Pixel pitching in Virtual Production

Pixel pitching is a Systems Integration term in filmmaking. In virtual production, the nuances of this term take on special meaning. Here, we break down the definition to give you a starting point.

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Basic Definition:

What is Pixel pitching in virtual production?

In short, it is the distance between LEDs on a volume panel. The lower the number, the more dense the pitch, meaning greater visual resolution and less moiré artifacts. While this usually makes for a better picture, denser panels can also be much more expensive and sometimes less bright. For optimal performance, 2.8mm is considered the minimum standard. 

When considering pixel pitching for LED volumes, there are several important factors to keep in mind. Firstly, smaller pitches mean increased cost. It’s important to balance cost with desired image quality since investing too heavily into high density might be impractical for some productions. Also, depending on how close actors will be to the walls, you should consider if a higher or lower pitch would be better so as not to overwhelm them with thousands of tiny points of light up close. Finally, when going with a very small pixel pitch such as 0.7mm or 1.2mm, remember to factor in brightness loss due to the sheer amount of pixels needing power.

The people responsible for knowing everything about pixel pitching depend on the project but typically include cinematographers and lighting directors who need to find the perfect balance between budget and image quality. If their knowledge doesn't stretch beyond aesthetic considerations, then producers will most likely take care of all the financials.

If pixel pitching isn't ideal for a production, then low-resolution images and moiré patterns will ensue regardless of how talented the lighting crew is. To counteract this issue, one solution is using software-based methods such as real-time projection mapping, where visuals are mapped onto each panel according to its individual shape, thus eliminating any potential moiré issues without changing the physical specifications of the panel itself.