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Event Technology Glossary
Key terms related to LED screens, digital signage, attendee registration, and event technology.
Pixel Pitch
The distance between the centres of adjacent pixels on an LED panel, measured in millimetres. A smaller pixel pitch means higher resolution and better image quality at close viewing distances.
Nit
A unit of screen brightness equal to one candela per square metre (cd/m²). Outdoor LED screens typically require 5,000–8,000 nits, while indoor screens need 800–1,500 nits.
Refresh Rate
The frequency at which the image on an LED screen is refreshed, measured in hertz (Hz). A higher refresh rate (e.g. 3,840 Hz) ensures smooth, flicker-free images — essential when filming with cameras.
SMD
Surface-Mounted Device — a mounting technology in which RGB LED diodes are housed in a single package and soldered directly onto a PCB. The standard in modern LED screens.
GOB
Glue-On-Board — an LED panel protection technology in which diodes are coated with a layer of transparent epoxy resin. It increases resistance to impact, moisture, and dust.
LED Panel
A modular building block of an LED screen consisting of a diode matrix on a PCB. Panels are combined to form larger video walls of any shape and size.
Viewing Distance
The minimum viewing distance at which an LED screen image appears smooth without visible pixels. Rule of thumb: minimum distance in metres ≈ pixel pitch in millimetres.
Brightness
LED screen luminance expressed in nits (cd/m²). A key parameter that determines image visibility under varying lighting conditions — from interiors to direct sunlight.
Contrast Ratio
The ratio of the brightest white to the darkest black on a screen. A higher contrast ratio (e.g. 5,000:1) delivers deeper blacks and more vivid colours.
Resolution
The number of horizontal and vertical pixels on an LED screen (e.g. 1920 × 1080). Determined by pixel pitch and the physical dimensions of the screen. Higher resolution means a sharper image.
Indoor LED
An LED screen designed for indoor use with a pixel pitch of 1.2 mm to 4 mm and brightness of 800–1,500 nits. Used at conferences, trade shows, and in TV studios.
Outdoor LED
An LED screen designed for outdoor use with increased brightness (5,000–8,000 nits), IP65 ingress protection, and weather resistance. Used at concerts, festivals, and in advertising.
Digital Signage
A system of digital displays used to present informational, advertising, or wayfinding content. Includes LED screens, LCD monitors, and content management systems.
QR Code
A two-dimensional barcode that stores data (URL, text, identifier). At events it is used for rapid check-in — the attendee shows the code on their smartphone and a scanner reads it in a fraction of a second.
NFC
Near Field Communication — a short-range wireless communication technology (up to 10 cm). Used in event cards and wristbands for fast check-in and zone access control.
Badge Printing
On-site printing of attendee badges at an event. Uses thermal printers to create personalised cards with the attendee's name, company, QR code, and category.
Thermal Printer
A printer that uses heat to transfer an image onto special paper or foil. At events it prints badges, tickets, and labels at speeds of up to 150 units per hour.
Check-in
The process of registering an attendee's arrival at an event. It includes identity verification (QR/NFC scan), confirming attendance in the system, and issuing a badge.
Self-Service Kiosk
A freestanding station with a touchscreen and printer that allows attendees to check in independently — scanning a QR code, verifying their details, and collecting a printed badge without staff assistance.
RFID
Radio-Frequency Identification — a radio-based identification technology. RFID chips in event wristbands or cards enable contactless attendee tracking and access control.
Attendee Tracking
Monitoring attendee movement and activity during an event using QR, NFC, or RFID technology. Provides data on session attendance, popular zones, and time spent in each area.
Access Control
A system for controlling entry to specific event zones (VIP, backstage, closed sessions). Uses QR/NFC scanners to verify attendee permissions in real time.
Event Registration
The process of signing attendees up for an event — from the online form through confirmation and payment to generating a QR code for on-site check-in.
CMS
Content Management System — a platform for managing digital content. In the event context it is used to remotely manage content displayed on LED screens and digital signage.
Live Streaming
Broadcasting an event live over the internet. Involves capturing camera footage, encoding video, and distributing it to online viewers via streaming platforms.
Aspect Ratio
The ratio of screen width to height (e.g. 16:9, 4:3, 21:9). Determines the shape of the displayed image and is essential when designing video content for LED screens.
HDMI
High-Definition Multimedia Interface — a standard for transmitting digital audio and video signals. Supports resolutions up to 8K. The most common connector for linking signal sources to LED screens.
SDI
Serial Digital Interface — a professional standard for transmitting uncompressed video over coaxial cable. Used in TV production and at large events due to its reliability and long range (up to 300 m).