You’re probably reading this after doing some research on video walls and you’re considering investing in one for your own use, or, you have no clue what a video wall is and you want to find out more. Whatever the reason, we’ve got it covered.
We’re going to be taking you through the best ways to get the most out of your video wall, as well as provide you with a general guide to the what’s, how’s, and why’s of video walls.
So, whether you’re a novice or a total AV beginner, you’ll find everything you need to know in this article.
What is a video wall?
Before we get started on the many video wall advantages, let’s firm up the basics. A video wall is a large surface of multiple displays that are used to present one coherent image where the quality is the sum total of the individual monitor display.
Video walls can vary in size and can be just a collection of a few monitors, or can span to form your very own mission control centre from your office or classroom. You may have seen a few video walls in your life without even knowing it. Think of a train station or space station’s mission control centre.
We’re willing to bet you will recognise a large surface area of screens that display different train times, platforms and destinations, or a mission control centre where a large panel sits in front of engineers and scientists tracking the whereabouts of satellites and rockets. These are just a small example of what video walls are capable of.
In a nutshell: video walls display any bits of information that your colleagues or audience will need in one place at any time!
How does it work?
Many of our multi-screen setups are confined to our work or home office where we may only have one or two screens at play, but the management and operation of a video wall are significantly different to our HDMI plug and play experience.
Video walls operate using video wall display controllers that process input signals and present visual, audio, and effects onto any or all of the screens at one time. Not all controllers are equal, as some are more advanced to suit more demanding AV projects, and some are suitable for everyday use, it’s up to you to decide which you’ll need.
Video walls can be used in any setting you need them to, that’s what makes them such a great addition to your setup. Video walls are most commonly used in work environments for efficiency and communication purposes, as everyone can get the exact same information, they need at the exact same time so breakdowns in communication are kept to a minimum.
Video walls are also great for entertainment purposes as they can stream just about any video you need it to. Need your own personal movie theatre? A video wall is for you. You may have even seen a video wall in entertainment settings like sports stadiums and theatres.
Video walls are also super eye-catching. They set you apart from any other business and place you at the forefront of visual innovation. When clients or customers visit your office or workspace and see a video wall, they’re bound to be instantly engaged and see you as a serious player in the current market.
The video wall advantages also translate across different sectors and can also be beneficial in educational environments where key messaging can easily get lost in all the noise. University halls, lecture theatres, and classrooms are all great places where video walls can display critical information to the masses with little room for mistakes due to misinterpretation.
How to optimize your video wall experience
So, now you know the basics of video walls, let’s talk about how to make your video wall experience even better. We’ve compiled a list of things to consider when setting up your video wall that can optimize your experience:
Consider user requirements
The best way to get the most out of your video wall is to consider what you actually need it for, and make your investment from there. The reason being is that you’ll want your video wall to be tailored completely to your needs, so if you invest in a video wall that is either too advanced or not advanced enough for your needs, you may have a more complicated operation than needs be. If you’re a technical pro, then you will have a much easier operation, but if you’re just a beginner, consider a video wall that is suited to your skills.
Consider technical needs
What will you be presenting on your video wall? Will you be presenting advanced AV projects that will require lots of tech, or will you be screen mirroring or streaming the majority of the time? Whatever the answer is, make sure that you invest in a processor and video wall that is best for that purpose. You’ll have a much smoother running management system if you do!
Use reliable technology
Doing your research into processors, switches, and a matrix is much more important than you would think. Using reliable technology will ensure the smoothest and most stress-free experience that produces great presentations, without continual maintenance or repairs.
Get your staff on board
Train up your staff in all things video walls. If your and your colleague’s experience is confined to only one person having the knowledge to operate a video wall, then you’re likely to experience some technical difficulties. So, to keep things running efficiently, we advise you to have multiple people who are trained to operate a video wall to keep your business and flow of information bottleneck free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use a video wall?
Video walls operate with processors that process input signals and display visual, audio, and effects onto multiple monitors. You can use a video wall in any setting that you need the information to be clear and efficiently distributed. As long as you have the space for it, you can use it!
How do I optimize a video wall?
Consider your individual technical capabilities, as well as your user requirements, the space you have available, using reliable technology, and train multiple people on how to operate a video wall for a smooth and efficient experience.
