What are the best practices for using LED walls as backdrops for speakers and performers?

Lighting design is an essential element of any event, especially when you want to create a captivating visual experience for your audience. LED walls are a popular choice for backdrops, as they can display high-quality images, videos, and animations that enhance the mood and theme of your event. But how do you use them effectively to showcase your speakers and performers? Here are some best practices to follow.

1 Choose the right size and resolution

The first thing to consider is the size and resolution of your LED wall. You want it to be large enough to cover the stage area and create a dynamic background, but not so big that it overwhelms the audience or distracts from the main focus. The resolution of your LED wall depends on the viewing distance and the content you want to display. Generally, the closer the audience is to the wall, the higher the resolution you need. You also want to make sure that your content is optimized for the pixel pitch and aspect ratio of your LED wall.

Add your perspective

Alexis Bou Farhat - (PMP®, CTS-D, CTS-I, XTP, EAVA, D3)

AVIXA member for 10+ years | AVIXA Xchange Advocate | BICSI Member | Expert in AV, ELV & ICT systems with 20+ years of experience leading complex projects, optimizing operations & delivering innovative solutions.
Report contribution
Optimizing LED walls as backdrops for speakers and performers involves several technical considerations. Ensure the resolution meets visual clarity standards. Coordinate content design to complement presentations without overshadowing speakers or performers. Properly manage lighting to prevent glare and maintain visibility. Conduct comprehensive rehearsals to fine-tune visuals and seamlessly integrate them with performances, enhancing overall audience engagement and experience.

Like
Andy Johnston

Client Development Manager at 80six 🛠️ | Power of Events Advisory Board Member & Schools Ambassador 🎓✨ | Elevate Mentor 🧗♂️ | Professional Dog Hugger 🐾 | Full-time Bruce Springsteen Superfan 🎸🔥
Report contribution
Always remember the golden rule: 1 meter of viewing distance for each 1mm of pixel pitch. Additionally, the backend is as important as the LED screen itself. Consider the type of content you will be showing—whether it’s simple corporate presentations or complex multi-screen content. Determine if the LED will be ground-stacked or flown in the venue, and address questions like weight restrictions early in the process.

Like

2 Match the lighting and color scheme

Another important factor is the lighting and color scheme of your event. You want your LED wall to complement and contrast with the other lighting sources, such as spotlights, washes, and ambient lights. You can use your LED wall to create different effects, such as warm or cool tones, bright or dark colors, and gradients or patterns. You can also synchronize your LED wall with the music and sound effects to create a more immersive experience. The key is to balance the brightness and saturation of your LED wall with the rest of the stage and venue.

Add your perspective

Andy Johnston

Client Development Manager at 80six 🛠️ | Power of Events Advisory Board Member & Schools Ambassador 🎓✨ | Elevate Mentor 🧗♂️ | Professional Dog Hugger 🐾 | Full-time Bruce Springsteen Superfan 🎸🔥
Report contribution
Increasingly, we are using LED in immersive experiences where the displays become integral parts of the environment. The only limitations are budget and scope.

Like

3 Create layers and depth

One of the advantages of using LED walls as backdrops is that you can create layers and depth in your visual design. You can use your LED wall to display different scenes, images, or messages that relate to your event theme and agenda. You can also use your LED wall to create a 3D effect, by adding elements that pop out or recede into the background. For example, you can use your LED wall to create a virtual scenery, such as a cityscape, a forest, or a galaxy, and then add props, furniture, or performers in front of it to create a realistic illusion.

Add your perspective

Andy Johnston

Client Development Manager at 80six 🛠️ | Power of Events Advisory Board Member & Schools Ambassador 🎓✨ | Elevate Mentor 🧗♂️ | Professional Dog Hugger 🐾 | Full-time Bruce Springsteen Superfan 🎸🔥
Report contribution
Walls, ceilings, and floors offer incredible opportunities to create immersive experiences using LED technology. By integrating LED displays into these surfaces, you can transform an ordinary space into a dynamic and engaging environment. Whether it's for a corporate event, an art installation, or a themed attraction, using LED on multiple surfaces allows for creative storytelling and interactive elements that captivate audiences. The versatility and visual impact of LED technology make it possible to design unique and memorable experiences that push the boundaries of traditional displays.

Like

4 Frame your speakers and performers

Finally, you want to use your LED wall to frame your speakers and performers, and highlight their presence and personality. You can do this by using different shapes, colors, and animations that match their style and tone. For example, you can use a circular or oval shape to enclose your speaker or performer, and then use a contrasting color or pattern to make them stand out. You can also use your LED wall to display their name, title, or logo, or to show relevant information or quotes that support their message. You can also use your LED wall to interact with your speaker or performer, by responding to their gestures, movements, or cues.

Add your perspective

Andy Johnston

Client Development Manager at 80six 🛠️ | Power of Events Advisory Board Member & Schools Ambassador 🎓✨ | Elevate Mentor 🧗♂️ | Professional Dog Hugger 🐾 | Full-time Bruce Springsteen Superfan 🎸🔥
Report contribution
In my experience, we are only scratching the surface of what's possible with complex technical video production. My one word of caution is to avoid overcomplicating things if it's not 100% necessary. We also need to factor in the human side of corporate presentations, and most notably, change. Very complex AV setups require a significant number of hours for rehearsals.

Like

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Andy Johnston

Client Development Manager at 80six 🛠️ | Power of Events Advisory Board Member & Schools Ambassador 🎓✨ | Elevate Mentor 🧗♂️ | Professional Dog Hugger 🐾 | Full-time Bruce Springsteen Superfan 🎸🔥
Report contribution
You only need to look at events like Eurovision to see what's possible with LED. However, be careful not to overcomplicate production and work with a supplier who really knows their stuff. You only have one chance at a live event.

Like

What are the best practices for using LED walls as backdrops for speakers and performers?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Choose the right size and resolution

2 Match the lighting and color scheme

3 Create layers and depth

4 Frame your speakers and performers

5 Here’s what else to consider

Audio Visual Support

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Audio Visual Support

More relevant reading