DIP or SMD LED Screen, Which Is Better?

LEDs are popular due to their efficiency, environmental friendliness and long life. When used in commercial digital signage and scoreboards, LED displays can improve lamp quality, durability, and cost.

There are many different kinds of LED displays, but for the past 20 years, the most commonly used LED displays are DIP and SMD. Although their mechanisms are slightly the same (they are both highly efficient light sources, used in combination to produce a large illumination), their compositions are quite different, making them suitable for different application scenarios.

We will explain the difference between DIP & SMD and how to make them better.

DIP

DIP LEDs, or dual-in-line packages, are similar in structure to traditional light bulbs, with only one color per component. Red, green and blue bulbs are connected to create endless color possibilities. A fourth white can sometimes be added for variety and brightness. These bulbs have low lumen output.

The small three bulbs together create a large image of the intended display. Therefore, the bulb can be seen inside the screen and has a high pixel pitch. DIPs are usually made durably, making them weather-resistant and able to withstand harsh conditions. DIP bulbs are often used for outdoor signs due to their limited visibility and weather-resistant designs.

SMD

SMD LEDs or Surface Mount Diodes are lightweight LEDs built into a closed enclosure and are commonly used in various screens and devices on the market. They are compact in design, offer a great deal of versatility in usage and screen configuration, and offer low pixel pitch. These types of LEDs are popular choices due to their high energy efficiency and long lifespan.

As an improved design of traditional LEDs, SMDs offer a high lumen output of about 50 to 100 lumens per watt. They can be very bright, with crisp output, crisp images and true-to-life colors. Not only are SMDs a cost-effective option, but they provide superior quality for close-up viewing, high resolution and bright images, making them ideal for indoor signage and screens.

What's the difference?

Overall, SMD is a newer, more improved LED design that enables it to deliver high-quality resolution and clear, bright signage. As a newer technology, SMD is much smaller in size than DIP and has excellent color output. When it comes to digital screens, they are the more common choice, not only because of their functionality but also because of their efficiency and longevity.

If outdoor signs are your goal, DIPs are a solid choice because they are weather resistant. These LEDs are still energy efficient and of higher quality than incandescent bulbs.

No matter which type ends up making up your scoreboard, display or digital signage, LEDs are an eco-friendly and cost-friendly option that your customers will love.