Everything You Need To Know About Our Products

Product

What is the Pixelgrinder modular panel system?

The Pixelgrinder modular panel system is a straightforward, open LED panel design that lets you start small and build from there.

Add panels as your budget and ambition grow, creating whatever configuration your project calls for, from a single panel setup to a full LED wall or an out of this world immersive installation.

Our panels are built from widely available parts, designed to be maintained and repaired by you (if that's your vibe), are portable, and priced to make getting into LED screens accessible without the usual upfront overhead of knowledge gathering or trial and error.

What panels do you currently offer, and are more coming?

We currently offer the PSLED01 panel system, using P3 (3mm pixel pitch) panels at 192x970mm.

Panels can be used individually or linked together in a chain to build larger screens and walls, all from a single video source. The current system is designed for indoor use.

We're actively working on new panel variants that will open up different LED screen sizes, configurations, and price points.

Longer term we're exploring different pixel pitches and outdoor options. Watch this space.

What's included with each panel?

Each panel ships with the panel itself and a kettle lead for power.

Pre-Assembled arrives ready to go as a single unit. All The Parts includes every component needed to complete a DIY build of the same panel yourself. A full bill of materials for each panel type is available in our data packs.

To run an LED panel or screen you'll also need a sending card, an RJ45 cable to connect the panel to the card, and a video source. Sending cards come supplied with the HDMI to DVI and USB cables you'll need.

If you're starting from scratch rather than expanding an existing setup our LED Screen Bundles include the panels, sending card, and all the cables you will need to get your first screen up and running.

How do the panels connect together?

Panels connect together via standard RJ45 cables, chained in series from the sending card through each panel in your setup.

Once connected, you'll use NovaLCT software to configure your panels as a single screen. We have guides covering this in Workshop Notes, and our starter bundles arrive with the panels and sending card configured and ready to go.

Should I buy Pre-Assembled or All The Parts? What is the difference?

Pre-Assembled panels arrive ready to go, just connect them up and get started. All The Parts includes every component needed to build the same panel yourself, for those who want to get hands on with the build.

A build guide is included with All The Parts kits, and we'll be publishing a full step by step build tutorial in Workshop Notes.

All The Parts is a great option if you want to understand exactly how everything goes together, or if you enjoy a good build project.

Are the panels repairable?

Yes. Our LED panels are built from readily available components using standard tools, and are designed to be straightforward to maintain and repair yourself.

If you need spare parts we can supply them, and we're happy to help with repairs or maintenance if you get stuck. Get in touch.

Indoor or outdoor use?

Current Pixelgrinder panels are designed for indoor use only.

Outdoor panels are something we're working towards, follow us on socials or keep an eye on Workshop Notes for updates.

What's the minimum viewing distance?

Pixelgrinder panels use P3 LED modules, which are optimised for viewing distances of roughly 3 metres and upwards. They're well suited to venues, stages, and events where your audience will be at least a few metres back from the screen.

For very close viewing distances, a finer pixel pitch would be a better fit. We cover pixel pitch in more detail in Workshop Notes.

Do the panels have mounting points?

Our LED panels have VESA compatible mount points built directly into the frame, giving you a sturdy connection and near endless options for how and where you mount them. Standard VESA mounting hardware is widely available and works with everything from lighting rigs to wall mounts to custom fabrications.

Brackets are not included as the right solution varies depending on your setup and use case. We'll be including appropriate mounting hardware in our use case bundles as those become available.

What are the power requirements?

Each panel draws around 110W at full brightness, with an internal 200W PSU giving plenty of overhead. Panels run off a standard UK mains supply (200-240V) via a C13 fused socket with a power switch.

If you're running a larger setup it's worth factoring in total power draw. A ten panel setup will draw around 1100W at full brightness, so check venue power availability before you go.

First Steps With Pixelgrinder LED Panels

Getting Set Up

What experience level do I need to set up and use the panels?

We aim to make LED panels as accessible as possible regardless of experience level.

Pre-Assembled panels require a reasonable level of computer literacy for setup and configuration. If you're happy installing software and following technical guides you'll be fine.

All The Parts kits are designed to be straightforward to build without specialist skills. If you're comfortable putting together flat pack furniture and can handle a hex key and screwdriver you've got everything you need. A full build guide is included, and we'll be publishing a step by step tutorial in Workshop Notes.

What tools do I need?

For All The Parts kits you'll need a screwdriver set with T20 and T8 Torx bits. Fair warning, some of the T8 screws are in tight spots where just using the bare bit in your fingers is easier than a full driver.

A pair of tweezers is handy for a couple of awkward nuts, and an M3 socket would be useful for the small M3 fixings, though fingers work fine. Everything else is tool free.

No tools are required for Pre-Assembled panels, just cables and connections.

What do I need to use as a video source / What signal input do the panels accept?

Panels are driven from any device with an HDMI or DVI output. A laptop, desktop, or media player will all work. The sending card has a DVI input and comes supplied with an HDMI to DVI cable.

You'll also need a computer to configure the sending card using Novastar's NovaLCT software. This is a one time setup rather than something you need to do every use. Once configured you can run your screen from whatever video source works best for your setup without needing a computer permanently attached.

For most use cases any standard video signal will work without adjustment. The sending card is optimised for 8-bit colour - higher colour depths are supported but may affect resolution. NovaLCT has extensive configuration options if you need to dial anything in.

What software do I need?

The only software you need is NovaLCT, Novastar's free panel configuration tool. It's available to download directly from the Novastar website, and we have setup guides in Workshop Notes to walk you through getting everything configured.

How do I configure multiple panels into a single screen?

Link your panels together in series using RJ45 cables from the sending card through each panel, then use NovaLCT to configure them as a single screen. We have a full guide covering this in our Workshop Notes article.

What other peripherals might I need?

What you need depends on how you're planning to use your panels. A video source, mounting solution, and power distribution are the main considerations for most setups.

Our starter bundles cover the panels, sending card, and cabling to get your screen up and running. Use case bundles are coming that will include everything you need for specific applications, from flight cases and mounting hardware to power distribution, so you can just turn up and get going.

In the meantime our Workshop Notes cover what to consider for different setups, and we're always happy to advise if you're not sure what you need for your specific use case.

What support is available if I get stuck?

We're a small business and we genuinely want to hear from you if you're having trouble with your setup. Getting in touch directly is the best first step, it helps us help you, and your questions and feedback directly inform how we improve our products, documentation, and support resources.

We're building out a troubleshooting section in Workshop Notes based on real world questions and issues, so the more people ask the better it gets for everyone.

Get in touch via the contact page and we'll do our best to help.

About Your Order

Buying

How long does fulfilment take?

Panels are made to order, so please allow some time between ordering and dispatch. Pre-Assembled panels currently take around three weeks depending on order size. All The Parts kits are generally quicker but may still take up to a week or more if additional components need sourcing.

We'll be in touch after you order with a specific estimate for your build. We'd rather give you an honest timeline than a vague one.

How is my order shipped, and do you ship outside the UK?

Orders are shipped via courier. We currently ship to UK addresses only.

Full details on shipping costs, timescales, and packaging are on our shipping policy page.

What is your returns policy?

Full details on returns and refunds are on our refund policy page.

What warranty do you offer?

All Pixelgrinder panels are covered by your statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. We're working on a formal warranty policy and will update this shortly.

Our LED Panel Hire

Rental Service

What areas do you cover?

We're based in Derbyshire and regularly cover Derby, Nottingham, Sheffield and the surrounding area. We're happy to travel further afield, additional travel and accommodation costs apply.

Get in touch with your location and we'll work something out.

What's included in a rental booking?

Pixelgrinder LED screen hire is a fully managed service. We attend, set up, operate the panels throughout your event, and strike everything at the end.

You're not hiring equipment, you're hiring a complete visual experience with someone who knows exactly how it all works.

Do you provide visuals, and can I use my own?

All bookings include visuals as standard. Our abstract, rave-influenced Pixelgrinder visuals work brilliantly as a backdrop for events, DJ sets, and live performances. Basic customisation like scrolling artist names and logos can be added to personalise the visuals to your event.

If you have your own visuals we're happy to run those instead, or alongside ours.

Can you create bespoke visuals for my event?

Yes, we can work with you to create custom visuals to fit your requirements or using your source material.

Get in touch with what you have in mind and we'll talk through what's possible.

How much does rental cost?

LED screen rental starts from £300 for a single day event (up to 8 hours) in the local area.

Final pricing depends on the number of panels, location and travel requirements, duration, and visuals needs. Full pricing details are on the rental page.

Is there a minimum booking size or duration?

Rental is based off a full daytime or evening, up to 8 hours, starting from £300 for up to 10 panels in the local area.

For longer events or larger screens please get in touch and we can chat about your requirements.

How do I enquire about a booking?

Get in touch via the contact page with details of your event - date, location, what you're looking for - and we'll come back to you with availability and a quote.

Knowledge Should Be Free! Be Inspired

Free Stuff

What is in the data pack?

Each Data Pack contains everything you need to understand and build a Pixelgrinder LED panel from scratch.

Including a step by step assembly guide, screen connection diagrams, a full bill of materials, wiring schematics, cable sizes and connector references, DXF and PDF laser cutting files for the Pixelgrinder acrylic back and end plates, and a safety guide.

It's everything we'd want if we were building someone else's panel for the first time.

Is the data pack free?

Yes, completely free when you sign up to our mailing list using the form below. We are not fans of receiving loads of emails so will not bombard you with them.

How do I get the data pack?

Sign up to the mailing list below to be sent a link to download the latest Data Pack for free.

Will there be data packs for future panel types?

Yes, every Pixelgrinder panel type will have its own data pack, available free via the mailing list.

Where can I find free tutorials and build guides?

Workshop Notes is our ever growing library of guides, tutorials, and technical content. It's where the deep dive stuff lives.

What is Pixelgrinder All About

Our Approach

Why do you share so much information and content for free?

Because we wish we had a resource like this when we got started.

We found there was a very steep learning curve when we were getting started. Knowledge is hard to find and figuring out how anything actually works involves a lot of expensive trial and error. We've been through that process and it's frustrating. Pixelgrinder exists to be the opposite of that.

Tutorials, build guides, wiring schematics, laser cutting files, all of it is freely available because knowledge should be free. If you follow along and never spend a penny with us that's absolutely fine, we hope you get inspired to build something awesome. If you find our panels useful and want to support what we're doing, even better.

What is your approach to repairability and longevity?

Our panels are built from widely available, standard components and designed to be maintained and repaired by their owners. If something breaks we want you to be able to fix it, not replace it.

We stock spare parts and we're happy to help with repairs.

Our goal is to make panels that last, not panels that need replacing.

What is your approach to sustainability and packaging?

We do our best to reuse and recycle packaging wherever possible and avoid single use plastic. This means your order might arrive in packaging that looks a bit mismatched or well travelled - that's intentional, not an oversight.

We'd rather reuse a good box than buy a new one. Full details on our approach are on our sustainability page.

Why are your prices shown upfront?

Because we couldn't find any actual prices when we were researching the market, which was a frustrating experience.

If you're trying to figure out whether LED panels fit your budget you deserve to know what things cost without having to talk to a salesperson first. So we just show our prices.