Wherever video walls go, they are the centerpiece of attention. People can hardly be blamed for focusing on them, as they are capable of incredible visual designs at a scale that no other technology can match. There is a time and place for every display option, but video walls are king where impact is concerned. No other technology can be scaled up to fit in a sport stadium. No other technology can present ultra HD images at a scale large enough for an entire venue. No other technology is as dynamic or versatile as video walls. Unsurprisingly, they are extremely effective for branding and artistic purposes. What may be surprising is that they are also excellent at relaying information and broadcasting all kinds of media.There is a lot to like about video walls , and the clue is in how people respond to them. They are always a focal point of the space, and pedestrians or customers can’t help themselves – it’s just not common to run into a massive, high definition display. Business and venue owners can obviously leverage this to their advantage. And speaking of advantage, there are many that come with video wall technology, and a comprehensive list could go on forever. These are the highlights:
1. No resolution limitations – Resolution is an easy concept to understand. It’s about pixel count and density. The more pixels, the more detailed an image the display can deliver. From this simple concept, it’s clear why video walls are so effective at creating visual impact. Stack an array of high definition displays on top of each other, and those resolutions are additive. As long as there is a formidable digital signal processor driving it all, a video wall can display a massive image with no loss of fine detail.
The applications here are tremendous. Imagine an airport displaying a sweeping skyline of the city, with every minute detail relayed perfectly. Or a museum exhibit that simulates a sojourn through space or time, surrounding visitors while offering a feast for the eyes. There are truly no limits here.
2. Clear image brightness and quality in every setting – Front projectors are the primary alternative to a video wall, but they have a problem in bright areas, like venues that rely on natural light. LCD and LED displays are brilliantly backlit, so they offer much greater brightness and contrast values than projectors. This is clear when sunlight intrudes on a projected image – it appears washed out and muted. Not an issue with video walls, and that’s an important advantage, given that natural light is generally considered a feature in modern environmental designs.
3. Flexible hardware layout options – True, most video walls are just that – a wall. They’re grids, but they don’t have to be. With some clever mounting and display options, designers can arrange displays in all kinds of patterns, including abstract geometric or curved layouts. Video walls can even be free-standing or three-dimensional, if using cube displays. In short, there are plenty of hardware layouts that haven’t been done before, if a business or venue wants to go for something truly memorable. And by relying on this approach, the installation’s visual impact can be multiplied while reducing the number of displays present.
No other display technology compares in this area. Try doing this with a projector – it’s nowhere near as easy.
4. Processing power – It takes more processing punch to drive a video wall, but that extra processing oomph is another benefit to the technology. Professional-grade video wall controllers, are much, much beefier than those found in single displays. As such, not only can they drive content at a larger scale, they can drive more content at a smoother rate than single displays can.
5. Extensive content manipulation options – Video wall controllers give owners plenty of tools on the backend. These tools can be used to present content on the video wall in various ways. The controller effectively turns the displays into a single canvas, onto which content can be arranged, resized or layered in some creative layouts.
Fortunately, video controller software is not designed just for designers. It’s made so that anyone with a basic level of skill can easily manage them. That’s important for venues that need to switch content out regularly. In a matter of moments, a user can access the backend and update content. Event schedules, product specials, daily menu items – these can be tweaked with little effort as things change. It’s even easier than that, in most cases, as controller software allows users to define preset layouts and deploy them with a single click. That’s helpful for venues that make use of the same layouts regularly.
6. Signal versatility – A single display or projector is limited in its connectivity and ability to capture multiple sources. Both can only connect to some devices and they cannot display more than a single source at once. Again, not a problem with video walls. A video wall can grab multiple signals and display them at once, even if they are in varying formats and resolutions. Each one can be accessed using the video wall controller too, so they can be manipulated individually and spruced up so they are ready for presentation.
7. Looks modern and sharp – We’re not talking about the image quality again. This time, it’s about how the installation itself appears. And for nearly everyone, video walls look like something out of a sci-fi movie. Because they are built and arranged with no bezels (as opposed to the thick bezels still found on single displays), they look impossibly clean and streamlined. There’s no hunk of metal hanging from the ceiling, either, which is what the projector route offers. And yes, projectors can be concealed, but that takes extra work and an extra financial commitment.
That sharp aesthetic reflects positively on the video wall’s owner. In a clothing store, a video wall sells the idea of sophistication and luxury. In a sports bar, a video wall makes the big game look even bigger. In a corporate boardroom, a video wall is synonymous with professionalism, impressing potential clients and partners.
8. Less maintenance required – A video wall may look like something that requires constant babysitting, but they require less maintenance than projectors. That has to do with the light engine powering these displays. A video wall normally relies on highly efficient and reliable light engine technology like LEDs. A projector, though, is stuck in the past in this regard, with bulbs that burn out after a few thousand hours.
LED lighting is the most promising development in the lighting industry in a long time. Each diode lamp provides at least 50,000 hours of performance with little loss in quality as it nears end of life. Improving manufacturing methods mean that this number will surely go up, as will the already-superior efficiency marks. LEDs are also some of the most durable lights ever made, as they are built on solid state circuitry, and not fragile filaments. As a result, video walls need close to zero maintenance, even after years of operation. Projectors, though, need to be addressed regularly. This problem is compounded if the projector was concealed during installation, as access will be a continuing source of frustration.
9. Interactivity is a natural fit – Video walls are even more compelling when they can be interacted with. Fortunately, it’s a common addition to modern video walls and can greatly enhance the installation’s engagement. People can use video walls to navigate around a building, check event or travel schedules, scrub through a carousel of images or products, or just play around. Interactive video walls are popular centerpieces in art installations and can improve branding without feeling unwelcome. Video walls, again, lend themselves to interactivity much more naturally than projectors.
Video walls are feats of engineering and design, capable of drawing eyes wherever they’re placed. And given their impressive versatility and functionality, there’s no reason to go with anything else.Video walls are feats of engineering and design, capable of drawing eyes wherever they’re placed. And given their impressive versatility and functionality, there’s no reason to go with anything else.
Video walls can be simple or complex depending on what you want to use them for. This article will define what a basic video wall is, the components you need to buy and tips for designing appropriate content.
In short, a video wall is a collection of screens that are combined/tiled together to create one large display. Typical display technologies used include LCD, direct LED tiles, rear-projection and laser displays. The purpose for using video walls varies depending on the industry. Industries where video walls can be used include; corporates, hospitals, retailers, government offices, churches, schools, casinos and hotel receptions.
Most video wall installations are going to be LED for a few reasons:
Because of their size and clarity, video walls have a WOW factor that makes them very effective for marketing messages and branding. It’s important to note that the content displayed is key in reaching messaging goals for the video wall. And in order to optimize the content displayed, content management software is needed.
The software enables users to change the content, adjust the content layout, and update content schedules. It provides a richer set of control features including multi-user access and reporting.
That’s what this article is about i.e. video walls with content management software. Surprisingly, only 13% of the video wall systems installed have content management software. Such projects run the risk of showing poor content, which makes the video wall a very expensive decoration.
A video wall is a collection of displays aligned so content can be displayed over the displays continuously. Video walls works by using a specific type of hardware setup to display content without interruption. This also requires software to help plan and configure the content.
But why should you even use a video wall? Below are the top benefits of a video wall.
Because of their large size, video displays are able to command attention. They are hard to ignore by customers, employees, or visitors, which makes them an ideal tool for an organization’s branding or informational campaigns.
Video walls can help perform tasks an employee normally would. It can free up employee time so they can work on more pressing tasks. This is done by displaying important information that staff would typically have to answer: For instance:
A video wall that is powered by content management software is designed to display different types of content simultaneously. For instance, a campus can use a video wall to display maps, school events, and useful information like weather, news and social media.
Traditionally, video walls, especially LED ones, have been used in retail for advertising and at events. Costs were high and content management wasn’t as evolved. Today, video walls are cheaper and more affordable for small and medium businesses. They are being installed in corporate offices, schools, government offices, hospitals, hotels, casinos and houses of worship. They are so diverse and thus are used across a large range of industries.
Check out our video wall examples post for some inspiration!
LED video walls offer a lot of flexibility in design. For instance, they can be curved to fit around corners and columns. Additionally they can be shaped in architectural ways outside of the traditional rectangle or square install.
The content management software enables businesses to customize and personalize the content displayed on the screens.
Different content can be displayed at different times of the day e.g. a restaurant video wall can show different breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. The content also auto-updates e.g. when a calendar changes, the events listed on the video wall are updated.
Retail businesses that use digital signage can improve their sales by 32%. Retailers can use a video display system to alert thousands of target customers about discounts and other great deals.
An estimated wait time sign can combat customer dissatisfaction resulting from unpredictable waiting times. Leading service providers have been using this trick to keep clients waiting patiently. Thus, like those leading service providers, any business can use this system to improve their customer satisfaction scores.
42% of consumers are likely to purchase from stores with video displays rather than those without. The video displays give customers more information about the products, help to upsell complementary products and overall improve the ambiance in the store.
Video wall system components
While the display is the most visible part of a video wall, it isn’t the only element. Several other video wall system components collaborate to display those attention-grabbing images on display.
Some of the components are:
The hardware refers to all physical components that make up the entire system. The most significant hardware are:
Digital display refers to the screens. For instance to form one large display, screens can be tiled together. The screens can be LED or LCD. We recommend using commercial-grade screens with narrow bezels for seamless viewing and best content display.
LED screens have thinner bezels, the widest viewing angles, best picture quality, and more energy-efficient. They are however much more expensive than an LCD screen of the same size.
The media player is a device you connect to your screen. For example, the media player can be connected via an HDMI cable or VGA ports to the screen. It receives content from the software and displays it on the screen.
Also known as the content management software (CMS), digital signage software is the central platform to allow users to manage their digital signage content.
Without going into too much detail, your software is the command center that lets you upload/create content and deploy it to your video wall. This is where you’ll manage the content displayed and the hardware used.
This is undoubtedly the most essential aspect of a success digital display. It’s what the target viewers see and interact with. This content can be in the form of images, screenshots, videos, infographics, GIFs, memes, and presentations.
Video walls display information. Ideally, this would be to the right target audience at the correct time. Otherwise, this communication and advertisement channel will be less effective.
So how does one make sure that their video wall system plays its role effectively? Below are some video wall content design tips:
Most savvy business owners first question when they see a video wall boils down to, “How can I use this technology?” The top video wall applications are:
By far the most difficult aspect of the process is the video wall installation. For those looking for how to make a video wall, we have a great mini-guide below.
Video walls are a set of screens that work together to create one continuous and impressive display. You may want a video wall to relay information, create an immersive display, interact with your audience, or for presentations. They are difficult to create for those that are unfamiliar with the process. However, following the tips in this guide should make it easier.
You need to create a draft project document that highlights its important points, goals, or objectives. Some points to consider include:
If you decide on a DIY video wall, you are likely to mess up the measurements. Here’s what you should include:
The most important digital signage hardware element is the video wall panels. If they are for digital signage, you want high-quality video wall displays like an LG or Samsung video wall. Using Samsung for illustrative purposes, a single display unit costs $2,000 to $6,000.
When choosing a video wall TV, remember that a thin bezel TV for video wall will look the best. They create an illusion of a seamless video wall, especially if you choose a multiple panel set-up, such as a 3×3 video wall. Another thing to consider is that LCDs are better at close-up viewing, and LEDs look better at further distances.
Video wall mounts come in various types; make sure you get the right one for your displays. For instance, the Peerless video wall mount can only accommodate 46’ to 55’ video wall TVs. A simple Peerless 2×2 mounting kit for 46’-55’ screens costs $534.
Digital signage media players allow you to control and show content on digital signage displays. Most media players come bundled with video wall software free of charge.
If you have a simple project such as a 2×2 video wall mount, a simple $299 Xhibit Mykro media player will do. For a bigger set-up like a video wall grid, you need more computing power. A desktop computer that has several display ports will be more suitable as your video wall processor. Alternatively, you can go with video/matrix players or video wall controllers. They are devices that allow streaming of a single video source to multiple screens.
It would help if you had digital signage software or content management software (CMS) to control and display content on your video wall. Although some software is cloud-based, you can choose an onsite solution such as Mvix software.
Video wall signage is not cheap. Create a detailed project draft that lists down all materials before you start. Let others run through the draft to ensure you cover everything, preventing oversight that could prove costly down the road.
You are likely to overlook some design features; why not create a wall schematic? The wall drawing will give you a rough idea of what the video wall will look like.
A grid-style video wall is the most complicated set-up as it requires a lot of configuring and installation.
With your digital signage video wall up and running, you need to create customized content for display. Before you do so, you need to develop digital signage content through research, content creation, and distribution. Some innovative digital signage content ideas of:
Like any other electronic, you should regularly clean your video wall screens to get rid of dust and dirt. Ensure you update the software to keep it running smoothly. Support needs to check the displays to catch any degradation quickly and prevent downtime. Additionally, keep the video wall display off for at least two hours daily.
You need to keep your content fresh and interesting through updates. Fortunately, there are plenty of digital signage apps that simplify creating and updating rich content.
Are video walls worth the investment? The short answer is yes. When used, this technology can increase an organization’s brand identity and streamline visitor experience. A video wall system can foster good first impressions, support self-service, and free up employees. When video display signage are designed professionally, they tend to deliver the best benefits. Unlike amateurs, professionals will align the system for enhanced visibility, and set up the system appropriately. With an expert’s input, a video wall will not disappoint.
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