We all know how great video walls are, but do we know how they work. Well, it is not by magic; we can tell you that much. Video walls operate using innovative hardware known as a video wall controller.
Now, if you are an AV enthusiast with extensive experience, it is likely that you will know what a video wall controller is. If you are a mere mortal and are still baffled by the prospect of connecting a printer to your smartphone, then do not panic because you are in safe hands.
This article discusses what a video wall controller is, why you might need, where you can use and how to choose the controller for your AV project.
So please sit back and relax while we take you through the world of all things video walls.
What is a Video Wall?
Before we sink our teeth into video wall controllers, let us do a quick recap of what they control. Video walls are a collection of screens that display one or multiple coherent images. The resolution of a video wall is based on the individual monitor screen quality and can display several still or moving images.
Video walls vary in size and are determined by the user, so if space is a concern, you need not worry. They are typically 2×2, 3×3, 4×4, 6×2, 8×2, or in any other arrangement, so you have plenty of options.
This system also comes in many shapes and sizes with different price points, so you can choose the product that suits you. Here is a short guide:
LCD: LCD screens are great options for those who want our video wall fixed on a budget. These walls consist of multiple LCD panels that give a relatively high-quality display. Make sure you watch out for possible thin bezels that can interrupt your display, but most high-quality controllers will be able to mitigate this.
Rear-projected cubes: This video wall is typically quite large and offers users a music festival experience. The integrated nature of rear-projected cube walls means that this system is high-performance, highly reliable, and best suited for control rooms with time-sensitive objectives.
LED: You may have passed a few LED walls in the past without even knowing it. These screens consist of LED lights to project a high-quality and bright image. Think of iconic locations like Times Square with huge billboards that light up the night’s sky. These are great examples of LED walls.
What is a Video Wall Controller?
Now that we have got the basics out of the way, let us get into the good stuff. A video wall controller is a hardware device. It processes all the input signals in a video wall system. Essentially, the video wall controller acts as the brain behind the system. It helps users allocate functions to each individual screen.
These controllers process sources that enable users to display multiple forms of content from a single wall. They split an image up and scale it over a large Windows desktop where image and live video overlap.
Controllers can process signals from HDMI, SDI, DVI signals as video sources, so it is fair to say they are pretty flexible. They are typically quite versatile and suited to most intermediate-level AV projects.
Need a visual aid? No problem. Make sure you check out DEXON’s full range of video display controllers with comprehensive specifications and further explanation if you want to get super technical.
Why Do You Need a Video Wall Controller?
AV enthusiasts typically require a video wall controller to increase the speed and versatility of their video wall.
For example, if you suddenly feel inclined to incorporate multiple sources into your video wall display, then you should probably consider investing in a video wall controller.
Video wall controllers are useful for optimizing a simple and cheap video wall. Traditionally, not splashing the cash on monitors would have meant diminished video quality due to poor graphics, speed, and large bezels, but this is no longer the case with a video wall controller. Video wall controllers can mitigate the impact of large bezels by scaling the image to fit the space, decreasing the impact of large gaps.
High-performance controllers also mean that we can improve the graphics and speed on low-quality monitors so that you can get high-production value for a fraction of the price.
Where can you use a Video Wall Controller?
Here is a guide to where you can use a video wall controller:
1. Mission-critical Control Rooms
Mission-critical control rooms require efficiency and very little fuss, meaning no room for error in an AV system. If a video wall is used to display critical information for lots of people, users need to count on that video wall to operate at all times. Well, that is where video wall controllers can save the day.
Video wall controllers improve a video wall’s efficiency and overall reliability with software that can facilitate multiple users. Police command centers.
Video walls are super useful for tracking cases and broadcasting crucial information about too many police officers. With a video wall controller, users can quickly distribute information from multiple screens, meaning that officers can pick up the vital information they need and head to a case. This is done by processing signals from multiple sources and managing the same screen needed.
Transport Settings
We know that video wall controllers are great for managing large quantities of data and distributing it to a single source, so they are great for confusion hubs like transport centers. Take a train station, for example; we all know how frustrating it is when searching for the right screen that displays your train platform and time, but this can be a thing of the past with a video wall controller.
Video wall controllers can process signals from so many sources that we can display all information from a single video wall, meaning there is no need to scramble for the right screen and more time to sit and relax.
How to Choose the Right Video Wall Controller?
The key to choosing the right video wall controller is down to your user requirements. If your project requires high performance and is mission-critical, investing in a video wall controller with advanced software is essential. This software can support multiple users and sources.
One of the best aspects of video wall technology is its flexibility. Users can choose their equipment based on technical ability and project needs, ensuring they only buy what is necessary for their specific requirements.
Well, there you have it. We hope we answered all your burning video wall questions. Make sure you check out the DEXON Systems’ website to find out more about our product family and how we can revolutionize your AV project today!