Why are so many organizations investing in video walls when they could use one large display, a front video projector, or a set of individual monitors? A video wall features high-resolution displays driven by an exceptionally capable processing and computing system, also known as a video wall controller. Although video walls appear similar to single displays, they are deceptively powerful and provide superior performance levels when compared to more basic technologies. If you’re interested in adding a video wall to your space, check out our video wall design tips to get started on the right foot.
Review your requirements.
First, review your requirements and preferences. Your answers to the questions below will give you some direction.
- Why do you want a video wall? Many organizations use this technology to entertain, inform, or advertise.
- Who will your audience be?
- Where will your video wall be located? You will need to consider the size of the space, the traffic patterns, the structural support, and the ambient light.
- What resolution will your video wall’s displays be? This will likely be determined by the size of the video wall, the viewing distance, the type of content displayed, and the readability of any type displayed.
- Will your video wall be interactive?
- What is your budget?
Try to nail down your requirements before you begin exploring your options so that you aren’t overwhelmed by the possibilities. And as you explore the rest of our video wall design tips, keep your end goal in mind so that you don’t forget any essential features.
Determine your content.
The content you wish to display on your video wall will drive a lot of your decisions regarding the design. Consider your preferred content type (HD, 4k) and your content sources (TV, Internet, video, live stream, presentation, etc.). The content you wish to present will directly impact the hardware you must purchase. Do you plan to display still images, full motion video, presentations, etc.? What are the resolutions of the source files? Do you have any audio requirements?
Who will create and update the content? You could use the services of someone in-house or outsource your content’s creation. Where will this person update the content – the equipment room, somewhere within the building, at a location further afield? All of these decisions can impact the video wall’s design.
Select high-quality equipment and an appropriate mounting system.
Opt for professional-grade equipment – displays, mounts, video wall processor, and cabling. It will last longer, no matter what the environment. Check that your chosen professor will work with your content, providing sufficient processing speeds, color reproduction, and image upscaling and downscaling. In addition, be sure to choose an appropriate mounting system. Your equipment may require additional support to handle its weight in order to prevent system failure or personal injury. Your choice of mounting system will also affect how maintenance and repairs are performed, as certain systems allow easier access to failed parts.
Cool it.
Heat accumulates behind video walls, so you must plan for ventilation. Luckily, displays are designed to welcome fresh air and expel hot air to prevent overheating. You can add further ventilation with fans and enclosed casings. Making a plan for air flow to keep your equipment cool can extend the life of your system and protect your investment.
Determine electrical requirements.
Video walls require a lot of electrical energy, and it is important that you determine the proper power consumption for your system and use the right supplies. Your video wall may require AC power at the displays and/or equipment rack area. In addition, conduit pathways between the displays and equipment racks can assist with installation, long-term serviceability, and upgrade flexibility. Finally, a surge suppressor can ensure that spikes in power don’t damage your system. By carefully determining your electrical requirements and selecting the right products, you can avoid power-related performance problems.
Hire a professional for the installation.
Installing a video wall can be complicated, but relying on an experienced professional will ensure that your project is successful. For example, if the wall is not flat and level, it will require very careful installation of all mounting points and adjustments to ensure that all of the displays combine to form a smooth and consistent surface. This tedious process can take a lot of time and skill, so we highly recommend that you have a pro on hand. If you hire a professional, you may also be able to rely on that company again in the future for preventative maintenance. In addition, a pro can help you calibrate the screens and test the content.
Now that you’ve reviewed our video wall design tips, are you ready to purchase some new technology? If you need help planning, designing, or integrating a video wall, contact Southwest Audio-Visual today. We supply a variety of A-V products and services, including LCD and DVLED (Direct View LED) from a variety of manufacturers. Our thin bezel and bezel-less video walls can be configured in any size for any space.
With our help, you can find a video wall that meets your budget, design, and size requirements. To get started, please contact us online or give us a call at (417) 887-4900. We would be happy to help you with all of your A-V needs and provide additional video wall design tips.