Over the years, we've noticed some common misconceptions about video walls and LCD video walls in particular:
1. There is a "One-Size Fits All" Mounting System
Anyone who has taken part in the installation process knows that each job presents unique challenges, many of them related to design & environment. There are many factors such as the size/configuration of the wall, the need to enable touch functionality, or even limited clearance on the sides of the wall. Each of these factors would have bearing on mount selection.
For example, a 3x3 video wall array mounted to a wall surface may benefit from the use of GPO US' Slide Bracket mounts (quick installation and auto-alignment). On the other hand, if this same 3x3 array is recessed in a wall pocket with limited clearance on the sides, a "pull-out" mount would be a better fit for service access. The unique nature of each installation environment demands careful consideration of mounting solutions.
2. Pro-sumer Displays Are an Affordable Substitute for Commercial LCDs in any Environment
The decision to use a "pro-sumer" (consumer/professional-grade hybrid) video wall products is typically budget-driven. Pro-sumer displays can certainly be used in video wall applications but they should not be seen as an equivalent substitute for true commercial-grade displays. While a pro-sumer display won't be quite as costly, users may be underwhelmed for the following reasons:
Bezel Width & Characteristics - Pro-sumer displays typically have a thicker bezel than their Ultra Narrow Bezel commercial-grade counterparts (this can mean the difference between a 3.7mm gap and an 11mm gap between screens). Additionally, pro-sumer bezels are typically rounded (and thus, more prominent) and more reflective than those of commercial-grade models.
Anti-glare Coating - Pro-sumer panels do not feature the same anti-glare coating that true commercial-grade panels do. This results in visible glare even in indoor environments with limited overhead lighting.
Brightness - Most manufacturers of commercial-grade LCD video walls offer two brightness levels. The lower brightness level is typically 450-500nit, while the high-bright option (700-800nit) is sufficient for use in lobbies/entrance-ways where displays must contend with indirect sunlight. Pro-sumer displays are rated at 450nit or lower, limiting the environments in which they may be placed. This problem is compounded by the aforementioned lack of anti-glare coating.
24/7 Applications - Commercial-grade video wall displays are rated for 24/7 use, while pro-sumer displays often have warranty stipulations limiting daily use to 16hrs/day or less.
3. On-board Processing Can Improve the Quality of Content Being Displayed.
While almost all LCD video wall models feature on-board processing capable of expanding a single source over an entire array, one must be careful not to overestimate the capabilities of on-board processing. While the native resolution of a typical 3x3 LCD video wall array is 5760x3240, this does not mean that a 1920x1080 source will appear in this resolution. If a single output is expanded over multiple displays (via daisy-chain or distribution amplifier), the result will be a maximum of 1920x1080 stretched over all of these displays.
4. 4k Native Resolution is a Must.
There has been increased interest in 4k products as of late. Despite its comparably high price and the relative scarcity of 4k content, the buzz surrounding 4k monitors is palpable. GPO US has seen increased interest in 4k video wall monitors as well but we see this as unnecessary, at least in the near future.
The modular nature of video wall monitors means that one can increase the native resolution of an array by adding more panels. A 2x2 already features 3840x2160 (4k) native resolution. All one needs to make use of this is a PC or processor with four or more outputs. While 4k will become increasingly prevalent in the commercial market, 1920x1080 remain the foundation of flat panel display standard for the foreseeable future.
5. Every Manufacturer Produces Their Own LCD Panels.
The term "video wall manufacturer" may lead one to assume that the manufacturer produces panels. Most video wall manufacturers use Samsung or LG LCD panels and source the rest of the components, (backend or "drive" electronics) elsewhere. Oftentimes, assembly is conflated with "manufacturing" and no components are produced by the "manufacturer" at all.
GPO US is no exception to the rule when it comes to LCD panels, making use of all major panel manufacturers across our product lineup. However, GPO US develops and prints its own controller boards, housing and mounts, resulting in a relatively high level of control in both the production and stocking of key components. This also grants GPO US unmatched custom capabilities.
6. LCD Will Soon be Replaced as a Dominant Video Wall Technology.
In a world where technological advances seem to be constantly accelerating, some tend to overlook stable, field-tested display technologies. We've put together some counterarguments for those who would dismiss LCD as outdated:
-Price: LCD is competitively priced with all current video wall technologies and will remain so for several years.
-Low maintenance: Unlike projection and rear-projection solutions relying on bulbs, commercial-grade LCD panels are rated at 50,000hrs MTBF. Bulbs typically need replacement every 10,000hrs (at least).
-Easily serviceable: Unlike seamless plasma and certain "cube" solutions (DLP or LDP), LCD video walls are relatively easy to access for service purposes.
At GPO US, we believe a better understanding of video wall technologies leads to a more satisfactory result. When it comes to designing a project or making decisions on purchasing AV equipment, GPO US is here to help.
Do you agree with these points? What are some other misconceptions you have encountered?
Let us know what you think in the comment section.
