Four ways of building an LED screen, with very different looks, toughness and prices. See how each one is made, compare them side by side and find the right one for your space.
Pick a type to see a cross-section of the LED module. Then try the knock test.
A quick comparison of what each technology does best. More dots means better.
| Feature | SMDSurface Mounted | GOBGlue on Board | COBChip on Board | LOBLens on Board |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picture up close | ||||
| Black levels & contrast | ||||
| Brightness in direct sun | ||||
| Protection from knocks | ||||
| Dust, moisture & spills | ||||
| Easy repair | ||||
| Energy saving | ||||
| Where it is used | Indoor & outdoor | Indoor | Indoor | Outdoor |
| Best viewing distance | Medium to far | Close to medium | Very close | Far |
| Price compared to SMD | Base price | About +30% | About +60% | On request |
A general guide for the same screen size. Real results depend on the exact product, content and place. Prices are a rough guide compared to standard SMD.
Answer two or three quick questions.
Where will the screen go?
How close will people stand?
Can people touch it, or will it be moved often?
Will it face strong direct sun for most of the day?
Answer the questions
We will suggest the LED type that fits your space and budget.
The distance between the centres of two pixels. A smaller pitch packs more pixels in the same space, so the picture stays sharp when people stand closer.
How bright the screen is. Indoor screens need far less brightness than outdoor screens that compete with the sun.
The difference between the brightest white and the darkest black. Higher contrast makes colours look richer and text easier to read.
How many times per second the LEDs are redrawn. A high refresh rate avoids flicker and lines when the screen is filmed on a phone.
The protective layer that covers the LEDs – glue in GOB, a sealed surface in COB and lenses in LOB.
A code that shows how well a screen keeps out dust (first number) and water (second number). Outdoor screens need a high IP rating.
How far to the side you can stand and still see correct colours and brightness.
An LED screen is built from small modules, fitted into cabinets, which join together to make any size of screen.
Modules can be removed from the front of the screen, so it can be fixed flat against a wall and repaired quickly.
They are four ways of building and protecting an LED screen. SMD uses separate LED packages soldered on the board. GOB is SMD with a clear protective glue layer on top. COB mounts bare LED chips straight on the board and seals them under one flat surface. LOB puts a small optical lens over every pixel to send more light towards viewers, mainly for outdoor screens.
GOB means Glue on Board. A clear, hard resin is poured over a normal SMD module, so the LEDs are protected from knocks, dust and moisture.
COB means Chip on Board. There are no separate LED packages – the tiny LED chips are mounted directly on the circuit board and sealed together under one smooth, matte surface.
LOB means Lens on Board. A precision lens is placed over each pixel. It focuses the light towards the people watching, so the screen looks brighter in sunlight and can use less power for the same brightness. It is mainly used for outdoor billboards.
GOB is tougher, so it is better where people can touch the screen or where the screen is moved often. For a screen mounted high on a wall, standard SMD gives the same picture for less money.
COB gives the deepest blacks, the smoothest close-up picture and the toughest surface, and it is the best choice when people stand very close. GOB is a more affordable way to protect a normal SMD screen. COB usually costs more than GOB.
Most outdoor screens use weatherproof outdoor SMD. Where the screen faces strong direct sun or energy use matters a lot, LOB is worth considering. Indoor GOB and COB screens are not meant for outdoor use.
They resist moisture, dust and spills much better than indoor SMD, but indoor GOB and COB screens are still made for indoor use. For outdoor use, always choose an outdoor-rated screen.
Yes. On SMD a single LED can usually be replaced. On GOB, COB and LOB, repairs are normally done by swapping the whole module, which takes a few minutes from the front or back of the screen.
Yes. DIGIX supplies and installs SMD, GOB, COB and LOB LED screens, as well as transparent and flexible LED, across Pakistan, with offices in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad.
Tell us where the screen will go and how people will see it. We will suggest the right type and send a clear quotation.
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