Have you ever experienced a screen that maintains its sharpness and vibrancy regardless of where you're viewing it from? This is thanks to the viewing angle of the display.
As the term implies, the viewing angle refers to the position or the extent to which a viewer can observe an image or video on a screen while still maintaining acceptable visual quality. A good viewing angle allows viewers to enjoy clear, bright images, even when they aren’t directly facing the screen. Viewing angles are typically measured both horizontally and vertically. The horizontal viewing angle describes the range from left to right, while the vertical angle measures the range from above to below. Below, we dive into viewing angles and how they impact image quality and your overall viewing experience.
The viewing angle is the maximum angle at which a screen can be observed without noticeable loss in visual performance. It defines the range within which viewers can see clear, undistorted images without issues like color fading, distortion, or reduced brightness.
For example, imagine you are standing directly in front of an LED screen—everything looks crisp and clear. However, as you move off to the side, the image may start to lose sharpness, colors could become washed out, and overall clarity diminishes. The angle where these distortions begin is known as the display's viewing angle.
Display angles are usually measured in degrees, with separate values for horizontal and vertical. For example, an LED display with a viewing angle of “140/120” means it has a 140-degree horizontal viewing angle and a 120-degree vertical viewing angle.
When choosing a display, the viewing angle can significantly impact how you use the screen. A display with a broader viewing angle offers more flexibility, can be used in a variety of settings, and ensures that viewers see consistent, sharp images regardless of where they are. Here’s why this is important:
A wider viewing angle ensures that your audience can experience clear, immersive visuals no matter where they are positioned. With a larger viewing angle, businesses can confidently communicate messages, knowing that the content will be easily visible to a broader audience.
A wide viewing angle allows viewers to enjoy the display from various positions without worrying about image quality deteriorating. This flexibility ensures a consistent and enhanced viewing experience throughout the space.
For businesses, displays with wider viewing angles can be a more cost-effective solution in the long run. With broader visibility, there’s less need for multiple screens to cover a large area or audience. This reduces upfront costs and lowers installation, power, and maintenance expenses.
Displays with wide viewing angles are versatile, serving a wide range of purposes—from outdoor advertising to in-office presentations, and even home entertainment. They are especially useful in high-traffic areas where maximum visibility is needed, making them a great option for advertising.
One of the primary effects of the viewing angle is how it influences the perception of an image from various locations in the room. Here’s how it affects the viewing experience...
Color Shifts: As viewers move away from the center of the screen, the colors may start to look off or become distorted. This happens because light scattering changes as the viewing angle widens, leading to color inconsistencies.
Brightness Reduction: As the viewing angle increases, the distance from the screen also grows. This can cause a decrease in brightness since the light emitted by the screen isn't effectively reaching viewers at wider angles. Consequently, the image may appear dimmer or less vibrant.
Image Distortion: As you move away from the center of the screen, the image may start to distort due to the way light refracts and scatters. This causes the picture to lose clarity and sharpness at wider viewing angles.
Contrast Loss: The contrast between dark and light areas of an image can also be affected by the viewing angle. A wider viewing angle can cause the contrast to blur, making the image appear less distinct and reducing the overall visual impact.