Picking a large screen for your church, school or venue is a real investment. Most people end up weighing an LED video wall against a projector. Both put a large picture in front of a crowd. They work in very different ways, though, and the right pick depends on your room.
At Rea Sound, we have fitted audio visual systems across Northern Ireland for over 50 years. In this guide, we compare brightness, picture quality, space and cost. We also look at where a TV fits in and share a real install from Broughshane.
What Is an LED Video Wall?
An LED video wall is a large screen made from small LED panels that lock together. Each panel makes its own light, which keeps the picture bright and clear in most rooms.
Because the panels join up, an installer can build a screen to fit almost any wall. You will often see an LED wall behind a stage, in a foyer or on the front of a building.
Screens are rated by pixel pitch. This is the gap between each tiny light on the panel. A small pitch gives a sharper picture for people sitting close. A larger pitch suits screens seen from further away, like outdoor signs.
We supply displays from Ayla, Samsung, Panasonic and Cobra Simulation. You can see our full LED video wall range on our visual products page.
How Does a Projector Work?
A projector shines light through a lens onto a screen or white wall. It gives you a big picture for a lower upfront cost than an LED video wall.
Projectors work best when you can control the light in the room. Sunlight or strong ceiling lights make the image look pale. Older models use a lamp that needs replacing. Laser projectors last far longer and need less upkeep.
We supply projectors from Epson, Panasonic and Vivitek. We pair them with Kramer control, so staff can run everything from a simple wall plate or touch panel.
LED Video Wall vs Projector: The Main Differences
Here is how the two compare on the points venues ask us about most.
Brightness and Daylight
An LED wall copes far better in bright rooms. It gives off its own light, so big windows and stage lights won't fade the picture. A projector needs a dimmer room, blinds or a high brightness model.
Picture Quality
LED walls show rich colour and deep blacks, even from the back of a large hall. When set up well, the panels join without visible gaps. A projector can look sharp too, but only when room light stays low.
Space and Mounting
A projector needs a clear path from the lens to the screen. If someone walks in front, they cast a shadow across the picture. An LED wall mounts flat, so nothing hangs overhead. It does need a strong wall or frame and the right power supply.
Upkeep and Running Costs
Lamp projectors need new lamps and filter cleaning over time. Laser models cut most of that work. LED walls need very little day to day care. If one panel fails, a technician can swap that single panel.
Upfront Cost
A projector and screen cost less to buy at the start. An LED wall costs more, and the price rises as the pixel pitch gets smaller. A free site survey helps us match the screen to your room and budget.
Projector vs TV: Where Do Displays Fit In?
For small rooms, a large TV or display often beats a projector. TVs stay bright in daylight, cost little to run and are easy for anyone to use.
The limit is size. Once you need a bigger picture than one display can give, you move to a projector or LED wall. Some venues join several displays into a video wall. This works well, but thin frames show between each screen.
At Moira Methodist Church, we fitted a 4K Samsung 86 inch display with PTZ cameras and Kramer control. The church team can now share any meeting across their displays or stream it live.
Which Is Better for Your Venue?
An LED video wall is better for bright rooms, outdoor signs and larger budgets. A projector is better for rooms you can darken and tighter budgets. Here is a quick guide by venue type.
Churches and Church Halls
A projector suits a main worship space where you can dim the lights. Displays work well in halls, creches and meeting rooms. An LED wall suits foyers and outdoor signs.
Schools and Lecture Rooms
Classrooms with lots of windows often suit large displays or an LED wall. Projectors still work well in halls where lighting can be dimmed.
Bars, Venues and Sports Clubs
Busy, well lit spaces suit an LED video wall or large displays. Guests can see sports, menus and adverts without anyone dimming the lights.
Outdoor Signs
Outdoor use needs an LED wall built for the weather. Before you fit one, check with your local council. An illuminated outdoor sign may need consent under the Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015.
Case Study: Both Options at First Broughshane Presbyterian
At first Broughshane Presbyterian, we used a projector and an LED wall in one building.The church is a listed building and recently went through a major renovation. We kept the traditional look of the church and halls while adding modern AV.
We fitted AV in the main hall, minor hall, creche, foyer, cafe and youth room. In the main hall, an Epson projector runs through Kramer active wall plates and a VS622DT vision mixer. Samsung screens sit in each room.
Outside, we supplied and fitted a 2 metre wide Ayla LED video wall. It gives the church a much stronger visual presence.
For sound, an Allen & Heath SQ5 mixer and AHM processor handle audio across the building. An Allen & Heath 168W panel acts as the main audio input. NEXO speakers cover both halls, and Martin Audio ceiling speakers serve the busy foyer.
Read more about this project on our church AV installs page.
Why Venues Choose Rea Sound
After a 1983 trip to Frankfurt, Martin and Sean signed distribution deals with Martin Audio and Allen & Heath. Today, we are the oldest distributor of both brands anywhere. NEXO and DiGiCo joined us in the 80s and 90s.
We added visual products in 2000, working with Kramer, Panasonic, LG and Canon. Our team has worked on the Belfast MAC, the Millennium Forum and Armagh Observatory and Planetarium.
New to AV? Our guide, What is audio visual installation?, covers the basics. You can also read how we built a hybrid meeting room for Learning Pool in Derry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an LED video wall be used outside?
Yes. Outdoor LED walls are built for weather and daylight, like the Ayla wall we fitted at First Broughshane Presbyterian. Check with your council first, as illuminated outdoor signs may need advertisement consent.
Is a projector or LED wall better for a church?
It depends on the room. A projector suits a main hall where you can dim the lights. An LED wall suits bright foyers and outdoor signs, and many churches use both.
Can you add screens to our existing system?
Often, yes. At Moira Methodist Church, we kept a core set of existing equipment and added new screens, cameras and Kramer control.
Which screen brands do you supply?
For screens, we supply Ayla, Samsung, Panasonic and Cobra Simulation. For projection, we supply Epson, Panasonic and Vivitek, with Kramer for control and switching.
Do you work outside Belfast?
Yes. Our head office is in Cookstown, and we cover the whole island of Ireland. We also have phone lines for Belfast and Dublin.
About Rea Sound
Based in Cookstown, Northern Ireland, Rea Sound has designed, supplied and installed AV systems for over 50 years. We fit sound, screens, projection, lighting and streaming for churches, schools, venues and businesses across Ireland.
Ready to Pick the Right Screen?
Not sure which option suits your room? Our team will visit, check your light, space and budget, and recommend the right set up. Book a free site survey today.