Understand MICRO LED screens

O MICROLED (also known as MICRO-LED, Micro-LED ou mLED) is the latest display technology that has just arrived. He is already present in Samsung smart TVs and even in the brand new VisionPro, Apple's augmented reality headset. Below are the advantages and disadvantages of this technology:

What is MICRO LED and how does it work?

O MICROLED is a display technology consisting of small individual LEDs that function as autonomous pixels on a matrix or screen. Each pixel on a Micro LED display is made up of three subpixels, in red, green and blue colors (the famous RGB).

Every pixel on a display micro LED emits its own light, thus eliminating the need for the screen to have an extra layer of backlighting, as with traditional LCD or LED screens. This results in greater energy efficiency, higher contrast, richer whites and better black levels as the pixels can be completely turned off to create absolute black.

But this advantage already existed in OLED screens. The change here is that these pixels are made up of microscopic LED dots (hence the name MICRO LED), taking up much less space on the screen.

Therefore, something remarkable about MICRO LED technology is its ability to achieve ever-increasing resolutions. Microscopic LEDs can be placed in a denser array, allowing screens to have high amounts of pixels per inch (also known by the acronym PPI), which results in sharper, more detailed images where you can't tell they're made. of points (pixels). And there is also the ability modular technology, which will be explained later.

Microscopic LEDs are manufactured in semiconductors, and each LED is composed of thin layers of semiconductor materials that emit light when an electric current is applied. Each LED is addressable individually, allowing each pixel to display a specific color and this contributes to the high level of precision and detail in the image.

Comparing with other displays

With the arrival of a new technology, it is important to check how it behaves in relation to what already exists in the market. Today, screens LCD e LED are the most basic, followed by intermediate screens made of quantum dot technology (like the Nanocell from LG and the NeoQLED from Samsung). Above them are the screens OLED (such as OLED evo C2 from LG), AMOLED (OLED version on touchscreens and smartphones) and QD OLED (a mix that tries to combine the advantages of quantum dot screens and OLEDs).

O MICROLED so it arrives as a technology that tries to achieve the color and contrast levels of OLEDs, while maintaining or even surpassing the illumination potential (nits) of Neo QLEDs. In that sense, it resembles technology QD OLED, but with the potential to have pixels closer to each other (ppi), becoming especially advantageous in tablets and even in augmented reality glasses lenses, as the human eye cannot notice that the screen image is made of micro-dots.

But the MICROLED is also successful on giant screens, above 85 inches (maximum size of images). Neo QLEDs). As his matrix can be produced in blocks, which are then unified to form the screen, the sky is the limit. And the format too: yes, you can create screen formats unusual with it, which are especially interesting for the corporate market.

And even on large home screens, there is a better perception of the resolution and accuracy of the image, according to Guilherme Campos, TV & AV Director at Samsung:

“The physical composition of the 4K MICRO LED panel, with nearly 25 billion pixels, surpasses the total pixels of even 8K Neo QLEDs, with 33 million. That is, even on the larger 110-inch MICRO LED screen, the user's perception of image accuracy will be almost the same as that obtained on the 8K screen.”

Guilherme Campos, TV & AV Director at Samsung

O MICROLED It also has a longer service life than the OLED, and does not suffer from known problems of this technology such as “burn-in” (permanent stain on the screen). This happens due to the wear of the organic material of the OLED, responsible for the natural brightness processing of each pixel. What does not happen with MICROLED, which uses inorganic material.

Another point in its favor is that, with smaller panels, image quality and response time are also lower, and therefore energy efficiency and long-lasting contrast are guaranteed. And also the MICROLED is not as limited as the OLED in relation to screen sizes or formats, facilitating implementation in flexible or even transparent displays.

Current use of MICRO LED panels

Currently, commercial use of MICROLED it is still in a somewhat limited stage, but some companies are starting to release products that use this technology. Samsung is one of the leading manufacturers and has already launched the The Wall, a high-performance modular screen, and the MICRO LEDTV, 110-inch screen already available in Brazil.

Another example is the VisionPro, the VR/AR glasses from Apple , announced in June 2023. Here, the advantage of technology helps each lens of the device to have 4K resolution, where it is impossible to notice that the image is made of micro-dots (pixels).

A Sony also entered the market MICROLED with your line crystal LED. It offers an impressive visual experience with extremely high contrast, rich colors and a wide color gamut. A crystal LED it is primarily used in commercial applications such as post-production studios, premium movie theaters and corporate facilities.

Modularity

O MICROLED offers an interesting proposal for modularity, that is, the possibility of creating different screen formats and sizes, which can be configured to meet the specific needs of each environment or application, such as in stores, companies and even as a cinema screen.

This is possible because the display is made up of small modules (square screen units) that can be easily combined to create a bigger canvas or with different format.

An example is the The Wall from Samsung, which uses the MICROLED and is one of the leading implementations of modular screens currently available. It can be assembled in custom sizes, from standard configurations such as 16:9 to unusual proportions or custom shapes such as vertical panels or panels that fold into walls.

Advantages of MICRO LED

Superior image quality: MICROLED delivers exceptionally high image quality with high contrast, vibrant colors and high brightness. These screens have sharper images, with intense colors and pure black.

High shine: The MICROLED can reach very high brightness levels, outperforming other display technologies such as OLED. This makes it ideal for well-lit environments such as sunny rooms or commercial spaces.

Energy Efficiency: MICROLED It is highly efficient in terms of energy consumption. The LEDs can be individually controlled, allowing dark areas of the screen to remain completely off, saving energy.

Greater durability: MICROLED it has a long service life compared to other display technologies. LEDs are more durable and wear resistant, resulting in less image issues over time.

Modularity: The technology is highly adaptable, meaning screens can be easily expanded or reduced to suit different sizes and aspect ratios. This is especially interesting for stores, companies and commercial establishments.

best viewing angle: Unlike some display technologies, the MICROLED it has a wide viewing angle, without significant loss of image quality. That means you'll be able to watch what's on the screen no matter if you're in front of it or in the corners of it.

MICRO LED in Brazil

Currently the only model available in Brazil is the Smart TV Samsung 110 inch MICRO LED (MICRO LED Panel Smart Hub 110” MS1A). With an imposing size, it provides an impressive display for any environment and has smart TV functions with the Tizen OS system, the same as the company's other models.

It is made in one piece, with no edges and no rear area for cables: there is only one transparent optical cable, called OneConnect, which connects the screen to an external hub, which can be easily hidden in a rack and serves to connect the sound system or devices such as DVD and videogames.

The remote control of MICRO LEDTV charges with room light and gives access to settings and streaming apps. Installation and support are free, with Samsung even analyzing the house or apartment to make recommendations on transport, installation location and electrical installation. And the model has support for video standards HDR10 + and audio Dolby Atmos.

Currently, the 110-inch MICRO LED Panel is available at Samsung website for BRL 999.999. Yes, 1 million reais on a TV screen.

And with that we end this technical post about the advantages and disadvantages of screens MICROLED. If you want to know about other types of displays, we recommend that you access the posts about What is QD-OLED?, Nanocell e LED, OLED and Neo QLED.

If you have any doubts, leave your comment in the fields below, and we'll answer you shortly, okay?

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