LED video walls
Video wall technology is heavily used at many airports, including Edmonton International Airport, where they feature everything from the estimated wait time at security to departure and arrival details.
Direct-view LEDs have been around for a while in the indoor market; however, recently, there has been noticeable growth as a result of the attention they are receiving for their use within a variety of industries.
This jump in interest is due to changes in ‘pixel pitch,’ which simply refers to the distance (in millimetres) between the LED light clusters in the digital display. The closer they are the better the resolution—especially when it is viewed up close.
Most commonly, LED display technology has been used on highway billboards, as stadium scoreboards,
or for running ads in high-traffic areas, such as Yonge-Dundas Square in downtown Toronto. These examples typically use lower resolution pixel pitches, generally 6 mm (0.2 in.) and higher, as the distance they are usually viewed from is quite far.
The new generation of fine pixel pitch indoor LEDs have gaps as fine as 1 mm (0.03 in.) or less. This means they can deliver 1080P HD viewing quality from just 3 m (10 ft) away, and stepping further back, most untrained eyes would struggle to even tell the difference between new generation LED displays and LCD screens.
One of the smallest pixel pitches available on the market features microLED technology, making it suitable for very small viewing distances, such as a conference room.
Case in point
The opportunities are endless, but the following is a quick look at some industries where sign companies have installed video wall technology.
Retail
The added full motion of digital signage with high-impact visuals reinforces the brand and sets the tone for a store. Video walls are used as feature displays in large retail environments, such as backdrops at checkout and customer service areas, but also as primary design features.
Financial institutions use LED walls in branches to create a stunning architectural feature which not only stops passersby in their tracks, but also provides a unique customer experience inside the branch.
Hospitality
As technology continues to shake up the hospitality industry, hotels are beginning to feature engaging video wall features in their lobbies and main entrances. These digital display solutions can enhance the design of any space, especially as hotels look to maintain their competitive edge and offer a unique and memorable experience for each guest.
A recent success story of how this display technology can be effectively implemented can be seen at Edmonton’s Fantasyland Hotel. Here, a large direct-view LED display was installed behind the reception desk to create a stunning visual impact for customers the moment they walk into the hotel. These high-quality displays are being used to relay a variety of messages (e.g. the latest updates on weather, local news, as well as promoting the hotel’s restaurants, spas, and local attractions), including useful traveller information to facilitate faster check-in.
Transportation
In some corporate office spaces, the sign industry is seeing a trend toward using video walls to enhance workplace culture and ambience.
Airports, train stations, and bus terminals are also adopting digital video wall technology to broaden the information that can be delivered to travellers. Airports in particular are starting to use wide strips of tiled displays to create changeable images at airline check-in counters and security screening areas. As pertinent travel information tends to change throughout the day, details displayed on a screen keep passengers as up-to-date as possible. This technology is already heavily used at many airports in Canada, including Toronto
Pearson International Airport and Edmonton International Airport, where they feature everything from the estimated wait time at security to departure and arrival details, as well as in-terminal restaurant and retail shop promotions and partner advertising.
Corporate spaces
In some corporate office spaces, the sign industry is seeing a trend toward using video walls to display public art to enhance workplace culture and ambience. In other cases, the bezel-less and fine pixel pitch advantages of a microLED video wall also makes it the ideal choice for installation in boardrooms or auditoriums.
