Comparing Large Screen Display: Jumbotron Vs LED Video Wall – RGBLEDWORLD

Have you ever pitted Jumbotron Vs LED Video Wall? Nowadays, larger screens are widely used, whether in commercials or sports. Bigger displays have been widely appreciated by worldwide communities, as they can display more comprehensive details. Looking up and seeing a wide screen playing videos or commercials will surely catch everyone’s eye, and that’s what we call the Jumbotron screen. 

Usually, these kinds of screens can be seen in stadiums during concerts or baseball games, as well as in venues and other centers. There have been a lot of talks as to which is the best, Jumbotron or LED (light-emitting diodes) video wall.  

Jumbotron vs LED Video Wall: Background and Evolution

In 1980, the word “ jumbotron” was first used by Sony when a particular display technology was introduced. The Jumbotron screen became the pioneer that used cathode ray tube (CRT) technology. This technology is the same as what was used in the old televisions, which were very big and pricey. 

In 1985, this was the very first wide-screen display, which paved its way to the World’s Fair in Japan. Using this technology in the 80s and 90s gave people a new experience. People were able to watch instant replays and live entertainment. Even until now, the term “jumbotron” was used to refer to a large video screen, although modern display technology is far more advanced. 

Modern LED modules were used to improve the Jumbotron screen. Every time the word jumbotron was used, people would picture a very bright, large screen at the center of the stadiums or arenas.

Jumbotron vs. LED video walls in the early 2000s. The Jumbotron screen was taken over by the emerging LED video walls. The CRTs used in the jumbotron were replaced by the LED display technology, which provides a more improved image that is appropriate for any venue.

The wide-screen display of an LED video wall uses the latest LED technologies. It uses modular screens that are very flexible and can be created in different shapes and forms. With the individual LED panels working as one, it can provide more impressive results. Advertisers and marketers usually prefer this type of screen as it can convey a more creative way of promoting products or services. 

Jumbotron vs. LED video walls in the current technologies. Both screen displays use LED technologies. The difference between the two is the use of CRT in the Jumbotron screen.

Jumbotron vs LED Video Wall: Similarities and Differences

The Jumbotron screen and LED video wall have some similarities, like in terms of the format display; they both have a large format display. Display resolution for both the jumbotron and LED video wall is comparable.

However, these two vary in a lot of aspects. One of the differences is the display quality of each technology. When we talk about display quality, this includes the following: 

Video Resolution

Bigger and larger pixels are often used for jumbotrons, as this type of screen is usually used outside. Aside from the pixels, the brightness used for the Jumbotron is higher because it is visible outdoors and even under the bright sunlight. 

Colors

The outdoor environment is a bit harsh, which is why the manufacturers of the jumbotron make the colors more vibrant and bright so that high-quality images can be seen clearly from the display.

Contrast Ratios

The contrast ratio is the brightness and darkness of the display. Jumbotrons use higher contrast, which produces a more vibrant display. In a jumbotron screen, it usually needs to use the highest amount of brightness to be able to provide a more efficient display, especially in outdoor settings.

Viewing Angle

Viewing angle refers to how a viewer can watch the ads at a certain position. Between the jumbotron vs LED video walls have very different angles. Oftentimes, the standard LED video walls are designed to face in one direction; therefore, the viewing angle is limited, and you may have to be directly in front of the screen to maximize the display. On the other hand, Jumbotron screens have many different viewing angles, wherein you can still enjoy the same experience even when watching from a different angle.

Energy Efficiency

The energy efficiency of a certain display depends mostly on the technology being used. If the display is using the CRT technology, like the old version of Jumbotron, the power consumption is much higher than that of a display using the LED technology. Using LED technology in a Jumbotron screen is very economical. However, generally speaking, if we are to compare Jumbotron vs. LED video walls, the video wall is more energy efficient.

Another difference between a Jumbotron and an LED video wall is the cost of the display. However, to determine which of these two is more expensive, we need to look into different factors. Jumbotron screens are more expensive than the LED video wall. The fact that the jumbotron needs to be sturdy and withstand the harsh outdoor environment, the process of making it is a bit more complex than that of the LED video wall. The jumbotron screen also needs to have higher display quality, like the resolution, colors, and contrast ratio. 

Furthermore, another aspect to look into to determine the cost is the actual installation and maintenance of the display. Since jumbotrons are used outdoors and installed at a higher place, the construction will be a bit more expensive to make it sturdy and last longer. Also, waterproofing the screen is a must to protect it from harsh weather. All these factors are being considered to know the cost of the display. And based on the aspects presented, we can say that using a Jumbotron screen is more expensive than the LED video wall.

Summary of Differences Between Jumbotrons and LED Video Walls

Here is the summary of the difference between jumbotron vs. LED video walls, with regard to the display quality and its cost.

Jumbotron vs LED Video Wall: Advantages and Disadvantages

Jumbotron and LED video walls have both their advantages and disadvantages. Let’s look into the pros and cons of the Jumbotron screen display.

Advantages

• As we all know, jumbotrons are usually used outdoors in stadiums or arenas that are usually large in area and accommodate more people; therefore, the screens are massive.
• Outdoor displays often require certain specifications that need to be met; thus, the jumbotron can be customized according to the required details for optimal display.
• Even in an outdoor setting, Jumbotron offers a display that is clear and very visible to its viewers. 
• The use of this display can increase the live experience of the viewers.

Disadvantages

• Comparing jumbotron vs. LED video walls, the process of producing the jumbotron display product is a bit complicated, as well as its installation. 
• Because of the complexity of the production process, the installation and its maintenance combined, the expenses increased, making it a bit pricey.
• Since the Jumbotron screen is usually used outdoors, thorough maintenance is needed and required.

There are some benefits in using LED video walls as well as drawbacks. And here are some of them.

Advantages

• LED video walls are more flexible.  Different shapes and forms are created with this type of screen display. 
• Operated and utilized in a closed space or rooms.
• The price is lower than jumbotrons

Disadvantages

• LED video walls are not designed to be used for outdoor events
• The initial cost is a bit high compared to the Jumbotron.
• Although it is used in an indoor environment,  thorough maintenance is still needed and required.

Jumbotron vs LED Video Wall: Functionality

Although jumbotrons and LED video walls serve the same purpose and can function in similar ways, they are used in different venues and locations.

Jumbotron Functionality

As mentioned earlier, jumbotron screens are usually used in an outdoor environment, which includes the following: 

• Sports stadiums such as arenas and sports grounds. Over the years, the Jumbotron has been widely used in most sporting events. This widescreen display is used to cover the actual game. It is also used to replay highlights of the events as well as interact with the audience.
• Outdoor concerts and events. Since jumbotrons are primarily used outdoors and have a wide-angle viewing, it is best used during concerts and large events. Audiences can have a great experience during a concert as they can stay on any side of the area and still watch the display perfectly. The display is used to project the performers.  
• Urban centers. The jumbotron screen is used in public places to provide emergency alerts and updates for public information.

LED Video Wall Functionality

Comparing the Jumbotron vs LED video wall in terms of the area they are used. Here are some of the areas where LED video walls were used.

• Boardrooms and corporate venues. LED video walls have been used all over the company floors, be it in a lobby or in the conference rooms, you’ll see them using them instead of the Jumbotron. LED video walls provide a more formal vibe that is perfect for the corporate environment.
• Control rooms. The screens used in most control rooms are LED video walls, which show a bigger display in just a single look; thus, with the right LED video walls, consistent information is provided.
• Indoor venues. As what was discussed earlier, comparing the jumbotron vs LED video wall, the latter was perfect for indoor events and can serve perfectly as a background.
• Marketing environment. Using LED video walls to display a product or provide information for the business and product launch in a more sophisticated way to attract the target market.

Jumbotron vs LED Video Wall: Utilization

Whether to use a Jumbotron screen or an LED video wall is affected by several factors. Here are some of the aspects you’ll need to take into consideration.

Where will the screen be used? 

The first thing you need to do is to figure out the location where you will set up the screen. Will it be in a smaller space, like inside a venue hall, or in an open space outside under the scorching heat of the sun? If the display will be used inside a hall, you should go for the LED video wall. However, if it’s for outdoor venues like a stadium, jumbotrons are much more efficient.

How much are you willing to spend? 

Both of these display screens are expensive; however, comparing the Jumbotron vs. LED video wall,  the Jumbotron screen is more expensive, from the screen to the installation and maintenance. If you have a limited budget and need a display screen in an indoor environment, you might prefer to use the LED video wall. However, if the budget is not a problem and you need to use a screen display outdoors, a jumbotron is a perfect match for you.

Who will be the intended audience? 

Determining the audience for the event will greatly help as to which display screen will be used. For an audience that needs to be closer, LED video walls are more appropriate. While those that cover a larger space and are viewed from afar,  the Jumbotron screen works perfectly.

How will the screen display be maintained? 

Jumbotron vs. LED video wall with regard to the maintenance cost and processes, Jumbotron is more expensive and complicated than the LED video walls. More particularly, if the Jumbotron were installed above ground, it would take a lot of effort and money to make it last longer.

Conclusion

Large display screens have been prominently used, especially in the business industry. These display screens, Jumbotron, and LED video walls vary in display quality to functionality. Therefore, to maximize the use of these screen displays,  various factors are considered. Whether to choose a Jumbotron screen or an LED video wall depends on the desired outcome of business owners.