An outdoor LED screen rental lets a crowd see your stage, your sponsors or the game from across a park, a parking lot or a school field, even in full daylight. Outdoor screens are a different product from indoor video walls, though, and the right choice depends on sunlight, viewing distance, wind and power. This guide explains how outdoor LED screen rentals work in Southern California and what to plan for before you book.
Indoor vs. outdoor LED screens: why it matters
Indoor LED panels are built for ballrooms and halls. In direct sun they look washed out, and they are not sealed against dust, dew or a passing sprinkler. Outdoor-rated panels are much brighter, weather-sealed and designed to be read from farther away. If any part of your event happens in daylight, or the screen will sit outside a tent, you need outdoor panels.
- Brightness: outdoor panels are several times brighter than indoor panels, so video stays readable in afternoon sun.
- Weather sealing: outdoor cabinets are sealed against dust and moisture for open-air events.
- Pixel pitch: outdoor screens usually use 3.9mm or 2.9mm pitch. Larger pitch is fine because the audience stands farther back.
Which outdoor LED screen size do you need?
A simple rule: the farther back your audience stands, the bigger the screen should be. These are typical sizes we plan for outdoor events.
| Event | Typical audience distance | Typical screen width | Pixel pitch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backyard party or small outdoor ceremony | 15–40 ft | 8–12 ft | 2.9mm or 3.9mm |
| School, church or community event | 30–80 ft | 10–16 ft | 3.9mm |
| Festival stage or concert | 50–150 ft | 16–24 ft (often two side screens) | 3.9mm |
| Sports watch party or outdoor movie night | 30–100 ft | 12–20 ft | 3.9mm |
Not sure? Use our LED wall size and price calculator or send us your venue and expected crowd size, and we will recommend a size.
How much does an outdoor LED screen rental cost?
Outdoor LED screen rentals from Unity Logics start at $4,000 per event day. That includes delivery, setup, strike and an on-site LED technician. The final price depends on:
- Screen size (number of panels) and pixel pitch
- How the screen is supported: ground-stack, truss or a stage frame
- Power: venue power or a generator
- Number of event days and any overnight security needs
- Extras such as cameras for live video, a video switcher or sound
For indoor events and detailed price ranges, see our LED wall rental cost guide and jumbotron rental cost guide.
What to plan for an outdoor LED screen
Sun angle
Even bright outdoor panels look best when the sun is behind the audience rather than shining straight onto the screen. When we walk your site, we look at where the sun will be during your event and face the screen accordingly where the layout allows.
Wind and support
A large LED screen acts like a sail. We plan ballast, ground support or truss for the screen size and the site, and we follow the venue’s rules for anchoring. On very windy days, the on-site technician monitors conditions and can lower brightness or take safety steps when needed.
Power
Outdoor LED screens need dedicated power. If your site does not have enough outlets or circuits close by, we plan a generator sized for the screen plus any sound and lighting, and route cables safely away from walkways.
Permits and venue rules
Events on public land, such as city parks, often need a special event permit from the city or park operator, and some venues require certificates of insurance from vendors. We provide the vendor paperwork your venue asks for and work with your planner on the site plan.
Popular uses for outdoor LED screens
- Festivals and concerts: a center screen behind the band or two side screens showing live camera shots (IMAG) so the back of the crowd can see the stage. Learn more in our guide to IMAG screens.
- Graduations and school events: names, photos and live video for families seated far from the stage.
- Church and community events: lyrics, sermons and announcements for outdoor services and celebrations.
- Weddings and sangeet or garba nights: slideshows, monograms and live video on resort lawns and in backyards.
- Sports watch parties and outdoor movie nights: a big, bright screen with sound for a large group.
- Brand activations: product video and sponsor content at outdoor activations and pop-ups.
Where we provide outdoor LED screen rentals
We deliver, set up and run outdoor LED screens across Southern California from our shop in Ontario, CA, including Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside and the Inland Empire. See all LED wall rental locations.
Outdoor LED screen rental FAQ
Can an LED screen be used in direct sunlight?
Yes, if it is an outdoor-rated, high-brightness screen. Indoor panels are not bright enough for direct sun.
What happens if it rains?
Outdoor panels are weather-sealed for typical outdoor conditions. Our technician keeps an eye on the weather and makes safety calls on site, and we talk through a weather plan with you before the event.
Is a technician included?
Yes. Every LED screen rental includes delivery, setup, an on-site LED technician during the event and teardown.
How far in advance should I book?
For spring and summer weekends, book as early as you can, ideally several weeks ahead. Weekday and off-season dates are often easier to schedule.
Ready to plan your outdoor screen? Request a free quote or call (951) 268-7773.
