In the connected world of today, video wall technology has had a great impact on all businesses, and almost all industries. It is the perfect equipment for information dissemination and is utilized in a variety of scenarios, including corporate workstations, foyer signage, public areas, schools, auditoriums, control rooms, etc. What is a video wall exactly? How does it work? Let’s learn about its basics in this blog.
What Is a Video Wall?A video wall is a unique multi-monitor configuration made up of numerous computer monitors, video projectors, or television sets that have been tiled or layered together to create one big screen.
A video wall can display various content on each monitor or it can function as one unified huge display. The majority of video walls use LED technology for individual screens, with LCD monitors, tiles, and cubes following suit.
How Does a Video Wall Work?You’ll need processing and control systems that can communicate with your display if you’re employing a video wall. Each video source you use is routed to the appropriate screen at the appropriate resolution thanks to video wall processors. Your video wall processor and control systems will be more complex the more intricate your display will be.
A video wall processor‘s most fundamental function is to transport a video from a single source to a single screen (you would just have a different image on each screen). The next step is the ability to distribute an image across several screens and, in some situations, incorporate videos from other sources.
Different Types of Video WallTo build a video wall, you can combine several display technologies, such as LCD or LED panels, tiles, cubes, projector screens, and even “transparent” displays. The ideal technology depends on the desired resolution. For instance, in a location where viewers would be up close, you might want high-resolution LED monitors. However, for displays that are visible from a distance, such as those in stadiums, you can choose lower-resolution solutions.
To minimize display seams while employing panels, it is typically better to use screens with extremely thin bevels (the borders around the screens). The seams are essentially undetectable in transparent displays.
There are many different layout options for building video wall displays. The most fundamental designs employ rectangular displays in matrices with different screen sizes, such as 2×2, 4×4, 8×8, etc.
If you intend to distribute one input across numerous screens, these are intuitive. A unique layout is also acceptable if it improves the viewing experience (for example, having some intentional gaps in the whole display). Multiple grids may occasionally exist within a single bigger display.
Where to Use Video WallsWhen you examine the places where a large video display is useful, the applications for video walls are virtually limitless. Here are some of the most typical applications:
However, why on earth should you utilize a video wall? The top advantages of a video wall are listed below.
AV Access HDIP100 and 4KIP200 AV over IP solutions can help you build an IP matrix with a video wall up to 8×8. If you are looking for a high-quality and plug-n-play AV over IP solution which can build a video wall, AV Access HDIP100 or 4KIP200 is the one that you can’t miss.
The HDIP100D and 4KIP200D AV over IP solutions include HDMI encoders and HDMI decoders. The decoders have a built-in scaler, which can split an HDMI source into several parts and display it on a video wall, like 2×2, 4×4, 8×8, etc.
These AV over IP solutions can work flawlessly with any universal managed or unmanaged Ethernet switch on the market. They support matrix switching, easy visual control, fast seamless switching, and other amazing features, ideal for sports bar, restaurant, shopping mall, retail store, house of worship, etc.
ConclusionSince video walls are becoming more accessible, many smaller businesses have also hopped on board, seeing how this technology can help them be more productive and boost their brand visibility. Due to unlimited flexibility and scalability, video walls are quite useful in various industries, as recognized by many Fortune 500 firms and huge brands.
That’s all for the blog. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Video walls can be simple or complex depending on what you want to use them for. This article will define what a basic video wall is, the components you need to buy and tips for designing appropriate content.
In short, a video wall is a collection of screens that are combined/tiled together to create one large display. Typical display technologies used include LCD, direct LED tiles, rear-projection and laser displays. The purpose for using video walls varies depending on the industry. Industries where video walls can be used include; corporates, hospitals, retailers, government offices, churches, schools, casinos and hotel receptions.
Most video wall installations are going to be LED for a few reasons:
Because of their size and clarity, video walls have a WOW factor that makes them very effective for marketing messages and branding. It’s important to note that the content displayed is key in reaching messaging goals for the video wall. And in order to optimize the content displayed, content management software is needed.
The software enables users to change the content, adjust the content layout, and update content schedules. It provides a richer set of control features including multi-user access and reporting.
That’s what this article is about i.e. video walls with content management software. Surprisingly, only 13% of the video wall systems installed have content management software. Such projects run the risk of showing poor content, which makes the video wall a very expensive decoration.
A video wall is a collection of displays aligned so content can be displayed over the displays continuously. Video walls works by using a specific type of hardware setup to display content without interruption. This also requires software to help plan and configure the content.
But why should you even use a video wall? Below are the top benefits of a video wall.
Because of their large size, video displays are able to command attention. They are hard to ignore by customers, employees, or visitors, which makes them an ideal tool for an organization’s branding or informational campaigns.
Video walls can help perform tasks an employee normally would. It can free up employee time so they can work on more pressing tasks. This is done by displaying important information that staff would typically have to answer: For instance:
A video wall that is powered by content management software is designed to display different types of content simultaneously. For instance, a campus can use a video wall to display maps, school events, and useful information like weather, news and social media.
Traditionally, video walls, especially LED ones, have been used in retail for advertising and at events. Costs were high and content management wasn’t as evolved. Today, video walls are cheaper and more affordable for small and medium businesses. They are being installed in corporate offices, schools, government offices, hospitals, hotels, casinos and houses of worship. They are so diverse and thus are used across a large range of industries.
Check out our video wall examples post for some inspiration!
LED video walls offer a lot of flexibility in design. For instance, they can be curved to fit around corners and columns. Additionally they can be shaped in architectural ways outside of the traditional rectangle or square install.
The content management software enables businesses to customize and personalize the content displayed on the screens.
Different content can be displayed at different times of the day e.g. a restaurant video wall can show different breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. The content also auto-updates e.g. when a calendar changes, the events listed on the video wall are updated.
Retail businesses that use digital signage can improve their sales by 32%. Retailers can use a video display system to alert thousands of target customers about discounts and other great deals.
An estimated wait time sign can combat customer dissatisfaction resulting from unpredictable waiting times. Leading service providers have been using this trick to keep clients waiting patiently. Thus, like those leading service providers, any business can use this system to improve their customer satisfaction scores.
42% of consumers are likely to purchase from stores with video displays rather than those without. The video displays give customers more information about the products, help to upsell complementary products and overall improve the ambiance in the store.
Video wall system components
While the display is the most visible part of a video wall, it isn’t the only element. Several other video wall system components collaborate to display those attention-grabbing images on display.
Some of the components are:
The hardware refers to all physical components that make up the entire system. The most significant hardware are:
Digital display refers to the screens. For instance to form one large display, screens can be tiled together. The screens can be LED or LCD. We recommend using commercial-grade screens with narrow bezels for seamless viewing and best content display.
LED screens have thinner bezels, the widest viewing angles, best picture quality, and more energy-efficient. They are however much more expensive than an LCD screen of the same size.
The media player is a device you connect to your screen. For example, the media player can be connected via an HDMI cable or VGA ports to the screen. It receives content from the software and displays it on the screen.
Also known as the content management software (CMS), digital signage software is the central platform to allow users to manage their digital signage content.
Without going into too much detail, your software is the command center that lets you upload/create content and deploy it to your video wall. This is where you’ll manage the content displayed and the hardware used.
This is undoubtedly the most essential aspect of a success digital display. It’s what the target viewers see and interact with. This content can be in the form of images, screenshots, videos, infographics, GIFs, memes, and presentations.
Video walls display information. Ideally, this would be to the right target audience at the correct time. Otherwise, this communication and advertisement channel will be less effective.
So how does one make sure that their video wall system plays its role effectively? Below are some video wall content design tips:
Most savvy business owners first question when they see a video wall boils down to, “How can I use this technology?” The top video wall applications are:
By far the most difficult aspect of the process is the video wall installation. For those looking for how to make a video wall, we have a great mini-guide below.
Video walls are a set of screens that work together to create one continuous and impressive display. You may want a video wall to relay information, create an immersive display, interact with your audience, or for presentations. They are difficult to create for those that are unfamiliar with the process. However, following the tips in this guide should make it easier.
You need to create a draft project document that highlights its important points, goals, or objectives. Some points to consider include:
If you decide on a DIY video wall, you are likely to mess up the measurements. Here’s what you should include:
The most important digital signage hardware element is the video wall panels. If they are for digital signage, you want high-quality video wall displays like an LG or Samsung video wall. Using Samsung for illustrative purposes, a single display unit costs $2,000 to $6,000.
When choosing a video wall TV, remember that a thin bezel TV for video wall will look the best. They create an illusion of a seamless video wall, especially if you choose a multiple panel set-up, such as a 3×3 video wall. Another thing to consider is that LCDs are better at close-up viewing, and LEDs look better at further distances.
Video wall mounts come in various types; make sure you get the right one for your displays. For instance, the Peerless video wall mount can only accommodate 46’ to 55’ video wall TVs. A simple Peerless 2×2 mounting kit for 46’-55’ screens costs $534.
Digital signage media players allow you to control and show content on digital signage displays. Most media players come bundled with video wall software free of charge.
If you have a simple project such as a 2×2 video wall mount, a simple $299 Xhibit Mykro media player will do. For a bigger set-up like a video wall grid, you need more computing power. A desktop computer that has several display ports will be more suitable as your video wall processor. Alternatively, you can go with video/matrix players or video wall controllers. They are devices that allow streaming of a single video source to multiple screens.
It would help if you had digital signage software or content management software (CMS) to control and display content on your video wall. Although some software is cloud-based, you can choose an onsite solution such as Mvix software.
Video wall signage is not cheap. Create a detailed project draft that lists down all materials before you start. Let others run through the draft to ensure you cover everything, preventing oversight that could prove costly down the road.
You are likely to overlook some design features; why not create a wall schematic? The wall drawing will give you a rough idea of what the video wall will look like.
A grid-style video wall is the most complicated set-up as it requires a lot of configuring and installation.
With your digital signage video wall up and running, you need to create customized content for display. Before you do so, you need to develop digital signage content through research, content creation, and distribution. Some innovative digital signage content ideas of:
Like any other electronic, you should regularly clean your video wall screens to get rid of dust and dirt. Ensure you update the software to keep it running smoothly. Support needs to check the displays to catch any degradation quickly and prevent downtime. Additionally, keep the video wall display off for at least two hours daily.
You need to keep your content fresh and interesting through updates. Fortunately, there are plenty of digital signage apps that simplify creating and updating rich content.
Are video walls worth the investment? The short answer is yes. When used, this technology can increase an organization’s brand identity and streamline visitor experience. A video wall system can foster good first impressions, support self-service, and free up employees. When video display signage are designed professionally, they tend to deliver the best benefits. Unlike amateurs, professionals will align the system for enhanced visibility, and set up the system appropriately. With an expert’s input, a video wall will not disappoint.
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