Video walls are a popular and effective way to display information, promote products and services, and engage customers and employees. Photos courtesy Omnivex
By Chris Melito
Video walls are a popular and effective way to display information, promote products and services, and create an engaging environment for customers and employees. However, implementing a video wall can be a daunting process, with many moving parts. There are a variety of important considerations when planning these projects, including screen types, processors, digital signage software, mounting, and more.
Purpose and goals
Before you start, it is crucial to determine the purpose and goals of the video wall. What do you want to achieve with the installation? Is it for advertising, entertainment, or a monitoring/operations centre? Knowing this information will help you determine the best type and size of video wall for each project.
Screen type and resolution
One of the most important considerations for a video wall is the type and resolution of the screens. Each style of technology has its own strengths and weaknesses.
- LED: These screens are bright and energy efficient and can be used in various environments. They are a great option for outdoor video walls because they are highly visible in the sunlight.
- Liquid crystal display (LCD): LCD screens have superior colour accuracy and are suitable for indoor environments, such as retail spaces or corporate offices.
- Organic LED (OLED): These screens offer deep blacks and brilliant contrast, making them ideal for high-end applications such as museums or galleries.
- Direct-view LED (dvLED): With the recent reduction in the cost of these screens, more dvLED technology is being used for mid- and low-level applications. As the cost continues to lower and the quality of these displays increases, they will become the dominant video wall type in the future.
Before beginning a project, it is crucial to determine the purpose and goals of the video wall, such as advertising or entertainment.
The key consideration regarding resolution is the quality of the content you intend to display. High-definition (HD) native display resolutions may be sufficient for basic media playback at a significant viewing distance. However, on the opposite end of the spectrum, ultra-high-definition (UHD) and even higher-resolution content—such as art installations and high-impact digital out-of-home (DOOH) applications—may require a display compliant with HDR and high-ratio chroma subsampling. These applications will likely require a very large dvLED wall, with a low pixel pitch, high brightness, and high frame rate.
The good news is there are products that can match any reasonable budget when considering content quality, viewing distance, audience needs, return on investment (ROI), and the available physical space.
Video wall processor
A key component to successfully running a video wall is the video processor. This device is responsible for processing and displaying the content on the screens. A good processor should also include geometric and colour calibration, as well as bezel compensation features. Additionally, most video wall manufacturers offer compatible controllers, either of their own design or provided by alternative vendors of video wall hardware.
