The Ultimate LED Screen Buying Guide for Churches: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Which LED screen is best for my church?
For more than a decade, LED video has been a key consideration for churches looking to enhance their visual expression of worship. They can be a powerful tool to engage members of your congregation, as well as a medium to help clearly communicate important information and life-changing sermons.
Long gone are the days when LED screens were just for mega-churches, with products like instaLED making it affordable for even small and mid-size churches.
But where do you start when looking to make the switch away from dull projectors or tiny TVs? Let's explore the three key considerations for picking the perfect LED screen for your church, regardless of size or budget.
How Big Should the LED Screen Be?
The first thing you should take into account is the size of your LED screen. There's a common misconception that having an LED screen means you must install a gigantic, wall-consuming LED display. Although such a massive screen can offer a stunning visual impact in expansive auditoriums, it can also make a significant dent in your church's budget.
Size Matters, but bigger isn't always better.
It's important to assess the specific needs and limitations of your church before making a decision on the size of your LED screen. Factors such as the size of your sanctuary, the viewing distance of your audience, and your budget all play a crucial role in determining the ideal size for your LED screen. For smaller churches, a smaller LED screen may be a more practical and cost-effective option. This can still provide an impactful visual experience without breaking the bank. On the other hand, larger churches may benefit from a larger LED screen to ensure all members of the congregation have a clear view of the display. Additionally, the content and purpose of your LED screen should also be taken into consideration. Will it primarily be used for displaying lyrics and scripture during worship services, or will it also be used for multimedia presentations and videos? This can also influence the size and aspect ratio of your LED screen.
There's no one-size-fits-all in the world of LED screens. For many churches, we've found that a screen roughly the same size as your existing projector screen can provide an equally remarkable viewing experience at a significantly lower cost. You might be surprised at how affordable a standard LED screen can be, especially for smaller or average-sized rooms.
2. Pixel Pitch
Next up, let's talk about pixel pitch. Think of it as the resolution of your screen. It's measured in millimetres and represents the distance between pixels. Smaller numbers mean a crisper image. So you might be thinking, smaller pixel equals better display, right? Not so fast!
The perfect pixel pitch depends on the distance between the screen and your audience. The further away your congregation is, the less their eyes can differentiate between pixels. For example, if your front row is 4 metres from the screen, a 4mm pixel pitch screen will look similar to a 2mm screen at 2 metres away. The takeaway? Choose a pixel pitch based on your room size and audience viewing distance.
3. How will it be Set Up?
The next consideration is how your LED screen will be set up – Will it be mounted on a wall or suspended from a truss or lighting bar? Will you be dismantling the screen weekly, or do you prefer a permanent setup? Maybe something in between? Your choice determines the model of the LED screen you'll need.
For example, If your church meets in your own or a leased building, and you don't intend on moving or adjusting your LED screen regularly, then instaLED by PixaPanel is a fantastic option. Designed for permanent and semi-permanent installation, instaLED provides the same breathtaking, high-quality visuals of much more expensive options, bringing it down to an price-point affordable for even smaller and mid-sized churches.
On the other hand, the PixaPanel Quantum Series boasts features like easy interlocking pins and a modular design, which allows quick and effortless setup and takedown without the risk of damage. This makes it a better solution for churches who load in and out every Sunday, where speed of assembly and durability are a must for an LED screen. It also makes it a better option for churches who meet in their own building, but need the flexibility to effortlessly and frequently change configurations of the LED screen.
Other factors like whether you'd want a curved display, which can be achieved with certain LED panel models, or if the screen will be set up outdoors, should also be taken into account.
Final Thought
Choosing the perfect LED screen for your church, considering the congregation's needs and budget, can be a challenging task, but that's where we come in. We're committed to helping you find the right product, design, and install it.