A/V Tips & Tricks 02.04.2025

The Moiré Effect: What It Is & How To Avoid It

Ever noticed weird ripples or shimmering rainbows on a big LED screen during an event? That’s the moiré effect, a sneaky visual glitch that can turn your high-end production into a distraction. Even high-profile productions, like national award shows, sometimes fall victim to it. Let’s unpack what causes this issue, why it’s a big deal, and how you can sidestep it for your next event.

What’s Going On With Those Weird Patterns?

The moiré effect is a visual illusion that creates unwanted movement or patterns on screens. Think of it like those optical illusions where static images seem to dance – only this isn’t a fun party trick. Instead, it’s the unintentional clash between LED pixels and camera sensors or viewing angles.

LED walls are particularly prone to this because they’re built differently than your home TV. The pixels on an LED wall are spaced apart, with gaps in between. This design works great for large displays but introduces complications when viewed too closely or through a camera lens.

New Example: The “Big Presentation” Faux Pas

Imagine hosting a high-stakes product launch for a tech startup. You’ve got an excited crowd, a charismatic presenter, and a stunning LED screen as the backdrop. But instead of focusing on the innovative new gadget, the audience is mesmerized – and distracted – by swirling patterns on the display. Oops.

Why Does This Matter for Your Event?

 

1. It’s a Distraction That Steals the Spotlight

Your audience came to focus on the content of your event – not the screen’s unintended special effects. For example, during a leadership summit, a CEO’s heartfelt message about company growth might be overshadowed by wavy lines on the backdrop.

2. It Hurts Your Brand’s Image

You’ve invested time and money into creating a polished event, but the moiré effect can make even the most expensive production feel amateurish. Post-event marketing, press coverage, and session recordings are all impacted by this effect. It’s like wearing a tailored suit with a mismatched tie – the details matter.

Photo by: avad3 Event Production. LED Wall set design at a large conference.

Steps to Keep Your LED Walls Moiré-Free

 

Think Beyond the Screen: A Holistic Approach

Avoiding the moiré effect isn’t just about the LED wall itself. It’s about considering every element of your event setup, from seating arrangements to lighting design. Here’s how you can address it.

1. Pick the Right Pixel Pitch for Your Venue

Let’s say you’re organizing an exclusive gala dinner in a small ballroom. Opting for an LED wall with a “tight” pixel pitch ensures that guests seated closer to the stage won’t notice any gaps or distortions. A good rule of thumb is to multiply the pitch by three to find the minimum viewing distance in feet. Ask us about our latest LED inventory.

2. Plan Your Camera Angles Like a Pro

For events with live streaming or recordings, camera setups play a critical role. Choosing the right lens and positioning the cameras at an optimal distance can mitigate potential distortions. For example, during a virtual fundraiser, a well-planned camera angle can make even a modest setup look flawless.

3. Content Design That Works for LED

Not all graphics are LED-friendly. Avoid intricate patterns or overly bright colors that might exaggerate the moiré effect. For instance, during a fashion show, smooth gradients and bold, solid colors translate better on LED walls.

4. Lighting That Compliments Your Visuals

Lighting isn’t just about setting the mood; it’s also a crucial factor in how cameras and LED screens interact. Bright, even lighting helps reduce the chances of distortions. For example, in a panel discussion, balanced lighting ensures both the speakers and the visuals shine.

5. Consider Your Presenter Depth

If you can’t avoid pitch or camera quality, you can consider presenter depth from the screen. Extend the depth of your stage or coach your presenters on where they should stand to best avoid the moiré effect on your content capture.

Why Early Planning Is Your Best Friend

At avad3 Event Production, we’re firm believers in getting ahead of potential issues. Our team collaborates with you from day one to:
•Select the best LED wall for your event space.
•Coordinate with designers to ensure content is optimized for LED.
•Fine-tune camera and lighting setups to eliminate distractions.

Photo by: avad3 Event Production. Large LED wall set design at a conference in Northwest Arkansas.

A Seamless LED Experience

During a recent nonprofit event, we worked closely with the client to align every element – from the choice of LED wall, to the lighting design, to the camera angles, down to the podium choice. The result? Both in-person and virtual audiences enjoyed a crystal-clear experience without any technical hiccups.

What About Virtual Events?

If your event is primarily virtual, you might think the moiré effect isn’t a concern. But it absolutely is! Cameras capturing the LED wall for the virtual feed need to be adjusted meticulously. Here’s how we tackle it:
•Lens Selection: Different lenses interact with LED walls in unique ways. We test extensively to find the right one.
•Adjusting Depth of Field: Keeping the subject crisp while ensuring the LED wall doesn’t cause distortions requires careful calibration.
•Content Testing: Before going live, we preview all visuals to ensure they display correctly on screen.

Photo by: avad3 Event Production. LED wall set design at a local non-profit gala.

Make Your Event Memorable for the Right Reasons

Every detail of your event contributes to the overall impression it leaves on your audience. The moiré effect might seem like a small technical issue, but it can have an outsized impact on how your event is perceived.

So, here’s the big question: Do you want your audience to remember your event’s engaging content and seamless visuals, or the distracting patterns that pulled their attention away? At avad3 Event Production, we’re here to ensure it’s the former.
Let’s work together to create an event experience that looks as good as it feels. Ready to start planning? Reach out today—we’ve got your back.

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