Large TV Monitor(s) - Versus P10 panel props - Pro's & Con's anyone?

Hi All,

Just wondering what are the pro's & cons between Large TV Monitor(s) - Versus P10 panel props??

For me, P10 panels, controllers and power supplies galore seems like a lot of hassle, when a 50inch to 80inch TV can do it easier.

I wonder why so many people use P10/P5 panels? are they much much brighter than a TV?
I believe the cost of a decent pile of panels and power supplies costs the same or more? than a decent sized TV.
They both have to be housed in a waterproof framework anyway, so i still wonder why people decide one way or the other?

Maybe people prefer the "pixely" look of panels as compared to high-res TV?
I've played with my virtual matrix and by adjusting the row/strands numbers i can make my sequences look quite smooth & clean or very low-resolution "blocky" resolution like very old 1990's computer games. (Yes, raising the row/stands does increase the render-all times to 30-60 seconds during testing, i get it).

I guess the overall advantage of P10 panels, is we can lay them out to be very long (or tall) arrays, which obviously can't be done with a fixed TV screen.


Thanks in advance.

waterproofing a tv is non trivial.

Its a good route if you can put it inside a window or something. I just picked up a 50" tv for $50 because the antenna socket is broken.

Katekate said:

waterproofing a tv is non trivial.

Its a good route if you can put it inside a window or something. I just picked up a 50" tv for $50 because the antenna socket is broken.

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Well yeh, the indoor mounting is even easier, but i don't have a big front-facing window handy, so i'd have to mount it outside in a case.

OldMarty said:

I wonder why so many people use P10/P5 panels? are they much much brighter than a TV?

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For outdoor panels, considerably. They are designed to be run in full sun, whereas a TV is designed to be run at most indoors.

OldMarty said:

I believe the cost of a decent pile of panels and power supplies costs the same or more? than a decent sized TV.

Click to expand...

This depends on the quality of the TV - but yes - for a similar sized one they can add up

OldMarty said:

Maybe people prefer the "pixely" look of panels as compared to high-res TV?
I've played with my virtual matrix and by adjusting the row/strands numbers i can make my sequences look quite smooth & clean or very low-resolution "blocky" resolution like very old 1990's computer games. (Yes, raising the row/stands does increase the render-all times to 30-60 seconds during testing, i get it).

Click to expand...

Even with the blocks on a TV, it's still not the same as distinct points of light like a Px Panel can give you.
It's a different look. As far as effects are concerned, IMO they look better on panel. Videos, if you're running them, would always look better on a TV as they are designed for it.
I wish my Panel would take 60 seconds to render :-D

OldMarty said:

I guess the overall advantage of P10 panels, is we can lay them out to be very long (or tall) arrays, which obviously can't be done with a fixed TV screen.

Click to expand...

Correct. I run a 3x1 P5 for 192x32 resolution tune-to sign (total 960x160mm), which hangs from my porch ceiling. Doesn't block any view, small enough to handle up and down a ladder.


Ultimately it comes down to your intended use, and the look you're going for. The same argument could be had for TV vs Projector. Where do you draw the line?
Budgets aside - if you want a particular look, you go with a particular product.

I find panels more fun, people think it's a big TV and then look closer and see all the little leds.

Outdoor panels, will 100% blow away any TV in direct sunlight for visibility and water-proof-ness.

TV's consume far less power, for their size. My P5 cabinets together consume 400W just on a simple text effect advertising the display switch on time, and can go upto 1850W with a full display at 100% brightness.

Oh, and tv's are cheap. Panels aren't

I run an old 55inch plasma as part of my display. Luckilly it's set up in the garage, sitting on an old coffee table. I just move it in and out each night (dependant on weather of course).

I originally had a 3 x 4 P10 panel setup, but when I was given the TV for free, I couldn't pass it up. The added bonus with this TV is that it's old enough to have side mounted speakers, so I can run the sound for my show through the TV.

For me, the move to a TV was strictly a financial one at the time. Having said that though, if it dies, I will probably find another cheap one to replace it with.

I've been pondering this exact thing since I can get a large 75" or so TV cheaper then trying to put together a P4 panel for the same area.

The largest issue I have is mounting it outside and keeping it safe from the weather. Looking into special use cabinets designed for this are either the same price of the TV or more depending on the size. So due to the cost of a premade cabinet it would indicate that I would have to build my own to make it more cost effective. Not sure I want to build something that large or not.

My next concern is how will the TV handle the long term exposure to UV and sunlight constantly. I run a show starting in October for Halloween and it would be would outside for months. The front of my house faces west and is exposed to the sun from about noonish until it goes down. The P4 panels are designed and built to be outside in direct weather. Heck, my tune to sign is very janky at 2x2 and in a basic case that is not even sealed in the back. This is the second season of use and the 4th show without issues in this very questionable setup. So, I know a P4 is durable enough to last.

My last concern is theft. I can do some things like use a chain and lock but with battery powered tools that can only slow someone down for so long. People might consider stealing an 80" TV, but none of them would think about stealing a P4 panel since they have no idea what it is or how to use it.