Invented and patented by LightnTec

Deep-Black-Shader

Contrast that cuts power. A microstructured deep-black layer between the pixels - a LightnTec invention, available as an add-on for LEDtecFlex™ | P5 Display.

What it is

Not a product. An upgrade to one.

Deep-Black-Shader is not a separate display and not a separate product line. It is a patented optical layer, invented by LightnTec, applied to the LEDtecFlex™ foil you already know.

Same foil. Same weight class. Same retrofit workflow. What changes is the optical surface between the pixels - and with it, the power the screen needs to stay readable.

01

Ordered as an option

Specified per project on the existing LEDtecFlex™ | P5 Display - not a new product to qualify.

02

Nothing changes on site

Same ultra-light retrofit process, same approved carriers, same service concept.

03

Protected by patent

Invented in-house at LightnTec and protected by patent.

The problem

Brightness alone does not solve daylight readability.

On a conventional LED surface, ambient light hits the substrate around the LEDs and is reflected straight back at the viewer. The image washes out. The industry’s usual answer is more brightness - which means more power, more heat and more stress on the components.

Deep-Black-Shader works on the other side of the equation: the black level.

How it works

A microstructured deep-black flocking is applied between the pixels. Instead of reflecting incident light, the surface absorbs it. The visible black level drops, so the same LED output reads as a far stronger image.

What changes

The LEDs themselves are unchanged. Everything around them is. Because perceived contrast rises, the panel can be driven softer and still look strong.

✕ Standard LED surface - low black level
LIGHTN
✓ LEDtecFlex™ with Deep-Black-Shader
LIGHTN

Illustration: the same content and the same drive level under direct sunlight, with and without the Deep-Black-Shader layer. See the real-life comparison →

Measured effect

Three compounding advantages.

>5×
higher contrast in daylight

Deep-black material lowers the visible black level and reduces reflections. Brightness alone cannot solve outdoor readability.

~10 °C
cooler surface in direct sunlight

Compared with a conventional non-flocked LED surface. More thermal headroom, more stable outdoor operation.

up to ~50%
less energy, same perceived brightness

The screen needs less drive to look strong. Lower operating cost on every retrofit.

Higher contrast→lower required brightness→lower power→better operating economics

Real-life comparison

The same modules, photographed side by side.

Three content types on identical LEDtecFlex™ modules, shot on site under the same daylight. The only difference between the rows is the Deep-Black-Shader layer.

✓ With Deep-Black-Shader
Three LEDtecFlex modules with the Deep-Black-Shader layer: deep black level, saturated colour and crisp detail in daylight
✕ Without Deep-Black-Shader
The same three modules without the layer: raised black level, washed-out colour and loss of detail

Field photographs, same content and same lighting conditions. Left to right: high-contrast graphic, red brand surface, orange brand surface.

Why it matters

What it changes for the operator.

01

Readability in real light

Contrast-first instead of brightness-first. Built for daylight and high-lumen urban environments.

02

Thermal headroom

A cooler surface in direct sun means more stable operation and less thermal stress outdoors.

03

Lower operating cost

Less drive power for the same perceived brightness - over the full life of the installation.

04

Patent-protected

Architecture and application are patented LightnTec IP.

Field comparison

Measured side by side, same conditions.

Panels compared side by side on the same carrier, with identical content and viewing geometry.

1

Same conditions

Same content, viewing distance and angle, ambient light (day/night), screen size and pixel pitch; manufacturer-recommended calibration on both systems.

2

Matched luminance

On-axis cd/m² at a defined white patch and APL profile; gamma and colour temperature within spec; documented with photos and lux readings.

3

Power at AC input

True-RMS power meter including PSU losses; content APL, ambient light and temperature reported with each test window.

Result: up to 50% less energy for the same perceived brightness  |  >5× higher contrast

Availability

Add it to your P5 project.

Deep-Black-Shader is available as an add-on for LEDtecFlex™ | P5 Display. Specify it with your project and we will include it in the configuration and the quotation.

Indicative internal comparative measurements. Results depend on content, average picture level (APL), ambient light, viewing angle, calibration, temperature and installation conditions. Deep-Black-Shader is a patented LightnTec development.