Case Study- Casino & Hotel

Our 46 in. Super Narrow Bezel (SV46M) video wall is showcased in a high ambient light setting (windows and translucent panels overhead)

GPO US Case Study- Lobby / Entranceway

Our 46 in. 3x3 video wall, Ultra Narrow Bezel displays (SV46FL) are shown in a lobby/entrance way with a significant amount of ambient lighting. SV46FL's 700nit brightness rating ensures that the display will remain visible at even the brightest times of the day.

How long will my GPO US video wall last?

GPO US is introducing our new FAQ series.  We will answer the most common questions asked out on the field.  We hope this series will help guide all of you as we strive to become a resource for your display and video wall projects!

How long will my GPO US video wall last?

-The LCD panels used in our video wall displays are rated at 50,000 hours MTBF.  In other words, a GPO US video wall can typically operate constantly (24/7/365) for over 5.7 years before reaching half-brightness.  While video wall and LCD technology has advanced to the point that this is common, GPO US video walls have the added security of a superior backend electronics package.  The high-grade power supplies used in our solutions will ensure that the failure rate of backend electronics within that 5-6 year period is unparalleled.  All of the aforementioned numbers assume 24/7 operation, so many applications would likely lead to a video wall lasting upwards of a decade, depending on the environment and hours of use.   

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Tips:  Users can maintain the life span of our video walls by powering off displays when not in use and by keeping ambient temperature in mind.  Factors such as airflow in recessed wall applications should also be taken into account.  It is also wise to place the video wall in a well-ventilated area.  The vast majority of heat output on an LCD video wall emanates from the panel, so keep this in mind when designing video wall enclosures and/or cosmetic trim.  GPO US team members are a phone call away should you require additional guidance. 

GPO US FAQ Series

GPO US is introducing our new FAQ series.  We will answer the most common questions asked out on the field.  We hope this series will help guide all of you as we strive to become a resource for your display and video wall projects!

Why should I use GPO US’ Slide Bracket Mounts? 

Our proprietary “Slide Bracket” mounting system has no moving parts.  This ensures that alignment is maintained throughout the entire course of an installation’s lifetime.  Unlike “pull-out” mounts commonly used in video wall applications, Slide Bracket mounts allow for zero z-axis drift and require no additional adjustments in the event that a set is replaced.   Other mounting systems show the effects of gravity when a screen is pulled out into its service position, often leading to time-consuming realignment.

There is less risk of panel damage during both installation and service of displays mounted via Slide Bracket.  Unlike their “pull-out” counterparts, Slide Brackets never require installers/service technicians to touch the LCD panel surface.  Many “pull-out” mounts require pressure to be applied to the panel surface in order to enter a display into its service position.  With Slide Bracket mounts, only the bezels of the panel are handled- a far sturdier component of the panel module than the TFT-LCD surface.

Displays slide side-to-side within the Slide Bracket’s track system, providing easy access to devices positioned behind the displays on the wall surface (e.g., multimedia players, distribution amplifiers) without removal of displays from mounts.  Side covers (trim kit) are also included, lending a sleek, clean appearance to your wall.  While our Slide Bracket mounts offer superior design and affordability, GPO US video wall displays can also be used with third-party mounts when “pull-out” functionality is a requirement.

GPO US- Slide Brackets

GPO US- Slide Brackets

GPO US has a wealth of experience with video wall installations which has informed our R&D team’s development of our display solutions as well as our mounts.  Our Slide Bracket mounting system is the crowning achievement of these efforts on the mounting side.  Tailored for precision alignment and easy access, slide brackets offer efficient, speedy installation and replacement.  Slide brackets can be used in a wide range of environments and may be affixed to walls, reinforcement frames or GPO US’ video wall floor stands. 

Most video wall-specific mounts currently on the market have a number of moving parts, which can complicate installation and alignment.  We at GPO US agree with da Vinci’s assertion that “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”.  This is the key to the success of our slide bracket mounts, as they feature no internal moving parts.  The Slide Bracket is essentially a frame with no hinges, joints or levers to complicate the installation and alignment process.

Both initial alignment and long-term maintenance of alignment are particular strengths of Slide Brackets.  Video wall displays can move side-to side within the slide bracket structure (3.94” left/right) providing access to devices (such and receivers, D/As or media players) positioned behind a given display without removal of the display from the mount.   The alignment of the displays is not altered during this side-to-side movement, as the slide tracks within the mounting structure ensure the maintenance of y-axis alignment.   X-axis alignment is regained when sets are returned to their fixed/installed position and side covers (also referred to as the “trim kit”) are reattached.

<~ The set features four wheels on the rear of the panel (two on top, two on bottom).  The notches in each slide bracket mount allows for the wheels to insert into the slide track.  This concept is similar to that of a sliding patio door.  The only significant drawback to the slide bracket mount is that one or more sets may need to be removed in order to gain access to a panel in the middle or bottom of an array.  

SV46M with GPO US Slide Bracket wall mounts

Slide brackets are affordable, easy to install, and particularly well-suited to video wall arrays with five or less horizontal rows of displays.  Slide brackets are perfectly acceptable for larger arrays.  However, a large number of sets may need to be removed in order to access problematic panels on or near the bottom of a larger (n x ≥5) array.  While our LCD video walls can be configured for compatibility with VESA-standard third-party mounts, you can purchase the whole solution:  Video Wall + Wall Mounting System from one manufacturer--- us!   Our slide bracket solutions can be used with our standard 46 inch and 55 inch video wall models and may also be combined with our video wall floor stands for an attractive, mobile, free-standing array.

Visit us on the web at http://www.gpous.com or call us at (510) 659-9855

55" Displays

55” Displays

1)      GPO US’ SV55 series is the heart of our 55” LCD Video Wall lineup.  Showcasing a beautiful LED back-lit LCD panel, 5.5mm combined bezel gap, and the option of a 450nit or 700 nit model, all 55” video walls also boast Full HD (1920x1080) native resolution.  Onboard processing and support of daisy-chaining assists in reducing head-end processing.  In addition to our standard video wall lineup, our ‘Superior Video Wall’ lineup features compatibility with our Auto Condition Reporting (ACR) system.  GPO US’ proprietary “Swing-Out” and Slide Bracket mounts offer varying levels of accessibility for service and troubleshooting in addition to providing unmatched maintenance of alignment over the course of an installation’s lifetime.  Landscape and Portrait modes are both supported and with either orientation, side covers are included to serve as a “trim kit”, which creates a sleek, finished look.  Side covers also lock the screens into place on the x-axis, preventing any alignment drift.  All 55” video wall models may be combined with GPO US’ Slide Brackets, Swing-Out mounts, and floor stands locking rear door option.  GPO US’ broadcast-specific model (SV55M-BV) is ideal for on-camera applications with presets for gamma curve, dimming and color temperature.

2)      GPO US has a wide range of “standalone” Commercial-Grade LCDs. 

Our Standard, High Bright, and LED-backlit solutions all feature the following options:

- Open Frame (DN55L-O): No rear cover or front bezel- ideal for placement in a wall pocket, fixture, kiosk housing, etc.

- Standalone (DN55L): Standard DID (Digital Information Display) for commercial and industrial use.  Embedded speakers included.  This is simply a standard, high-grade digital signage monitor with black, metal housing.

- Touch-DID (DT55L): Dual Infrared touch (third-party PC required for touch functionality).  Additional touch points available upon request.  Embedded speakers included.  Consider this a blank touch template from which to develop/implement your own interactive signage.

- Built-in-PC (DP55L): PC with dual-core processor, Embedded Windows 7, embedded speakers.  Ready for digital signage suites and includes LAN port for network updating- WiFi option available.

- All-in-One (DA55L): PC with dual-core processor, Embedded Windows 7, embedded speakers, and Dual IR touch.  This display is ready for wayfinding applications, interactive signage/menus and more.  Simply load signage software on the embedded PC.

3)      Our E-Whiteboards are perfect for collaborative settings such as boardrooms and classrooms.  These commercial-grade E-Whiteboards include software which allows for touch interactivity via finger, stylus or virtually any other implement on the screen (each models features 5mm thick protective glass).  EV55LR-EN has an optional IR touch feature and ACR monitoring functionality.    Embedded PC’s are optional- the default configuration assumes the use of a third-party PC.

4)      GPO US’ Kiosks are perfect for a wide range of applications: mobile or stationary menus, wayfinding and ad space in shopping malls, and as welcome/informational signage at trade shows.  55” kiosks can be configured with an LCD panel in either portrait or landscape orientation.  All kiosk models are available in either a 450nit or 700nit brightness level to more closely match the ambient lighting of specific installation locations.  GPO US has several options for you to choose from:  Standard (plug-and-play multimedia player), Touch Kiosk (Dual IR touch) and Built-in PC.  Touch and Embedded PC features can be combined to create and “All-In-One” model.  Standard kiosks feature high-definition multimedia players with optional network connectivity (via LAN).  Our Touch Kiosk features dual IR touch, which can be upgraded for additional touch points upon request.  Smaller LCDs can also be placed below the main 55” display in order to rotate dynamic logos, for example.  There is such a wide range of custom capabilities that if it isn’t outlined here, there’s a good chance we can do it anyway!

5)      Touch table displays are becoming increasingly popular in collaborative work environments, retail outlets, museums and educational settings.  Our DU55F-EN “U-Table” touch table has the option of pre-loaded content and games which engage users of all ages.  DU55F-EN features Full HD (1920x1080) resolution, 450nit brightness level, and 10-point touch with protective glass.  Rubber bumpers are used to surround this slick table for safety.  Embedded PCs available upon request.

Video Wall Troubleshooting

Who is Monitoring Your Monitoring Center Displays?

While video walls are increasingly seen in public spaces, corporate lobbies and retail environments, their origins lie primarily in command & control/security environments.  These mission-critical video walls often monitor assets and personnel in remote locations, and are required to run 24/7/365.  Emergency Operations Centers, for example, constantly monitor first responders and the constantly evolving circumstances on the ground.  However, the very display hardware used in this surveillance is rarely monitored to the same extent. 

Auto Condition Reporting (ACR)

GPO US’ Auto Condition Reporting (ACR) program allows users to keep tabs on video walls in remote locations and reduces the need for on-site diagnostics and troubleshooting.   GPO US’ “Superior” video wall series features compatibility with our SM100 “Smart Controller”, which provides an LED status readout showing the condition of inputs, power supply, and panel on a particular monitor.  Each Smart Controller connects to a given video wall array via RS-232 daisy-chain, so only one Smart Controller is required per video wall.  The Smart Controller also features a LAN port, which connects to a router and offers remote monitoring of displays status from anywhere in the world with internet connectivity. 

This leads to a significantly reduced diagnostic turn-time and eliminates the need to remove screens for troubleshooting purposes.  If the Smart Controller is connected to a router via the LAN port, GPO US service technicians will be able to offer assistance in diagnosing potential service issues remotely.  Lastly, if a customer grants GPO US access to their local network, GPO US’ remote server will gather usage data for a full history of each display, offering further insight into usage patterns and conditions leading up to a failure.

Benefits of ACR

The main benefit of ACR is its remote monitoring function.  Users can monitor display system statuses from anywhere in the world such as central offices, control rooms or even on Android mobile devices. Additionally, ACR records the duration of usage and activity of input signals.  As mentioned above, this information can be accessed thru simple network connectivity.  Lastly, the LED indicator lights on the displays’ Drive Electronics Kit (DEK) can be used for quick onsite diagnostics on the part of the user.  This reduces maintenance costs and has your unit up and running in virtually no time at all. 

Disruptive Onsite Troubleshooting

In the event of a display failure, camera feeds, maps and other source “windows” often need to be rearranged to avoid the “dead” space on the video wall, meaning valuable real estate is being sacrificed- quite disruptive, indeed.  This can be exacerbated by the diagnostics process, as panels may need to be removed from the wall for further evaluation and view of adjacent panels may be blocked in the process.  The intrusion of service technicians into command & control workspace is never welcome but is regrettably a necessity when remote diagnostics (typically via phone, telepresence or email) fail.

These sometimes invasive diagnostic processes have been mitigated to some extent by video wall designs which remove drive electronics (power supply, controller board) entirely from the rear of LCD panels.  However, this presents another set of challenges as the rack room housing these off-boarded components can reside hundreds of feet from the video wall panels.  This drives up cost significantly and can pose problems when racks are placed in excess of 300’ from panels.

All-Slide DEK

GPO US’ All-Slide DEK (Drive Electronics Kit) does away with the need to remove panels in the majority of service cases.  The DEK contains a power supply, controller board and LVDS & power inverter interface in a small box which resides on the backend of the panel in GPO US’ 46” “EN-S” video wall series.  This design eliminates run distance issues associated with rack-mounted controllers and power supplies. 

In the event of a board failure, simply enter GPO US’ Swing-out mount (or third-party push-and-pull mount) into its service position.  From there, the DEK may be removed from the rear of the panel by loosening two thumbscrews and pulling the DEK downward from the rear of the LCD panel.  A replacement DEK is then inserted in the place of the malfunctioning DEK and thumbscrews re-tightened.  This entire operation can be done in 5-10 minutes without removal of a single LCD panel.

Onsite visits during installation

GPO offers optional onsite supervision for every new installation.  We assist with color matching/calibration and configuration of your new video wall.  Here at GPO US, we guide you every step of the way.  Typically, one GPO US technician travels to your location and ensures that your video wall is properly color balanced and aligned with fine tune adjustments made prior to final commissioning.  We help prevent potential ventilation issues, other potentially hazardous environmental conditions and problematic implementation of system design.   This has proven invaluable for many of our installations.   If “Superior” video walls are purchased with Smart Controllers for ACR monitoring, onsite installation assistance is strongly recommended to ensure proper function of the ACR system for first-time buyers.

Phone Tests

Call our Toll free line at 855-GPO-CORP during business hours and a GPO US representative is available to assist you with any questions you may have.  While other companies may put you through self automated messages, GPO US has a representative on the phone to guide you through color calibration, technical video wall information, and installation.