[jamesmunns]

The generic name for these panels are "HUB75", based on the interface they use for driving them. I can confirm, these are $10-15/ea in small quantities on sites like Aliexpress. But you're likely right, they were probably buying retail from Adafruit.

[tyingq]

"HUB75" refers to the 16 pin connector and specific structure of the square wave signals it's expecting (row order, pixel order, etc). This particular sign appears to use a 4mm pitch (space between each R/G/B led), indoor-level brightness SMD leds, and modules that are 32x64 pixels, like this one on AliExpress: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832064290423.html?spm=a2g... ( ~$8 + ~$9 shipping to the US for single qty).

There are various "HUB75" panels of different pitch, brightness, LED type, matrix size, etc. Also, there's variations like "HUB75E" with 5 address lines instead of 4. Address lines are typically A/B/C, A/B/C/D, or A/B/C/D/E. And there's also "HUB08", "HUB12" and other standards.

[hef19898]

Why would you buy retail if you are a company buolding and selling hardware to begin with?

[mynameisvlad]

Everything in the article screams that they did not know what they were doing.

Why would you think that a company using a $25 Adafruit HAT that could be found for a magnitude less elsewhere would be using cheap LED matrices?

Put another way, what from the article gives you enough confidence to say that they would have used cheaper parts?

[Nextgrid]

I suspect the intention was to get an MVP out the door and get some initial "growth & engagement" so they can attract VCs - cost-effectiveness wasn't a priority at this stage.

It's a shame because there is a small but sustainable business here.