How Much Does It Cost to Rent an LED Wall?
In today's world of dynamic visual experiences, LED walls have emerged as a popular choice for events, presentations, and advertising. Whether you're planning a corporate function, a concert, or a trade show, the vibrant visuals offered by LED walls can significantly enhance the audience's engagement and overall experience. However, before diving into the world of LED displays, one crucial question often arises: how much cost is required for renting an LED wall? This guide aims to break down the costs of renting an LED wall, helping you make an informed decision for your next event.
What is an LED Wall?
An LED wall is a large display of many LED panels joined together to create a big screen. It shows video content brightly and clearly, working like a huge digital screen using light-emitting diodes (LEDs). These LEDs help produce vivid, colourful images that remain clearly visible even in well-lit surroundings.
LED walls find applications in various environments, such as retail stores, sports arenas, corporate lobbies, outdoor billboards, and trade shows. Their versatility and scalability make LED walls ideal for creating dynamic and captivating visual displays.
Key Factors That Impact the Cost of LED Walls
LED screens have changed the event industry by offering stunning visuals for concerts, conferences, and other events. When planning an event, understanding the costs of LED wall rentals is crucial, as these costs affect the overall budget and relate to stage services. Here are the main factors that influence the price of LED wall rentals:
Size & Resolution
The LED wall's size and resolution significantly influence its cost. Larger installations require more panels, and higher resolutions necessitate additional pixels.
Size
To identify the ideal LED wall dimensions, consider:
Venue dimensions
Audience size
Aspect ratio
Physical constraints, such as the distance from the stage to the front row, should also be assessed. Typically, LED panels are 500x500mm, but stage depth and ceiling height affect the overall wall size and ultimately the rental cost.
Resolution of LED Display
Full HD (1080p) is the recommended resolution for event LED walls. The perfect pixel pitch plays a crucial role and is inversely related to resolution potential. The pixel pitch also dictates the minimum viewing distance from the screen; for instance, a 1 mm pixel pitch corresponds to a minimum distance of 1 meter. Consider the format ratio of the content (16:9 or 4:3) when deciding about the resolution of your LED video wall.
LED Design
LED walls come in different designs, each with unique benefits. Here are three main types used in the event industry:
Flat LED Video Walls
These are large screens made of multiple panels. They are good for outdoor and indoor events that need a flat surface, like conferences and meetings. Flat LED walls are usually more affordable because they don't need to be shaped differently.
Curved LED Walls
These screens are arranged in a curve. Curved LED walls offer a more engaging viewing experience and improve the audience's sightlines. Available in convex or concave shapes, they create a strong visual effect, making them ideal for live events or concerts. They are also popular for corporate displays at exhibitions and trade shows.
Transparent LED Displays
These displays are great for advertising. They are clear and allow viewers to see through them, providing a unique look. Although more expensive, transparent LED walls are often used in exhibitions or commercial windows for effective branding and promotion.
Type of Event
The type of event greatly affects the cost of renting an LED wall. Events can be corporate, private, or charity-related. Rental prices for LED walls vary between corporate and social events. It is crucial to know how to select the right video wall for your exhibition stand or gala. The most common events that need LED wall rentals are:
Conferences
Fundraisers
AGM’s
Award Ceremonies
Seminars
Product Launches
Types of LED Wall
There are two main types of LED screens: event and advertising, both portable and modular. You can choose from p2, p3, or p4 LED screen walls. The p4 screens are known for their clear images and vibrant colours, thanks to advanced pixel technology, making them more expensive.
LED video walls have different uses and functions. The main types are outdoor and indoor LED displays.
Outdoor LED Video Walls
Outdoor LED walls, also called direct-view LEDs, are traditional screen units that are slim and have no bezels. This design offers a perfect viewing experience and allows connecting multiple panels seamlessly. These panels can be conveniently mounted on walls or stands.
Indoor LED Video Walls
Indoor LED walls are meant for small spaces like meeting rooms and hotels. These high-resolution screens provide clear visuals and create an engaging experience for the audience.
Duration of Rental
The length of the rental is significant for estimating the final cost. In the audiovisual industry, longer rental periods usually have lower daily or weekly rates than short-term rentals. Some AV companies also give discounts for longer rentals. Additionally, rental prices can change based on local equipment availability and demand for LED walls, often increasing in areas with high demand or low supply.
Transportation & Logistics
AV hire suppliers include transportation costs in the rental price of LED video walls. To minimise significant charges, think about hiring a local vendor. AV companies frequently add logistical fees to the invoice if your event location exceeds a specific distance. Therefore, as the distance increases, so could your potential costs.
Technical Support
The installation and setting up of rented LED walls requires professional handling, increasing the overall cost. Complex installations, like non-standard mounting options, could incur additional fees. Additionally, LED walls with customisation or specialised features may come at a higher rental price.
Additional Equipment & Services
More equipment and services increase costs. The vendor will charge for audio, lighting, trussing, and staging. These are necessary for a well-organised event and depend on your particular needs for LED walls. To get the rental price for an LED wall, contact local providers.
Other Hidden Expenses to Look for
Many companies provide quotes for LED panels, controllers, rigging bars, and cabling only. However, when you finalise your order, they often add extra charges that are not included in the initial quote. We recommend knowing all costs before signing an agreement. Watch for hidden expenses, such as:
Shipping: Most panels are imported. To estimate shipping costs, get the pickup address, shipping date, and package dimensions.
Tax: Consult a local broker about tax and duty requirements, as these vary by country.
Warranty: Ensure the equipment has a warranty; aim for at least two years of coverage.
Insurance Costs: To protect your assets, consider optional insurance for damage or theft, typically 5% to 10% of the rental fee.
Power Consumption: This covers the electricity costs of running the LED screen. It's usually minimal, but check with the rental provider for any extra power usage charges.
Spare Parts: Have enough spare modules and power supplies to last three to five years since your vendor may not produce compatible new modules later due to colour differences between batches.
Installation Cost: Clarify the installation costs, including labour, materials, and mapping requirements.
Sample LED Wall Rental Prices
In the UK, LED wall rentals generally cost between £250 and £1,000 per square meter. This price varies based on size, resolution (or pixel pitch), and rental duration. Larger screens with higher resolution significantly increase the costs. For instance, anticipate a daily rental fee of approximately £2,500 to £3,000 for a small LED screen, while larger installations can exceed £10,000.
Price range for LEDs of different sizes varies as:
Small LED Screen (3.5m x 2m): £2,500 - £3,000 per day.
Medium LED Screen (5.5m x 3m): £5,000 - £6,000 per day.
Large LED Screen (10m x 4m): £12,000 - £14,000 per day.
Conclusion
The cost of renting an LED wall can vary widely based on several factors, including size, resolution, rental duration, and additional services provided. Event planners and organisers must assess their needs and budget when considering LED wall rentals. By doing thorough research and obtaining quotes from various suppliers, you can find an option that offers both quality and affordability, ensuring your event is visually impactful without straining your finances.