LED Walls – A Bold And Exciting World Full of Options PART TWO: LED for Environmental Atmosphere
One question that I get is, “Can I use LED walls for environmental atmosphere use?” Of course! But it will be different from how projectors handle this. Projection mapping has this nailed. It does this by being easier and cheaper to aim a projector at the wall and using an assortment of mapping software to digitally manipulate the image to feel like it expands off your screens to surround your audience.
But if you’re looking to create some cool or unique video on or inside set pieces, LED may be an option for you. LED light strips or LED tape can highlight sets or stages in a way that can create some interesting and engaging atmospheres. Check out www.superbrightleds.comor search for Elation Flex pixel tape for some options on LED tape that will make your environment pop. I have lined stages with this type of LED tape, which made for an amazing effect. Another use is creating hidden images on your set, like crosses or other objects that come alive when the LED tape is turned on.
Some more options are being able to build out windows as LED images or create odd-shaped LED walls with custom video. These are just some of the advantages to using LED over projection mapping. You can go crazy with this and costs can get ridiculous, so be careful to plan your event and research your solutions before going out and buying a bunch of LED items.
When you are weighing the costs of LED, you have to take into consideration a major advantage of LED – its power consumption. LED walls consume a lot less power than traditional projection. LED walls do not have lamps like traditional projectors, meaning you will immediately save on lamp costs by going the LED wall route. They also put off less heat than projectors and are quieter.
New laser projectors have resolved some of these issues and are cheaper then LED. But, from my experience, LED still lasts longer than projection and when you do have an issue, you’re working on a portion of the screen, versus your entire screen going down when a projector lamp or laser goes out. All of this will save on your utilities, labor and HVAC costs. Make sure you put those savings on the board when you start looking into LED costs.
