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Indoor LED poster behind a store window: how to decide
A poster behind the window is the first thing many stores try. Glass and daylight change how the screen looks, so the decision depends on the window. This article lists what to check and when the outdoor poster is the better fit.
- 500 nit
- 4500 nit
- Window
What the window changes
Glass reflects lights and bright objects, and it adds daylight behind the viewer. Direct sun on the screen lowers contrast, as with any LED screen. An indoor poster starts at 500 nit and is set for normal indoor lighting. See the brightness guide.
Check the window first
Which way does the window face? Does the sun fall on the poster's position, and at what hours? Is there a bright building or a street light opposite that reflects in the glass? A few minutes of looking at the real position at different hours tells more than a number.
When an indoor poster works
If the poster stands back from the glass, out of direct sun, in an ordinary store light, the indoor poster is the normal fit. Choose the pitch for the closest viewer on the sidewalk: a viewer at 2.5 to 3 m is served by P2.5 or P3.076.
When to look at the outdoor poster
If the window gets direct sun on the screen, the outdoor poster starts at 4500 nit, about nine times the indoor brightness, and is built for outdoor use. In ordinary indoor light that much brightness is not needed. Placing the outdoor poster at the entrance rather than behind glass is an option; see the outdoor storefronts page.
Reduce reflections
Turn the screen slightly, move it back from the glass and avoid light sources behind the viewer. A test with your own artwork in the real position shows the result. For touched or wiped places, the acrylic glass front can show reflections too.
A decision list
Note the direction of the window, the hours of direct sun, the distance from the glass to the sidewalk and the closest viewer. Send these with your request and we advise on the type and the pitch.
Questions and answers
Is 500 nit enough behind a window?
In ordinary indoor light, yes. If direct sun hits the screen, contrast drops and the outdoor poster is the safer choice.
Can the indoor poster face the street?
Yes, behind glass and out of direct sun. Test the position at the hours when sun is strongest.
What brightness does the outdoor poster have?
It starts at 4500 nit.
Does the glass change the colors?
Glass adds reflections. We do not publish color shifts for windows, so test your artwork in place.
Which pitch for passers-by on the sidewalk?
P2.5 or P3.076 for viewers from 2.5 to 3 m.
Can I put an outdoor poster inside?
It is built for outdoor use and starts at 4500 nit, which is more than ordinary indoor light needs.
Can I lower the brightness?
On the outdoor poster the player schedules brightness by time of day. The indoor poster starts at 500 nit.
Does the pitch change behind glass?
No. Choose the pitch for the closest viewer on the sidewalk; glass changes reflections, not the pixels.
Request a quote
Request a quote and tell us the type, the pixel pitch, the quantity, the destination country and your control system (NovaStar with Mean Well PSU by default; Huidu or Colorlight as a lower-cost option). Price, MOQ and lead time are quoted per order. Samples are available.