LCDs are becoming the most favored display devices to build video walls due to their reliability, the narrow bezels they offer and the ever declining procuring costs. It’s but natural that few unexpected problems crop up with large scale deployment in producing video walls. Still, it is a little early to claim that every glitch or issue has been resolved even if the LCD Panels used are custom made for video wall configurations. In addition, even if a video wall installation is successful, it can encounter some unexpected glitches after a certain period, thereby cutting short its lifespan.

To circumvent any such happening, it is important to get all the necessary parameters right while building a video wall. The following aspects are the most important to ensure an error free installation, smooth operation and longevity of any video wall installation. Not a realm of newbie professionals, characteristics that mark a professional video wall installation are — One that provides sufficient cooling

• • Easy component access and LCD Panel replacement
  • Properly labeled cables
  • Top quality components
  • Precisely aligned panels
  • Uniformity of color and settings
  • Power conditioning and sequencing
  • Impeccable design

Cooling

When a video wall is running, the temperatures within the LCD Panel go up, particularly if it is scheduled to run 24 x 7.  LCD Panels can handle varying temperatures quite efficiently, but it is important that their internal components like power supply and circuit boards are kept cool enough or it impedes the reliability of the components. This can lead to frequent failures of the LCD Panel within a period of one or two years. Someone who is proficient in professional video wall installation will take into consideration the peak running temperatures to ensure that this problem doesn’t arise.

Ease of Access and LCD Panel Replacement

On an average, a video wall is expected to run for a period of 5-7 years. During this time period, it is possible that few repairs or replacements need to be carried out for the video wall LCD panels.  This necessitates the panels to be fitted in such a way that provide easy access to them. As this problem may occur after few years, it is critically important to foresee its occurrence at the time of the installation. Being able to do so distinguishes a professional video wall installation from an amateur one.

Identifiable Cables

A video wall setup is a mesh of cables running and carrying data and power. The number of cables can run into hundreds if the video wall is bigger and complex. As a result, it is crucial that the cables are easily identifiable so that within a year or two later, should a LCD Panel stop functioning, the user or the technician can easily identify the problematic cable. A professional video wall installation ensures all the cables are correctly connected and labeled.

Quality of Components

When building a video wall, it is of utmost important that the quality of components used is never compromised. A large variety of hardware and cables that are available in the market are of almost identical specifications. But it will take a true professional with experience in professional video wall configuration to know which one to select to ensure quality and longevity of the video wall. An amateur may fail to do so.

Panel Alignment

One of the most crucial factors of a video wall installation is to get the panel alignment right. Even if a right mounting hardware is used, getting panel alignment correct is rather tricky because of possibly overlooked LCD Panel manufacturing fault. They may be too small to invoke a rejection from the manufacturer’s end, but enough to make a perfect alignment in a video wall skewed. This calls for adjustments to be made prior to installation. A professional video wall installer is experienced enough to anticipate these problems and make necessary changes to achieve the desired results.

Color and Settings Uniformity

To get the display right, color uniformity is of crucial importance for video walls. By using specialized calibration equipment, this is perfected along with the contrast, brightness and backlight settings. Such equipment is in possession of a true video wall installation professional. Ensuring optimal settings is crucial to guarantee that the whole system doesn’t get heated up and at the same time, the pictures are also sharp.

Power Conditioning and Sequencing

To ensure longevity of a video wall, the system must be supplied with consistent power that has minimum voltage fluctuations. It’s an area that requires expertise to identify sources and ensure there is enough power to run large video walls. No matter how well made today’s’ LCD panels are, it should be ensured that there are no power fluctuations and temperatures never get too high or low, especially during the switch off and on periods. This is crucial for the performance and longevity of the video wall and only a competent professional can get it right.

Design

Design also is one of the most important aspects. Essential factors that need to be kept in mind while designing a video wall are -

•          Size and configuration

•          Venue and application

•          Viewing distance

•          Type of content being viewed

•          User interface

In a nutshell, a video wall installation is currently too complicated in many cases for someone without experience to implement. Getting professional help is the best thing to do ensure maximum value and ROI on your investment in a LCD video wall. A careless approach can fail to deliver the objectives you aim to achieve in terms of reliability, performance and longevity.