1Video Wall Buyers Guide

The Ultimate Video Wall Buyer’s Guide

What to look for when buying a video wall

Video Wall Buyers Guide Ebookwww.userful.com

2Video Wall Buyers Guide

Chapter 1: Before You Buy

Chapter 1

Before you buyVideo walls can have many different sizes, applications, configurations and displays, including LCD, LED, blended projection screens, rear projection screens (DLP), mosaic-style tiles and direct view LED panels, just to name a few. They also have a wide variety of use cases from Control Rooms and Command Centers to digital signage, meeting rooms and entertainment.

1. Layout & SizingDetermine your audience and the type of message(s) or the use case for your video wall. For a digital signage application, is your goal clear communication of specific written messages (grid layout) or is to make an impact with a unique design (artistic layout)?

For a Control Center, is it quick and easy interactivity and collaboration or is it for display of dashboards?

2. Location and placementObviously you want to choose a prominent location but be aware that sun or bright lights can darken the display and create glare. Consider your surroundings and lighting conditions to ensure visibility and legibility at various times of day and from all angles.

3. Wiring & ConnectivityYour video wall controller can be either at the video wall location or in the server room. If it is at the video wall location you can use a wireless network connection (for content access) if it is in the server room you will need to have at least one Cat5e (or Cat6) Ethernet cable going to a gigabit switch at the video wall location.

3Video Wall Buyers Guide

Chapter 1: Before You Buy

4. Content Delivery / InteractivityWhat will you be on your video wall?

Remember this may change, so ensure you’re considering your future requirements as well as today’s. Best to maximize flexibility to ensure that your video wall can grow as you grow.

If you require interactivity, what type, a touch video wall experience, control from a kiosk, from a tablet. Who will interact with your video wall and how?

5. Set-Up, Calibration and MaintenanceThis aspect is usually overlooked when deciding what video wall solution to get. Ensure you’re considering who will be the administrator of the video wall and responsible for its management and support long term.

6. Who will install?Video walls require a variety of components—including displays, cabling, mounts, etc—that need to be properly installed.

Video wall calibration can be a laborious process, so you would want a solution that simplifies the configuration and calibration of your video wall and help you save both time and money.

7. Expansion and UpgradeabilityGrowth is a key objective in any business. What happens with your video wall solution when there is a need to expand its size, or perhaps upgrade it to accommodate other new requirements?

When choosing a video wall solution, taking into account future adaptability can definitely save you some headaches and money.

4Video Wall Buyers Guide

Chapter 1: Before You Buy

Highly integrated solutions or solutions that need specialized components might prove inflexible, even perhaps needing to replace the entire system upon refresh; whereas modular, software-based solutions.

8. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)Ultimately, for a video wall to make sense, you want to maximize ROI.

Since the revenue derived directly from the video wall is hard to estimate, rather than spending a lot of money on a video wall solution and hoping for the best, a good start would be to actually minimize the expenses on the video wall—without sacrificing its ability to fit your needs, of course.

A thorough TCO study can provide great insight on what solution to choose.

5Video Wall Buyers Guide

Chapter 2: Video wall controller, processor or none?

Chapter 2

Video wall controller, processor or none?One of the most important questions to ask yourself when purchasing a video wall is whether you can use the internal video wall scalers built into modern zero bezel displays. These offer limited but important functionality which needs to be understood to determine whether you can get away with just using displays or if you need a video wall controller or video wall processor.

Video wall controllers provide more power and flexibility to a video wall deployment, and they used to be substantially more costly, but today there are solutions like Userful which are significantly more affordable.

Video wall controllers vs. Video wall scalersVideo wall scalers (or matrix scalers) offer a simple way to split a single video stream into multiple outputs, but they are generally limited in both resolution—with even the best scalers supporting only 1080p, and 4k at most—and layout options—many are limited to juts grid configurations.

Many high-end, zero bezel displays include built-in scalers, though end users are “forced” into using only compatible displays within a supported arrangement.

Matrix scalers are usually limited in the number of screens they can support and are limited to a single source.

Many can’t handle irregular aspect ratios (i.e. 1x5, 1x10 configurations, etc.). Those that do are still limited to the original source resolution, and look very poor quality.

Video wall controllers, on the other hand, address many of the limitations in matrix scalers. The Userful video wall solution, for example, supports ultra high source content resolutions (up to 8k), allows multiple simultaneous content sources (supporting real time content, interactive content, and managed content), and allow for display of those sources in a wide variety of configurations from zones to picture in picture.

6Video Wall Buyers Guide

Chapter 2: Video wall controller, processor or none?

Solutions like Userful of course also support odd configurations (yes, 1x5 but also artistic, mosaic-style, video walls with unique designs).

How do I know if my project needs a video wall controller or processor?If a deployment requires multiple sources simultaneously (i.e. a mix of browser content, video feeds, dashboards, videos, live video etc.), or switching easily between content sources or video wall lay outs, you will need a controller.

If you are using just one source on your video wall (eg in a digital signage application) and it is 4k or under and will be displayed only on a 2x2 or 3x3 you will be fine with the matrix scaler. Move much beyond that in size or configuration complexity and you may need to look at a video wall controller or processor.

Affordability in video wall controllersTraditional, video card based video wall processors or video wall controllers were very expensive and also complex to configure and maintain.

This is no longer the case. Userful’s software-based video wall eliminates the cost and complexity problems of traditional video wall solutions by transforming a standard PC into a high performing, flexible video wall controller, with a simple and flexible control and configuration interface.

7Video Wall Buyers Guide

Chapter 3: Compare and contrast: Video wall controller vs processor

Chapter 3

Compare and contrast: Video wall controller vs processorOnce you’ve decided that you need a video wall processor or video wall controller because the internal matrix scalers aren’t enough for your deployment, you need to look at the various core technologies on the market today driving video walls.

1. Traditional Video-card based video wall controller:This is the oldest of the technologies.

A dedicated computer—basically a specialized PC equipped with extra video cards—is physically attached to the displays, each video output driving one display.

These video wall controllers typically come with software and capture cards to connect multiple inputs, configure presets, control outputs and manage the overall configuration.

Traditional video wall controllers are proprietary hardware solutions with a fixed number of inputs and outputs purpose built for video walls.

Typically video wall controllers scale captured input sources, but some video wall solutions allow you to render content directly on the controllers.

These are often very expensive but offer very high total resolution via the large number of installed graphics card.

Vendors include: Barco, Christie Digital.

2. Media-players playing back pre-split content:For digital signage use cases, some companies have taken multiple signage player devices and time-synched them together to create a video walls playback system.

Here the content must be pre-split and only the relevant portion of the video uploaded to each of the corresponding individual players—one per display.

The players constantly talk to each other or to a server during over the network during playback to maintain synchronization.

The key disadvantage of this is the inflexibility and cost of having to prepare the content in advance and the constant risk of the players falling out of synchronization.

Vendors include: Brightsign, Anytiles

8Video Wall Buyers Guide

Chapter 3: Compare and contrast: Video wall controller vs processor

3. Matrix SwitcherMatrix switchers are generally defined by their number of inputs and outputs (both usually HDMI) and range from 2 inputs ×2 outputs all the way up to 32 inputs and 32 outputs (32×32).

The core limitation of the matrix switch is that inputs and outputs are fixed. If need to add a 5th display to your 4x4 matrix switcher you’re starting from scratch.

Each input also requires its own input source which increases costs and cabling complexity.

Matrix Switchers can’t display on granular levels lower than a single screen which prevents more advanced layouts like Multi-window and picture-in-picture and also don’t come with advanced control and management tools meaning an additional control solution may need to be added which increases complexity further.

4. Network-based (AV-over-IP) video wall controller:This technology marries the power and flexibility of a traditional video wall controller, with the cost, scalability and flexibility advantages inherent AV-over IP.

A central PC renders, captures and splits the content then sends it out over a standard Ethernet network to the displays.

This offers all the resolution, multi-source and flexibility advantages of a traditional video wall controller.

All the content management, splitting and delivery is done in real time, and capture cards and network streaming source offer a wide range of inputs (like HDMI and SDI).

9Video Wall Buyers Guide

Chapter 3: Compare and contrast: Video wall controller vs processor

But unlike the traditional controller it has built-in distribution and almost unlimited scalability (in terms of number of outputs) and artistic flexibility.

Solutions like Userful also come with all the control and management tools needed from content switching to preset configuration and cloud management making it a single solution ideal for just about all video wall needs.

10Video Wall Buyers Guide

Chapter 4: LED vs LCD and other Display Considerations

Chapter 4

LED vs LCD and other Display ConsiderationsThere are a variety of display options for video walls today. The two most common are LED displays and commercial LCD panels.

Before discussing LED and LCD, it’s worth a quick glance at two other options: consumer TV’s and blended projection.

Consumer TVs for video walls?Consumer TV’s have a few potential problems worth understanding: they have wider bezels than commercial displays. They also tend to have a thicker bottom bezel. This creates the risk of an uneven bezel line where the lines created by the bottom of the displays are thicker than the vertical lines between panels.

One way to avoid this is to flip the top row of displays so they are upside down and the thicker bezel is on the top of the video wall. This will not work when using three rows or more as the middle row obviously cannot be flipped. With all that said, consumer TV’s are certainly signficantly less expensive than commercial displays.

Projectors for Video WallsBlended Projection uses a controller or processor to connect multiple front or rear display projectors to create a seamless display wall. The benefit of blended projection is that the canvas has no visible bezels.

11Video Wall Buyers Guide

Chapter 4: LED vs LCD and other Display Considerations

LED Video WallsLED video walls are common for outdoor use where viewing is usually from a distance. They have a brightness advantage over LCD panels, but a sitnificant disadvantge when it comes to resolution and image quality. They’re ideal for large outdoor displays where brightness is important but image quality and resoulution isn’t as important (due to viewing distance).

For indoor video walls or for video walls where resolution and visual performance are important, Large Format Displays (LFDs) are required.

Large Format Displays can still be LCD or LEDCommercial large format displays displays with zero bezel, narrow bezel or ultra narrow bezel are the preferred option for video walls. These can be LCD or LED (typically OLED or MicroLED). LED based commercial displays tend to offer high resolution and better brightness and a wider range of colours and typically have slimmer bezels. However they are also very significantly more expensive than backlit LCD displays.

As a result most video walls today continue to use large format LCD commercial displays. 55in is one of the most common but 60in and even 70in displays are available as well.

12Video Wall Buyers Guide

Chapter 5: Important information about Video Wall Mounts

Chapter 5

Important Information about Video Wall MountsThere are many mount options available today. You can purchase a cheap TV mount online, but these are designed for mounting a single TV and so have very limited adjustment.

For any video wall you need to ensure all displays are evenly placed, level and have no gaps. If you go for the cheap mounts, you’ll likely spend significantly more time trying to adjust the displays and you may not even be happy with the results.

Pop out mounts are increasingly popular as they allow you to pop out a single display and adjust it. If you’ve got any displays without exposed sides (eg on a 3x3 video wall the center display has no exposed sides) then you will really appreciate the benefits of a pop out mount. It allows you to easily get access to the back of the display and to the mount.

Here at Userful we’re also often asked for advice on mounting artistic video walls. Here are three good mounting options:

RPT QVT-WD100 Artistic Video Wall MountThis versatile mount gives you the freedom you need to physically build any layout you dream up.

A compact, easy to hide mount made of aviation-grade aluminum, it comes with standard VESA mounts.

It allows 360° display rotation at any angle, and locks the display once set so it can’t loose alignment.

Some of the other mounts listed here are restricted to 15° increments so keep this in mind if you truly need “any angle” rotation.

13Video Wall Buyers Guide

Chapter 5: Important information about Video Wall Mounts

Peerless Special Purpose Video Wall Mount (DS-VWM770)This video wall mount provides a 10-point micro adjustment system to align the video wall displays in an artistic configuration.

Also comes with VESA mount for standard display mounting, and allows mounting the displays within a 360° range in 15° degree increments.

The system pulls off the wall for easier accessibility.

Chief Freestyle Rotation Adapter (FRA) for ConnexSys and Fusion video wall mountsAn add-on for their ConnexSys and Fusion video wall mounts, the Freestyle Rotation Adapter provides 90° of rotation in a 360° range, with positive lockouts at 15 degree increments.

Chief’s mounting system allows for overlapping displays (Fusion FCADA) or micro adjustments for more accurate alignment (with ConnexSys).

14Video Wall Buyers Guide

Chapter 6: 10 Questions to ask Your Video Wall Vendor

Chapter 6

10 Questions to Ask Your Video Wall VendorIn this article we present a list of 10 questions that you can ask a video wall vendor that will help you make a better decision towards your video wall deployment:

1. What is the life expectancy for the device/solution in the field?An important question to give you a sense of how reliable the solution is.

2. How quick and easy is it to setup?A key aspect in a video wall deployment, a thorough understand of this process can help to make better decision when choosing a solution. There are solutions that require certified technicians to set them up.

3. How many sources can I connect and display simultaneously? If I want to expand those inputs and outputs how do I do that?Some solutions limit the number of inputs and outputs. It’s important to understand these limitations and what needs to be done to expand beyond them.

A solution that gives you a greater flexibility in content inputs and outputs will be a greater asset for your deployment.

4. How easy is it to switch what is playing on the video wall? Can it be scheduled, can it be done programmatically via an API, can it be done by hand?Interactivity is a key feature in video walls and digital signage, so a seamless switch between content will definitely make for a more impactful and professional video wall experience. Find out how these source and content switches are made.

15Video Wall Buyers Guide

Chapter 6: 10 Questions to ask Your Video Wall Vendor

5. What resolution is supported today? How can I upgrade this resolution in the future?Content resolutions are constantly upgrading (i.e. from 1080p to 4k and now 8k) and having a solution that can easily adapt to these upgrades is highly advantageous.

6. How easy is it to calibrate color to adjust as the displays age?Color calibration is a complex process in many video wall solutions, and it can be both time and resource-consuming.

7. Will I be able to talk to current or former clients that can speak to the quality of your programs?Ask the vendor for references and do your due diligence by taking the time to speak to them.

8. How do you adapt to the continually changing B2B landscape?New products and services are constantly transforming industries. Is your vendor investing in the future of the solution you’re about to purchase?

9. What is your pricing model?Different approaches have different pricing schemes, and knowing this will be helpful not only for the initial deployment, but for future upgrades and refreshment cycles.

10. Who are your closest competitors?Most vendors don’t want you seeking out competitors, as a general sales rule.

But there’s a lot to be said for a vendor who IS willing to share this information with you.

16Video Wall Buyers Guide

Chapter 6: 10 Questions to ask Your Video Wall Vendor

It indicates that the vendor is confident in the services they provide and the potential ROI of their client campaigns.

17Video Wall Buyers Guide

Chapter 7: Video Walls for Control Rooms

Chapter 7

Video Walls for Control RoomsRegardless of your video wall use case, a deployment is a big investment: screens, mounts, controller, installation and training. When planning a video wall install, it’s easy to list out the needs of today, but it can be difficult to predict the needs of tomorrow. When deploying a video wall for a control room, this is even more important as needs are more likely to evolve and change over time.

If you purchase a proprietary hardware based video wall controller that has X inputs and Y outputs, you’re going to be limited in the future if you want to expand.

Choose a solution that can meet your requirements today but allows for growth in the future--the option to expand and add more inputs or outputs, display features like picture in picture and multi-window even if you’re not needing them today, in the future you likely will.

Simplicity of Management and ControlToday’s control rooms are demanding environments with the need to display multiple diverse content sources simultaneously on a video wall and to quickly change that video wall content on the fly. This doesn’t have to result in a complicated solution.

Simplicity and ease of use is one of the most important factors in choosing a video wall for a control room. You need to ensure that operators can easily use it or you will significantly reduce ROI.

Userful is an example of a solution that is powerful, featureful and flexible without being overly complicated.

18Video Wall Buyers Guide

Chapter 7: Video Walls for Control Rooms

InteractivityOperators and administrators need to be able to control what’s displayed where on the video wall and to interact with the video wall quickly and easily.

There are video wall controllers that simply take HDMI inputs and scale them onto the video wall or a zone within the video wall.

When this is the case, it can be difficult to ensure all operators can interact with the source of that HDMI input.

Take the example of an NOC that needs to run 6 browser sessions on its video wall. They can use 6 HDMI inputs each connected to a PC each of which is running a browser.

This is cumbersome and means the solution design needs to ensure anyone who needs to can interact with those six PC’s and the browser sessions running on them.

A software based solution like Userful makes interaction with the video wall and the content on the video wall easy.

Instead of having the video wall controller connect to 6 desktops, 6 browser sessions can be run directly from the PC.

For interactivity any of the operators can launch the interactive viewer and with that control they can control the mouse and keyboard for one or all of those 6 browser sessions.

Presets and Video Wall Lay outSome video wall processors and controllers allow you to display content on the entire video wall or on a single screen or groups of screens.

19Video Wall Buyers Guide

Chapter 7: Video Walls for Control Rooms

More advanced video walls allow multi-window and picture in picture for greater display flexibility. Even if this isn’t a feature required today, it likely will be in the future--this kind of display flexibility is very common.

With video walls such as Userful it’s easy to control what content appears where on the video wall. Administrators can use presets to set up multiple specific configurations that need to be regularly used, each with different zone layouts and different content sources as needed.

ReliabilityDowntime at a mission critical control and command center is unacceptable.

When deploying a video wall in a control center, be wary of anything with a single point of failure. The more complicated a solution, the more of a challenge it can be should something go wrong.

Proprietary hardware can be difficult to service and if your video wall controller requires a specialized technician, any down time can be magnified by delays involved in getting the right person on site.

Solutions such as Userful which uses a standard off the shelf PC’s keeps costs low but also ensures ease of support.

Userful also offers automated failover which allows customers to put a second identical PC on site and set it up in the Userful software as the automatic backup PC.

Presets and Video Wall Lay outWhile the cost of displays has dropped significantly, the cost of a traditional video wall controller for a control room, NOC or command center is still high. This is usually because those controllers are built from specialized proprietary hardware which has low volumes and high costs.

Cost matters in every project and no customer wants to spend unnecessarily.

Know that there are cost effective options such as Userful that deliver all the key features which are easy to use and high performance.

20Video Wall Buyers Guide

Chapter 8: Product Comparison Charts

Chapter 8

Product Comparison ChartsFor up to date product comparisons by category visit the comparison charts on Userful’s website. Here you’ll find product by product comparison charts for most of the common video wall use cases including:

Control Room

Digital Signage

Artistic video walls

21Video Wall Buyers Guide

Chapter 9: Wrap up

Chapter 9

Learn more about video walls for your specific use case (digital signage, artistic, control room and office video walls)Watch one of the pre-recorded webinars below for a thorough understanding of the video wall requirements and options for each of these use cases

Choose from One of the Webinars Below