Difference Between Synchronous and Asynchronous LED Displays

Synchronous and Asynchronous Control

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LED display screens have become quite popular in the business and media industry. In my view, one can see these display screens everywhere. Of course, there are different types of screens also. But, many people are unaware of the various aspects of LED displays. And this knowledge is essential to select a display screen.

In this article, I will discuss synchronous and asynchronous LED displays. These names might appear confusing to you. But don’t you worry. I am here to help you understand these two types and their features.

The synchronous display screens have a synchronous control system. Such types of LED screens show the content that the computer shows. On the other hand, the asynchronous display screens have an asynchronous control system. And they don’t need a computer to always work with the screens. 

Synchronous and Asynchronous Control

Take it easy. Before going ahead, we need to understand the display screen control system.

What is the LED display control system?

It is the system that controls the content displayed on the screen. For example, it runs videos, images, animations, texts, etc.

There are two kinds of control systems. I will explain them first briefly in simple words here.

Synchronous control system: 

In this control system, the display screen will show what the computer sends. Without a computer or if the computer is off, the LED screen will not display the content.

The synchronous control system consists of the following things:

• Sending card

• Receiving card

• Relevant control software installed in the computer

You will connect the computer and the LED screen. The computer has the sending card. While the display screen has the receiving card installed in it.

First, you will have to edit the content using the control software on the computer. After that, you send the content to the receiving card through the sending card. Then, the receiving card will take this content to the display screen. And the LED screen shows the contents.

Synchronous and Asynchronous Control

Asynchronous control system:

It is the exact opposite of a synchronous control system. It doesn’t need the computer all the time to show the content on the screen. This system also requires a sending card. But in this system, the sending card has a memory function.

We can send the content to the sending card through a computer, USB, SD card, Wi-Fi, etc. 

The sending card will transfer the content to the receiving card. Even if the computer turns off, the screen can display the content.

Synchronous and Asynchronous Control

Now, let’s move on to the display screens and their features.

What is a synchronous LED screen? 

Such types of screens have a synchronous system. As mentioned above, these screens display the computer screen’s content. In simple words, it runs the real-time display of the computer screen. Therefore, once the computer stops working, the LED screen will also stop showing the content.

You see that we can display anything on the screen with the help of a computer. There are no limitations on the content that you can run. You can change it anytime you want through the computer. It updates the content at the rate of 60 frames per second. You can select the images, videos, or texts on the computer. At the same time, the LED screen will show the same. You only need to update the content in real-time.

The control system regulates the operating mode of the display screen. Another exciting feature is that it can multi-grayscale color display. As a result, it can also perform the function of multimedia advertising.

Isn’t it a great feature? Well, wait, we will also have to look at the other side of it. If the computer shuts down at any time, the display will get disturbed on the screen. So, it restricts the working of the display screen when the computer shuts down. And it can happen due to various reasons.

Synchronous and Asynchronous Control

Features of the synchronous LED screen:

• It comprises a complex operation mechanism. Moreover, the synchronous display screens are expensive and extensive also.

• It supports the real-time display feature.

• Such types of screens are generally used as rental screens for various kinds of events. These events can include weddings, concerts, parties, etc.

• You can use the synchronous LED screen both indoors and outdoors.

• These displays come as 4K displays or indoor LED video walls.

• There is a space built for computers on such display screens.

Applications of the synchronous LED screen:

Such types of screens find uses at:

• Meeting room

• Conference room

• Church

• Hospital

• Station

• Airport

• Restaurant

• Office

• Cinema

• Exhibitions

• Concerts

• Parties

Synchronous and Asynchronous Control

What is an asynchronous LED screen? 

As discussed above, the asynchronous screen has an asynchronous control system. And that’s why it works exactly opposite to the synchronized screen. It means that it doesn’t need a computer to run the content all the time. Instead, the sending card has a memory function.

You can edit the graphical display of the screen on a computer. After this, you will have to send it to the sending card. And it further transfers the content to the receiving card. In short, the content gets saved on the display screen, and you can play it anytime.  

It is a great feature to have on an LED screen. Even if the computer stops working, the display still works fine. But again, every technology has some drawbacks. In the case of asynchronous LED screens, I will explain two disadvantages.

First, such type of screen doesn’t have a real-time display option. And secondly, you can’t run unlimited content on these screens. It means that you cannot just change the display by changing it on a computer. Instead, you will have to work and finalize the content earlier.

And there is a limit to the storage capacity of the card. Thus, it is suitable for situations where real-time requirements are not significant.

Synchronous and Asynchronous Control

Features of the asynchronous LED screen:

• It comprises a simple operation mechanism. Moreover, these display screens are cheap and small in size.

• It doesn’t support the real-time display feature.

• These are best suited for places where you cannot manage a computer alongside.

• The asynchronous screens come as front door LED signboards mostly.

Applications of the asynchronous LED screen:

Such types of display screens find uses at:

• Shopping mall

• Plaza

• Building wall

• Highways

• Pole or column billboard

Synchronous and Asynchronous Control

Conclusion:

In short, if you are getting an LED screen, you should have basic knowledge about it. For example, you should know the difference between synchronous and asynchronous screens. Also, every type of display screen has some different features installed in it. Thus, if you see it, you will better know which screen best suits you.

And if we look at the differences, both of these screens have their uses. One comes in a large size, while the other comes in a small size. There are businesses on both small scale and large scales. Thus, both of these screens have applications.

Sunny Wong
Sunny Wong

Hello. I am Sunny Wong, the author of this post.

I entered the LED screen industry in 2008 and have always been in this field.

The purpose of this article is to share with you the knowledge related to LED screens from a Chinese supplier’s perspective.

If you want to distribute or explore your local LED screen market, please ask me any questions.

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