What is dot pitch and pixel pitch? An easy-to-understand explanation of the basic concepts of liquid crystal displays

Explanation of IT Terms

What is Dot Pitch and Pixel Pitch?

Dot pitch and pixel pitch are terms used to describe the spacing between pixels in a display. While they might sound similar, they refer to slightly different aspects of display technology.

Dot Pitch

Dot pitch is a measurement that refers to the distance between sub-pixels of the same color on a display. It is commonly used when referring to cathode ray tube (CRT) displays, which were commonly used in older monitors and televisions.

In a CRT display, each pixel is made up of three sub-pixels (red, green, and blue) arranged in a triad. The dot pitch describes the distance between the centers of two adjacent sub-pixels of the same color. A smaller dot pitch indicates a higher pixel density and a sharper image.

For example, a dot pitch of 0.25mm means that the centers of two adjacent sub-pixels are 0.25mm apart. Smaller dot pitch values, such as 0.22mm or 0.20mm, indicate higher image quality with sharper details.

Pixel Pitch

Pixel pitch, on the other hand, refers to the distance between the centers of two adjacent pixels on a display. It is commonly used when describing modern display technologies, such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays, and LED displays.

In these displays, each pixel consists of a single, full-color sub-pixel. The pixel pitch represents the distance between the centers of two adjacent pixels, regardless of their color. Similar to dot pitch, a smaller pixel pitch indicates higher pixel density and a sharper image.

For example, a pixel pitch of 0.27mm means that the centers of two neighboring pixels are 0.27mm apart. Smaller pixel pitch values, such as 0.25mm or 0.23mm, indicate higher image quality with more detail and clarity.

Distinguishing Factor

While dot pitch and pixel pitch are related, it is important to note the distinction between them. Dot pitch specifically measures the space between sub-pixels of the same color, whereas pixel pitch measures the space between full-color pixels.

In modern displays, pixel pitch is the more commonly used term since it accurately represents the density and sharpness of the image. Dot pitch, on the other hand, is mostly associated with older CRT displays.

In Conclusion

Dot pitch and pixel pitch provide valuable information about the sharpness and clarity of a display. While dot pitch is used for older CRT displays, pixel pitch is the term commonly used for modern displays like LCDs and LEDs. Remember, a smaller pitch value generally indicates higher image quality and sharper details.

Understanding these terms enables you to make informed decisions when purchasing a display, ensuring you choose one that meets your visual requirements.

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