The scalable nature of video walls has helped boost their use in schools and other non-commercial facilities.
5. Choose a mounting system that allows access for maintenance.
Safety is of the utmost importance. Before installing a mounting system, it is important for a structural engineer to make sure the existing structure—e.g. floor, ceiling or wall—
will be able to support a large video wall.
Pull-out mounts with six-axis adjustment capabilities will help ensure all of the screens are properly aligned and provide the necessary spacing between them to allow for servicing and maintenance. Screen manufacturers will also typically require a gap of at least 1 to 2 mm (0.04 to 0.08 in.) between monitors for safe operation.
6. Keep it cool.
Even with proper spacing between screens, large video walls will produce a lot of heat. Proper cooling and ventilation need to be part of the overall project design and budget. Purchasing displays that integrate cooling fans will help ensure a long operational life for a video wall.
7. Install professionally.
Like the screens, the installation needs to be commercial-grade. With this in mind, many sign companies prefer to connect with an experienced audiovisual (AV) system integrator when the time comes to install a large-scale video wall. He/she can help locate local power sources and data jacks, so the job is done correctly the first time. And for more complex system designs, it can also be helpful to work with trusted display manufacturers.
8. Perform colour calibration and system maintenance.
Besides installation, a maintenance plan also needs to be discussed upfront. As mentioned, colour calibration is key to ensuring a video wall looks great, with consistent image quality among its screens. A system integrator should also clean the cooling vents at least once a year to ensure optimal operating temperatures and help the system last a long time.
Michael Ferrer is director of sales solutions for NEC Display Solutions, which provides
a variety of digital display technologies. For more information, contact him via e-mail
at mferrer@necdisplay.com.
