If you’re planning an outdoor advertising project, you’ve likely encountered terms like P6, P8, P10, and P16. How to Choose the right LED display? Today, we will guide these details.
What are P6, P8, P10, and P16 LED Displays?
The P6, P8, P10, and P16 are classifications for LED displays based on their pixel pitch. The term “pixel pitch” simply refers to the distance from the center of one LED cluster (pixel) to the center of the next. As a rule, a smaller pixel pitch means more pixels are packed into a given area, resulting in a higher resolution and a sharper image. So a P10 display? It has a 10mm pixel pitch.
Let’s make it concrete:
P6 LED Display:
With Pixel pitch of 6 mm, It offers sharp images. Itis ideal for semi-outdoor and outdoor applications. The audience stands closer than 10–15 meters.
P8 LED Display:
8mm Pixel pitch balances resolution and cost. It often installed in shopping malls, stadium perimeters, and outdoor billboards.
P10 LED Display:
The Pixel pitch is 10 mm. This model is one of the most popular for outdoor fixed installations. It is suitable for viewing distances above 15–20 meters.
P16 LED Display:
Although 16mm pitch less common today, it is still used in ultra-large installations such as highway billboards. The audiences view from 40–50 meters away.
After grasping this basic idea, you can give you a good return on investment.
Key Features of P6, P8, P10, and P16 LED Displays
Pixel pitch sets the resolution, but other performance metrics make or break the display’s quality. Three of the most critical ones are brightness, refresh rate, and contrast ratio.
Brightness
Outdoor displays have to stand up to direct sunlight to stay visible. That’s why brightness is non-negotiable. Most outdoor LED displays already hit high brightness levels. For example, A standard P10 SMD display can reach 6,500 nits or more. At SightLED, our solutions often go above 8,000 nits if you need, so your content stays vibrant and eye-catching, even at noon on a sunny day.
Refresh Rate
A high refresh rate keeps video smooth and prevents eye strain. A low rate causes flickering and blurring, especially when you record the display. Currenctly, Modern LED displays have refresh rates of ≥3840Hz.
Contrast Ratio
This ratio measures the gap between the brightest white and darkest black a screen can show. Higher contrast means deeper, richer colors and more realistic images. If you need, We can use black-faced LEDs and advanced driving tech to improve contrast ratios.
LED Encapsulation Technologies for Outdoor Displays
How you package individual LEDs directly affects a display’s performance. The two main technologies are SMD and DIP.
SMD Technology
SMD tech attaches red, green, and blue LED chips to a single plastic housing, then solders that housing straight onto the module’s surface. The result? A compact, flat panel. That’s why SMD is the top choice for finer-pitch displays like P6, P8, and P10. It delivers wider viewing angles, better color mixing, and a smoother screen surface.
Thanks to conformal coating, they can work best in environments that aren’t constantly hit with extreme weather.
DIP Technology
DIP tech uses bigger, individual LED bulbs: each red, green, and blue chip sits in its own hard plastic capsule, with two pins that plug through the PCB . Therefore, DIP display are brighter per module and highly weather-resistant. They’re perfect for P10 and P16 displays by maximum durability and long-distance visibility. The tradeoff? DIP has a larger pixel pitch, so images look slightly more pixelated up close compared to SMD.
P10 P16 SMD vs. DIP LED display : Which is Better and How to Choose?
Picking SMD or DIP for pitches like P10 isn’t about which one’s “better”. Overal, it’s about which fits your specific needs. Here’s how to decide:
Go with SMD LED display:
Your viewing distance is medium to close:If audiences will be within 50–100 feet, SMD’s better resolution and color uniformity will give you a clearer, more polished image.
Your environment is moderate: If the display goes on a building facade or in an area with mild rain and dust, SMD works great.
Wide viewing angles matter: SMD naturally offers horizontal and vertical viewing angles over 140 degrees. It is perfect for busy pedestrian areas.
Go with DIP LED display:
Durability is non-negotiable: If the display will face heavy rain, strong winds, or extreme temperature swings, DIP’s hermetically sealed LEDs offer unbeatable resilience and longevity.
You need maximum brightness: DIP LEDs often hit higher peak brightness levels. It is ideal for signs that face the sun directly.
Your viewing distance is very long: For highway billboards DIP’s raw brightness and toughness matter more than ultra-fine resolution.
Types of P6 to P16 Outdoor LED Display Cabinets
The cabinet is the tough outer shell that holds the LED modules, power supplies, and receiving cards. The choice of cabinet affects installation, maintenance, and the final visual effect. Here are the key types:
Traditional Waterproof Iron Cabinet:
These are cost-effective workhorses. Made from welded sheet iron with a strong waterproof coating, they’re built for permanent, rear-service outdoor setups When weight isn’t a big concern.
Die-Cast Aluminum Cabinet:
This is our premium pick for both rental and fixed installs. You can choose these die aluminum cabinet, they’re super lightweight, dissipate heat better , and line up perfectly. Moreover, They’re corrosion-resistant too. It is perfect for fast-paced rental events.
Front Maintenance Cabinet:
It is designed for spots where you can’t access the display’s back. These let technicians remove and fix modules, power supplies, even wiring, all from the front. That saves tons of space and cuts down on installation hassle.
Right-Angle (90°) Cabinet:
The standard choice for flat, seamless video walls on a wall or around a corner.
Curved Cabinet:
These have a fixed curve (like 5° or 10°). Stack multiple curved cabinets, and you can create stunning seamless displays like cylindrical, arc-shaped, or wavy without jagged edges.
SightLED Outdoor P6, P8, P10, P16 Solutions and Pricing
At SightLED, we don’t just sell products, we offer integrated visual solutions. Our outdoor displays use the best of SMD and DIP tech, and we house them in versatile cabinets to keep them durable and easy to set up.
DOOH SL-1 Outdoor LED Display
The DOOH SL-1 series is a durable, high-brightness outdoor fixed LED display for long-term performance in any environment. With IP65-rated protection, seamless cabinet splicing, and customizable sizes, it can be used for applications,like buildings, plazas, stadiums, and transportation hubs. Moreover, Thanks to energy-saving technology, it can reduce power consumption while maintaining vivid visuals. Therefore, it is a cost-effective and versatile outdoor advertising LED display.
Key Features:
- Pixel Pitch: P10 / P15.6 DIP
- IP65 waterproof & UV resistant
- High brightness & wide viewing angles
- Energy saving, low heat generation
- Customizable cabinet dimensions
- Easy installation & maintenance
Reference Price：
| Pixel Pitch | LED Type | Pixel Density (px/m²) | Module Size (W x H) | Estimated Price (USD/m²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P2.5mm | Outdoor SMD1415 | 160,000 | 320x160mm | $1,150–$1,500 |
| P3mm | Outdoor SMD1921 | 111,111 | 192x192mm | $900–$1,300 |
| P3.33mm | Outdoor SMD1921 | 90,000 | 320x160mm | $750–$1,100 |
| P4mm | Outdoor SMD1921 | 62,500 | 320x160mm (256x128mm) | $700–$1,050 |
| P5mm | Outdoor SMD1921 | 40,000 | 320x160mm | $650–$900 |
| P6.66mm | Outdoor SMD2727 | 22,500 | 320x160mm | $600–$850 |
| P8mm | Outdoor SMD3535 | 15,625 | 320x160mm | $580–$800 |
| P10mm | Outdoor SMD3535 | 10,000 | 320x160mm (256x128mm) | $550–$750 |
DOOH SL-3 Outdoor LED Display
The DOOH SL-3 series use standard a 960×960 mm die-cast aluminum cabinet. It has a slim, durable structure and fully enclosed module design. Built for outdoor use, it offers IP65 , EMC compliance, and supports both front and rear maintenance for easier servicing. Moreover, with energy efficiency design, it can reduce operating costs while ensuring vivid, reliable performance in all weather conditions.
Key Features:
- Pixel Pitch: P6.67 / P8 / P10 SMD / P10 DIP
- Slim die-cast aluminum cabinet (960×960 mm)
- IP65 waterproof, all-weather durability
- Front & rear maintenance support
- EMC compliant & energy efficient
- Easy installation, reduced cabling needs
Reference price:
| Pixel Pitch | LED Type | Module Size (W x H) | Cabinet Size (L x H) | Brightness (nits) | Maintenance | Cabinet Material | Estimated Price (USD/m²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P6.67mm | Outdoor SMD2727 | 480x320mm | 960x960mm | 6,500 | Front/Rear | Die-cast aluminum | $800–$900 |
| P8mm | Outdoor SMD2727 | 480x320mm | 960x960mm | 7,000 | Front/Rear | Die-cast aluminum | $700–$1,000 |
| P10mm | Outdoor SMD3535 | 480x320mm | 960x960mm | 7,500 | Front/Rear | Die-cast aluminum | $750–$1,050 |
| P10mm | Outdoor DIP | 480x320mm | 960x960mm | 10,000 | Front/Rear | Die-cast aluminum | $850–$1,200 |
DOOH SL-5 Outdoor 3D LED Display
The DOOH SL-5 series is a outdoor 3D advertising display. It has flexible cabinet options , such as 960×640 mm, 1440×640 mm, 960×960 mm, 1440×960 mm and a slim 77 mm depth. With hidden cabling, superior heat dissipation, and full waterproof protection design, the SL-5 can be shaped into curved or right-angle screens for creative installations.
Key Features:
- Cabinet sizes: 960×640 / 1440×640 / 960×960 / 1440×960 mm
- Slim 77 mm cabinet depth
- Front & rear maintenance, screwless modules
- Curved & right-angle screen capability
- High refresh rate & energy-saving design
- Hidden cabling & waterproof aluminum frame
Reference price:
| Pixel Pitch | LED Configuration | Cabinet Size (L x H x D) | Brightness (CD/m²) | Refresh Rate (Hz) | Estimated Price (USD/m²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P5.7mm | SMD2727 | 960x960x77mm | >6,500 | ≥3,840 | $800–$1,150 |
| P6.66mm | SMD2727 | 960x960x77mm | >6,500 | ≥3,840 | $750–$1,050 |
| P8mm | SMD2727 | 960x960x77mm | >6,500 | ≥3,840 | $700–$900 |
| P10mm | SMD2727 | 960x960x77mm | >7,000 | ≥3,840 | $650–$850 |
Conclusion
We have guide you P6, P8, P10, and P16 LED display details. You can make a smart choice. At SightLED, we don’t just hand you a product; we craft the perfect visual solution to help you succeed. If you need outdoor led display, Please feel free to contact us.
FAQs
Q: Nationstar or Linglight LED display, which LED lamp is better?
A: Both Nationstar and Linglight are trusted Chinese LED makerss. But at SightLED, we usually use NationstarLED or Epistar lamps in our standard builds. Why? Because they offer consistent color calibration and hold up well long-term in outdoor conditions.
Q: Can a die-cast aluminum outdoor P6 cabinet be used for outdoor rental?
A: Yes! In fact, die-cast aluminum is the best cabinet material for outdoor rental. It’s lightweight super durable, and resists corrosion from weather or handling.
Q: How many fans does an outdoor LED screen cabinet need?
A: It depends on the cabinet size and how much power it uses. For a standard 960x960mm die-cast aluminum cabinet , you’ll usually need 2~4 high-quality, quiet fans. They create an active convection system.
Q: For a P10 display, if SMD and DIP have similar brightness, which should I choose?
A: You can choose SMD if your display is in a moderately protected spot. You’ll get a finer, higher-res image and better color consistency. Pick DIP if your top priority is durability. it stands up to hail, heavy rain, and extreme weather, even if the image is slightly coarser up close.
Q: Can you customize an outdoor screen with a brightness of over 8000 nits?
A: Yes, we can! SightLED offers custom high-brightness above 8000 nits. We can even hit 10,000 nits for spots direct sunlight all day.
Q: Do your fixed outdoor displays support curved designs?
A: Yes! We make specially engineered curved die-cast aluminum cabinets . Stack these cabinets together, and you can create seamless curved or circular outdoor displays. It is perfect for blending with architecture.
