A video wall is a selection of several monitors that are put together like tiles so that they form one large screen. Some of the areas where this technology is deployed include stadiums, TV rooms, to name a few.
Video walls use various technologies, but the most common ones are LCD panels and direct view LED arrays. Let us find out more about how this technology works.
Common Video Wall Hardware
In order for a video wall to be fully functional, there is an array of equipment that has to work in-sync. The most important part of the video wall hardware is, of course, the monitor. Also, you will need equipment to connect the video wall, such as rigging bars. These vary in size and shape depending on the size of the video wall and the mounting requirements [whether the wall is temporarily or permanently mounted]. Rigging bars are designed so that they allow the video wall to be hung either vertically or horizontally.
Lastly, we have the video wall controllers. These refer to electronic devices that are built for the purpose of splitting an image into its distinct parts so it may be displayed onto the screen. These controllers come with inbuilt video processing chipsets that allow the video to be projected appropriately.
Choosing The Right Size And Shape Of A Video Wall
There are various factors that come into play when choosing the right size of a video wall. The most important factor is the number of display units that will be needed to fill the space on the wall. Generally, the larger the wall, the more display devices you will need.
Another important factor to consider is the specific use intended for the video wall. A video wall that is intended for use in a meteorological department may need to be bigger than the ones used in a newsroom. This is because there are more variables to be displayed in a weather station than there are different items in newsrooms.
Similarly, the size of the room or space also dictates the size and shape of the wall. A video wall used in sports stadia will likely be considerably larger than one used in a command and control centre. Last but not least, the type and quantity of information will also dictate the size of a video wall.
It is also important to note that there are certain technical considerations that affect the design of a video wall. A design engineer would normally determine the layout for the displays before settling on an appropriate shape and size. The common dimensions include 2 screens high X 4 screens wide, 3 screens high X 4 screens wide and 4 by 4, which is virtually a square. In order to arrive at these dimensions, the engineer would need to work on an aspect ratio. Other technical aspects you need to consider include the legibility of the content on the wall and the possible need to enhance it, the resolution of the video source, as well as the number of pixels able to be projected on the wall.
Choosing the Monitors And Mounting Considerations
Determining the right monitor for your video wall depends again on your specific needs. Generally, the monitor should use LCD technology for image and video clarity. A good place to start is to choose the monitors that use IPS technology, as these offer screen surface temperature tolerances of 230 degrees Fahrenheit. This helps deal with the common problem of overheating, that can affect picture quality.
When it comes to mounting, the height will be determined by the wall-size; the larger the size, the higher it should be mounted. The eye line also plays a major role in determining the mounting height. As a general rule, the centre of the screen should be aligned with the viewer’s line of vision.
Marcus Clarke is part of the community team at Next Day PC. Marcus enjoys staying on top of the latest tech trends and sharing how new tech can positively impact people’s lives.
