When it comes to showcasing your LED displays, delivering a flawless visual experience is critical. But sometimes, what looks stunning in person doesn't translate as well in photos or videos. Enter the screen moiré effect, a distortion that can interfere with how your screens are perceived. Understanding this effect and learning how to reduce it is key to maintaining the world-class visuals your brand deserves.
The moiré effect, sometimes written as moire or moiré pattern, occurs when two repetitive patterns overlap in ways that create visual interference. On LED displays, this often happens when a camera captures footage or photos of the screen, resulting in a moiré pattern screen. The camera’s sensor grid interacts with the pixel grid of the LED, resulting in unusual wave-like ripples, shifting colors, or strange mesh patterns that aren't visible to the naked eye.
The term "moiré" comes from the French word meaning "wavy or rippled appearance." It’s pronounced "mwar-ray" or "muh-war-ray" (rhyming loosely with "the car"). Check out this link to hear the proper pronunciation.
Still not sure what the moiré pattern effect looks like? Check out this video to see the different patterns.
LED screens are composed of thousands (or even millions) of tiny diodes, each serving as a pixel. These pixels are carefully arranged in a grid pattern distinct from the arrangement of most camera sensors. When capturing an LED display, camera moiré occurs because the camera "samples" the pixel layout from the screen. If the resolution or sensor design of the camera doesn't sync properly with the LED grid, it creates visual interference.
This phenomenon is particularly noticeable in photos or videos taken at specific angles, from closer distances, or of screens with lower pixel pitch. And if you're capturing content for marketing, ad campaigns, or social media, such distortions can be frustrating. After all, a screen that looks immaculate in person should also look impeccable on camera.
The moiré effect is more than just an annoying visual flaw. It can seriously impact how your LED display is perceived. A high-quality screen that looks flawless in person may appear distorted in photos and videos, making it harder to showcase its true performance. This distortion can create doubt, damage client trust, and ultimately affect sales or rentals.
If you are involved in marketing, renting, or operating LED screens, training your camera crews and content creators to avoid moiré is essential. Minimizing this effect helps ensure your displays make a positive, professional impression both in person and online.
For more ways on making your LED signage stand out, check out these 6 essential tips.
While there's no universal moiré fix, certain techniques significantly reduce the effect. Here are a few strategies for you to try both during filming and in post-production.
During Shooting or Filming
During Post-Production
Sometimes, you won't spot the moiré pattern effect until you're at the editing stage. Don't worry; you can still reduce it.
If photographing or filming LED screens is a frequent task, a thoughtful approach from the start can save time and headaches. Use these tips to enhance image quality every time you shoot.
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At Insane Impact, we’ve redefined what it means to deliver premium, American-made LED technology. We don't just craft brilliant LED screens; we design them with real-world usability in mind. We know your displays need to look just as stunning in videos and promotional materials as they do in person.
Our team is here to support you with expert tips and optimized camera settings, so your visuals shine no matter the platform. Our displays are built to perform, but we go further by equipping you with the tools and knowledge to showcase them at their best. That’s why we created Insane Impact’s LED Academy, a go-to guide designed to help you become confident and capable in all things LED.
The moiré effect is a hurdle, but one that can be overcome with the right strategies. Understanding how and why it happens allows you to take proactive steps to improve your photos and videos. Whether you’re behind the camera or showcasing the LED display itself, knowing how to tackle this challenge is key to delivering a professional, polished visual experience.
Ready to take your LED display’s performance to the next level? Explore Insane Impact’s LED Academy for expert guidance or connect with our approachable sales team who are eager to help you unlock your display’s full potential.
