everything you need to know about video walls

Whether you’re looking to step up your displays in a commercial space or need a practical way to display a large picture in another setting, a video wall is a well-established technology that can amplify your messaging and improve a space’s aesthetics. AVDG offers a variety of video wall solutions that can adapt to your needs.

If you’re not sure what a video wall is or how it might be useful in your situation, here are the basics you should know so that you can get the most out of a display. 

what is a video wall?

A video wall is a display of multiple screens that are positioned in such a way to look like one big screen. It can be configured to display a different image on each screen, or the screens can be used to project a single image across multiple displays. Video walls are useful where it’s not practical to use a single, large screen.

You can integrate a variety of display technology to create a video wall, including LCD or LED panels, tiles, cubes, projector screens, and even “transparent” displays. Which type of technology is best depends on the resolution you want. For example, you may want high-resolution LED monitors in a space where viewers will be up close. But you can use lower-resolution options for displays that are viewed from a distance, such as in a stadium. If you’re using panels, it usually works best to have screens with ultra-thin bevels (the borders around the screens) so that the display appears with minimal seams. In transparent displays, the seams are nearly invisible.

Video wall displays can be built in various types of layouts. The most basic layouts are rectangular and use screens in matrix configurations like 2×2, 3×3, etc. These are intuitive if you plan to distribute one input across multiple screens. You can also use a creative layout if it enhances the viewing experience (for example, having some intentional gaps in the whole display). Sometimes you can have multiple grids within the same larger display.

Another benefit of video walls is that they can be permanent or temporary displays. AVDG can build portable walls that can be put up and taken down easily and moved, making them more versatile. 

how does a video wall system work?

When using a video wall, you’ll need processing and control systems capable of communicating with your display. Video wall processors make sure that each video source you use is sent to the correct screen at the correct resolution. The more complex your display, the more complex your video wall processor and control systems will be.

At the most basic level, a video wall processor takes a video from a single source and sends it to a single screen (you would just have a different image on each screen). At the next level, you can take an image and distribute it across multiple screens, and in some cases use videos from multiple sources.

With an advanced video wall processor, you’ll be able to enjoy many options on displays with a large number of screens. You’ll be able to display videos from multiple sources. Instead of displaying rectangular images in rectangular sections, you can treat your video wall as a canvas and adjust the sizes of each input accordingly. You’ll also have more flexibility with live video feeds.

System control for your video wall depends on the complexity of your display and the processor you use. Generally, you can expect to either use video wall software that connects to your processor or built-in control hardware in your processor. Software-based PC and video card controllers are more versatile and can launch more applications. AVDG specializes in intuitive touchscreen controls that make it easy to manage your display. 

what are some common uses for video walls?

The applications for video walls are endless when you consider where it’s practical to have a large video display. Here are a few of the most common uses:

• education: Video walls can be especially useful in educational institutions as well as organizations that host conferences. They can support high-resolution images and presentations. What’s more, video walls can be portable, making them practical for setting up and tearing down easily outdoors or in multi-use venues.
• retail: Whether you want a high-resolution display inside your store or a large color display for your storefront, a video wall can be practical in a variety of scenarios. They’re especially versatile for switching between large images to multiple small images, all on the same display grid.
• security: Video walls are useful for multiple inputs such as security footage in airports and large commercial enterprises. Depending on your needs, you can adjust the input so that you can look at multiple views at once, or enlarge an image onto multiple screens if you need a close-up.
• industrial, transportation, military, and more: Anywhere you have a control room, you can find use for a video wall. Share critical information across multiple screens so that the team can communicate seamlessly and see the big picture all at once.
• entertainment: At a concert, in a museum, or in any place that uses a video display as part of a presentation or artistic expression, a video wall has many practical and creative uses. Here is where alternatives to grid layouts might come into play.
• aesthetics: In a restaurant, hotel lobby, or even a residence, you can find a use for a beautiful video wall display that effortlessly adds to the room’s aesthetics.

install a video wall for your unique needs

 There are uses for video walls in educational, commercial, industrial, and artistic applications. AVDG can help bring the idea for your video wall to life.
Schedule a consultation with AVDG, and we’ll be glad to explore your options for your video wall and any of your other audio visual needs. Our team of expert designers and engineers will create a state-of-the-art system that you’ll be excited to use and see.