What is a video wall, where is it used, types and purpose

Video walls are “TVs” assembled from identical LCD panels, TVs or monitors, synchronized in image. Now they are used in the fields of education, business, entertainment – wherever there is a need to display information on a large screen. We will tell you how video module complexes are arranged, how to choose high-quality equipment and assemble it yourself.

Scope of video walls

Unlike a simple screen or a picture from a projector, video wall displays offer high resolution, clarity and vibrant colors. Monitors for video walls are capable of receiving and broadcasting a signal simultaneously from several sources. Therefore, they are suitable for work in rooms with a large number of people as the most practical. Video complexes are installed in:

1. dispatch centers.
2. situation centers.
3. simulators.
4. TV and radio companies.
5. Conference rooms.
6. lecture halls, etc.

Purpose of technology

The width and height of video walls reach, as a rule, up to several tens of meters. The forerunners of video wall panels were scoreboards – in contrast, the video wall is complemented by the functions of scaling content, instantly displaying new ideas on the screen, broadcasting from an unlimited number of channels, and so on. A video wall controller is needed when data comes from several sources at the same time: it also helps to change the position of the picture outside the frames of LCD video wall panels. Manual channel switching is not required when using it.

There are video wall mounts : floor, ceiling, wall and floor-to-ceiling.

Brightness is measured in candela per square meter, the ideal value for a wall is 500. There are also devices with a brightness of 700-800 cd / m2, used in rooms with increased lighting.

An ordinary wall is made up of video cubes, which, by their design, can have rear or front access. Cubes range in size from 20 to 100 inches diagonally. They are built into the front panel in such a way as to leave gaps of no more than 1 mm. Rear access allows you to reduce the distance, but the front, on the contrary, increases it to 2 mm and increases the cost of cubes.

Another option is LCD parts that have a liquid crystal display. The gap between the frames of the panels is larger than between the video cubes – about 3-6 mm, and they are also inferior to them in terms of performance. Video wall LCD panels are not able to work 24 hours a day and must be turned off for 2-3 hours,
The third type is LED panels for video walls, made up of LEDs. The pixel size can reach 3-5 mm, so such models are mounted outside as an advertising design. Brightness and good color reproduction make them noticeable even in bad weather. What are the requirements for the device:

• long planned service life (from 3 years);
• seamlessness – a system with seams more than 3.5 mm will be impractical, moreover, it is almost impossible to replace it, since they are almost discontinued;
• fasteners and wires included;
• availability of a guarantee.

Video walls – an overview of the most important features:

https://youtu.be/jv_L4RRP1FI

Video wall device

In addition to displays and mounts, the kit should include a device that is capable of transmitting information to the screen. If there is only one source, then you can connect it without additional equipment: each wall has its own switch, so it is enough to connect a cable to the connector and transfer the image. Standard HDMI, Display Port, VGA and other wires will do. When broadcasting from several channels and the need to switch between them, they buy a matrix switcher. Its principle of operation is simple: the sources are changed by pressing a button on the remote control or switch. The connecting cable must be selected based on the transmitter inputs – HDMI, DOP, VGA, and so on.

A video wall processor, otherwise called a video controller, not only allows you to work with many channels without quality loss, but also display two users at the same time, transfer control rights or control remotely. The video processor has more functions than other controllers, so it is suitable for control rooms and observation posts.

Self-installation of a video wall, how to make an installation from monitors with your own hands

Attachment installation

The weight of the equipment reaches several centners, so it can be mounted either on concrete or brick. If the support is not strong enough, a floor or floor-to-wall or floor-to-ceiling mount will do. Electrical wiring is being done.

Mounting

First of all, the rack is mounted: it consists of metal brackets connected crosswise. Panels are screwed on top, adjustment is made – so that the distance between the frames is the smallest. The displays themselves are fragile and should be handled with care. Finally, the equipment is checked and debugged. https://youtu.be/7fMR_qJbYEk

Calibration and adjustment

All monitors are united by one software, however, without prior configuration, it will not start. The setting method depends on the type of demonstration. If the image will be rendered in full width, it is recommended to use programs like Enplug (https://www.enplug.com/) or Userful (https://www.userful.com/). Each has its own microcomputers and applications. Each element is connected to the switcher – the program independently displays video fragments and offers to calibrate. If your project needs to display different images on separate screens, you won’t need a controller. Monitors are connected directly to sources, each of them is configured directly in the application. Special software for a computer in the second type of configuration is not required.

LG Video Walls

In large cities of Russia, LG walls can be ordered from almost any hardware store. The most popular are 2×2 and 3×3 configurations with diagonals of 110 or 160 inches. The minimum seam gap among the rulers is only 0.88 mm – this is the LG V16508MWP model. [caption id="attachment_3860" align="aligncenter" width="355"]
LG V16508MWP

The displays have a built-in SoC software that allows configuration and control. LEDs do not require additional lamps: the clarity and brightness of the image allows you to install panels even outdoors in daylight.

Samsung Video Walls

Samsung manufactures and sells walls of popular configurations (2×2, 3×3 and 4×4) with diagonals of 46 and 55 cm through official distributors. The company has developed several innovative lines – UHD, UDE, UHF – which are distinguished by high quality and image detail. According to the device, Samsung LCD monitors are supplied with connecting cables and a wall mount. These walls are considered seamless: the minimum clearance is 1.7 mm, the maximum is 3.5.

Cubes Christie MicroTiles

The lifespan planned for displays from this manufacturer is 65,000 hours, that is, about 7 years without shutting down. The convenience of cubes lies in the possibility of their free grouping. A seam with a width of no more than 1 mm, displays created using new DLP and LED technologies – these are a number of advantages of MicroTiles video cubes. You can buy them from the official website of the company.

MultiTaction Interactive Panels

Those who are looking for interactive walls should pay attention to the products of this company. MultiTaction released a corporate interactive system that recognizes access passwords, supports communication channels between users, and so on. MultiTaction iWall is their best product, which is a 5-meter wide and 2-meter high 4×3 wall with diagonals of modules of 55 centimeters. The displays easily display content at resolutions up to 8K, with a maximum brightness of 500 cd/m2. You can buy video walls through distributors.
Video walls are the equipment without which corporate work cannot be imagined. Wall appliances are expensive, so before buying it is important to familiarize yourself with its functionality, operating conditions and structure, so as not to make the wrong choice.