What Does a Video Wall Controller Do?
Video walls are becoming increasingly popular in a large variety of areas. Whether it is a news broadcast, sporting event, art show or political event, the use of a video wall greatly improves the visuals provided. But it is important to use video walls properly to best get your image or message across.
Rather than rely on a simple one screen design, or a video scaler that online changes the size of the image, you can go with a video wall controller. This will provide you with many more options, and a greater overall product.
Classifications of a Video Wall Controller
There are several different models to choose from when it comes to video wall controllers. But there are three main classifications that all controllers fall into.
Proprietary Hardware
The original option, and the most common, proprietary hardware controllers work with fixed inputs and outputs. This option comes with pre existing settings that have already been tested and configured to work with your system. This means that they come ready to use for a specific capacity and for specific uses.
While this is the most common option, it is also one of the most stressful for users because they have to stick with the predetermined number of inputs and outputs provided. To change that requires you to buy a whole new system. You also have to rely on repair teams if something goes wrong and their schedule for when it can be fixed. This option cannot be scaled as well.
Processor That Connects Over Network
One of the newest options that is quickly gaining popularity is the network-based processor. This method also utilizes a PC, but does not require video cards to turn them into a processor. You connect over a network, so there is no need to worry about whether or not the software is compatible. This makes it incredibly versatile and great for on the go needs.
Using Your PC
Instead of relying on hardware, you can also consider using video cards to control your video wall. While this method is only compatible with PCs, you can use any PC that matches up to a video card. You can then essentially turn your PC into a video wall processor, no matter what the location is. This method does come with a higher upfront cost, but is easy to transport and use.
What Does a Video Wall Controller Do?
Video wall controllers are often confused with video scalers. This is because they both play a vital role in projecting an image on multiple screens, but have very different capabilities. A scaler can only increase an image and essentially blow it up to fit on multiple screens, rather than just one. But beyond the size, a scaler has no other way of controlling an image.
A video wall controller is able to provide a scaling feature as a control option, but can do so much else.
Control Multiple Images
Rather than only being able to adjust the size of one image like a scaler, video wall controllers allow you to incorporate many images. This means you can include images, videos, charts and any other visuals that will help get your point across. You can get as complex or simple as you want, and can help you to create a professional looking product quickly and efficiently.
Improve the Image
With scalers you can often end up with slightly blurry images when they are enlarged. Video wall controllers can increase the quality of the image, as well as adjust the resolution. This means you get a much clearer image and a greater visual display overall.
You can also control the display further with specialized graphic cards. This includes things like higher video input performance, increasing the number of displays available, or even eliminating bezels.
Bezels are the frame on the outside of the monitor that creates a blocked off image. By removing the bezels, you are able to place an image over multiple screens without the lines chopping it up. You can also blur the lines between monitors to blend them all together and create an image that looks seamless.
Adjust Quickly
Depending on what model of video wall controller you go with you may end up with a remote to quickly change the visual. Others will be controlled via the PC to determine what images are being placed where.
Conclusion
Video wall controllers are an incredibly versatile and helpful tool to have when using video walls. From scaling up the image onto multiple screens, to creating your own layout with multiple images arranged on screens, you have the power to make it your own. No matter how large or small the project is, go with a video wall controller to guarantee you are getting what you want and that your message is clear.