Choosing the Right Video Wall System for You
When choosing a video wall system, many people make the exact same mistakes: they choose the biggest or the brightest or the most advanced (and expensive) displays, misguided by the notion that “all of them do the same – display video and images”. Now, this notion is generally true – but only on the most basic level.
The whole truth is that different types of displays are better suited for different use cases. In other words, selecting an ideal video wall is not about the size or tech – it’s about strategy. Today, we’ll explore a strategic and methodical way of choosing a video wall system in Florida, so you can avoid the mistakes that many before you have made.
How to choose a video wall?
In highly demanding and mission-critical environments, aligning the display selection with your operational goals, environment, and, most importantly, audience expectations is key to delivering a message that stays imprinted in people’s minds.
1. Start with the “why”
The first and most important thing you should do is to clearly define the purpose of your video wall. In general, setups can be separated into several different categories, based on application:
- Informational (e.g., dashboards, data display)
- Promotional (e.g., advertising, branding)
- Interactive (e.g., touchscreen info panels)
- Entertainment (e.g., event venues, bars)
- Monitoring (e.g., surveillance, command centers)
2. Understand your environment
The technical characteristics of the physical space will greatly influence your decision, as different screens provide varying degrees of image quality and overall performance based on:
- Type of setting: LED walls perform much better outdoors or in bright, sunlit areas (compared to other options, including LCD and projector-based solutions)
- The amount of ambient light: Well-lit environments require high-brightness displays. LEDs are the primary choice, but high-nit LCDs are also viable.
- Viewing distance: The tighter pixel density of LCD screens makes them better for close-up viewing, while LEDs excel at longer distances.
- Spatial constraints: If space is limited, projection-based and rear-projection systems are an automatic no-go, as they require a lot of depth and ventilation. LEDs, LCDs, and their certain variations are all viable options.
3. Screen size & resolution considerations
Choosing the right screen type is a balancing act, specifically between screen size and clarity.
- Displaying high-res images or text requires screens with a tighter pixel pitch, meaning higher display quality, meaning a pricier setup.
- Wide viewing angles ensure consistent image quality regardless of the viewers’ position, making them especially fit for lobbies, control rooms, and similar settings.
- Aspect ratio & layout should be fitted to the content you’re intent on displaying to ensure everything fits naturally, is easy to read/view, and makes the most of the space.
In short, the type of your content will guide your screen size and resolution choice, as well as the need for additional elements of the setup (e.g., processors, mixers, etc.).
4. Factor in maintenance & lifespan
If you’re opting for a permanent setup, rather than renting a temporary one, you should be aware that this is a significant investment. As such, you want to make sure that it lasts and remains relevant for as long as possible.
- LED screens are known for their phenomenal lifespan (i.e., 100,000+ hours) and minimal maintenance requirements.
- LCD displays have reduced lifespan compared to LEDs (i.e., 30,000 to 60,000 hours), and they are susceptible to backlight degradation, making them a bit more expensive to maintain.
- Projection-based systems are the most maintenance-heavy of all, since components such as lamps and filters are prone to frequent malfunctions. They are also the shortest-lasting, capable of withstanding only 10,000 to 30,000 working hours on average.
5. Draft a realistic budget
With all the aforementioned considerations made, you’ll have a solid base to set a realistic budget. However, it is important to factor in not only the cost of equipment, but also the installation and long-term maintenance. And, with that done, you’ll have everything necessary to choose the perfect system for you!
Who can help me design an ideal video wall system near me in Florida?
A 30-year veteran of the industry, Pro Audio Services delivers state-of-the-art video wall systems to clients across Florida – from Tampa to Key Largo and everywhere in between. We’re recognized for the quality of our services and solutions, as well as for the ability to design and implement setups ideally suited to our clients’ needs and settings. Reach out to us today and discover why we remain undisputed champions of the industry even after three full decades!
