Having a LED screen is great – they provide top-notch visuals and help to make the entire viewing experience better. But, much of that will also depend on the LED viewing angle you choose.
In this piece, we’ll provide a proper look into the LED viewing angle explained, allowing you to understand how best to use it.
LED Viewing Angle: What Is It, And How Does It Work?
To begin with, let’s look at the LED viewing angle explained.
In its simplest sense, the LED viewing angle refers to the highest angle at which a Light Emitting Diode (LED) screen can be viewed while still optimizing for features like color quality and brightness.
As many of us know, LEDs are directional light sources. This means that they emit light in a specific direction – as opposed to the LCD viewing angle and other light sources that disperse light in all directions and essentially serve more flexible ranges. With the viewing angle, you’re looking at the extent of this emitted light cone, within which viewers are able to see light clearly and at topmost quality.
A Practical Explanation
When an LED emits light, it creates a cone-shaped pattern that essentially distributes that light. The top of that cone represents the lED chip itself, while its base represents the outermost edge of light distribution.
The LED viewing angle essentially is determined by the angular span between the top of the cone and the outer edge, where the light intensity meets the specific viewing area.
For instance, if you see an LED with a specified viewing angle of 70 degrees, it means that the light intensity meets the specified area within that 70-degree cone angle. Beyond this angle, there is a significant drop in light intensity, which will in turn reduce the visibility of the emitted light.
With the viewing angle, you see an effect on the perception of the LED’s light – especially when viewed from different angles. When you view the LED on-axis (that is, when you face the LED directly), you see light appearing the brightest. But, as the angle deviates from that on-axis position, the perceived brightness drops, and you could also see a switch in color due to changes in the emitted light’s color mixing.
Typically, the LED TV viewing angle is measured in degrees – and, it represents the range of angles within which you can continue to view the emitted light in LED screens with the topmost visual specifications.
LED Viewing Angle Determination
Now that we know the LED viewing angle definition, it is worth noting that this metric can be determined based on the design and construction of your LED screen. How well the screen encapsulates the LED light source, as well as the protective lens and covering round the LED chip, all play significant roles in determining what you get to see and the optimal viewing angle.
So, when you’re considering the best LED TV for wide-angle viewing, these are just a few of the metrics you want to keep in mind.
Just as you have with the OLED viewing angle or the QLED viewing angle, LEDs themselves come with a broad range of viewing angles – usually moving from narrow to wide. In most cases, you’ll find that a narrower viewing angle will emit light in a concentrated beam – one that works for lighting applications such as spotlights. If you want to focus your attention on something in particular, this is where your gaze should most likely be.
On the flip side, LEDs with brighter angles – usually around 120 degrees – provide a broader field of view and are perfect for bigger lighting and viewing experiences.
Factors Influencing LED Viewing Angle
As you would expect, you just don’t stumble on the perfect LED screen viewing angle. Several factors go into determining which of the available LED monitor viewing angle options will be best for you, and some of those factors include:
Encapsulation Design:
Also known as lens design, this metric primarily plays a key role in determining the optimal viewing angle. It refers to the design of the LED chip, and in most cases, you want to keep things like the shape, size, and curvature of the lens in mind. All of these control the dispersion of light from the LED, and they will play roles in determining what you get.
Different lens designs, such as flat, dome-shaped, or diffused, can result in varying viewing angles.
LED Chip Design:
Just like the encapsulator, the internal design and physical structure of your LED chip will impact the viewing angle. Manufacturers take great pains to place and arrange LED diodes within the chip, thus directly influencing the emission of light and its dispersion for your viewing pleasure.
Reflector Design:
When looking at the LED viewing angle chart, you might find that some LED screens can come with reflectors behind their chips that help to control and give direction to the light being emitted. Well, for these LEDs, the reflectors’ characteristics and design can also affect the viewing angle since they help in light focusing and spreading.
Optics or Secondary Optics:
You want to keep an eye on additional optical elements, such as lenses, reflectors, or diffusers placed in front of the LED. All of these can modify the general viewing angle, shaping the light beam and essentially controlling how it is spread.
The benefit, of course, is that these secondary optics can help provide a more custom experience, thus helping you to improve LED viewing angle metrics on your own time.
Material Properties:
The refractive index and optical properties of the materials used in the encapsulation, lens, or optics can additionally influence the viewing angle. Keep in mind that there are different materials, all of which can scatter or refract light differently and affect the LED spreading.
LED Size:
As you would expect, the general rule of thumb is that a larger LED will come with a broader lED module viewing angle compared to a smaller LED. This is primarily because larger LEDS tend to have bigger lens surfaces, thus making it easier for light to disperse across a broader angle.
Manufacturing Variations:
Finally, keeping an eye on manufacturing variances and tolerances will go a long way in helping you. Even when you have two TVs or screens with the same LED mode, differences in production can easily cause changes in the optimal viewing angle for you.
All in all, the viewing angle is usually specified by the LED manufacturers – and, they also tend to vary among models and products. We recommend that you consider the right specifications and choose LEDs that have the best viewing angles and characteristics that can help you meet the right requirements.
The Most Prominent Types of LED Viewing Angles
LED viewing angles have become quite popular recently due to their ability to mix clarity and video quality. However, even in the midst of the mini LED viewing angle and other upstarts, LEDs remain the market leader, with a valuation of almost $6 billion worldwide.
Now, the popularity of LED viewing angles will usually vary based on specific lighting requirements and applications. However, before looking for the best LED viewing angle TV, it is important to know the available options. These include:
Narrow Viewing Angle:
A LED with a narrow viewing angle will most likely range from 10 to 30 degrees. These LEDs emit a concentrated light beam, allowing them to work for applications where focused lighting and viewing is required.
With their focus on specific actions, narrow LED viewing angles are perfect when highlighting individual focal points.
Medium Viewing Angle:
When you move to the medium viewing angle LED, you’re focusing more on viewing angles that range between 30 and 60 degrees. These LEDs generally provide a broader light spread compared to their narrow viewing angle LED TV options, while still maintaining optimal directionality.
Medium viewing angle LEDs have become especially popular in retail display screens, where companies hope to broadcast to broad ranges of people coming from multiple directions.
Wide Viewing Angle:
As you’d expect, there is also a wide viewing angle LED.
When a LED comes with a wide viewing angle, you’re typically looking in the range of 60 to 120 degrees. Light dispersion for these screens is much broader, making them perfect for scenarios where you need to cover a much wider area – such as small cinemas and viewing centers.
Besides their use in TVs, wide viewing angles can also be found in ambient lighting applications, signage development, and more.
Ultra-Wide Viewing Angle:
Here, you’re really going for the big one. With ultra-wide LED viewing angles, you’re moving above 120 degrees – reaching possible 180 degrees. So, if you’re asking, “What is 160 degree view?” you’re most likely looking at the ultra-wide category.
With these LEDs, light dispersion is the broadest. The screens are used generally in applications where you need uniform illumination, and they’re among the biggest screens we see today.
Selections should vary based on the desired application. Fortunately for you, manufacturers like us at NSE LED Cloud provide flexibility when it comes to the available viewing options. Our screens cater to different viewing and lighting needs, and you can easily let us know what you need and watch as we deliver on time.
If you need additional clarification, we encourage you to get in touch with us and let’s see how we can help you get the best out of your viewing experience.
How To Choose The Right LED Viewing Angle
When choosing the right LED viewing angle, a lot of work goes into play. You personally need to consider several factors to ensure that the angle meets your specific application requirements, so here are some critical tips that can help you out:
Determine the Application:
One of the first and most important things for you will be to check the purpose and requirements of your application. Determine if you’re looking for illumination, broader viewing coverage for a cinema, or more. This way, you get to know the perfect display viewing angle going forward and can make adjustments when the need arises.
Consider the Placement and Coverage Area:
To get the perfect LED module viewing angle, you also need to assess the location where you’ll be installing the LED in the first place. Look into the precise location and physical layout, as well as the distance between the LED screen and the target area.
If you’re looking to illuminate an object, then check how far the LED is from the object in question. But, if you’re using the LED in a screen, then determine how far it would be from the people viewing it.
By understanding the right coverage area and the angle of the LED from different positions, you know which angle will work best for you.
Account For Light Intensity and Uniformity:
Another critical factor you will need to put in mind is the brightness level and uniformity for your LED. Narrower viewing angles tend to offer higher levels of intensity, but they can deliver a more focused beam. And, while wider viewing angles deliver broader light spreads, they tend to decrease in intensity as the desired angle increases.
Evaluate the Surrounding Environment:
Consider the surrounding environment and any possible obstacles or reflective surfaces. These factors can affect the visibility and efficiency of the LED.
Consult Manufacturer’s Specifications:
At NSE LED Cloud, we always provide datasheets and specifications for LED screens and displays. Regardless of the model you’re considering, we provide all the information you need on the viewing angle and more, allowing you to assess the LED’s performance and suitability for your application.
Seek Expert Advice (If You Need It):
If you are unsure about the appropriate viewing angle for your specific application, then it might be ebay for you to consider consulting with LED experts. NSE LED Cloud provides a consultation service if you’d like to know more about our LED products, as well as which might be best for you based on the application.
The Importance of LED Viewing Angle in Lighting Applications
In general, you’ll find that LED viewing angles have significant effects on lighting applications for several reasons. Some of those include:
Light Distribution:
As you can expect, the viewing angle plays a significant role in determining the dispersion of light from the LED. It affects the spread and directionality of the emitted light, so selecting the right viewing angle only ensures that light will be efficiently and evenly distributed across the intended area.
Beam Control:
When it comes to lighting applications, one important thing to keep in mind is beam control. Fortunately, your viewing angle will determine how light beams are concentrated and the area they cover.
Narrower viewing angles result in more focused beams, suitable for spotlighting or directional lighting. On the flip side, you might need to increase viewing angle on a LED to provide general illumination or wide area coverage.
Visual Comfort:
The viewing angle impacts the visual comfort of individuals within the lit environment. When viewing an LED off-axis (not directly facing the LED), the perceived brightness and color may change. Proper selection of the viewing angle ensures that the light remains visually comfortable and consistent, avoiding potential glare or color shifts.
Energy Efficiency:
In a world where maintaining optimal energy efficiency is getting more important, LEDs with appropriate viewing angles can help you to optimize this as well.
By choosing LEDs with the right beam control, you can cut down on wasted light, ensuring that it is directed in only the desired areas. This provides more optimal focus, thus cutting energy consumption and maximizing the efficiency of your overall lighting system.
Design Flexibility:
We have different applications for LED lighting. And, this only means that you will need different lighting effects as well. By choosing a LED viewing angle, you can achieve greater flexibility labels as you work on lighting design.
This also means that you can create the desired visual impact, highlight focal points, and enhance several specific lighting properties.
Application-Specific Requirements:
Just as we have different lighting applications, it is important to note that all of these applications come with their specific requirements. For instance, for digital signage, you might see the need to increase LED viewing angle metrics in order to ensure proper visibility regardless of where the person is looking from.
However, narrowed LED viewing angles tend to be better for things like task lighting where you need to focus your illumination.
Optimal Performance:
Finally, keep in mind that choosing the right viewing angle can ensure that your LED operates within its intended range. By doing so, you deliver the right levels of performance and hit your lighting goals.
Appropriate angles ensure that you can maintain consistent brightness, color quality, and light distribution across the board, maximizing your viewing range.
How to Measure & Specify Your LED Viewing Angle
So, we know how important it is to optimize your LED viewing angle. Now, let’s examine some of the best ways to measure this metric:
Goniophotometer:
A goniophotometer is a specialized tool that is used to measure the angular distribution of light that comes out of an LED source. Here, you have a rotating platform where you place the LED, then the device has detectors that measure light intensity at different specific angles.
All you have to do is rotate the LED and measure the output of light at different positions, then you will be able to get an accurate measurement of the viewing angle much better.
Imaging Photometer:
With an imaging photometer, you will be able to capture the light distribution of LEDs using a camera. These photometers are equipped with lenses that provide accurate measurements of light intensity at different angles.
Once the images have been captured, they are analyzed using specialized software, thus determining the viewing angle and other critical photometric parameters.
Integrating Sphere:
An integrating sphere is a hollow sphere that is coated with a highly reflective material on the inside. Primarily, it is used to measure the total luminous flux that is emitted by a LED source. It is used to measure the total luminous flux emitted by an LED.
By placing the LED inside the sphere and measuring the light output at different angles using a photodetector, the viewing angle can be determined.
Photometric Measurements:
This step is quite similar to that of the imaging photometer. With photometric measurements, you use photometers or spectroradiometers to measure the intensity of light emitted by the LED at different angles.
All you have to do is place the detector at multiple positions around the LED, capture the light intensity, and interpret the readings to determine the optimal viewing angle.
Radiant Intensity Measurements:
In radiant intensity measurements, you use a radiometer or spectroradiometer to measure the radiant intensity of the LED at different angles. The measurements you get will go a long way in informing you on the light output – thus helping to determine the optimal viewing angle.
You want to note that these different methods can work based on the specific requirements and available resources. Most LED manufacturers use specialized techniques and equipment to measure viewing angles for their products, with resulting measurements being provided in datasheets. So, consult those before moving ahead or making your own measurements.
LED Viewing Angle: How To Improve Your Current Setup
If you currently have a LED setup but notice that it might not be serving you, don’t fret. You might not need to get a fresh setup after all. Instead, simply look into these possible solutions and see how well they work for you:
Optimize LED Positioning:
The first thing you want to do is look into switching up your LED positioning altogether. As you know, the position of your LED will play a significant role in getting the right viewing angle.
So, ensure that the LED has been positioned correctly, so as to ensure that the light distribution is optimal. You can choose one of the ways to measure LED viewing angle to know just where to place yours, then move on from there. Simply adjust the angle and orientation of the LED, and you will be able to achieve the optimal coverage and minimize any unwanted shadows or glare.
Use Reflectors or Optics:
A great secondary option to keep in mind is also to incorporate optics or reflectors to help change the light distribution and improve the overall viewing angle.
With reflectors, you will be able to redirect light and focus it better. And, with optics (lenses, diffusers, etc.), you will be able to spread and shape the light more effectively. Feel free to experiment with either – or both – and see which works best for you.
Choose LEDs with Wider Viewing Angles:
If your current setup doesn’t offer sufficient uniformity or coverage, then it might be time to look for a better LED with a broader viewing angle.
LEDs with broader viewing angles can help distribute light more evenly and reach a larger area. So, check out the specifications of available LEDs and choose which comes with the most desired viewing angle characteristics.
Evaluate Encapsulation/Lens Design:
The encapsulation or lens design of the LED can have a significant impact on the viewing angle. For the best results, explore different LED models or variants with different encapsulation or lens designs to determine if any options provide a better viewing angle for your application.
Consult Lighting Experts:
Of course, you don’t know it all. Sometimes, getting advice from consultants or experts can be the difference between a sub-optimal setup and the best one for you.
Our experts at NSE LED Cloud can provide the proper guidance on optimizing your current setup, suggest alternative LED products, or offer insights into specific lighting techniques that can improve the viewing angle. Contact us, and let’s see how we can help you out.
Conduct Photometric Measurements:
We already looked into the measurement options available to you above. So, feel free to engage any of them to measure your light distribution and viewing angle.
These measurements can provide quantitative data and help identify areas for improvement. Once you get the results, make adjustments based on the insights you get and you should be able to improve overall performance.
Consider Ambient Lighting Conditions:
Depending on where the lED will be installed, you also want to keep an eye on ambient lighting. In many cases, ambient lighting can affect the overall effectiveness and visibility of your LED’s viewing angle. So, in cases where it might be necessary, adjust your ambient lighting or consider using a LED with a higher luminous intensity to overcome the effects of ambient light.
All in all, continuous evaluation will be key to optimizing your viewing angle setup. Never be scared to experiment with new things and try them out to see which works for you. You really never know what you could get when you do.
LED Viewing: What Does The Future Hold?
Technological advancements are always fun to watch. And, when it comes to LED viewing, we expect to see some important trends show up. These include:
- Advancements in LED package and chip technology
- Enhanced optics and secondary optics designs
- Tailoring LED viewing angles for specific applications
And much more. For now, the industry is exciting, and we expect even more development.
Conclusion
When it comes to LEDs, one of the most important things to always keep in mind is the optimization of viewing angles. With the right LED viewing angle, you can get the right mix of image quality and light dispersion, while also optimizing energy.
At NSE LED Cloud, we provide a broad array of LED options, as well as the right consultation services to help you get the most out of your LED screens. Get in touch with us today and let’s see how we can help you out.
