
  
  

• Durable mounting solutions
  
  

Our indoor unit was much more straightforward—but knowing the differences early on prevented expensive mistakes.

Content Management System (CMS)

How will you manage what plays on the screen? A good CMS lets you:

• Schedule playlists
  
  

• Upload from any device
  
  

• Integrate with third-party apps (e.g. weather, social media, news)
  
  

Make sure your display works with a CMS that fits your workflow—not the other way around.

Longevity and Energy Efficiency

A quality commercial LED should last upwards of 50,000 hours. Check energy ratings, warranty terms, and whether the unit offers automatic brightness control (a lifesaver for power bills).

Final Thought

A well-chosen commercial LED display isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s a branding tool, marketing channel, and engagement magnet. Choose wisely and it’ll work for you 24/7.