Holographic LED screen VS LED crystal film screen: Which is Better transparent LED display?

In recent years, with the rapid development of transparent display technology, as two innovative products, holographic LED screen and LED crystal film screen have set off a technological revolution in the fields of commercial display, stage performance, smart city, etc.

Both of them use “transparent display” as the core selling point, but there are significant differences in technical paths and application. Sight will deeply analyze the similarities and differences between them.

What is holographic LED screen?

Holographic LED screen is an innovative transparent display device that combines LED display technology with holographic optical principles. It uses the physical properties of light interference, diffraction, etc. to reconstruct three-dimensional images in the air while maintaining the transparency of the screen through precise optical film design.

Key core technology :

Nano-scale grating structure: optical diffraction layer formed by micron-level etching process

Multi-layer composite film technology: integrated LED light-emitting layer, transparent conductive layer, holographic imaging layer

Dynamic tracking system: cooperate with camera to achieve adaptive adjustment of viewing angle

Advantages and characteristics of holographic LED screen

  • Features Technical parameters/performance
  • Transparency 85%-92% (the highest level in the industry)
  • Display effect Supports naked-eye 3D display, brightness can reach 6000nit
  • Energy consumption Energy saving of more than 40% compared with traditional LED
  • Application scenarios High-end commercial windows, stage special effects, museum holographic theater
  • Special functions Support touch interaction, AI dynamic tracking

Core innovation points:

  • Media-free imaging: breaking through the physical boundaries of traditional screens, the image is suspended in the air
  • Multi-view compatibility: 180° visual range is achieved through adaptive algorithms
  • Environmental integration: maintain high transparency during the day and present gorgeous visual effects at night

What is LED crystal film screen?

Crystal film  LED screen is an ultra-thin flexible transparent display based on COB packaging technology.

Key Point:

  • Wafer-level packaging: embedding micro LED chips directly into polymer film substrates
  • Grid circuit: using transparent conductive silver paste to form a micron-level circuit network
  • Modular design: supports splicing of any size, with a minimum seam of 0.1mm

Advantages and features of LED crystal film screen

  • Features Technical parameters/performance
  • Thickness Only 2.5mm (the thinnest in the industry)
  • Transmittance 70-85%
  • Bending radius supports R50mm arc bending
  • Resolution P1.2-P3.0 optional
  • Application scenarios Building curtain walls, car displays, retail islands

Technological breakthroughs:

  • Super strong environmental adaptability: working temperature range -40℃~85℃, IP68 waterproof grade
  • Energy saving and environmental protection: power consumption per unit area is only 1/3 of conventional LED
  • Quick installation: magnetic structure achieves 1 hour/100㎡ installation efficiency

Comparison of LED holographic screen and LED crystal film screen

Differences in technical principles

LED holographic screen:

Based on wavefront reconstruction theory, phase information is generated through computational holographic algorithm, and spatial light modulator (SLM) is used to control the propagation direction of light waves to form a three-dimensional light field.

LED crystal film screen:

Adopting the principle of physical pixel point light emission, the balance between display and light transmission is achieved by optimizing the arrangement density of LED chips and the refractive index of transparent media.

Display characteristics comparison

Screen TypeHolographic ScreenFilm Screen
Visual PresentationNaked Eye 3D/Floating Imaging2D Flat Display
Optimal Viewing Distance3-20 meters0.5-10 meters
Refresh Rate3840Hz1920Hz
Color ReproductionNTSC 110%NTSC 98% or above

Physical characteristics comparison

ParameterLED Holographic ScreenLED Crystal Film Screen
Weight8-12kg/㎡2.5kg/㎡
Light Transmission Uniformity93%85%
Impact ResistanceFragile (protection frame required)Can withstand 50kg/m² pressure

LED holographic screen vs LED crystal film screen: How to choose?

You may want to know “Which one should I choose?” In fact, the answer is hidden in your needs! Just answer the following 5 questions, and you can easily choose the most suitable screen:

Question 1: What is your budget?

Budget RangeRecommended ChoiceReason Explanation
Less than 500,000LED Crystal Film ScreenHolographic screen hardware cost is high (about 38,000/㎡), small budget first chooses the king of cost performance
500,000 – 2 millionLED Crystal Film ScreenCan cover 100-300㎡ crystal film screen projects (such as shopping mall islands, curtain walls), offers good value for money within this budget range
More than 2 millionLED Holographic ScreenSuitable for high-end scenes (such as luxury windows, digital art exhibitions), the effect is shocking but the cost is high

Tips:

If the budget is limited but you want 3D effects, you can choose the “crystal film screen + 3D content” combination, which reduces the cost by 60%!

Question 2: Where do you want to install it?

Installation EnvironmentRecommended ChoiceFor Example
Outdoor/WindowLED Crystal Film ScreenMall facade, bus station (windproof and rainproof, high temperature resistant)
Indoor Close-RangeLED Crystal Film ScreenDisplay cabinet, interactive table (thickness is only 2.5mm, it is not obtrusive when attached to glass)
Stage/Exhibition HallLED Holographic ScreenConcert, science and technology museum (suspended image like a science fiction movie)
Transparent WindowBoth AvailableHolographic screen is more invisible during the day, crystal film screen is brighter at night (choose according to business hours)

Question 3: What visual effect do you want?

Effect RequirementsRecommended SelectionParameter Comparison
Naked Eye 3D/FloatingLED Holographic ScreenSupports 180° multi-angle viewing, brightness 6000nit (10 times brighter than mobile phone screen!)
High-Definition Flat DisplayLED Crystal Film ScreenP1.2 ultra-fine pixels, not blurry even when close to the face
Transparent InvisibleLED Holographic ScreenTransparency 92% (close to ordinary glass), almost invisible after turning off
Curved ShapeLED Crystal Film ScreenCan be bent into a cylindrical or wavy shape (minimum bending radius 5cm)

Question 4: Are you afraid of troublesome post-maintenance?

Maintenance ConcernsRecommended ChoiceReasons
Fear of Expensive RepairsLED Crystal Film ScreenModular design allows for the replacement of any broken part (single module cost < 500 yuan), reducing overall repair costs
Fear of Frequent DamageLED Crystal Film ScreenIP68 waterproof and dustproof, can be used in a wide range of temperatures (-40℃ to 85℃), suitable for outdoor use in harsh environments
Fear of Fast UpdatesLED Holographic ScreenSoftware upgrade supports new special effects (such as popular AI digital human interaction), ensuring the screen stays up-to-date with the latest technology trends

Real case:

A chain milk tea shop chooses crystal film screen-because the store often changes its decoration, the magnetic suction installation can be quickly removed and reused!

Question 5: How long do you want to use it?

Service LifeRecommended ChoiceLifespan Comparison
1-3 yearsLED Crystal Film ScreenFast cost recovery (generally payback within 1 year through advertising revenue), suitable for short-term or temporary use
5 years or moreLED Holographic Screen100,000 hours ultra-long life (based on 10 hours of use per day, it can be used for 27 years!), suitable for long-term or permanent installations

Ultimate selection tips

✅ Choose LED holographic screen if:

Sufficient budget

Want sci-fi effect

Used in high-end fixed places

✅ Choose LED crystal film screen if:

Limited budget

Need waterproof and durable

Frequent renovation

✅ Rich double selection plan:

Crystal film screen for outdoor curtain wall (saving money and weather-resistant) + holographic screen for indoor exhibition hall (showing off skills to attract traffic), the combination is the best!

FAQs

“Can it be both transparent and cheap?”

Answer: Yes! If you Choose the crystal film screen P3.0 model (transmittance 75%, price 70% lower than holographic screen).

“Does the  holographic LED screen really not need a screen?”

Answer: In fact, there is still a transparent substrate! But through optical technology, the image looks like it is floating in the air.

“Will it affect the lighting after installation?”

Answer: Holographic screen > crystal film screen (92% vs 85% transmittance), it is recommended to choose holographic screen in exhibition halls and crystal film screen in shopping malls.

Summary:

holographic LED  screen: like a high-end custom suit – expensive but stunning, suitable for important occasions!

crystal film LED screen: like a practical jacket – cost-effective, not afraid of wind and rain!

Compare your needs and budget, now you know which one to choose? If you have more questions, please feel free to contact us.

Sight holographic  LED screen solution

As an industry leader, SightLED launches a new generation of small invisible holographic LED screen solution:

Keel-free design, full transparent experience

Different from the traditional LED transparent screen that relies on keel support, SightLED holographic LED screen realizes a keel-free design, which not only avoids the problem of the screen being gridded, but also makes the entire screen reach an unprecedented degree of transparency. Among them, the P3.91 and P6.25 products can provide 80% and 90% sensory transparency respectively, just like a transparent film that blends naturally into the environment, opening up a new visual feast.

Extremely thin and light, flexible application

The thickness of the SightLED holographic LED display is less than 2MM, and the weight per square meter is only 6KG. It is light, bendable, and can be cut to adapt to various complex installation environments. It is like a large “film”, which is firmly adsorbed on the transparent glass through a special adhesive, and can easily meet various creative display needs.

Independent driving IC, high-definition and high-brightness display

Relying on the strong driving force IC independently developed by Sight LED, our 3D holographic LED screen can achieve precise control of each light point, with a color grayscale level of up to 16 bits, more vivid and full colors, and amazing display effects. Its non-drawing arrangement design makes the number of pixels under the same area far exceed similar products on the market. It is still clear and delicate when viewed at close range, and it shows an unparalleled high-definition and high-brightness picture at a long distance.

3D dazzle effect, immersive experience

It not only achieves a breakthrough in transparency, but also reaches a new height in display effect. With LED display and highly transparent and exquisite structural design, the scenes in front and behind the screen are integrated with the screen in three dimensions, creating a strong sense of 3D suspension, bringing users an unprecedented immersive experience.

Easy installation and convenient maintenance

The light-emitting device is structured on a special circuit board, forming a modular design according to a certain area. Even if you are a beginner, you can install it very simply and quickly. At the same time, its self-developed lamp-driven integrated design realizes single-point single control, greatly reducing the difficulty of maintenance. Even if a certain LED lamp bead fails, it will not affect the normal operation of other lamp beads. Only a simple replacement can restore the display, which greatly improves the maintenance efficiency.

Personalized customization to meet different needs

We provide two ordering modes: integrated advertising machine  and personalized customization mode. Our 3D holographic integrated advertising machine is suitable for temporary scenes such as exhibition halls, booths, and stages. It is movable, detachable, flexible and convenient. The personalized customization mode is designed exclusively according to the actual environment and needs of the customer, and can perfectly match the size and shape to show a unique display effect.

For example, a business center in the United States specially customized a 30-square-meter screen and planned to put it in a prominent position in the airport lobby. SightLED has a full chain of services including upstream IC design, midstream light-emitting device packaging, and downstream display application, which can greatly reduce the overall costs.

Click here to knwo more holographic invisible screen

Conclusion:

In the field of transparent LED display, holographic screen and crystal film screen are not a simple replacement relationship, but a differentiated competitive landscape.

For users, the key is to establish a three-dimensional decision-making model of “demand-technology-budget”. If you have sufficient budget and pursue shocking effects, large-scale 3D holographic screen is the best choice; in the field of large-scale deployment and practicality, crystal film LED screen shows irreplaceable cost-effectiveness. If you are a small application, you can choose our 3D invisible holographic screen solution.

In the future, with the maturity of Micro LED technology, the boundaries between the two may gradually blur, and jointly promote transparent display into a new era of “virtual and real without boundaries”.

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