LCD Wall is a type of VideoWall that is composed of multiple high-resolution LCD panels that are joined together to form a large-sized, high-performance screen. The LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) technology used in the VideoWall panels offers numerous advantages in terms of image quality and versatility.
It is an option widely used in control centers since it allows to present information in an impressive and effective way, making it a powerful tool to transmit to all operators and in real time: messages, complex data or create immersive visual experiences.
Installing an LCD Video Wall may initially seem complex due to the need to join multiple LCD panels together to form a single display. However, with the right knowledge and tools, this process can be done efficiently.
Let’s see below some of the steps that must be taken to install an LCD Wall in a control center.
1.DEFINE THE MOUNTING SURFACE AND CHOOSE THE SUPPORTS
Before beginning the installation of the LCD Wall, it is important to select the appropriate surface to place the screens: on the wall, ceiling or floor.
The wall is the most common option, since it provides visual cleanliness by leaving the supports hidden behind the monitors. However, if you want a more creative approach, you can choose the ceiling or the floor using hanging or free-standing supports. In both cases, you must find the floor of the building where to anchor the support.
In most cases, users opt for a wall-mounted VideoWall, so it is important that it supports the weight of the screens. In case of not being able to, the structure of the wall can be reinforced with wooden or steel beams, or install metal plates or plywood which are installed behind the wall in the anchorage points of the supports.
Once the surface is defined, the type of support to be mounted must be selected. In this sense, there are several alternatives:
- The fixed supports are ideal for configurations of one row of screens, 2 rows of 2 horizontal screens (2×2) or in the case of not needing to adjust the position of the screens frequently.
- Push-pull mounts are a type of wall mount for screens that allow manual movement of the screens in different directions. Once the screen has been moved to the desired position, the ball joint mechanism is re-locked to lock the screen in place.
Although, it is important to mention that, like fixed supports, it is not convenient to move the screens frequently. These types of supports can be suitable for configurations of 3 columns and 2 rows (3×2).
- The motorized supports are controlled by an electromechanical system. They have fine adjustment, both of the inclination, as well as its height and orientation of the screens to achieve the ideal viewing angle. In addition, motorized mounts also offer great flexibility by allowing changes in the layout of the screens quickly and easily. Motorized supports are an efficient and versatile solution that guarantees proper maintenance of the Video Wall.
These types of supports are essential for 3-row solutions, and highly recommended for 2-row configurations of screens larger than 3×2.
2. ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
Once the surface and the type of support have been selected, the equipment associated with the installation of the VideoWall must be defined. We can find three types:
- Graphics Controller: A device used to process and distribute video signals to multiple displays.
In the case of a DataWall, the graphics controller is essential to manage and distribute the video signals to all the displays on the wall.
DataWall’s graphics controllers are designed to handle large amounts of high-resolution video signals, allowing users to create large display wall setups with resolutions up to 4K across multiple displays.
- Splitters: These are devices used to split a high-resolution video signal into multiple outputs to send the same signal to multiple lower-resolution displays.
Splitters can be active or passive. Passive splitters simply split the video signal and send it to all outputs, which can degrade signal quality if split too much. Active splitters, on the other hand, amplify the video signal before splitting it, helping to preserve signal quality and ensure that each display receives a high-quality signal.
- RX receiver unit for extenders: It is always advisable to reduce the wiring distance between the Graphic Controller and the VideoWall to facilitate the installation and simplify the necessary equipment. However, it is not always possible.
In installations with tower or chassis type Graphic Controllers, it is usually necessary to locate it in a Technical Room or CPD to reduce noise and heat generated in the room.
In such cases, video extenders are used whose receiver unit is installed next to the Video Wall. They have a very small size.
3. AESTHETICS AND LOCATION OF THE EQUIPMENT
The aesthetic aspect is essential for organizations that show their control rooms as part of their corporate image and opt for a minimalist, technological and elegant design.
Therefore, the aesthetics and distribution of the wiring and equipment in the control center is something that must be taken into account when installing our VideoWall.
The size of the equipment and the configuration of the wall will largely condition the location of the electronic equipment as we see below.
- On the front: If you choose to place the equipment on the front, it is important to consider the space available and the aesthetics of the installation.
- Behind the wall: In case a cleaner and more professional installation is required, embedding boxes can be used, which are installed on the wall before placing the screens and allow access to the equipment from the back of the wall. On the other hand, the removable grilles are installed behind the screens and can be removed to access the equipment.
- False floor: Another alternative in control centers is to locate the equipment in the structure of the operator consoles and from there run the wiring through the raised floor. For this, it is essential that the console has a structural beam with ample space to house equipment or even compartments (bucks) with mounting brackets.
