LED is a popular light due to its efficiency, environmental friendliness and long life. When used in commercial digital signage and scoreboards, LED screen can improve light quality, durability, and cost.

There are many different kinds of LED screens, but over the past 20 years, the most commonly used LED screens have been DIP LED screens and SMD LED screens. Although their mechanism is slightly the same (they are both high-efficiency light sources that are used together to produce a large illumination), their composition is completely different, making them suitable for different application scenarios.

We will explain the differences between DIP & SMD and how to use them better.

DIP (dual in-line package)

A DIP LED, or dual in-line package, is constructed like a traditional light bulb, with each component having only one color. Red, green and blue bulbs connect together to create endless color possibilities. A fourth white can sometimes be added to add variety and brightness. These bulbs have low lumen output, about 4 LEDs each.
Small three light bulbs are pieced together to create the large intended display image. Therefore, the bulb can be seen within the screen and has a high pixel pitch. DIPs are typically made to last, making them weather-resistant and able to withstand harsh conditions. Due to their visibility limitations and weather-resistant design, DIP bulbs are often used for outdoor signs.

SMD (Surface Mount Diode)

SMD LEDs or Surface Mount Diodes are lightweight LEDs built into a closed housing and are commonly used in various screens and devices on the market. They are compact in design, offer a lot of versatility in use and screen configuration, and offer low pixel pitch. These types of LEDs are a popular choice due to their high energy efficiency and long lifespan.
As an improved design of traditional LEDs, SMDs provide high lumen output of approximately 50 to 100 lumens per watt. They can be very bright, with crisp output and crisp images with lifelike colors. Not only are SMDs a cost-effective option, but they offer superior quality for close viewing, high resolution and bright images, making them ideal for indoor signage and screens.

What is the difference?

Overall, SMD is a newer, more improved LED design that allows it to deliver high-quality resolution and clear, bright signage. As a newer technology, SMD is much smaller 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 higher quality than incandescent bulbs.
No matter which type ends up making up your scoreboard, display or digital signage, LED is an environmentally friendly and cost-friendly option that your customers will love.