Pick the right one: Transparent LED Screen vs. Traditional LED Screen

Since it was invented, LED screens have been widely used in all kinds of scenarios. Such as the billboards in city streets that catch pedestrians’ eyes, the dynamic displays in retail stores, and so on. With the development of technology, different sorts of LEDs have emerged to meet diverse needs. Like transparent LED screens. For most of the year, traditional LED is the first pick because of its reliable performance and compatibility with a wide range of standards. Otherwise, due to its high transparency and low energy consumption, the transparent LED screen has become increasingly popular in recent years. However, this variety also confuses many users, whether business owners planning a store upgrade, event organizers designing a stage, or marketers crafting an advertising campaign. Which one is highly matched with their specific goals, budget, and usage scenarios? If you have the same trouble, this article will focus on the differences between transparent LED screens and traditional LED screens, and help you decide which is truly the better choice for your needs.

The Difference Between Transparent LED and Traditional LED

Although both the transparent LED and the traditional LED belong to the field of LED display technology, there are significant differences in core principles, visual effects, application scenarios, and other dimensions. Those differences directly determine their adaptability to different needs.

Key Principles and Structure

Traditional LED:

The basic principle that makes the LED glow is that Electrons (negatively charged) abound in N-type semiconductor, while holes (positively charged) dominate in P-type semiconductor. When these two semiconductors are joined and a forward voltage is applied, the electrons and holes move towards each other and recombine at the junction. It is precisely during this recombination process that a significant amount of energy is released in the form of light, which is the fundamental principle of its luminescence. In contrast to conventional light sources, which first convert electrical energy into heat and then into light, this technology directly produces light, making it far more efficient. The main elements of traditional LED include:

Metal Framework, display unit, scanning control board, switching power supply, transmission cable, main controller, dedicated display card, multimedia card, and computer and its peripherals

Transparent LED:
The main part of transparent LED screens consists of many tiny LED dot matrices embedded in clear materials like glass or plastic. Each LED dot matrix contains red, green, and blue LEDs. It also includes transparent substrates, drive circuits, and transparent conductive layers. The transparent substrate supports and protects the LED chip, while the drive circuit controls the LED's brightness and color. The transparent conductive layer ensures the current is evenly distributed to each LED. When current flows through the transparent LED chip, electrons and holes recombine, releasing energy as photons, which emit light. Because transparent materials serve as the LED carrier, these light rays pass through from behind the screen, creating a transparent effect. The driving circuit can accurately control the display content by adjusting the brightness and color of the red, green, and blue LEDs in each dot matrix. Transparent LED screens have a high light transmittance, typically reaching 70%-95%. When turned off, they are almost invisible, not affecting the lighting of the original environment. Additionally, the main board of the transparent screen is thin and lightweight, usually only about 1cm thick. In the same area, it weighs half or less than a traditional LED display.
How to Judge Whether to Choose a Traditional LED or Transparent LED Screen
1. Determine whether light transmission is required / whether the environment needs to be unobstructed: This is the most critical point of differentiation. If the installation location needs to retain lighting (such as building curtain walls, shop windows) and not block the rear view (such as car windows, stage backgrounds), a transparent LED screen must be selected; if it is installed in a closed space (such as indoor conference rooms, outdoor advertising spaces), there is no need for light transmission, and traditional LED screens are more suitable.

2. Display effect priority: The pixel density of traditional LED screens is higher, and the color reproduction, contrast, and brightness stability are stronger, which is suitable for scenarios that require high-definition image quality (such as video playback and data visualization); due to structural limitations, the pixel pitch of transparent LED screens is relatively large, which is more suitable for displaying dynamic slogans and simple pictures, rather than ultra-high-definition details.

3. Installation environment and space: Transparent LED screens are light and thin, and do not require complex steel structures. They are suitable for installation on glass surfaces, in small spaces, or in scenarios where weight cannot be borne. Traditional LED screens are thick and heavy, and require fixed brackets or wall support. They are suitable for large-area splicing and long-term fixed installation scenarios (such as outdoor large screens and indoor exhibition halls).

4. Budget and cost of use: The technical threshold of transparent LED screens is high, and the price is usually 2-3 times that of traditional LED screens, and the later maintenance cost is slightly higher; if the budget is limited, or the conventional display demand with high cost performance is pursued, traditional LED screens are more advantageous.
Conclusion

The choice between a conventional LED display and a transparent LED display mainly depends on whether transparency and spatial integration are required.

If the priority is natural lighting, visibility, or architectural aesthetics, a transparent LED display is the better option.

However, if the focus is on visual performance and cost efficiency, a conventional LED display is more suitable. Wanna choose the best LED display for your project? Feel free to contact us and get a quote! Toosen’s professional team is ready to help!