10 Things to Consider When Buying Videowall Controller

It can be overwhelming to jump into the world of video walls, especially if you don’t know exactly what to look out for. That’s why we’ve put together this guide, from all the frequently asked questions and stumbling blocks that we have found customers to experience, to help guide you in the direction to find the right solution for your needs. 

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit VISSONIC.

If you have a specific question or are already looking to implement a video wall, contact our team and they’ll offer you expert guidance.

In a hurry? Skip to the section you need:

What are video walls?

What are the benefits of video walls?

What are the types of video walls?

What to look for in a video wall

How do video walls work?

How much do video walls cost?

The final considerations

What are video walls?

A video wall is a collection of screens that have been tiled together to form one large display. This can then be used to present content such as videos, images or even different types of data.

The number of screens brought together can vary depending on your needs. For example, you may only need a 2×2 presentation (2 screens wide by 2 screens tall) or you may want to cover an entire wall with a vast digital display.

Video walls offer flexibility in the content you display. You can take one input and show this input across the entire video wall. For example, an advertisement like the one shown in the image below on a 2×2 video wall.

Alternatively, you can use a video wall controller to feed multiple inputs onto your video wall to show different content on different panels. For example, you could show different data dashboards or CCTV inputs

A wide variety of industries use video walls to convey information to a large number of people, whether that be customers or employees, such as:

• Retail
• Control rooms
• Education
• Government and public sector
• Military
• Healthcare

In a retail store, a video wall could display a video of your new product covering the entire display, while in a control room, different types of data could be shown on each screen for your employees. With their size and impressive displays, your information can be communicated quickly and clearly. Regardless of the location, video walls are an effective tool for showcasing your desired message and will have a memorable impact on your audience.

Are you looking to take advantage of video wall technology? We’d love to hear about your project and can help you find the best solution for your requirements. Contact us today!

What are the benefits of video walls?

Effective external communications

How can video walls help promote your brand?

This technology can be used in a variety of environments to effectively communicate important information and to increase engagement with brand and product messaging.

With the large-format nature of the display, video walls are eye-catching and can engage a large audience at once.

This could mean impressing your visitors in the reception of your building while serving important news and health and safety reminders. In a retail store or shopping mall, the video walls could be used to promote new products and sales. Food and drink vendors in arenas could use video walls to showcase menu items and highlight product promotions.

Outdoor video walls, in particular, are expected to grow in popularity significantly over the next few years as the demand for outdoor digital advertising grows.

Internal communications and engagement

Video walls are an effective outlet for internal communications too. Many organisations use video wall displays in control rooms, command centres and simulation rooms. The size of the display allows for large amounts of data from different sources to be communicated quickly to a room full of employees. As new information becomes available the entire workforce can react as a unit. The increased collaboration can help you to hit deadlines and respond effectively to situations as they arise.

LamasaTech provides video walls that are ideal for control room environments. Chat with our expert team today to learn more about our best-in-class displays.

Long lifetime and low maintenance

Another benefit of video walls is that they require very little maintenance and are designed for long-term usage. Compared to an alternative, such as a projector, a video wall will last much longer and see less degradation in brightness and picture quality over time.

The life expectancy of a video will vary depending on how long it is used, if features like brightness are turned up to maximum and if the display is an LED or LCD. The average lifespan of an LED video wall is 100,000 hours while an LCD is expected to last around 50,000 hours.

What are the types of video walls?

There are two types of video walls – LCD video walls and LED video walls. Deciding which option to go for is your first step in selecting the video wall you wish to invest in.

We’ll cover the main differences below, but for a more detailed breakdown of the differences between LED and LCD video walls, please see this article.

The difference in technology

LCD video wall panels use Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) technology. LCDs are not light-emitting, which means that they have backlights (normally LED) behind the glass to illuminate the display.

LEDs use light-emitting diodes as individual pixels across the entire display. Each LED acts as a tiny bulb that emits colour when electrically engaged. There is no need for a backlight because the LEDs produce light while producing the image. The technology can be referred to as Direct View LED.

Neither option is universally better than the other. Which technology you select depends on your environment and needs. The main factors that will affect your choice are:

• Resolution
• Indoor or outdoor use
• Brightness
• Size
• Cost

Resolution

The resolution plays a big role in determining the optimal viewing distance for your video wall. A higher resolution means that the content displayed will remain sharp and detailed when viewed up close from a short distance. This is ideal for indoor setups such as reception areas and control rooms.

LCDs offer the highest resolution of the two types of video walls. A 55″ LCD display will have a resolution of x . The resolution of your full video wall will depend on the number of panels it has, for example, a 3×4 display will have a total resolution of x .

LED cabinets will not have as high a resolution, plus the resolution will vary depending on the pixel pitch for your chosen LED display. You can learn more about pixel pitch and how it affects resolution here.

LED options are a great choice for outdoor installations such as at stadiums and along a roadside. These displays will be viewed from a distance so the lower resolution will not matter in these locations.

Brightness and environment

In terms of overall brightness, LED screens can offer a higher level. This is because LED screens can be used in outdoor environments, therefore they need a high brightness for content to be readable in sunlight. LED panels will go up to 6,000 nits in brightness. As LCD video walls are designed for indoor environments, they do not require high brightness levels and therefore range from around 500 nits to 700 nits.

Size

The size you want your video wall to be will be a factor in determining which screen type best suits your needs. LED walls can be scaled to a huge area. Think about the size of the outdoor LED walls you might see running advertisements on city buildings, like in Times Square in New York, or at stadiums and arenas. LCD panels can be tiled together to create a large display wall too, such as a configuration of 18×6 panels for a control room. Yet, LCD has a limit, whereas LED walls are pretty limitless when it comes to size.

Let us know what size you would like your video wall to be we’ll help you find the perfect solution for your requirements.

Cost

We’ll go into more detail about the cost of a video wall project later in this guide. Generally speaking, an LED video is much higher in cost. On average, you would consider a budget of around £5,000 or $6,000 for the lowest specification LCD video wall panels in a 2×2 set-up. Whereas, at the lowest end of LED, you would be looking at around £40,000 or $50,000 for an average project.

Power requirements

Due to the high-brightness capabilities of LED displays, they require a larger amount of power. A 55″ LED cabinet will be consuming around 600W.

An LCD of the same size will only need 250W of power at its peak.

If your organisation has green policies and is looking to use less power, an LCD option would help you to do that.

The table below summarises the key points to compare.

If you are interested in looking at our full range of video walls, click the button below.

What to look for in a video wall

Once you’ve got a better idea of whether you are going down the LCD or LED route, you can consider the different specifications of the panels on offer to narrow it down to the model and configuration you want.

You can explore our range of video walls here, or get in touch and tell us about your project.

Brightness

Brightness is an important feature to focus on and the location of the display will determine this. In an indoor environment, you will not need as high brightness capabilities as you would outside. This is because brightness is used to counteract the effects of natural light shining on your video wall.

In outdoor locations or indoor areas facing sunlight, glare and reflections can make it difficult to see what is being shown on your display. A video wall that is capable of high brightness levels will be able to negate these effects. Outdoor displays are recommended to have up to 5,000 nits if they are in direct sunlight.

500 nits is usually a completely adequate level for your indoor video wall in standard ambient light, or you may need 700 nits if your video wall is in an area with a lot of sunlight, such as a lobby.

Contrast

Contrast is another key feature when choosing a video wall solution. Contrast is the range between the brightest part of the display and the darkest, this is measured as a ratio. The higher the contrast ratio the more detail and better quality image the screen can produce. A higher contrast also enables easier and faster recognition of the information being displayed to your audience.

Some LEDs can dim sections of their screens to make darker areas even darker, which helps to increase the display’s contrast ratio. If contrast is a particularly important feature for your video wall needs, then you should look for options that include this local dimming feature.

Bezel

If you choose an LCD video wall, one of the specifications to consider will be the bezel size. The bezel refers to the frame that goes around the edge of a single panel. When a video wall is built, the bezels of connecting screens meet. You will see this as a thin black line between the panels, as shown below.

You will often see bezel sizes like 3.5 mm and 1.7 mm listed. This size is the screen-to-screen bezel width. The thicker the bezel, the more you will notice a line between your displays, which can affect the viewing experience depending on your content. For example, if you want to display a lot of text or data on your displays, a thinner bezel could be a better choice.

As the technology has developed, video wall providers have been able to reduce the size and impact of the bezel on their displays. Some have been able to produce a display that appears seamless, like LamasaTech’s seamless LCD video wall. This is created using a bezel compensation process, which merges the pixels between displays where the displays meet on each edge. 

Mounting system

Various types of mounts are available, such as a standard wall mount, a free-standing floor mount and a pop-out mount. Each has its advantages and it depends on your space.

Standard wall mounts are the lowest cost, simple to install and are sometimes offered free with your panels. The drawback is that the panels have to be removed for any maintenance.

The company is the world’s best Videowall Controller supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

A pop-out wall mount will give the easiest access to perform any maintenance from the front.

How do video walls work?

Normally when users ask how a video wall works, they are wondering how to control the content on a video wall display. In short, you will either choose to daisy chain your displays, or you will need a video wall controller.

Daisy Chaining

If you are looking to display a single piece of content across your entire video wall, such as an advertisement, you will most likely choose to daisy chain. Daisy chaining your displays allows you to present one input across the entire video wall. For example, a digital signage player could be your input. This input is connected to panel 1. Then each panel is connected to the next, which results in your one input being spread across all panels. The image below illustrates how this works:

Choosing a controller

If you wish to have multiple inputs connected to display different content across sections of your video wall, you will need a video wall controller. If you are building a video wall for a control room, network operation centre or command centre, you will require an advanced IP Based & KVM System.

Advanced video wall processor

Video wall processors have multiple inputs and outputs. With a processor, you can display different content instantly on different sections of your display. For example, you could have different dashboards and performance trackers on each panel.

Check out LamsaTech’s Advanced Video Wall Processor on this page, or let us know what you need from your processor and we’ll help you get the most out of your video wall.

You will select the number of inputs and outputs you require when purchasing a controller. For example, two input sources and four output sources. This means you can connect two different inputs (eg a digital signage player and a laptop) and control where they display on a four-panel video wall. It might also be worth future-proofing your controller. If you think you may expand your video wall in the future, it could be worth selecting more inputs and outputs than you currently require.
 
When looking for a control device it’s important to make sure it has the connection ports that you will need. For example, HDMI is a common connection to screens and processors.
 
The ease of operation of the processor is key. You should be able to easily drag, drop and resize your inputs onto different panels or sections (multiple panels) of your video wall from the processor software. A great feature to look out for is a preview feature, so you can preview your different inputs and how they will look on your video wall within the software. A web application can also be incredibly useful if you want multiple employees to be able to change the video wall layout. This means employees can access the web app via a browser, rather than having to download the software suite onto their PC.

IP-Based & KVM System

The best solution for a control room, network operation centre or command centre is an IP Based & KVM System. KVM stands for “keyboard, video, mouse,” and means you can control multiple computers from a single keyboard, mouse, and monitor. Some KVM switches are local, which means they can control nearby servers and computers. IP-based KVM switches allow for IP-based remote access. For your video wall, this means you can control multiple inputs from anywhere in the world that has an internet connection to your network.

If you need a control room video wall solution, contact LamasaTech today and we’ll provide you with expert guidance.

The three main components of the solution are:
– KVM node which connects to the input source (e.g. a PC, server, thin client terminal)
– output node which connects to an LCD panel or LED sending box
– operator station where you can control your inputs and outputs remotely

Unlike traditional command centre solutions by video wall matrix, this system does not require a standalone server or video wall controller and there’s no limit on the channels of inputs and outputs to the video wall. Since there’s no server, a bug in a single KVM node will not affect the entire wall.

Explore LamasaTech’s video wall processors here.

How much do video walls cost?

The cost depends on what your needs are. A bigger video wall will be more expensive. Many providers are happy to provide a free consultation to discuss your requirements and follow up with a personalised quote. Prices normally start around $5,000 or $6,000 for the lowest specification LCD video wall in a 2×2 set-up. Whereas, the budget for an LED video wall is much higher and on average starts at around $40,000 or $50,000. You’ll also need to add on the price of the mount that you select.

The main elements that will affect the cost of your video wall are:

• indoor or outdoor environment
• total dimensions of the video wall
• LED or LCD panels
• bezel size (for LCDs)
• brightness
• resolution
• mounting system
• video wall processor (if required)
• installation and training (if required)

An LED solution that has full-array lighting will be the more expensive choice but for that price, you will get the best picture quality and the most flexibility when it comes to the shape and size of your video wall.

You also need to take into consideration the price of your control device. Depending on your requirements, you may be happy to daisy chain your screens without the need for a control device. However, if you want to feed multiple inputs into your video wall or are looking for a control room environment, there will be an additional fee for a video wall control solution.

You may wish to pair your video wall with a digital signage system to create and schedule the content for your display. For the subscription price, you’ll gain benefits such as cloud storage capabilities and support for additional screens.

Learn about LamsaTech’s digital signage solution, PeakSignage, here.

The final considerations

Finding the right video wall technology for your requirements can be daunting when there are so many options and a substantial list of elements that affect your decision. Follow the considerations we’ve covered above when you’re searching for video wall technology and you’ll get off to a great start.

Ready to plan your video wall project?

LamasaTech can provide a free consultation to determine the best video wall options for your requirements.

LamasaTech is an award-winning specialist and leader in digital display technology. We support customers across a range of industries including retail, military and defence, government and public sector, technology, hospitality and education.

What is an LED wall processor/controller?

When should you use an LED wall processor/controller?

How to choose the right one for your purpose?

Benefits of Video Wall Processors/Video Wall Controllers

Conclusion

Are you considering investing in an LED wall processor or LED wall controller? With so many options available, choosing the right one can be daunting. This blog post will provide an overview of the features and benefits of LED wall processors and LED wall controllers, as well as tips on choosing the right one for your needs. We'll cover the basics of LED wall processors, what they do, and how to select the right one. We'll also look at the features and benefits of LED wall controllers and discuss how to pick the best one for your project.

What is an LED wall processor/controller?

An LED wall processor/controller, also known as an LED video wall controller or video processor for LED wall, is a specialized computer system used to control and manage the display of content on an LED video wall. The processor takes signals from various input sources, such as computers, media players, and other video sources, and translates them into data that an LED display can use.

The processor takes the video content and converts it to a suitable format for the LED wall. This includes compressing the data to optimize for the best display quality, setting the correct resolution, and adjusting the brightness and contrast levels. It then sends the formatted data to the LED wall through a network connection or directly to the LED wall driver board.

Using an LED wall processor/controller, users can create stunning visual displays with high accuracy. They can also easily configure their LED wall system to match their specific needs. This makes them an ideal choice for anyone who wants to create dynamic displays for large events or installations.

LED wall processors/controllers are available in different sizes and capacities, allowing users to choose the right one for their particular needs. Generally, the larger the processor, the more powerful it will be. For example, higher-end processors may support more inputs and provide better image quality.

There are primarily two types of controllers: hardware-based controllers and software-based PC & video-card controllers.

Hardware-based controllers-- These are made for a specific model or series of LED video walls and contain all the necessary electronics to drive these panels. If a user has a single model of LED video wall, they might find this type of controller preferable because it won't require any additional processing power from their computer.

Software-based controllers-- A software-based controller typically plugs into a desktop or laptop's USB port and receives instructions from this device. As long as the PC is running the necessary applications for displaying video on the LED panels, this type of controller will work with any LED video wall model with drivers compatible with Windows operating systems (XP onwards).

Overall, an LED wall processor/controller is an essential component for anyone who wants to create stunning visual displays on an LED video wall.

When should you use an LED wall processor/controller?

When it comes to using an LED video wall, the quality and performance of the display depend heavily on the technology used to manage the pixels. An LED wall processor or controller is an important part of this technology, as it is responsible for managing the content displayed on the wall and controlling the way it is presented.

A LED wall processor/controller is a computer-controlled device that processes video signals from an input source and converts them into a format suitable for display on an LED video wall. This device will also be responsible for handling multiple displays to create a larger display surface. The processor/controller will usually have the ability to scale, crop, and rotate video signals to fit the exact size of the wall. It can also handle the synchronization of multiple displays, allowing you to present a single image across all displays.

In short, if you're planning to set up an LED video wall, you should use a LED wall processor/controller to ensure that the content is properly managed and displayed. This is especially important if you're dealing with multiple screens and/or sources of content, as the processor/controller is what allows you to sync them all together to create one seamless image.

An LED video wall processor/controller is essential for getting the most out of your LED video wall. It ensures that the content displayed is accurate and properly handled while providing enhanced control over how it is presented. By carefully choosing the right processor/controller for your needs, you can ensure that your LED video wall setup is as impressive and effective as possible.

How to choose the right one for your purpose?

Choosing the right LED wall processor/controller for your project can be challenging. With so many options out there and the wide variety of features available, it's important to know exactly what you're looking for to get the most value from your purchase.

Dependability

When it comes to LED wall processors/controllers, dependability is essential. You don't want to have to worry about the processor/controller going down when you need it the most. Look for products that are manufactured by reliable, well-known companies with a proven track record of producing reliable equipment. Make sure they offer technical support and training so you can get the help you need if problems arise.

Ease of Use

Another consideration when purchasing an LED wall processor/controller is the ease of use. Most systems should be straightforward to use, allowing you to quickly switch between different displays and input sources without learning complicated menus or command line interfaces. Look for systems with intuitive controls and plenty of options for customizing your setup.

Preset Content Mapping

Preset content mapping is often a key feature when using an LED wall processor/controller. This allows you to store custom layouts and templates that can be quickly loaded with a single click, saving you time and effort when setting up your display. Look for products that offer extensive presets and the ability to create custom mappings.

Collaboration

Collaboration is also important when choosing an LED wall processor/controller. Look for products that support multiple users, allowing multiple people to work on the same project simultaneously. Additionally, look for products that offer remote control capabilities, allowing you to adjust your display from a distance.

Access Control

Finally, consider access control when selecting an LED wall processor/controller. This allows you to set up password protection for your system, ensuring that only authorized users can access and make changes to your display. This is especially important in public settings such as trade shows, where protecting your information from unauthorized viewers is essential.

When looking for a basic model or something with more advanced features, make sure to keep these considerations in mind when shopping for an LED video wall controller, LED wall controller, or LED wall processor.

Benefits of Video Wall Processors/Video Wall Controllers

LED wall processors/controllers offer a wide range of benefits for businesses and organizations that require dynamic video walls for various applications. As more and more businesses are turning to LED video walls to create engaging and immersive environments, it's important to understand the advantages of using a LED wall processor/controller when setting up an LED video wall.

Eliminate Resolution Restrictions

The processor can scale the input signal to any resolution compatible with the connected display while optimizing image quality and aspect ratios. This makes it easier to adjust resolution settings and get the best possible image quality out of your LED video wall.

Multiple Input Sources/ Formats

Another benefit of using a LED wall processor/controller is that it can handle multiple source signals and processing formats. This means you can use various input sources such as HDMI, DVI, VGA, DisplayPort, and USB for your video wall, allowing for greater flexibility and control over how you present content on your LED video wall. The processor also supports various formats, such as 4K, 8K, HD, and UHD.

Better Performance and Processing Capacity

Finally, LED wall processors/controllers provide improved performance and processing capacity. Since they are designed specifically for LED video walls, they offer higher performance than general-purpose processors. They can also process large amounts of data in real time, making them ideal for applications requiring high resolution or high frame rates.

LED wall processors/controllers offer many advantages over traditional video wall systems. Businesses and organizations can create stunning displays with the help of a LED video wall controller. Whether you're looking for an effective way to show off your product at a trade show or create an immersive environment for your customers in a retail space, the right LED wall processor/controller can make all the difference.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right LED wall processor or LED wall controller is critical. Researching and determining what video processor for an LED wall will best suit your needs is essential for a successful project. When selecting an LED video wall controller, you must consider factors such as image quality, reliability, ease of use, and cost.

Additionally, it's important to ensure the product has been certified by a trusted third party to ensure you're getting the best performance. With these considerations in mind, you can make the right decision when selecting the perfect LED wall processor or LED wall controller for your project.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Video Conferencing Equipment Prices.