We see multi-screen display systems in so many everyday locations, and many of us wouldn’t usually think too much about how they operate. But, for AV enthusiasts like yourselves, you might wonder what systems ensure that multi-screen displays like video walls work reliably.
Well, that’s where Dexon comes in. We take the guesswork out of AV systems to help AV enthusiasts, like yourselves, understand the why’s, what’s, and how’s of AV technology. To help you understand multi-screen display technology, we’ve compiled this complete guide to multi-screen displays and the systems in use.
In this article, we define multi-screen displays and discuss where we use them, as well as the key benefits and how they operate with the help of video wall management systems.
Let’s go!
What are multi-screen display systems?
Before we discuss the ‘how?’, it’s important to address the ‘what?’ in multi-screen display systems. Multi-screen display systems refer to audio-visual technological systems that incorporate multiple screens as a way to display presentations. Typically, these can also be referred to as video walls.
Video walls, or multi-screen display systems, consist of multiple monitor screens that work collectively to act as a single surface. These systems can vary in size, typically starting at 4×4 and working all the way to 144×72.
A video wall’s total resolution is the sum of the individual monitor’s screen quality. There are three main types of multi-screen display types that you might see in everyday life. Here’s a guide:
LCD: LCD displays are widely available and are a popular option for most conferencing and office environments. These are multiple LCD screens placed together to form a single surface. Their cheaper up-front cost and ease of use make them very popular for first-time video wall users.
Rear projected cubes: Rear projected cube walls are an example of an integrated solution. This wall projects light through the screen, minimizing the effects of boundaries and creating a very detailed display.
LED: As the name suggests, LED walls create displays by using many LED lights. One of the key benefits of this multi screen display type is that users can create bright and detailed displays for settings such as advertising and marketing campaigns.
Where do we use multi-screen display systems?
One of the main benefits of multi-screen display systems is that users have the ability to revolutionize operations in so many settings with their help. Here’s a guide to some of the settings where you can use video walls:
Control rooms
Control rooms are one of the most popular places to use a video wall. With a multi screen display, you can visualize different elements of your operational activity from a single source, meaning you can have eyes everywhere at all times. This is especially useful for security control rooms, as video walls can display real-time footage from security cameras after connecting to a remote network.
Transport
Transport settings are confusing at the best of times, and it seems like there’s never enough information in the right place, leaving us scrambling for help. With the help of a video wall, operators can isolate different information on separate monitors in a single location. This helps to communicate high volumes of travel information such as train times and platforms to many different people at once.
Office spaces
Another popular reason why many people choose to use multi screen display technology is to enhance their office presentations and conferences. With the help of a video wall, users can create dynamic and engaging conferences and displays that communicate critical information in an accessible way.
What are the benefits of multi-screen display systems?
Using a video wall display is a highly subjective experience, so it’s hard to narrow down the exact benefits. However, there are a few set benefits to using a video wall display system in your office, control room, education setting or entertainment venue. Here are a few examples:
- Better engagement
- Communication
- Versatile
- Customizable
- Impressive
How do multi-screen display systems work?
So, how exactly does this technology operate? Well, a few sophisticated systems are at play when operating a video wall. To help you understand what you’ll need for the perfect video wall setup, here’s a guide:
Video wall matrix switchers
Video wall matrix switchers are the perfect addition for all small, medium, and large AV projects. This is an all-in-one control box that seamlessly switches to different inputs and outputs, crops, creates fade-in and out effects, scales content, and so much more!
Dexon’s matrix switchers are highly modular, so they’re suitable for any project, big or small. One of the best things about our matrix switchers is that they can be controlled locally and remotely, giving you and your administrators ultimate control.
Video wall processors
If you’ve got a demanding AV project, you’ll need a video wall processor. A processor processes and transforms input signals into viewable content for your video wall. With the help of HDMI cables from media players, satellite sources, and PCs, input signals are displayed in any size or position that you desire.
A video wall processor is what makes a video wall act like a coherent surface, so they’re a must for most projects.
Video wall controllers
Multi-screen controllers are generally the brains behind a video wall system. This 19-rack computer chassis handles input and output signals received via HDMI, SDI, DVI, and LAN cables. These input and output signals are then processed and displayed on a video wall, so without a controller, it would be very hard to operate a video wall.
Final thoughts
Now you know exactly how multi-screen display systems work, we hope you feel more empowered and prepared to start revolutionizing your presentations with your own video wall display systems.
