The idea of assembling multiple TVs to create a video wall has been around for several decades, but it’s the introduction of affordable flat screen video monitors that’s really sent this concept into overdrive.
Nevertheless, as advantageous as this technology is, there are still some hurdles to overcome anytime one of these projects is undertaken.
Staying Leveled
Mounting an array of video screens to a flat, level, load-bearing wall seems like a pretty easy operation. The problem is that these kinds of walls aren’t always what they appear to be. It might be due to plaster used to cover screws or seams, but a check with a carpenter’s level reveals serious imperfections. Settling can also take things out of alignment.
This would be easy to overcome if a thick support structure could be erected next to the established wall, but the added expense, limited floor space, and even legal restrictions mean there’s little leeway for placing extra hardware against the existing wall.
No Suitable Walls
If load-bearing walls provide more challenges than expected, just imagine the problems when there’s no such wall. The client might want the video wall erected where the only possible support is the ceiling. Outdoor spaces without any sort of existing support are even more daunting. The video wall has to be anchored to the ground. Sometimes, the video wall has to pull double duty by supplying its own protection from the elements.
Broken Images
Creating a video wall involves sending separate segments of an image or video to individual screens so that they appear as a solid picture. To achieve this, parts of the image are left out to compensate for any gaps between the screens. Otherwise, the resulting picture will be distorted. Just imagine an object moving from one screen to the next that suddenly looks stretched as it transitions between sections because the actual gap was wider than expected.
Things don’t have to be off by much to cause these very annoying distortions that ruin the whole project. Complicating this critical operation is the fact that there are no industry standards. Different hardware manufacturers producing the scaffolding and attachment hardware use their own means of calibration.
Lack of Coordination
Lots of screens means lots of supporting equipment ranging from brackets to cables. It doesn’t take much distraction to get things mixed up, and once attachment hardware is installed in the wrong locations, it’s not obvious until the crew tries to insert the actual screens and discovers they won’t fit. This entails having to disassemble everything and start over.
Even after this obstacle is conquered, there’s the next puzzle of keeping the assorted power and data cables straight. Mistakes here can lead to images completely out of order or simply no power at all. Relying on wireless communications can sometimes provide a solution, but enough LED monitors gathered in one spot can often generate quite a bit of radio frequency (RF) noise that jams these signals.
Tight Budgets
When a client receives a price estimate for a job, it’s not unreasonable for them to expect this to be the final cost. Unexpected problems or delays can send the costs of a project well over the original estimate. Preventing these things from happening requires keeping a very close eye on the work. At the same time, the temptation of taking shortcuts has to be avoided since it can be far more expensive in the long run. If steps are skipped, safety hazards are created that translate into lawsuits later on.
Meeting Deadlines
Keep in mind that clients often want these projects done fairly quickly since they can’t close up shop or restrict the flow of customers passing through their establishments for very long. When the previously covered difficulties are encountered, they have to be tackled without any wasted time while maintaining quality, safety, and creativity.