LED Technology Shoot-out: Look for Deep Blacks, Rich Colours and Low Energy Use
Stand in front of any LED screen and you’ll see the brightness and high resolution that make this technology so appealing. Now stand in front of LED modules side by side from different suppliers and compare the richness of the colours, and the depth of the black.
At the recent Midwich Tech Xpo, visitors did just that, and the differences were striking.
These are the differences you can see. But what about the things you can’t see? The build quality, the rigorous factory testing, the robust metal infrastructure and the long-term service support – all the things that make sure those vivid images keep looking their best for years to come.
Not all LEDs are the same. Some differences you can see. Others you experience over time.
Differences you can see
Visual quality
The difference in visual quality was clear to see at the Tech Xpo show, with five manufacturers’ offerings lined up, receiving the same content feed and set to the same brightness level. Particularly noticeable was the difference in the depth of black and the richness of the colour across each of the modules. Alongside the Sharp module, neighbouring modules appeared ‘washed-out’ in comparison.
The Chip on Board (CoB) technology used by the Sharp LD-D Series module achieves an extreme contrast ratio of 20,000:1 giving crisp definition and intense detail. The deep black and dramatically vivid colour gives a truly remarkable imaging performance. This exceptional quality is consistent even when viewed at an angle as was witnessed by visitors to the show.
LED technology shoot-out at Tech Xpo
Module alignment
One of LED technology’s greatest advantages is its modularity allowing multiple modules to join to form a single large surface. The expectation is a flawless finish, but it can’t be assumed that every LED installation will achieve this level of perfection.
At Sharp, precision alignment starts with a robust aluminium framework, ensuring perfect positioning and long-term stability. Aluminium resists heat and maintains structural integrity, creating a perfectly uniform canvas with no visible joins.
Power consumption
Power may not be visible, but it is measurable. At Tech Xpo, Sharp demonstrated how different LED technologies consume different levels of energy.
The LD-FE3 Series, featuring Flip-Chip SMD technology, consumes 60% less energy compared to the previous generation LED using standard SMD technology.
The content displayed on an LED display can also have a surprising impact on energy consumption. Darker background colours typically use less power than white backgrounds. At Tech Xpo, Sharp demonstrated this effect visually, showing how simply changing the colour of on-screen content can influence overall energy usage.
In many LED installations, displays are set to black or put into standby mode outside of operating hours to reduce power consumption. However, even in standby, the receiving cards, scan drivers, and power supplies remain active, continuing to draw significant power - 25% with the latest dvLED technology. By using a Remote Power Switch, the displays can be fully powered down, eliminating standby power loss entirely. This is clearly demonstrated in the video.
Sharp’s LED demonstrator uses dashboards to visually show differences in power consumption.
Heat output
Lower power demand leads to lower heat output, something you may not see but will certainly feel. This is especially important for proximity environments such as meeting rooms or performance spaces, where the audience or performers are close to the display surface. The Sharp LD-D Series featuring CoB technology stays cool to the touch helping to maintain a comfortable environment.
In addition, Sharp’s use of aluminium in the LED infrastructure naturally dissipates heat, maintaining consistent internal temperatures and ensuring long-term reliability. Lower heat output also reduces strain on air conditioning systems, cutting both operational and energy costs.
Differences you can’t see
Watch the video explaining the importance of quality in the production and testing of LEDs.
Build quality
What you see on the LED surface only tells part of the story. The real difference lies behind it in the high-quality components and precision craftsmanship that define every Sharp LED display. Attention to detail starts long before installation, with skilled technicians performing visual checks and manual calibration to ensure pixel-perfect performance. This blend of human expertise and engineering precision is what gives Sharp displays their strength and longevity.
Factory testing
Before leaving the factory, every Sharp display undergoes a 72-hour burn-in test at full brightness, cycling through colours and patterns to catch any diode faults early. Any imperfections are corrected and recalibrated immediately. This upfront quality control helps prevent early-life failures and ensures the display performs flawlessly from the moment it’s installed.
EMC compliance
Poorly designed LED systems can cause interference with WiFi, security systems, or even sensitive medical equipment, potentially disrupting critical operations. Sharp’s LED displays are engineered and rigorously tested to meet EMC Class B compliance, ensuring minimal electromagnetic interference. This makes them particularly well-suited for sensitive environments such as airports, control rooms, hospitals, and other public spaces where reliability, safety, and uninterrupted operation are essential.
Fire safety
Aluminium is non-flammable, whereas plastics can melt and drip when exposed to extreme heat. Unlike many competitors, Sharp uses aluminium in the construction of its LED displays, helping to prevent the spread of fire and making them safe for use in public spaces without requiring additional fire-safety precautions such as sprinkler systems.
It is a benefit one hopes never to witness firsthand, but it is far too important to leave to chance.
Sharp’s LED solutions are tested to the EN13501-1 fire classification and are trusted for their proven fire-safety compliance.
LEARN MORE about the benefits of metal over plastic.
DOWNLOAD the fire-safety whitepaper
Service and support
An LED wall is a long-term investment, but long-term performance doesn’t just happen by accident. It’s the result of careful planning, precision engineering, and ongoing service.
Sharp’s Service Program is designed around the full product lifecycle, helping customers maintain optimal performance, extend product lifespan, and protect their investment for years to come.
LEARN MORE about why an LED Service Program is essential to maximise its 10+ year lifecycle.