Videowall Systems Design Guide For Professional AV Systems
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide With the ability to display a multitude of sources across a tiled array of displays, videowalls produce some of the biggest images in the AV industry. First appearing in the late 1980s, videowalls found a home in public spaces such as retail environments and museums. Throughout the following decades, their function shifted from entertainment and advertising to powerful centerpieces in work environments, where high definition visual content could be shared for critical analysis and decision-making.
Extron offers multiple videowall processing solutions including the WindoWall ® System, a robust solution for managing multiple video and graphic sources on display systems with two or more screens, and the industryleading Quantum® Series videowall processors, which provide scalable solutions for installations ranging from small retail displays up to large, mission-critical command and control facilities, and anything in between. Quantum videowall processors offer HDCP-compliant HDMI input and output options, ensuring compatibility with the growing number of source devices that incorporate digital content encryption.
While videowalls continue to grow in popularity, many AV integrators can find themselves new to the task of designing and integrating these unique display disp lay systems. By understanding each element of a videowall system, as well as the physical aspects of the environments in which videowalls are used, you can avoid common pitfalls in videowall design.
This Guide will be an invaluable reference reference to AV professionals professionals who specify videowalls, whether frequently frequently or infrequently. Basic videowall concepts such as operating environments, processor features, and system control are discussed, as well as more complex topics such as room design, font scaling and readability, readability, and production tips for unique videowall applications. Experienced designers will find useful technical references and visual illustrations that will aid in communicating or comprehending technical topics that can be unique to videowall systems. Several real-world designs provide examples of how the sources, videowall processor, displays, and control system all come together to create a powerful visual tool for boardrooms, simulation environments, traffic management centers, and more.
Over the past three decades, videowalls have evolved from a new technology into an essential component for a growing number of AV environments. In the years to come, Extron will continue to deliver superior videowall processing products that fulfill the unique requirements of videowall applications, while providing the most comprehensive education, service, and support the industry has to offer.
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Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide With the ability to display a multitude of sources across a tiled array of displays, videowalls produce some of the biggest images in the AV industry. First appearing in the late 1980s, videowalls found a home in public spaces such as retail environments and museums. Throughout the following decades, their function shifted from entertainment and advertising to powerful centerpieces in work environments, where high definition visual content could be shared for critical analysis and decision-making.
Extron offers multiple videowall processing solutions including the WindoWall ® System, a robust solution for managing multiple video and graphic sources on display systems with two or more screens, and the industryleading Quantum® Series videowall processors, which provide scalable solutions for installations ranging from small retail displays up to large, mission-critical command and control facilities, and anything in between. Quantum videowall processors offer HDCP-compliant HDMI input and output options, ensuring compatibility with the growing number of source devices that incorporate digital content encryption.
While videowalls continue to grow in popularity, many AV integrators can find themselves new to the task of designing and integrating these unique display disp lay systems. By understanding each element of a videowall system, as well as the physical aspects of the environments in which videowalls are used, you can avoid common pitfalls in videowall design.
This Guide will be an invaluable reference reference to AV professionals professionals who specify videowalls, whether frequently frequently or infrequently. Basic videowall concepts such as operating environments, processor features, and system control are discussed, as well as more complex topics such as room design, font scaling and readability, readability, and production tips for unique videowall applications. Experienced designers will find useful technical references and visual illustrations that will aid in communicating or comprehending technical topics that can be unique to videowall systems. Several real-world designs provide examples of how the sources, videowall processor, displays, and control system all come together to create a powerful visual tool for boardrooms, simulation environments, traffic management centers, and more.
Over the past three decades, videowalls have evolved from a new technology into an essential component for a growing number of AV environments. In the years to come, Extron will continue to deliver superior videowall processing products that fulfill the unique requirements of videowall applications, while providing the most comprehensive education, service, and support the industry has to offer.
Extron Worldwide Sales Offices
USA West
USA East
Europe
Middle East
Asia
Japan
China
TABLE OF CONTENTS Videowall S ystems Design Desi gn for Professional Profes sional AV Systems Introduction to Videowalls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Where are Videowalls Used? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Why a Videowall?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Reasons to Learn More . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Needs Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Environmental Co Considerations & Hu Human Fa Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Choosing the Right Videowall Shape and Size. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Choosing th the Ri Right Di Display Si Size an and Re Resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Font Si Size an and Le Legibilit y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 D isplay D evices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Videowall Maintenance and Cost of Owner ship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Input Sources for Videowalls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Videowall Proces sor Architecture A rchitecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Videowall Proces sor Hardware Har dware Platforms Platform s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Videowall Proces sor Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Por trait & Landscape Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Videowall System Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Additional Videowall System Elements Element s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Videowall System Designs Des igns E xecutive Conference Room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Utilit y Operations Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corporate Lobby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corporate Presentation Auditorium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Command Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Traf fic Management Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Simulation D ebriefing Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
58 60 62 64 66 68 70
Extron Videowall Product Solutions S mall Videowall Processors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Mid-Sized Vi Videowall Pr Processors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Large, Scalable Videowall Processors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Glossary AV Glossar y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Introduction to Videowalls Videowalls are
What is a Videowall?
Videowalls have traditionally been implemented
A videowall is a display and processing system
by large enterprises with the financial means
comprising an array of projectors or monitors that
to justify the substantial integration cost.
function together as a single, cohesive unit. When
Advancements in display and video processing
compared to a single display, a videowall typically
technologies, together with the increasing
presenting multiple
provides a much larger picture size with far
affordability of flat-panel displays and projectors,
computer or video
greater pixel resolution, since multiple screens are
have resulted in more videowalls being integrated
combined to form an image. Videowalls are ideal
into a wider variety of installations.
ideal for displaying large images, and simultaneously
sources.
for displaying large images and simultaneously presenting multiple computer or video sources.
What are the Essential Components of a Videowall?
As its name may imply, a vid eowall usually
Vi de ow al l di sp la ys . Projection cubes,
dominates a significant portion of a wall.
projectors, LED, and LCD flat-panel displays are
Videowalls can be built with the same aspect
used in videowalls. Projection cubes have been
ratio of a standard display. They can be of just
the most popular choice, due to the fact that
about any desired shape, orientation, or form
they are modular and purpose-built for assembly
factor. A videowall can comprise two, four, or nine
into a videowall structure, and they feature very
screens, or as many as 100.
narrow bezels to minimize disruption of the image. Also available are compact rear projectors
Videowalls are used to provide numerous sources of information that can be viewable by ever yone in the room.
How are Videowalls Used?
specifically for use in videowalls, designed to be
Video wal ls are fre quent ly used to pro vide
mounted in frame assemblies. Flat-panel displays
numerous sources of visual information that can
have quickly grown in popularity for videowall
easily be viewable by everyone in a room, such
installations, many with very narrow bezels
as a network operations center or command
comparable to projection cubes. LED displays
and control room. They are also commonly used
deliver very high brightness and are ideal for
for digital signage to create impact and attract
outdoor signage and sports environments.
attention through large images in corporate lobbies, train stations, retail locations, or other
Videowall processing. Videowall displays
public environments.
sometimes incorporate built-in video processing, with scaling for each individual display unit to create an image across the array. The processing in LCD flat-panel displays may also include compensation for the bezels, or mullions, to make moving images appear more natural. An outboard, dedicated videowall processor or controller provides greater flexibility for integration than the scalers built into the displays. They can be used to connect many different input sources and signal formats, often from a matrix switcher, and can drive videowalls small or large. Videowall proces sors have the capacity and bandwidth to process a large number of input sources simultaneously, and optimize them
Los Angeles Reqional Traffic Management Center – CalTrans District 7
for presentation on the videowall in individual windows. In fact, a videowall processor is absolutely essential for any application that
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Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
requires the flexibility to window many images on
and preserve essential image details including
A videowall processor
multiple screens.
text and graphics. A videowall processor also
is absolutely essential
needs to promptly respond to user commands Videowall processors usual ly include control
without delay, even while handling a full load of
software that allows a user to create custom
input and output signals.
for any application that requires the flexibility to window many images
window layouts by placing and sizing windows anywhere on the videowall, and then assign
Reliability. A videowall must deliver robust,
input sources to them. These layouts can be
continuous reliability around the clock when
conveniently saved as presets, which the user
installed in mission-critical environments. Any
can recall later from the processor’s control
maintenance, including parts replacement, is best
software or an AV control system.
performed without disabling the entire system.
What are the Essential Requirements of
User accessibility. Videowalls are among
a Videowall?
the most complex types of AV systems to set
Performance and image quality. Because
up and configure. The end user likely will be a
videowalls usually are large and highly visible, their
system operator without detailed knowledge
images should always appear bright and sharp,
of the videowall configuration or functions. An
and content must be clear and easy to decipher.
intuitive user interface should be provided, such
The videowall processing must deliver consistent
as a touchpanel with a simple button layout that
performance regardless of signal load, maintain
allows the user to easily select presets for window
the original frame rate of high-motion content,
layouts, or switch input sources.
■
on multiple screens.
A videowall processor provides the flexibility to customize window layouts for displaying several visual sources on the videowall.
UK Highways Agency – Godstone
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Where are Videowalls Used? The size, features, and performance of a videowall are dictated by the environment,
Videowalls were first developed in the mid-1980s,
needs. The size, features, and performance of
and found an early home in entertainment and
a videowall are dictated by the environment,
retail environments, where the appearance of “a
application, and the intended viewing experience
big stack of TVs” producing a single, cohesive
for the audience.
video image on CRT screens was a guaranteed
application, and the
showstopper. During the 1990s, CRT-based
Working Spaces
intended viewing
displays were joined by new imaging technologies
Command and Control
and the emergence of videowall processors
Videowalls have become a standard fixture in
with the capacity to process a variety of input
command and control rooms on military bases
and output signal formats. Together, they were
and in government facilities run by public safety
ideal for presenting the high resolution computer
and intelligence agencies. They are used to
graphic formats that were quickly becoming
provide a large, centralized display, allowing room
commonplace, as well as high definition video as
occupants to share visual information. Videowalls
it emerged throughout the 1990s.
in these environments typically present a wide
experience for the audience. 55 CRT Monitor Pyramid Videowall
variety of classified and unclassified sources By then, videowalls were no longer used
to aid in information monitoring and decision-
exclusively for “eye candy.” They found their way
making. Standard definition camera feeds, high
into work environments, where large, centrally
definition satellite news broadcasts, legacy
located videowalls allowed an entire room of
analog computer-video, digital video, map files,
personnel to share highly visual information.
and other sources are typically displayed on a
Today, videowal ls can simultaneously present
12 to 18-screen videowall, managed by a shift
standard definition video, high definition video,
supervisor.
computer graphic sources, and IP streamed 850 CRT Monitor Videowall
content, producing extremely flexible information
Projection cubes have historically been the
display systems.
display device of choice in command and control rooms, providing large screen sizes with
Vid eowa lls are now used in many different
very narrow bezels, but LCD flat-panel displays
ways in public and work spaces. For each of
have quickly become very popular. Command
these spaces, there are many different types
and control rooms are among the most
of environments, each with unique application
demanding environments for videowall displays
Videowalls are a standard fixture in command and control rooms.
Northern Command Command and Control Center
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Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
and processors, necessitating very high quality
camera feeds. Attention can be drawn to a
Command and control
upscaling and downscaling of mission-critical,
critical event by magnifying an individual feed as
rooms are among
high resolution source content, and continuous
a large, centrally located image on the videowall,
24/7 reliability.
surrounded by supporting information. The ability
Situation Rooms
the most demanding
to simultaneously present large numbers of video
environments for
sources is a crucial feature for these systems.
videowall displays
Situation rooms serve functions similar to
and processors,
command and control rooms, though on a smaller
Emergency Operations Centers
scale. A small videowall, usually comprising six
Emergency operations centers - EOCs are
to eight cubes or LCD panels, displays updates
facilities run by national or regional governments
quality upscaling and
on emerging situations, sourced from satellite
and public safety organizations. Videowalls in
downscaling of mission-
news, maps, and intelligence data. High-ranking
EOCs allow staff to monitor critical situations by
critical, high resolution
corporate management or government officials
displaying news broadcasts, graphical maps, and
meet with staff to monitor and manage a crisis.
computer sources, which provide the location
As with command and control room applications,
and status of real-time regional or international
continuous 24/7
continuous 24/7 operation is a critical feature for
events. Videowall processors in EOCs must be
reliability.
the videowall displays and processor.
capable of simultaneously presenting a variety
necessitating very high
source content, and
of source formats, such as standard video, high
Simulation Government contractors that develop simulation
A videowall is effective in providing an overview of all the visual elements in a simulation event.
systems utilize videowalls in their facilities to show live or pre-recorded training sessions to an audience, which includes pilots and other participants. With high definition video or fullmotion computer graphics sourced from realtime “image generators,” these videowalls simultaneously display views from each vehicle in an exercise, creating a cohesive overview of participant interaction in the simulation.
Thales Catalyst Center Simulation
Projectors with edge blending, 4K projectors, and projection cubes are the typical display devices of choice, since they can present large
Videowalls are commonly used in surveillance and traffic management centers to present camera feeds, maps, and other information.
images with minimal or no seams. Videowall processors in these applications must be capable of maintaining real-time motion for all image sources, and provide very high scaling quality to ensure the videowall accurately portrays the visual information from the session.
Security and Traffic Management Security and traffic management centers may be found in corporate or university campuses, or public safety or government agencies. Videowalls in these environments display maps, data screens, and large numbers of video or IP camera
London Metropolitan Police Service Security and Traffic Management
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Where are Videowalls Used? A corporate lobby of a technology-based firm is a popular location
definition video, computer graphics, and locally
Public Spaces
stored images such as maps.
Corporate Lobbies The corporate lobby of a technology-based firm
Utility and Network Operations Centers
is a popular location for a videowall, where a
Utilities and network operations centers - NOCs
stylish video display becomes a reflection of both
a stylish video display
monitor and manage large complex operations
the creativity and innovation that exists beyond
becomes a reflection of
for private or public utilities, refineries, or
the waiting area. Corporate videos highlighting
telecommunication and network providers. NOC
an organization’s products or services, news,
videowalls typically display specialized software
and personalized images welcoming specific
applications for supervisory control and data
customers are commonly seen on the videowall.
beyond the waiting
acquisition - SCADA systems, presenting data
Flat-panel LCDs or compact modular tile arrays
area.
as well as charts, plots, and other graphical
are popular choices for videowall systems, due
information. Software client or screen capture
to their bright images and modern styling. Short
applications may also be used to present
viewing distances dictate that the videowall
information on the videowall. Projection cubes
processing delivers very high quality images,
or display systems with thin seams or no seams
even when the source content is scaled above or
are frequently used in NOCs, so that the detailed
below its original resolution.
for a videowall, where
both the creativity and innovation that exists
graphical system data will be presented clearly as it spans several displays.
Public Signage and Retail Video-based publ ic sign age is used in retail
A corporate lobby is a popular location for a videowall as a stylish video display for welcoming visitors and delivering impact.
Corporate Conference Rooms
environments and other public venues including
Videowalls are used in corporate conference
train and subway stations, airports, and other
rooms to simultaneously display multiple sources
locations where digital signage, such as
of various formats on a small number of displays.
videowalls, will be visible to large numbers of
They support presentations and training sessions
people. Content is often sourced from solid-
that utilize PC and video sources. Rear-projection
state video players, periodically updated across
systems are often used, sometimes configured
a media network, or from devices that receive
with two to four projected images edge-blended
IP video streams. Projection cubes or flat-panel
into a seamless display.
LCD displays are popular for these videowalls. The ability to produce a high quality image is important for videowall processing in public signage applications, as images are magnified to large sizes. Cost efficiency is critical for public signage systems.
Houses of Worship Videowalls are used by large houses of worship to present media to their congregations. The appearance of these displays will be more of a continuous projection display than a tiled system. During services, videowalls typically present camera feeds, video or graphic content supporting the day’s teachings, hymn music and lyrics, video of recent events, or content Emerson Corporate Lobby
streamed from remote worship facilities. The services are similar to other large-scale live events, in that production teams manage audio
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Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
and video engineering tasks, including videowall
and also respond quickly to user control to keep
control. Videowalls in houses of worship typically
up with the fast-changing pace of the event.
employ small numbers of front projectors to
Videowall processors used in house of worship applications
achieve sufficient image magnification. Videowall
Bars and Restaurants
processors in these applications must retain high
In bars and restaurants, videowalls are often
must retain high quality
quality when image sources are scaled for large
used to display multiple high definition video
when image sources
screen sizes.
sources. Large numbers of satellite or cable
are scaled for large
television signals are used as source inputs to
Sports Arenas
the videowall. They are commonly presented
Videowalls are used in sports arenas in many
in a window layout with a single, large window
different ways in concourses and public areas.
for the most prominent broadcast, and several
Historically, they have been used in scoreboards
smaller windows displaying other events. The
to display large video instant replay, as well as
bartender or manager has the ability to switch the
computer-generated animations from the facility’s
TV channel for any window, or recall a different
production booth. Today, they are increasingly
window layout, often using a small touchpanel.
used for digital signage and have become an
Flat-panel LCD displays or projection cubes
integral part of the facility experience. Projection
are frequently used for their ability to display
cubes and LCD panels are used for indoor
bright images with high contrast. The videowall
displays, while LED systems are a popular
processor must be cost-effective, but also
choice for outdoor venues due to their very high
maintain real-time performance while displaying
brightness. The videowall processor must be
multiple high definition video sources. ■
screen sizes.
capable of delivering high quality video images,
A videowall in a restaurant or bar provides a convenient, single large display for simultaneous access to several channels of TV programming to customers.
Big Al’s Entertainment Center
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Why a Videowall? Videowalls have
A video wal l typical ly req uires a significant
have several distinct attributes and advantages,
several distinct
investment, and is often the most expensive line
with image display capability and flexibility that
item in a facility’s capital outlay for an AV project.
simply cannot be achieved otherwise.
attributes and
While the videowall functions as a single display,
advantages, with image display
it is always important to remember that it is a
High Pixel Density
system.
Pixel density is the number of pixels per unit area, and is determined by the resolution and
capability and flexibility that simply cannot be achieved otherwise.
Videowall processors are a significant component
screen size of a display. When a single projected
of the videowall in terms of cost. They provide
image is enlarged, pixel density decreases.
features common to conventional scalers or
However, for a videowall, pixel density is constant
video processors, but have greater input, output,
regardless of the array size, because it is based
and processing capability. The increased number
on the individual display unit. Enlarging the array
of inputs and outputs creates requirements for
increases the overall resolution of the videowall.
many more dimensions of processing and image enhancements, providing greater value.
A videowall usually delivers much higher pixel density than a projected image of the same size.
Because of the investment necessary to acquire
An image can be upscaled for enlargement on
and install a videowall, an inexperienced designer
a videowall, so that it fills up the array without
may be tempted to seek an alternative means
compromising picture quality. In contrast,
of presenting large images or multiple sources
significantly enlarging an image from a projector
simultaneously. Such means could include
reduces apparent resolution and image quality.
increasing picture size from a single projector, using conventional signal switching and distribution
Images that occupy large viewing areas need
in place of a videowall processor, or installing
sufficient resolution or pixel density in order to
independent LCD panels on a wall instead of an
present clear and legible content. Figure 1-1
integrated videowall array. However, videowalls
illustrates two images of equal size, one from a single 1080p projector fed by a multi-window
1920
Figure 1-1. Videowall images of identical size, produced by a single projector and a 3x3 array of flat-panel displays
processor, and the other a 3x3 videowall with 1080p panels via a videowall processor. Both
640x360
640x360
640x360
are presenting the same content and layout for displaying multiple high definition input sources. However, the videowall can present the sources
1080
with nine times as many pixels when compared
1920 x 720
to the single projected image. This increased resolution, resulting from a higher pixel density, Single Projector, 156 in x 102 in (4 m x 2.5 m)
enables presentation of a row of three HD video sources at full resolution, compared to just 640x360 per image for the single display.
5760 (1920x3)
1920x1080
1920x1080
1920x1080
Creativity with Display Shapes and Sizes A videowall is created by “tiling” multiple display devices together. By tiling displays, videowalls of
3240 (1080x3)
any size and aspect ratio can be constructed, 5760x2160
often in very creative ways. A videowall display layout never has to be limited to the standard 16:9, 16:10, or 4:3 aspect ratios of single 3 x 3 Videowall, 156 in x 102 in (4 m x 2.5 m)
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Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
displays. Additionally, displays in a videowall can
be oriented horizontally or vertically, or even a
increases, there is no reduction in brightness
A bright, clear image
combination of both, further enhancing creative
as more displays are added to a videowall. A
is crucial for a video
possibilities.
videowall with 40 screens is just as bright as a videowall with four screens.
Small Footprint
display. Videowalls present viewers with
A front proj ector usua lly requi res sig nificant
Show More Images on Fewer Displays
consistently bright,
throw distance to produce an image that fills up
Most flat panels and projection cubes have
inviting images,
a substantial portion of a wall. Practical throw
internal scalers that allow a single image to
distance requirements may limit the number
be stretched across a tiled array. This may be
of allowable participants in the room without
suitable for applications that only use videowalls
blocking the projected image, even when special
for displaying a single, large image. For
wide angle lenses are used. Videowalls comprised
applications requiring simultaneous presentation
of flat panels or projection cubes occupy a
of multiple image sources, a simple solution is
compact footprint, due to each display’s fixed
to feed sources directly to individual displays in
depth. This depth remains constant, regardless of
the videowall. A switcher, distribution amplifier,
how large the videowall may be. See Figure 1-2.
or matrix switcher can be used to provide some
A display array 20 units wide and 10 units high
flexibility in distributing signals to the displays.
regardless of size.
shares the same depth of a single display device. However, with this solution, the number of
Consistent Brightness
sources that can be presented will frequently be
A bright, clear image is crucial for a video display.
limited by the number of displays in the videowall.
Whether being viewed by a workforce interpreting
For example, a 2x2 videowall with a matrix
on-screen information, or by customers casually
switcher will allow for simultaneous display of four
glancing at digital signage in a retail environment,
image sources.
images must be sufficiently bright so that content will be clear and easy to decipher.
A videowall processor is a far more versatile and powerful solution. It provides the flexibility
Videowalls presen t viewers with consisten tly
to present multiple sources on fewer screens by
bright, inviting images, regardless of size. While
allowing a user to display multiple source windows
a single projector loses brightness as image size
on each display. Windows can always be sized and positioned as necessary to accommodate the number of images to be presented.
Figure 1-2. Flat-panel displays produce a videowall with a minimal footprint.
Mixed Source Resolutions and Formats A videowall processor accepts and processes multiple signal formats such as standard definition video, computer graphics, and high definition video, so they can be simultaneously displayed together. Each source can be displayed on any
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9
Why a Videowall? The ability to “mix and
part of a videowall, and many different source
in which critical details in graphs, data screens,
match” signal formats
types can be displayed within a single screen.
and camera feeds need to be discernible, despite
See Figure 1-3. The ability to “mix and match”
the smaller image sizes.
for simultaneous viewing can be a
signal formats for simultaneous viewing can be a crucial factor for workflows that rely on a variety
Flexibility in Customizing Presentations
crucial factor for
of visual data sources, as well as the flexibility
A videowall processor provides full flexibility to
workflows that rely on
to determine how they should be positioned or
customize presentations by adding, sizing, and
grouped together.
placing windows, and assigning input sources to
a variety of visual data
them. Any window can be as small as desired,
sources, as well as the
Simplified Display Setup
or as large as the entire videowall. Additionally,
flexibility to determine
Videowall processors supply a consistent output
windows can be layered over each other.
how they should be
signal format, eliminating the need to save
Videowall processing automatically optimizes
unique input adjustments such as size, position,
the input source to the size of the window. Many
or phase for different signal types on each
more enhancements are available, including
display. Managing multiple input formats across
window borders and captions, live backgrounds
a common output format simplifies integration,
from a source input, and maps, logos, or other
since the displays need only be configured for one
graphics stored on the processor for use as
resolution and refresh rate. Driving the display at
static backgrounds. Videowall processors let the
its native resolution will maintain the best quality
user precisely define the look and style of the
image, avoiding inefficient or unnecessary scaling
presentation, and also allow window layouts to
within the display.
be created, saved, and then recalled.
positioned or grouped together.
■
High Quality Image Processing Videowall proces sors typically provide better image scaling quality over the internal scaling for the displays. This can be clearly visible when magnifying images for arrays larger than 2x2, or when high resolution images are downscaled. The latter is particularly important for applications
Figure 1-3. Sources of various formats and resolutions can be combined on a videowall.
Aircraft images from Analy tical Graphics, Inc. - www.stk.com
10
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
Reasons to Learn More Videowalls are ideal for applications requiring
you can select the display model and technology,
presentation of large images and multiple image
finalizing the videowall configuration.
sources, because they provide flexible image
A common approach to videowall system design is to first specify
layout options while maintaining the best possible
• Videowall processing. Videowall processors
picture quality. However, engineering a videowall
are equally as important as the displays. However,
the displays, and then
can be challenging. A wide range of design
they vary greatly in features, capabilities, and
consider other system
factors must be carefully considered, many of
price. This guide provides detailed information on
components as
which are specific to videowall applications.
videowall processors to help guide your selection.
Videowalls – More than Just Displays
• Videowall processor architecture. Videowall
However, this
A common approach to videowall system design
processing is available as a single, centralized
approach can overlook
is to first specify the displays, and then consider
unit, or distributed among modular units
many critical aspects
other system components as supporting
connected to sources and displays.
elements. However, this approach can overlook many critical aspects of a successful videowall
• Videowa ll processor platforms. Some
design. While display devices are important, they
processors are based on PC technologies,
only represent a single component of the system.
while others are standalone video processing
supporting elements.
of a successful videowall design.
appliances. Others are a combination of the two.
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide This guide is a comp rehensive resou rce for
• Videowall processing features. Scaling
evaluating, planning, and successfully executing
performance, window customization options,
videowall system designs. The sections that
mullion compensation, and edge blending for
follow will cover a broad range of considerations,
projectors are among the many features available.
all of which are important to videowalls: • System control. The system must be easy to • Needs assessment. Any videowall design
operate, and respond quickly to user commands
requires clear knowledge of the application’s
without being slowed by image processing tasks.
intended purpose. Selecting the right products requires an understanding of exactly how the
• Supporting system elements. Videowall
videowall will be used.
systems may include matrix switching, signal extension over fiber and twisted pair, streaming
• Environmental factors and ergonomics.
content over IP, and more.
■
A successful videowall design accounts for environmental and human factors as well as products and technologies.
Videowall designs should include considerations for human interaction. Lighting conditions, seating positions, physical obstructions, and other factors are important to ensure comfortable viewing and legibility of content. • Determining videowall shape and size,
and pixel density. The application, layout of the room, and the type and arrangement of content on the videowall will influence its general size and shape. How close viewers will be to the screens will dictate how dense pixels should be. • Videowall display selection. With knowledge
UK Highways Agency – South Mimms
of the videowall size, shape, and pixel density, www.extron.com
11
Needs Assessment The capital investment for AV systems nearly always faces heavy scrutiny, so
Significant Investments
Start with the Basics
Videowall systems are a significant investment;
When establishing requirements for a videowall
the cost adds up quickly with displays, videowall
with an end user, begin with the basic questions:
processing, control, distribution equipment, and sources. Videowall requirements should be given
• What is the name and location of the site? What type of environment is this site?
it is important to
serious consideration, particularly the processing
identify and validate
system which can apply unique, sophisticated
• What is the overall purpose of the videowall?
technology to enable custom multi-window
• What are the intended applications for the videowall within this environment?
the videowall system requirements for every project.
presentations.
As mentioned earlier, different applications and For many individuals, videowalls are unfamiliar
environments will have different requirements for
technology, and it can be very easy to become
videowall capabilities and performance.
preoccupied with new technology and flashy capabilities, or to dismiss videowalls altogether
Duty Cycle
and focus on simpler, less expensive system
Inquire about the intended operational schedule
designs. The capital investment for AV systems
for the videowall system. Will it be used for short
nearly always faces heavy scrutiny, so it is
duration events and periodic presentations, a 40-
important to identify and validate the videowall
hour weekly schedule, or a 24/7 operating cycle?
system requirements for every project.
This will help define the requirements for system reliability and maintenance.
The Comm on Law of Busi ness , credited to the Victorian era poet, art, and social critic
Scale and Scope
John Ruskin, highlights an important point to
Once the intended use and operating schedule
remember when selecting videowall system
have been established, more technical
elements. It underscores the value of conducting
requirements can be established by asking the
a thorough needs assessment when evaluating
following questions:
any significant technology investment: • What type of visual information will be presented
“It’s unwise to pay too much, but it’s worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money — that is all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot
on the displays? Video productions, live news broadcasts, data screens, complex data visualizations, videoconferencing, security camera feeds, or collaboration data from other enterprise operations or agencies? • How much information will be presented? Are there tens or hundreds of video, data, and graphic information sources?
— it can’t be done. If you deal with the lowest
• Will there be source devices with HDCP-encrypted
bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you
outputs, such as Blu-ray Disc players and digital cable or satellite receivers?
run, and if you do that you will have enough to pay for something better.” A thorough needs assessment will help clarify core requirements, and identify inadequate or non-essential technology. It will help avoid paying too little and ending up with a system that is not as effective as intended.
• How should the information be presented? Will only one or a few images be presented at a time, or must the system be capable of presenting many sources at the same time, in a variety of combinations? • How much display area is available, or envisioned to be used for the videowall? • What type of display technology may be used in this application – front projection, rear projection, projection cubes, LCD panels, or another technology? The selection of display technology will
12
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
often be driven by the physical space available, the type of information to be displayed, and the sizes at which images must be presented. • How much space is available in front, or at the rear of the display, for access and maintenance? • Will the sources be local to the videowall processor, or situated throughout the site? Are there any
• If the installation is in a government agency or a company contracted with the government, will there be secure content to be presented on the videowall? • Will copyrighted material be presented in a public area?
display technology will often be driven by the physical space available, the type
sources to be integrated from outside the facility?
Ans wer s to the se quest ions will hel p you
• Is there an equipment closet or designated location for the videowall processor, sources, and other
determine most basic system requirements.
AV equipment? Are there any anticipated space limitations for installing them?
The selection of
However, there are many more environmental
of information to be displayed, and the
and operational considerations that can affect
sizes at which images
the selection of technologies for a videowall. ■
must be presented.
• What type of user control interface will be required for operating the videowall? Is the operator going to be a trained AV technician or staff members? The quantity and layout of source windows will var y depending on the application and environment.
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13
Environmental Considerations & Human Factors An effectively designed
The ability to present clear, high quality imagery
videowall system, with
from multiple sources and at large sizes makes
proper consideration for environmental
videowalls valuable for maintaining situational awareness, as mission-critical information is presented in a working environment such as a
and human factors,
control center. In public spaces, videowalls can
ensures viewing
deliver visual impact and effective messaging in
comfort and optimal accessibility for
Figure 2-1. A 3D perspective rendering can be valuable when considering environmental and human factors for a videowall.
entertainment and promotional applications. An effective videowall will be properly integrated into its physical environment, and be engineered for
everyone in the room.
efficient, ergonomic use.
This in turn helps to When designing a videowall system, individuals
section drawings are essential to reviewing the
frequently begin by focusing on the most visible
physical considerations for the environment. 3D
element, the displays. However, to properly
visualizations, such as in Figure 2-1, can also be
videowall in conveying
determine which display technology and
valuable for pointing out environmental concerns
visual information.
specifications are best for a given installation,
to end users and project stakeholders with limited
physical and operational dynamics must be
experience in videowall applications.
maximize the value and effectiveness of the
considered as part of a complete AV system design. Ignoring the environmental and operational
An effectively designed videowall system, with
requirements can lead to less-than-optimal results
proper consideration for environmental and human
for a high value videowall, in what could otherwise
factors, ensures viewing comfort and optimal
be an outstanding system design.
accessibility for everyone in the room. This in turn helps to maximize the value and effectiveness of
Many environmental and human factors, as
the videowall in conveying visual information.
well as ergonomic engineering essentials, seem obvious when considered after the fact.
A great deal of governme nt, academic, and
Unfortunately, AV designers are often not involved
commercial research has been conducted in the
early enough in a project’s life cycle to prevent all
area of human factors and ergonomic design
possible shortcomings regarding these important
for control centers. The International Standards
details. Preparation of two-dimensional plans and
Organization - ISO has published standard 11064-1:2000 for ergonomic design of control centers, and the US military has established
Figure 2-2. Adding curvature to the videowall can help optim ize viewing angles.
standards for human engineering that address use of visual displays.
Videowall
Videowall
Th e hu ma n fac to rs an d en vi ro nm en ta l considerations presented here are specific Viewer
Viewer
to videowalls for control room environments. The same concepts can be appli ed to other applications where videowalls may be used.
Viewing Locations It is essential that all the intended users can easily view the videowall. When evaluating horizontal Wide viewing angles result in lower display brightness.
14
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
Curving displays improves the viewing angle and brightness.
and vertical viewing angles, the following questions should be answered:
• Where are the primary viewers situated relative to the videowall?
Figure 2-3. Field of vision and recommended head tilt and eye rotation angles i i 50º
• Are there any secondary viewing locations for individuals not directly engaged with the display?
U
Examples of secondary viewing locations include viewing galleries or management offices. e E y e f t L t m i l L i u a s i V
• Are there any physical barriers that could obstruct the videowall for some users?
In large rooms, such as a control center, viewing
62º
B i
n o
locations will vary greatly. It is important to evaluate viewing angles in both the vertical and
5º - 30º
F
i e l d
n o i
a u t
m i
o
R p e O y t
62º
c u l ar V i
l
25º
m i m u t a t io n o M a x R E y e
m t
Standard Line of Sight
0º
N o r m o f S i a l L i n e g h t S M a i t t i n g 15º x E y e i m u R o m t a t i o n
E
S y mbo l R e co g n i t i o n
L im it o f V i s u a l F ie ld
5º - 30º
0º
horizontal planes. If physical barriers are identified, additional displays may be required to expand
V i s u a l L i m i t R i g h t E y e n s i o
p p e r V i s u a
l d i e F l a u i s V f o t i m i L
Standard Line of Sight
the videowall, or extra localized displays may
30º
d l e
i
F
l a u
i s V r
e
w
o L
be necessary. Some environments may require
70º
that the videowall be split into smaller systems to sufficiently cover all viewing areas. In other cases, adding curvature to the videowall layout
Figure 2-4. Eye and head tilt from workstation to display
will improve viewing coverage, as illustrated in
Maximum 8H
Figure 2-2. i
Preferred Minimum 2.5H
i
Absolute Minimum 2H
Eye and Head Tilt In control rooms, operators typically manage tasks using one or more local flat-panel displays while monitoring content on a videowall positioned beyond their workstation. Eye and
Obstruction Line Optimum Eye Rotation
1H
Maximum Eye Rotation
25º
head tilt between workstation displays and 0º
55º
the videowall should be compared against
15º
recommended human engineering standards
30º
for visual field of view, eye rotation, and head
Normal Line of Sight Sitting
Maximum Eye Rotation
tilt. Proper consideration for eye and head tilt ensures comfortable viewing for users as they alternate between their workstation displays and the videowall. This analysis should always be performed for control rooms, whether information is to be presented on a videowall, individual wall-
Display Size and Legibility
mounted displays, or a large screen. See Figures
Minimum requirements for display dimensions
2-3 and 2-4.
or the size of individual image windows will be driven by viewing distances. The viewing
A similar field of vision, eye rotation, and head tilt
distance will also be critical when considering the
analysis should be applied when a videowall is
display resolution and pixel density of information
designed into a public or entertainment venue.
presented on the displays, as well as the sizes
Personal displays may not need to be considered,
of characters and symbols. Display size and
but the design must offer comfortable viewing
legibility of content will be examined further in
from seated or standing positions.
later sections of this guide.
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15
Environmental Considerations & Human Factors Advancements in
The Physiology of Color Vision
Display technologies continue to evolve,
When preparing content to be presented on
offering improvements in brightness, resolution,
a videowall, it is important to have a basic
contrast, form factor, power consumption, or
understanding of human vision and the
cost efficiency. Whatever display technology
physiology of color. Proper use of color can
is being considered, it is always important to
panels, projection
enhance a viewer’s ability to interpret data, while
use professional methods for defining display
cubes, and high
improper use of color can result in eye strain.
brightness requirements that include ambient
Text, data, or visual symbols should be presented
light conditions.
lamps and LED illumination sources have made LCD
brightness projectors suitable for use in
applying a background using a complementary color. See Figure 2-5.
Ambient lighting conditions are determined in
bright ambient light environments.
terms of illuminance, which is a measurement of
Display Brightness
all light sources illuminating a point on a surface.
Images produced by videowalls must be
Illuminance is measured in lux - lx, equivalent
sufficiently bright, so that they can be clearly
to lumens per square meter - lm/m 2. Wherever
visible. Today, many work areas with videowalls
possible, determine the ambient lighting for a
employ lighting designs that produce an
site by referring to the facility’s lighting design
abundance of ambient light, and may include
specifications, or visiting the site and taking
outdoor windows that contribute natural light.
measurements once the lighting has been
Fortunately, advancements in lamps and
integrated. Table 2-1 lists typical illuminances for
LED illumination sources have made LCD
various environments.
panels, projection cubes, and high brightness projectors suitable for use in bright ambient light
Illuminance calculations are regularly prepared
environments.
when planning front projection systems. The illuminance produced by a projector can be calculated by dividing the projector’s ANSI lumens Figure 2-6. Illuminance and luminance
Figure 2-5. The human physiology of color vision requires careful selection of color combinations presented on displays.
Luminous Flux
Illuminance
Light Power
Light incident on a surface area
Lumens (lm)
Lux (lx) = lm/m 2
Front Projection Color Wheel
Complementary Colors Luminance
Light per unit area emitted in a specific direction Nits - Cd/m2 Complementary Colors
Flat Panel or Rear Projection
Relaxed
16
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
Strained
output by the screen’s surface area, in square
proper specifications for projector ANSI lumens,
In addition to
meters. The result can then be compared with
screen size, and screen gain to ensure sufficient
brightness, videowall
the ambient light levels in the room. A projector’s
luminance within the ambient lighting conditions
light output in ANSI lumens is usually listed under
of the environment.
displays must offer sufficient contrast,
“Brightness” in projector specifications. Some display manufacturers continue to list
so viewers can easily
Flat-panel displays and projection cubes also
illuminance and luminance specifications or
distinguish text, data,
identify luminance values as “Brightness” in their
calculations based on English standard units
specifications. However, they are quantified as
using square feet rather than square meters.
nits or candelas per square meter - cd/m 2.
Conversion factors from lux and nits to foot-
details in video or
Luminance describes the amount of light leaving
candles and foot-lamberts are listed in Table 2-3.
graphic images.
symbols, and visual
a surface in a specific direction. See Figure 2-6. In terms of measurement, one cd/m 2 is
Display Contrast
the equivalent of one lux at a defined direction.
In addition to brightness, videowall displays must
Specifications of brightness or luminance for flat
offer sufficient contrast, so viewers can easily
panels or projection cubes identify values that are
distinguish text, data, symbols, and visual details
on-axis or directly perpendicular to the screen.
in video or graphic images. A display’s contrast ratio describes the dynamic range it offers for
Projection cubes and flat panels with luminance
presenting imagery, from deep blacks to peak
values between 300 and 1,000 nits provide
whites. Contrast ratio is a measure of the ratio
adequate brightness in control room as well
between the brightest and the darkest luminance
as office environments. Projection cubes that
values produced by the display. Higher contrast
have been designed with diagonal screen sizes
ratios are commonly associated with greater
beyond 80 inches (200 cm), or those that have
subjective picture quality.
been engineered to offer extended lamp life may have specified luminance values below 300 nits.
High brightness contributes to a higher contrast
Use of these displays requires greater attention
ratio by increasing the white measurement.
to ambient light conditions and lighting designs.
However, producing very high contrast ratios
Table 2-2 lis ts typi cal lumi nance rang es for various display types.
Table 2-1. Typical illumina nce levels in various environments
Table 2-2. Typical luminance ranges for various display types
ENVIRONMENT
TYPICAL ILLUMINANCE
DISPLAY
TYPICAL LUMINANCE
Bright sunlight
110,000 lux
LED displays
2000 - 14,000 nits
25,000 lux
Rear projection cubes
300 - 1,000 nits
screen area, and then multiplying this result by
Shaded area on a bright day
the gain of the projection screen. Rear projection
Task lighting
1,500 lux
LCD screen
450 - 700 nits
screens with high gain typically yield lower
Office lighting
500 - 750 lux
Laptop screen
150 - 250 nits
luminance values at off-axis viewing angles. This
Control room
300 - 750 lux
Cinema screen
40 - 60 nits
Theaters
150 lux
Parking lot lighting
10 lux
Moonlight
0.1 lux
For a projection cube, on-axis luminance is determined by measuring or calculating the illuminance – projector ANSI lumens divided by
reduction in brightness helps to illustrate the significance of the direction of light for luminance. Projection cube specifications usually identify the horizontal and vertical viewing angles at which the luminance will be one-half, or a lower percentage
Table 2-3. Conversion factors for brightness values derived from metric and English standard measurements
relative to the on-axis value. Luminance is also important for large-screen rear projection systems. System designs must include
MEASUREMENT
METRIC MEASUREMENT
ENGLISH STANDARD MEASUREMENT
METRIC TO ENGLISH
ENGLISH TO METRIC
Illuminance
Lux
Foot-candle (ft-c)
Lux x 10.764
ft-c / 10.764
Foot-lambert (ft-L)
Nit x 3.426
ft-l / 3.426
Luminance
2
Nit or candela/m
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17
Environmental Considerations & Human Factors Brightness and
requires even greater attention to reducing dark
Introduction of the 15:1 ratio for basic decision-
contrast can be
values. For product specifications, contrast ratio
making resulted in notable industry feedback,
is based on measurements taken in a completely
considering that a contrast ratio of 10:1 had
dark room. Unless the display is to be used in
been applied as a rule of thumb by industry
a similarly darkened environment, contrast ratio
professionals for many years. Nevertheless, the
in the end, customer
product specifications should not be factored too
economic and environmental factors encountered
satisfaction can be
heavily when comparing products. The standard
on every project produces challenges that may or
method for determining contrast ratio is illustrated
may not support attaining these standards.
objectively determined with light meters, but
purely subjective.
in Figure 2-7. Brightness and contrast can be objectively Many direct-view flat panels include high
determined with light meters, but in the end,
contrast surfaces to disperse incident light and
customer satisfaction can be purely subjective.
reduce reflections on the screen. Front and
There is no substitute for visually evaluating a
rear-projection screens include various coatings
display’s brightness and contrast in the actual
or tinting to diffuse incident light and improve
facility it was designed for, or under comparable
contrast. In control rooms with projection
environmental conditions, using visual content
systems, contrast is frequently optimized by
representative of the intended application.
formatting data and graphic content with dark backgrounds and bright characters or symbols,
Ambient Lighting
and maintaining low ambient light conditions. For
Amb ient lig hti ng conditio ns wil l imp act the
direct-view panels, content frequently appears
resulting contrast, or how images appear under
better when formatted with bright or white
actual lighting conditions. Excessive lighting in
backgrounds and dark characters or symbols.
a room will conflict with the displays, reducing
Both types of formatting work well for projection
contrast and making the image appear “washed
cubes.
out” and difficult to view.
In 2011, InfoComm International published the
The following are best practices for improving
ANSI/I NFOCOMM 3M-2011 Projected Image
the impact of lighting on AV systems in control
System Contrast Ratio standard for contrast
centers:
ratios of projected images for different viewing
• Control ambient brightness throughout the room, minimizing it wherever not essential to human
applications. The following recommendations were established: a minimum contrast ratio of 7:1 for images produced purely for informational purposes, at least 15:1 for basic decisionmaking, 50:1 for critical decision-making, and 80:1 for presentation of full-motion video content. Figure 2-7. Display contrast ratio
activity. • Use directional overhead spotlights where possible to keep lighting away from the videowall. • Incorporate individualized task lighting for workstations, rather than relying on lighting fixtures which apply broad coverage throughout a room.
Contrast Ratio
Measured luminance ratio of full white vs. black
The following should be avoided:
Contrast Ratio = Bright - Dark (Nits)
• Placement of ceiling lights in close proximity to displays; light may spill onto the screen surfaces.
Dark (Nits)
• Untreated windows directly facing a videowall display, particularly those with a southerly exposure. Note: In northern latitude locations, there have been instances of poor planning for ambient lighting Display Contrast Ratio Example: 100:1
18
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
conditions. Specifically, these have been for corporate lobby videowall installations that face windows with a southerly exposure. During afternoon hours in winter
The earlier an AV
months, light from the sun can fall directly onto the displays, significantly reducing their effective contrast.
presentation room may double as a viewing
Wall and Room Treatments
privacy glass to expose an adjoining control room.
Walls surrounding a videowall should be visually
Control rooms used for customer demonstrations
neutral to avoid distracting from the information
or promotional applications may incorporate a
greater the likelihood
presented on the displays. See Figure 2-8 as
special entryway that includes lighting and AV
human factors
an example. Wall surfaces should have matte
effects to help shape the visitors’ state-of-mind
and environmental
finishes and be pattern-free, without windows,
before they enter the space. This approach is
open doorways, and other visual distractions,
similar to the use of pre-shows in theme park
whenever possible. Similarly, ceilings, floors,
attractions.
gallery, with motorized shades or controllable
designer participates in the facility design, the
considerations will be successfully addressed.
and facing walls should have matte or nonreflective finishes, and be void of windows and
Planning Ahead for Effective Videowalls
other reflective surfaces, which can result in light
All of these human factors and environmental
falling onto the videowall screens. Wherever
considerations can have a significant impact on
windows cannot be avoided, shades and
the effectiveness of a videowall display system.
tinting can be used to reduce the impact of
The earlier an AV designer participates in the
exterior light. Acoustic treatments may also be
facility design, the greater the likelihood these
required to control sonic reflections and ensure
elements will be successfully addressed. ■
a quiet acoustical environment where normal conversations can be conducted.
Clocks and Status Indicators
Figure 2-8. Walls surrounding a videowall should not distract viewers fr om the display system, clocks, or other status indicators.
Control rooms, sales or trading areas, and other working environments with videowalls often use world time-zone clocks or system status indicators, such as those which display security conditions. See Figure 2-8. This information may be presented on the videowall, specialized fixtures, or auxiliary displays.
Furniture and Personal Environment Management Furniture and consoles used in command and control centers are available in standard designs
Figure 2-9. Furniture and consoles may be customized for specific team workflow or operational requirements.
supporting many different workflows. Custom consoles can be designed to support specific working conditions and environments. See Figure 2-9. They may include motorized height settings, highly adjustable seats, task lighting, localized white noise, or local airflow and temperature control for users working in 24/7 operations.
Entry Management and Security Control rooms and facilities with high-impact displays may have controlled visibility or access for security reasons, or to enhance the visitor experience. For example, an executive www.extron.com
19
Choosing the Right Videowall Shape and Size Deciding how large a
Deciding how large a videowall should be is more
5:4, 16:9, or 16:10. Videowalls may also have
videowall should be is
than a matter of determining how many display
creative shapes with no defined aspect ratio.
more than a matter of
devices are required to fill a space on a wall. The manner in which the videowall will be used, the
What is the “best” shape or aspect ratio for a
types and quantity of information to be presented,
videowall? If the objective is to make the videowall
display devices are
and the size and shape of the room should be
as large as possible, then its shape will be driven
required to fill a space
considered before selecting the quantity and
by the layout of the room. A shallow, wide room
type of display. A videowall in a public setting
with a low ceiling will likely necessitate a short,
for digital signage will have far different physical
wide videowall. Other room characteristics may
requirements than a videowall in a command and
result in a videowall shape closer to a square. But
control center.
room layout is not the only important factor when
determining how many
on a wall.
determining the height and width of a videowall.
Determining the Shape or Aspect Ratio
The size and aspect ratio of the source content
When specifying a videowall system, a design
and their intended arrangements on the videowall
engineer has the flexibility to define a specific
will also influence its shape and design.
layout for the displays. Videowalls two screens high by four screens wide, three screens high by
A good first step is to determine the types and
four screens wide, or four screens high by four
resolutions of input sources to the videowall, and
screens wide are common. However, each of
how many of them must be displayed together.
these arrangements results in a different overall
Discussing this with the end user, and deciding
aspect ratio, which is defined by the layout of
how source windows should be arranged on the
the screens as well as the aspect ratio of the
videowall, will help determine the best overall
individual display devices, which could be 4:3,
screen arrangement. It will also be beneficial to sketch three or four storyboards with various window layouts. Be
Figure 2-10. Videowall images may be distorted if content is not presented in t heir native aspect ratios.
sure to maintain each source’s original aspect ratio when designing these layouts. While many videowall processors will allow images to be stretched, zoomed, or cropped to fill a window of any shape, the end user may find it distracting if content is not represented in their native aspect ratios. See Figure 2-10.
Original source aspect ratios maintained
When creating sample window layouts, it is also important to consider which sources should be shown at native resolution, those which may be downscaled or reduced in size, and content that should be upscaled or enlarged. Having an idea of scaling requirements for the source content will help you determine relative sizes for the source windows on the videowall. The nature of the source content will be a determinant of how legible it may be when scaled. High resolution imagery may be reasonably legible when downscaled. Content can often be displayed in
Original source aspect ratios not maintained – results in image distortion
20
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
small windows as “thumbnails” to save space
area. Pixel density is determined by the individual
while being adequately discernible, and then
display unit, in terms of its native resolution as
upscaled or enlarged upon user control for closer
well as screen dimensions. Pixel density remains
examination.
constant, regardless of the size or layout of the videowall.
Viewers tend to perceive images with good resolution as sharp, detailed, and above all, free of visible
While videowall processors allow images or graphics to be reduced in size, text or symbols
The ideal pixel density for a videowal l can be
may not remain legible if downscaled, or even
determined based on the distance for viewers
when shown at native resolution. In this case,
closest to the screens, so they do not see visible
upscaling may be necessary, possibly leading
pixel structure. A unit of angular measurement,
to use of larger window sizes that may require
known as an “arc minute,” is used to describe
enlarging the videowall. Properly sizing fonts for
how much of a viewer’s vision is occupied by
videowalls will be discussed later in detail.
an object. An arc minute is equal to 1/60th of a
pixel structure.
degree, with 360° comprising a complete circle. Once you are confident that your sample
The theoretical limit of human visual acuity, or
window layouts meet end user expectations, you
the ability to discriminate an individual object or
can be sure that you have a good idea of the
between objects in space, is approximately one
overall shape for the videowall, determined by
arc minute or 0.0167°. For video, this means that
the layout of the room and the source content
below this limit, a person should not be able to
to be presented. You should also estimate the
resolve individual pixels. See Figure 2-11.
physical and pixel dimensions for the videowall. Additional considerations, including pixel density and individual display or projected image size, will help you finalize the actual dimensions and configuration of the videowall.
Pixel Density
Figure 2-11. Pixel structure will not be noticed if the pixel pitch, or spacing bet ween pixels, forms an angle less than one arc minute in a person’s viewing field.
A videowall should be capable of delivering the highest quality images possible to all viewers in the environment. In addition to brightness and
1 arc minute
contrast, pixel resolution is another contributing factor to image quality. Viewers tend to perceive Pixel Pitch
images with good resolution as sharp, detailed, and above all, free of visible pixel structure. The
Individual Pixels Visible
ability to see pixels on-screen is dependent on the viewing distance from the display, the native resolution of the display, and the content being
1 arc minute
presented, among other factors. Pixel structure is more likely to be noticeable in content with text, shapes, lines, and fine graphic details, than in full-
Pixel Pitch
motion video. The resolution of a videowall can be defined by
No Pixels Visible
the total number of horizontal and vertical pixels in the display array. It can also be described by the pixel density, or the number of pixels per unit www.extron.com
21
Choosing the Right Videowall Shape and Size LCD panels generally
The sidebar provid es detail ed information on
Summary
deliver more than
calculating pixel density. At a close viewing
To help determine the best physical shape and
distance of 10 feet (3 m), the pixel density
size for a videowall, keep the following points in
would need to be at least 28 PPI, or pixels per
mind:
sufficient pixel density for close viewing
inch, to avoid visible pixel structure. As points
distances, including
of comparison, a 50 inch (107 cm) 1080p LCD
the largest models.
panel has a pixel density of 44 PPI, while a 70 inch
Pixel density will likely be an important
(178 cm) WXGA projection cube has a pixel density of 22 PPI. If the end user demands that multiple high resolution sources be displayed
consideration when
pixel-for-pixel, then it may be necessary to
projecting large
increase the pixel density beyond the minimum. LCD panels generally deliver more than sufficient
images.
pixel density for close viewing distances, including the largest models at 70 inches. Pixel density will likely be an important consideration when projecting large images. Table 2-4 lists some recommended minimum pixel densities at various viewing distances.
How to Calculate Pixel Density Calculating Pixel Density Based on Viewing Distance
The minimum pixel density for a videowall, based on the viewing distance and the visual acuity limit of 1 arc minute, can easily be calculated. All that is needed is a tape measure and a scientific calculator, or a mobile device running a scientific calculator app. Ensure the calculator is set to degrees, rather than radians. Begin by measuring, or estimating the distance from the videowall to the viewing position closest to the wall. Then, this basic trigonometric formula can be used to calculate pixel pitch, or the physical separation between two pixels.
Pixel Pitch
= Viewing Distance x tan (1 arc minute / 60 arc minutes per degree) = Viewing Distance x tan (0.0167°) = Viewing Distance x 0.000291
where the viewing distance and pixel pitch are specified in inches. Pixel density, in PPI or pixels per inch, is then simply the inverse of pixel pitch:
Pixel Density (PPI) = 1 / Pixel Pitch (in) Example: For a viewing distance of 10 feet (3 m), or 120 inches, Pixel Pitch = 120 in x tan (0.0167°) = 120 in x 0.000291 = 0.035 in (0.9 mm) Pixel Density = 1 / 0.035 in = 28 PPI
Calculating Pixel Density for a Display
Pixel density can also easily be calculated for a display, using the equation for the Pythagorean theorem:
Diagonal Pixels = √Horizontal Pixels2 + Vertical Pixels 2 Then, dividing the diagonal pixel resolution by the diagonal screen dimension gives you pixel density.
Pixel Density (PPI) = Diagonal Pixels / Diagonal Screen Dimension (in) Example: For a 52 inch (132 cm) diagonal 1080p LCD panel, Diagonal Pixels = √19202 + 10802 = √4,852,800 = 2203 Pixel Density = 2203 / 52 inches = 42 PPI
22
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
• The general shape and size of a videowall is frequently determined by the layout of the room and space available on the wall. • Drafting window layouts will help you better dene the shape and dimensions of the videowall. Be sure to account for: - The types of input sources - The aspect ratios and native resolutions of the sources - Legibility of content, particularly text, and the possible need to enlarge them - The maximum number of sources to be displayed simultaneously • Ensure the display you select for the videowall has sufficiently high pixel density, so the closest viewer will not see pixel structure.
Together with these suggested guidelines, be sure that the final videowall design and configuration satisfies eye and head tilt considerations, as discussed previously on page 15. ■
Table 2-4. Recommended display pixel density based on the closest viewing distance VIEWING DISTANCE
MINIMUM PIXEL DENSITY
5 ft (1.5 m)
57 PPI - pixels per inch
10 ft (3 m)
28 PPI
15 ft (4.5 m)
19 PPI
20 ft (6 m)
14 PPI
Choosing the Right Display Size and Resolution The ide al dim ens ion s and resolu tio n of an
Figure 2-12 illustrates two videowalls of
The ideal dimensions
individual display unit will depend on the required
comparable size. System A comprises three
and resolution of an
pixel density, the desired shape and size of the
80 inch (203 cm) SXGA+ projection cubes, and
videowall, and budget. The choice of display
System B is an array of eight 50 inch (127 cm)
technology will dictate the specific screen
SXGA+ cubes. While the resulting videowalls
will depend on the
dimensions and resolutions available from which
are close in physical size, there are considerable
required pixel density,
to choose. Display technologies for videowalls will
differences between the two. System A will
the desired shape and
be discussed later in further detail.
likely be less expensive than System B, despite the larger, more expensive 80 inch displays,
For a given display technology, larger displays are
as System A requires only three displays while
typically more expensive than smaller models.
System B requires eight. In addition, the videowall
But it may actually cost less to fulfill a desired
processor for System A will only require three
videowall size with fewer large, more expensive
outputs, while System B will require a larger
displays, than a greater quantity of small, less
videowall processor with at least eight outputs.
individual display unit
size of the videowall, and budget.
expensive displays. Fewer displays translate to less expensive videowall processing, since
While System A is more cost effective than
fewer outputs will be required. However, smaller
System B, the overall pixel density of System
displays often deliver higher pixel density for the
B is greater than that of System A. System A
videowall. Therefore, a videowall design focusing
comprises 4200x1050 pixels with a pixel density
solely on the economics of displays may ignore
of 22 PPI, while System B comprises 5600x2100
pixel density considerations. This is particularly
pixels and 35 PPI pixel density. Therefore,
the case for videowalls comprising projection
System B will be able to display a higher number
cubes or front projectors, but also applies to LCD
of sources at native resolution. Depending on
panels if there is a need to present many high
the required pixel density, the desired window
resolution image sources.
layouts, and the resolutions of the input sources, System B may be a more suitable solution than System A, despite the higher price.
■
Figure 2-12. A videowall with fewer screens may be more cost-effective, but m ay not deliver sufficient pixel density for the needs of the application. System A 16 ft (4.9 m) - 4200 pixels (1400x3) s l e x i p 0 5 0 1 ) m 2 . 1 ( t f 4
80 inch diagonal
80 inch diagonal
80 inch diagonal
System B 13 ft 4 in (4 m) - 5600 pixels (1400x4)
s l e x i p 0 ) 0 2 1 x 2 0 - 5 ) 0 1 m ( 5 . 1 ( t f 5
50 inch diagonal
50 inch diagonal
50 inch diagonal
50 inch diagonal
50 inch diagonal
50 inch diagonal
50 inch diagonal
50 inch diagonal
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23
Font Size and Legibility Viewers should be able to easily read text at all intended viewing distances without eyestrain.
Legibility is very important for any videowall
over long periods of time. A safer rule of thumb is
application with sources that include
for any displayed text to occupy at least 15 to 20
alphanumeric text. Viewers should be able to
arc minutes of the furthest viewer’s vision.*
easily read text at all intended viewing distances without eyestrain. Delivering adequately sized text
The exa mpl e in Figur e 2-13 illustrat es an
can be accomplished by scaling up or enlarging
environment where the nearest viewer is 15
the source to make fonts legible, or by rendering
feet (4.5 m) from a videowall, and the furthest
content with text at appropriate font sizes.
viewer is 30 feet (9 m) from the screens. The text is 1 inch (25 mm) high, which occupies 19
When considering legibility, it is important to take
arc minutes of the nearest viewer’s vision. While
into account the distance between the farthest
this is acceptable, text read by a viewer 30 feet
viewer and the videowall, and use this “worst
from the videowall only occupies 10 arc minutes,
case” scenario to determine how large source
which is not acceptable for extended viewing.
windows should be, or what font size should
The sidebar provides more details on calculating
be specified when creating content. Additional
arc minutes based on the text size and viewing
display area may be required to provide adequate
distance.
space for enlarged windows, which translates to larger displays, or extra rows or columns of
To improve legibility for the furthest viewer, text
screens.
should be rendered at a larger size, or source window sizes should be expanded. Figure 2-13
* From Simpson, Robert S. (1996). “Videowalls: The Book of the Big Electronic Image,” Oxford, United Kingdom: Focal Press.
At a minimum, text on a videowall should occupy
demonstrates that doubling the text height from
10 vertical arc minutes of the viewer’s vision to be
1 to 2 inches (25 to 50 mm) improves legibility,
legible. However, this size may still appear to be
since the text now occupies 19 arc minutes for
too small for many viewers, and eyestrain is likely
the furthest viewer.
Figure 2-13. Font size vs. viewing distance
How to Calculate Arc Minutes
Viewing Distance 30 ft (9 m) 15 ft (4.5 m) 10 arc minutes
Text height 1 in (25 mm) 19 arc minutes
Font size is acceptable for nearest viewer, but too small for extended viewing by furthest viewer
It is easy to calculate the number of arc minutes that text and characters occupy within a person’s viewing field. All you need is a tape measure and a scientific calculator. Scientific calculator apps are available for mobile devices. Make sure the calculator is set to degrees, not radians. Begin by measuring, or estimating, the distance from the videowall to the furthest viewing location in the room, as well as the height of the text on-screen. Then, this basic trigonometric formula can be used to calculate arc minutes:
Arc Minutes = 60 x arctan (Text Height / Viewing Distance) Viewing Distance 30 ft (9 m)
where arctan is the arctangent, or inverse tangent, and 60 denotes the number of arc minutes per degree.
15 ft (4.5 m) 19 arc minutes
Example: For text 1 inch (25 mm) tall, viewed from 15 feet (4.5 m) Text height 2 in (50 mm) 38 arc minutes
Font size acceptable for nearest viewer and furthest viewer
24
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
or 180 inches,
Arc Minutes = 60 x arctan (1 in/180 in) = 60 x arctan (0.0056) = 60 x 0.3183 = 19 If your calculator does not have an arctangent button, press the “inverse” button and then “tangent.”
From this illustration, it can be generalized that
density of 37 PPI. For a 30 foot viewing distance,
providing a text height of 1 inch (25 mm) for
text on the screen should be at least 2 inches or
every 15 feet (4.5 m) of the maximum viewing
74 pixels high. Therefore, when creating content
distance will ensure legibility for the viewer. This
in Microsoft PowerPoint® or any other application,
is a good rule of thumb to follow when designing
a font size of about 58 points should be applied.
As a general rule of thumb, the pixel height of a font will be 30 to 35 percent larger than its point size.
videowalls, especially in environments where critical information is displayed.
It should be noted that if a source is intended to be magnified across multiple videowall screens,
Pixel Density and Font Size
then the font size can be reduced accordingly.
The pixel density of a display device is another
For an image spread over a 2x2 array of four
factor that will impact font size. Text rendered
screens, for example, the font selected can be
at a specific font size will appear smaller on a
one-fourth the size appropriate for viewing on a
high resolution display than on a lower resolution
single screen. This can similarly be applied when
display of the same size. This is illustrated in
a source window is to be enlarged.
Figure 2-14 for two 42 inch (107 cm) LCD p anels, one at 1920x1080 and the other at 1366x768.
Summary To ensure that alph anumeric text prese nted
It is also important to note that when referring
on a videowall is legible for all viewers, use the
to font size, or point size, a point is not equal to
following suggested rules of thumb:
a pixel. In other words, 12 point font is not 12 pixels high, but rather is approximately 16 pixels high. The exact relationship between points and pixels varies by font. As a general rule of thumb, the pixel height of a font will be 30 to 35 percent larger than its point size.
• Apply a minimum text height of 1 inch (25 mm) on the screen for every 15 feet (4.5 m) of distance between the videowall and the furthest viewing position in the room. • When rendering content for a videowall, the pixel height of a font is 30 to 35 percent larger than its point size. ■ i
Example: A videowall array comprised of 42 inch (107 cm) 1366x768 LCD panels is installed in a control room where the distance to the farthest viewer is 30 feet (9 m). The videowall has a pixel
i i
i
l
ll
i
i
l
i
Figure 2-14. Text at a specific font size w ill appear smaller on a higher resolution di splay. 1920 pixels 36.6 in (93 cm)
1366 pixels 36.6 in (93 cm)
) m
s c l e 3 x . i 2 p 5 ( 0 n i 8 0 6 1 .
) m
s c l 3 e . x 2 i 5 ( p n 8 i 6 6 7 .
42 in (107 cm)
0 2
Letter 100 pixels tall 1.92 in (49 mm)
Pixel Density: 52 pixels per inch
42 in (107 cm)
0 2
Letter 100 pixels tall 2.70 in (69 mm)
Pixel Density: 37 pixels per inch
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25
Display Devices Several display
With the size and shape of the videowall in
Projection Cubes
technologies are
mind, as well as a minimum pixel density to
Projection cubes have long been the display
ensure high quality images for everyone in the
technology of choice for many videowall
room, the system designer can now consider
installations. The first projection cubes for
the technology and model of the displays for
videowalls featured CRT projectors housed in
design, each with its
the videowall. Several display technologies are
enclosures that were four to five feet (1.2 to 1.5
distinct benefits and
available when specifying a videowall design,
m) deep with 40 inch (102 cm) diagonal Fresnel
each with its distinct benefits and drawbacks.
and lenticular screens. CRT technology was
The ideal choice will be based on several factors,
eventually replaced with LCD, DLP ™, and LCoS
including the following:
projection modules with lamp or LED-based
available when specifying a videowall
drawbacks. The ideal choice will be based on several factors.
illumination systems. They have been engineered • Specific display technology. The end user
for long life, while maintaining tight tolerances for
may already have a particular display type in mind
brightness and color temperature. First-surface
for the videowall, such as LCD flat panels.
mirrors have been incorporated to reduce the projection path and enclosure footprint.
• Screen size, shape, and resolution. Specific screen dimensions and resolutions vary according
Current projection cube designs feature DLP
to the display technology. Considerably large
projectors, with native resolutions ranging from
screen sizes may necessitate the use of front or
1024x768 to 1920x1200. They include LED
rear projectors.
illumination sources with lifetimes specified between 50,000 and 80,000 hours.
• Picture adjustments. Displays for videowalls feature a range of brightness and color
Projection cubes are available in sizes from 50 to
adjustments, controls, and illumination systems
80 inches (127 to 203 cm) in aspect ratios of 4:3,
that allow the displays to maintain alignment with
16:9, or 16:10. They generally require a footprint
each other over time.
from 1.5 to 3 feet (0.5 to 1 m). Projection cubes have very thin screen bezels that minimize the
• Footprint. Front and rear projection systems
appearance of “mullions” in the videowall, making
require the greatest consideration for space,
them popular in control room environments where
while LCD panels consume a minimal footprint
detailed data and graphics may be presented
in a room.
across multiple screens. Manufacturers are now marketing projection cubes with designs that
• Environmental factors. Significant ambient
are said to have eliminated the appearance of a
light in the room, and limited tolerance for
mullion between screens.
mechanical noise may preclude the use of front projectors. • Budget. Display technologies vary in terms of the costs upfront for the displays and installation, plus ongoing maintenance needs such as lamp replacement. Videowall maintenance will be covered in the next section. Display technologies continue to advance at a rapid pace. This section provides summary technical information and practical considerations relevant to multi-screen videowall applications. 26
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
Projection Cube Photo Courtesy of Mitsubishi
Flat-Panel Displays
More recently, the availability of ultra-thin bezel
Flat-panel LCD displays have quickly become
models – less than 10 mm and a minimal footprint
popular for videowall applications. They range
– has made LCD flat panels very popular in a
in size from 40 to 108 inches (102 to 274 cm),
broad range of videowall applications.
with a depth of four inches (10 cm) or less, and
The availability of ultrathin bezel models – less than 10 mm and a minimal footprint – has
are ideal for facilities with limited physical space
Projection
made LCD flat panels
or budgets. LCD panels designed for videowalls
Multiple projectors may be used in videowall
very popular in a broad
are typically available with a 16:9 aspect ratio at
systems instead of flat panels or projection
resolutions such as 1366x768 or 1920x1080. Flat
cubes. They produce large images and offer the
panels with a 16:10 aspect ratio and 1920x1200
opportunity to present source information across
resolution are also available, though these are
fewer displays, resulting in fewer visible mullions.
range of videowall applications.
desktop monitors. Front or rear projection can be used. See The first flat-panel displays used in professional
Figure 2-15. Projector selection will be based on
video applications were based on plasma
a variety of factors relevant to the application,
technology, and were susceptible to image
including resolution, brightness, contrast ratio,
burn-in. They were not suited for continuous-
lens options, lamp life, picture adjustments, and
use applications with presentation of static
the ability to maintain color consistency over time.
content. Early flat-panel videowalls were used in
Projectors are available in various aspect ratios
applications that emphasized the artistic value of
and native resolutions ranging from 1024x768 to
the bezel, small footprint, and budget, rather than
1920x1200. Projectors are also available at higher
thin mullions, which were not possible with the
resolutions including 2560x1600 and 4K. The
early flat panels.
best choice between front or rear projection for a
32 in (81 cm) LCD Display with Standard Bezel
42 in (107 cm) LCD Display with Thin Bezel
60 in (152 cm) LCD Display with Ultra-Slim Bezel Photos Courtesy of Sharp
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27
Display Devices Videowall applications that incorporate
videowall is determined by the physical attributes
Rear projection systems eliminate the long-throw
of the viewing room and available space.
distance, ambient light spill, room obstructions, and fan noise that can plague front projection
projector arrays
Front Projection
systems. However, they require dedicated space
Front projection videowalls require the use of
behind the display, and mounting systems with
blending or edge
ceiling-mount systems, floor-level projection
projection mirrors that require greater complexity
butting. The design
cabinets, or isolated projection rooms. Ambient
for setup and maintenance than front projectors.
employ either edge
objective is to create
lighting conditions and screen technology must be factored carefully into display brightness
Edge-Blended Projection
and contrast requirements. Fan noise requires
Videowall applications that incorporate projector
delivering a continuous
consideration if projectors are to be situated
arrays employ either edge blending or edge
projected image.
within the working environment. Installing front
butting techniques. See Figure 2-15. The design
projection may also result in restricted usage of
objective is to create a single, large display
floor space, to prevent staff from accidentally
delivering a continuous projected image.
a single, large display
walking into the projection paths and casting shadows on the screens.
Edge blending is achieved by aligning the images from adjacent projectors so that the images
Rear Projection
overlap with each other, typically by 20%. Video
Rear projection systems place the projector in
content projected in the overlap region must be
an enclosure or projection room, isolating it from
identical between projectors. This requires special
viewers. To minimize the depth of the projection
image processing, which is not a standard feature
room, first-surface mirrors are employed to “fold”
in videowall processors.
the projection path. Special adjustments for brightness, contrast, Figure 2-15 Front projection vs. rear projection, and edge blending vs. edge butting .
projected illumination between overlapped and
Rear Projection
Front Projection
and gamma are also required to match the
Mirror Screen
non-overlapped regions. Contrast must be attenuated in the overlapped regions to reduce
Mirror
the level of bright content, and the black level must be “notched” up to adjust dark content in the projected areas with no overlap. These image adjustments must be made, either within the projector or by an external image processor. Edge blending is ideal for applications that require a large, continuous, display area with very high resolution. Edge Butting
Edge Blending
Windowing various input sources is common on projection videowalls with edge blending. While edge blending produces impressive displays, they are custom by nature, and the increased complexity of picture adjustments requires that the owner be prepared to accept higher service and maintenance costs than more conventional
Overlap Area
28
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
Visible Seam/Join
display systems.
Edge-Butted Projection
Video inputs are distributed to LED panels through
LED displays produce
Edge-butted projection displays do not apply
proprietary signal processors. These processors
very high brightness
an overlap region. Picture adjustments and
are typically limited to the magnification of a single
processing requirements are far simpler than
image across the entire panel array. Videowall
edge-blended displays. Edge-butted displays
processors can serve as an input to the LED
used outdoors or in
are simpler to setup, align, and manage. A thin
signal processors, providing advanced scaling,
environments with
seam may be visible between images, but a
cropping, and multi-source windowing features
high ambient light
virtually seamless appearance is possible with
for the entire LED display.
and are frequently
conditions.
precise image alignment. However, maintaining this appearance over time may require continual
Figure 2-16 illustrates an LED videowall 21
adjustments to image positioning.
feet (6.4 m) wide and 14 feet (4.3 m) tall with a total resolution of 1600x900 pixels. This display
LED Displays
comprises 144 individual panels, each 16 inches
LED displays produce very high brightness and
(40 cm) high by 16 inches wide. The modular
are frequently used outdoors or in environments
form factor of the panels provides a great deal of
with high ambient light conditions. LED display
creative latitude when designing the shape and
systems comprise several individual panels, each
size of an LED display. Very large LED displays
containing an array of colored LEDs. A single pixel
may have resolutions that only require a single
is represented by a discrete set of red, green, and
or just a few outputs from a videowall processor,
blue LEDs, or a single surface-mount module
due to the low pixel density of LED displays.
incorporating all three colors. Figure 2-16. A large LED display comprised of 144 individual panels
An LED panel may have a resolution from 36x36 to 100x100 pixels, depending on the pitch, or
Individual Panel Dimensions: 16 in x 16 in (41 cm x 41 cm) – 100 pixels x 100 pixels
spacing of the pixels, and the size of the panel. Selection of the LED pixel pitch is based on the intended use, viewing distance, and budget. LED panels for outdoor use are intended for viewing from great distances, and typically have a pixel pitch of 10 mm to 20 mm. LED panels for indoor applications are viewed from closer distances, and frequently will have a tighter pixel pitch, from 4 mm to 10 mm. Table 2-5 lists minimum preferred and optimum viewing distances for three popular LED pixel spacings.
Table 2-5. Minimum and optimum viewing distance for three common pixel spacings PIXEL PITCH
MINIMUM PREFERRED VIEWING DISTANCE 1
OPTIMUM VIEWING DISTANCE 2
20 mm
39 ft (12 m)
66 ft (20 m)
10 mm
20 ft (6 m)
33 ft (10 m)
5 mm
10 ft (3 m)
16 ft (5 m)
21 ft 4 in (6.5 m) – 1600 pixels
s l e x i p 0 0 9 – ) m 7 . 3 ( t f 2 1
1
600 x pixel pitch 1000 x pixel pitch Viewing distance ca lculations from Simpson, Robert S. (1996). “Videowalls: The Book of the Big Electronic Image,” Oxford, United Kingdom: Focal Press. 2
LED Tile Array 16 Tiles x 9 Tiles
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29
Display Devices A single 4K display
Modular Displays
High Resolution 4K Displays
An emerging class of display products feature
High resolution 4K displays were introduced
a compact, modular display size comparable to
beginning in 2005 for digital cinema, simulation,
LED panels, as well as thin mullions. They are
defense, medical, entertainment, and other
new display technologies for creating videowalls
applications. Since then, many manufacturers
array of 1080p or 2K
with many different shapes and configurations.
have introduced 4K projectors and direct-view
resolution displays,
Similar to LED systems, these displays are not
LCD flat panels supporting resolutions including
limited to standard aspect ratios and can be a
4096×2160, and 3840x2160, also known as
rectangle, square, or some other abstract shape.
QFHD or Quad Full High Definition.
Amon g thes e modular dis plays are Chri stie
A singl e 4K display can be managed from a
can be managed from a videowall processor as though it is a 2x2
with the benefit of no mullions for a perfectly seamless image.
®
MicroTiles . An individual MicroTile is a very
videowall processor as though it is a 2x2 array
compact projection cube with a screen size of
of 1080p or 2K resolution displays, with the
16 x 12 inches (40 x 30 cm) and a depth of 10
benefit of no mullions for a perfectly seamless
inches (25 cm). It houses an LED-illuminated DLP
image. A large image from a 4K projector can
projector with a resolution of 720x540. Signals
deliver dramatic visual impact, without the need
are distributed to the displays by one or more
to precisely align four individual projectors or
proprietary signal processing units. As with LED
apply edge blending. As 4K displays grow in
displays, these processing units are used to
popularity, they will be combined more frequently
magnify an image onto an array of modules. A
with videowall processors. ■
videowall processor can be used to scale, crop, and manage multiple source inputs into this creative display technology.
A 4K projected image can serve as a perfectly seamless videowall for presenting multiple high resolution image sources.
30
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
Videowall Maintenance and Cost of Ownership Videowall systems are high value investments
Videowall Displays
Videowall systems are
that require periodic maintenance. They have very
Display selection can have a significant impact on
high duty cycles, and downtime is unacceptable,
the total cost of ownership. Operating costs for
especially in mission-critical applications. It is
display systems include consumable items such
essential that provisions for service, maintenance,
as air filters and lamps for projectors or projection
maintenance. They
and total cost of ownership be considered during
cubes, plus regularly scheduled cleaning.
have very high duty
the system design phase.
high value investments that require periodic
cycles, and downtime The br ig htnes s and colo r compos itio n of
is unacceptable,
Planning for maintenance as well as operating
projection lamps and LED light sources can drift
costs will ensure end users remain within their
over time, requiring periodic recalibration and
especially in mission-
operating budgets. This includes a sufficient
balancing across displays. Color balancing of
critical applications.
stock of consumables and replacement items,
displays is a task best performed by an integrator
and scheduling periodic, essential service
with experienced, certified technicians. Some
visits to maximize uptime and image quality.
projection cube models include automatic color
These measures will help preserve value in the
calibration systems that simplify maintenance by
investment.
minimizing the time required for color balancing.
Videowall Processors
Operating costs associated with supplying power
The vide owall processor selected should be
and HVAC can vary between different types of
capable of delivering failsafe reliability, and be
displays. They should be considered when
fully supported by a manufacturer’s warranty
comparing between display technology options.
policy. All Extron videowall processors, for example, include a three-year parts and labor
Flat-Panel Displays
warranty. For applications in which the videowall
Flat-panel LCD and plasma displays for
must absolutely remain operational at all times,
videowalls have not been designed with the
the processor should include redundant power
intention of replacing consumable parts. LED
supplies, and hot-swap capability for parts
backlighting for LCD flat panels offer practical
such as fans and power supplies. In secure
lifespans of 50,000 hours or more. Flat panels
environments with restricted access, a spare
require little or no maintenance. However when
parts kit can be considered that may include
physical access to the displays is required,
system controller parts and input and output
the location of the videowall and design of the
cards, in addition to hot-swappable fans and
installation and mounting system can impact cost
power supplies.
by making service access easy or difficult.
All Extron videowall processors are fully supported by a three-year parts and labor warranty.
Professional flat-panel displays are usually covered by multi-year manufacturer warranties. For mission-critical installations with large numbers of flat panels, the end user should consider having a spare unit on hand to avoid delays in receiving a replacement from the manufacturer. Presentation of static content for long periods of time is known to result in image retention or burn-in on plasma displays. Manufacturers of LCD flat-panel displays offer varying degrees of advice, warranties, or guarantees concerning www.extron.com
31
Videowall Maintenance and Cost of Ownership Projection cubes are
image retention for their displays. Replacement
and color over time than conventional Ultra High
available in models
of flat panels can be inconvenient and a surprise
Performance - UHP lamps. This will result in lower
expense, so it is advisable to thoroughly examine
operating costs, effectively eliminating the cost
a manufacturer’s specifications and policies
associated with light source replacement.
offering either rear or front access, the
regarding image retention on LCD flat panels.
choice of which can impact the cost and convenience of maintenance.
UHP lamps have lifespans between 6,000 and
Projection Cubes and Projectors
10,000 hours. Projection cubes and projectors
Projection cube designs typically feature an
with UHP lamps installed in 24/7, mission-critical
enclosure and removable screen, projection
operations will reach the 6,000 to 10,000-hour
module, lamp, fan, and filter assemblies that
mark much more quickly than systems that
make them very serviceable. Projection cubes
are used only during eight-hour work days.
are available in models offering either rear or
Tabl e 2- 6 li st s an nual la mp repl acemen t
front access, the choice of which can impact the
requirements based on the operating schedule.
cost and convenience of maintenance. Where
In general, videowalls with UHP lamps will require
required, the end user should have a stock of
a lamp replacement every one to two years.
spare lamps, screens, and projection modules to minimize downtime in the event of a projector
Lamp replacement should be performed by
malfunction, or accidental screen damage.
trained technicians. When a new lamp is installed in a projector cube or projector, color balancing
LED-illuminated projection cubes and projectors
is necessary. Therefore, the maintenance budget
have lifespans between 50,000 and 80,000
should include color calibration as part of the
hours, and offer greater stability for brightness
labor costs associated with lamp replacement.
Location and access to the videowall can influence maintenance cost.
32
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
Table 2-6. Typical operating schedules for videowalls and the result ing lamp usage
Preventive maintenance
HOURS PER DAY
DAYS PER WEEK
LAMP HOURS PER YEAR
8
5
2,080
agreements help keep
8
7
2,920
videowalls looking
12
5
3,120
12
7
4,380
24
7
8,760
and performing their best, and can prevent problems before they
Projection cubes with self-calibration features or
regularly scheduled maintenance. Furthermore,
integrated lamp replacement systems will require
consistently maintaining normal operating
less time and effort required for system repair and
temperatures helps maximize product lifespan.
occur.
realignment.
Preventive Maintenance Agreements Cleaning
Preventive maintenance agreements help keep
Displays with intake filters, as well as videowall
videowalls looking and performing their best, and
processors, should be kept clean and free of
can prevent problems before they occur. They
dust and dirt. Clogged filters and excessive
can be billed at a flat quarterly or yearly rate, or
dust accumulation inside the equipment may
at a fixed rate per visit. These service contracts
cause it to overheat, and in some cases,
may include the cost of spares, lamps, and
shut down until temperatures drop to normal
quarterly or twice yearly visits for cleaning, color
operating levels. Projection brightness is reduced
adjustments, and lamp replacements, or they
when dust builds up on lenses. Unplanned
may be based on time and materials needed. A
outages and sub-optimal display quality can be
number of emergency on-site visits for repairs
prevented by including cleaning as part of the
may also be included in a service contract.
■
Mounting systems that provide easy access to all displays minimize the time and costs associated with servicing flat-panel videowalls.
www.extron.com
33
Input Sources for Videowalls A videowall offers
In addition to presenting large images or many
Computer Graphics
unique value in its
images, a videowall offers unique value in its
Computer graphics refers to imagery produced
ability to display a variety of signals, presented in
on computers that will typically, but not always, be
layouts and formats that help the user interpret
at high resolutions. Computer-video resolutions
a complex system. Videowalls accept various
frequently range from 1024x768 to 1920x1200,
presented in layouts
digital and analog video formats. Some will also
but can also be as low as 640x480 and as high
and formats that help
decode networked video streams. The specific
as 3840x2160. Computer graphic signals carry
signals a videowall processor supports will vary
information for an RGB color space. A computer-
from manufacturer to manufacturer, and from
video signal with a 1920x1200 resolution uses
model to model.
over ten times the bandwidth required for a
ability to display a variety of signals,
the user interpret a complex system.
standard definition signal. Videowall processors are often targeted towards specific applications. This will impact the types
Analog Signal Formats
of input signals accepted, and may also impact
Support for analog video and computer-video
performance for those signals. For example,
signals is a continuing requirement for videowall
processors used in traffic management or
systems. Today, end users may select digital
security applications typically support large
source devices for new projects, but analog
numbers of composite or S-video signals, and IP
sources are still prevalent at legacy sites.
camera feeds. Command and control systems
Vid eowall processor s must sup por t analog
must support computer-video signals that may
signals when expanding existing display systems,
be analog, digital, streamed, or delivered using
and also when allowing connections from guest
software client applications. In order to select the
laptops. Table 3-1 lists common analog signal
right videowall processor for your application, you
formats for standard definition, high definition,
will need to identify the primary signal types that
and computer-video. Analog computer-video
will be used.
signals on 15-pin VGA connectors support Extended Display Identification Data - EDID, used
Standard Definition Video
to communicate video display information back
Standard definition video sources are defined
to the source to ensure optimal image quality and
as full motion video with resolutions of 704×480
compatibility.
or less, with frame rates of either 30 frames per second progressive or 60 fields per second
Digital Signal Formats
interlaced. Standard definition video signals will
Offering superior image quality and resolution,
require less bandwidth and processing resources
as well as support for ancillary audio and control
on a videowall processor, than high definition
data, digital signal interfaces continue to appear
and computer graphic signals, because they are
on consumer and professional video sources and
lower resolution and contain less information.
computers. Digital signals such as HDMI offer
More real-time standard definition video sources
advanced signal management features for EDID
can be displayed simultaneously on a videowall
and High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection
than high resolution sources.
- HDCP. DVI and SDI digital formats have been popular in commercial and broadcast applications
High Definition Video
for over a decade. However, HDMI has quickly
High definition video signals carry full-motion
become the most popular digital signal format for
imagery, with parameters defined by the
AV systems. HDMI signal support is required in
Advanced Television Systems Committee - ATSC
today’s videowall system designs.
standard at 1280x720 or 1920x1080 resolutions. The bandwidth of a high definition signal is at least five times that of standard definition video. 34
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
Table 3-1. Analog video si gnal formats
Format
Connection
Composite Video
or RCA
Maximum Supported Format
Typical Source Devices
525 or 625 line interlaced video, 25 Hz - 30 Hz
Consumer VCRs, commercial surveillance cameras
525 or 625 line interlaced video, 25 Hz - 30 Hz
High-end consumer video products, prosumer video editing systems
HDTV 720p or 1080i @ 60 Hz
Cable or satellite set-top boxes, DVD players
1920x1200 @ 60 Hz
PCs, video processors, scalers
BNC
S-Video / Y/C
or 2 BNC
S-Video
Component / YPbPr
or 3 RCA
3 BNC
RGB
or 3 - 5 BNC
VGA
Table 3-2. Digital video signal formats
Format
Connection
Single-Link DVI
Maximum Resolution
HDCP Support
Typical Source Devices
1920x1200 @ 60 Hz, 2048x1080 @ 60 Hz
Yes (Optional)
PCs, video processors, scalers
2560x1600 @ 60 Hz
Yes (Optional)
Application-specific computers for medical, production, and design
2560x1600 @ 60 Hz, 4096x2160 @ 24 Hz
Yes
Blu-ray players, cable and satellite set-top boxes, video games, PCs
3840x2160 @ 60 Hz
Yes
Graphics cards, laptop PCs
Standard definition interlaced video
No
Traditional broadcast signal processing and management
HDTV 720p or 1080i @ 60 Hz, HDTV 1080p @ 30 Hz
No
Modern broadcast signal processing and management
HDTV 1080p @ 60 Hz
No
Emerging broadcast signal processing and management
DVI
Dual-Link DVI
DVI
HDMI
HDMI
DisplayPort
DisplayPort
SDI
BNC
HD-SDI
BNC
3G-SDI
BNC
www.extron.com
35
Input Sources for Videowalls Proper display of
Table 3-2 summar ize s the com mon digit al
Streamed Content
HDCP-encrypted
signal formats. Specifications for digital signals
There is a growing need for videowall processors
will continue to advance with the need to
to decode video sources that have been streamed
accommodate higher resolutions and more
over networks. Sources may be streamed over a
capabilities for professional and consumer
local area network - LAN, which provides a cost-
applications.
effective, scalable delivery infrastructure. Video
content by a videowall processor requires that it support HDCP
may also be delivered from distant locations
at both the input and output connections, and that HDCP-
HDCP Compliance
across a wide area network - WAN.
HDMI signals incorporate HDCP, a digital rights management scheme to prevent unauthorized
A variety of methods are available for decoding
compliant display
copying of digital content. Some DVI connections
streamed content to be presented on a videowall.
devices are used.
also support HDCP. Proper display of HDCP-
Scalability and performance requirements for a
encrypted content by a videowall processor
videowall may influence the decision to use the
requires that it support HDCP at both the input
decoding built into the videowall processor,
and output connections, and that HDCP-
or external hardware for decoding streamed
compliant display devices are used.
sources.
For more information on digital video, consult
Image compression is generally a necessity for
the Extron Digital Design Guide, available at
streaming, in order to meet bandwidth limits.
www.extron.com/ddg.
The methods employed to compress imagery for streaming include reducing the resolution,
Local and Client Applications
identifying and eliminating redundant spatial
Some videowall processors operate like PCs,
detail, and dropping frames.
with the videowall displaying a large, active The Extron Digital Design Guide provides a reference for AV system designers seeking to understand emerging digital technologies, with a practical approach to integrating these technologies in new and legacy presentation systems.
desktop. This offers the flexibility to install and
The compres sio n, enco din g, and decodi ng
operate software applications or software clients
processes can require significant processing
directly on the videowall system. Many of these
time. Whenever streaming sources are used on
applications produce ultra-high resolution material
a videowall, the quality expectations for sources
presented natively across multiple screens. This
presented at small and large sizes should be
capability is frequently required for videowalls in
considered, as well as the impact streaming
utilities and network operations centers.
latency may have for users. Frame dropping can make presentation of animations, visualizations,
Software applications such as Virtual Network
or full-motion video objectionable to the viewer,
Computing - VNC may be used to share imagery
and will also introduce a perceived delay equal
from a computer desktop with a videowall
to the time span that passes between dropped
processor. This method of delivering a computer
frames.
image is effective for presenting static or low motion imagery, but can be easily overloaded at
For more information on video streaming
the client or server end if the content contains
technology,
full-motion video or high-motion visualizations or
Streaming Design Guide, available at
animations. The result can be imagery that does
www.extron.com/streamingguide. ■
not update at speeds expected by the user, or The Extron AV Streaming Design Guide provides reference data, information on important technical topics, and realworld application examples demonstrating practical uses of Extron streaming technologies.
36
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
undesired processing loads for the source PC or videowall processor.
refer
to
the
Extron
AV
Videowall Processor Architecture The most effective videowall designs apply equal
all of which arise from a detailed assessment of
Whenever there is
importance to video signal processing and the
the end user’s requirements:
a need to present
display technology. For applications that only require a single image to be magnified across the
• The quantity of input sources.
multiple images in
videowall, displays with built-in processing can
• Locations of the input sources, whether local to
windows on the
scale the image across the array. But whenever there is a need to present multiple images in windows on the screens, dedicated videowall processing will need to be in the system. It is therefore critical that the end user’s intended application for the videowall be clearly identified during needs assessment.
the videowall processor, dispersed throughout the facility, or both.
screens, dedicated videowall processing
• The number of displays in the videowall. • The possible need for the videowall to be scalable, so it can be expanded over time with new sources
will need to be in the system.
or additional displays without replacing the processor. • The amount of space available and locations for AV equipment, including videowall processing.
The traditional videowall processor architecture is a unit with inputs, outputs, and specialized
Centralized Videowall Processing
processing inside. This was originally based on a
Centralized videowall processing, with input and
card-cage platform with input and output cards
output signals handled within a single unit, is
and an internal bus to handle signal transfer within
ideal for applications in which the sources and
the unit. Videowall processing is also available as
displays are local to the processor. See Figure
a system of modules, in which signal processing
3-1. Centralized video processors are available
is distributed or shared between them. Other
in a large variety of sizes and formats, from just
videowall processing solutions combine elements
a few inputs and outputs, to dozens of device
of these two architectures.
connections.
The first impo rtan t design cons iderati on for
Some processors feature a fixed input and output
videowall processing is to determine the
configuration in a 2U or 3U chassis. With certain
appropriate architecture, or hardware form factor,
models, interchangeable input cards are available
for the application and environment. There are
for different signal formats.
several important aspects to take into account,
Figure 3-1. Videowall systems with a centralized videowall processor
CENTRALIZED VIDEOWALL PROCESSING Auxiliary Display
Videowall
Auxiliary Display
Desktop PC
Auxiliary Display
Videowall
Auxiliary Display
Desktop PC
Desktop PC Desktop PC
Videowall Processor Desktop PC
Desktop PC
Desktop PC
Desktop PC
Desktop PC
Desktop PC
LOCAL INPUTS
Desktop PC Desktop PC
Videowall Processor
Blu-ray Player
Matrix Switcher
Desktop PC
Desktop PC
SWITCHED AND LOCAL INPUTS
www.extron.com
37
Videowall Processor Architecture An advantage of a centralized videowall processor is that it can be installed, configured,
Other processors are card-cage designs,
and serviced in a single location as a single unit.
populated with different types of input and output
This makes a centralized processor potentially
cards that vary depending on the source and
simpler to configure and manage than videowall
display types used. These systems are typically
processing architectures with multiple units.
customized and configured at the factory on a
and serviced in a single
built-to-order basis, and typically have from eight
Distributed Videowall Processing
location as a single unit.
to 16 card slots or more. Depending on the
In a distributed videowall processing architecture,
model, card-cage videowall processors usually
input and output connections as well as signal
range from 4U to 8U high.
processing are distributed among several modules. Two common forms of distributed
Card-cage processors provide scalability,
videowall processing are illustrated in Figure 3-2.
especially when configured with vacant card
For the system on the left, each display in the
slots. This allows more input or output cards to
videowall is fed by a videowall processing module.
be added over time. Cards can also be swapped
A matrix switcher is used to distribute signals
out for system upgrades or maintenance. The
from the input sources into the modules. The
addition of a matrix switcher also adds input
matrix switcher and modules function together
scalability to a videowall system, as shown in
as a single processing system, controlled by a PC
Figure 3-1.
or control system over Ethernet.
An ad va nt ag e of a ce nt rali zed vi de ow al l
For the second system in Figure 3-2, sources
processor is that it can be installed, configured,
are connected into input modules that convert signals for distribution over a network. The streams are received by output processing
The Extron WindoWall Pro employs a distributed videowall processing architecture with a dedicated module for each display.
modules connected directly to the videowall displays. Again, a PC or control system is used to manage the modules as a system.
Figure 3-2. Videowall systems with distr ibuted videowall processing modules
DISTRIBUTED VIDEOWALL PROCESSING Auxiliary Display
Videowall
Auxiliary Display
Output Module
Auxiliary Display
Videowall
Auxiliary Display
Output Module Output Module
Desktop PC
Output Module
Output Output Module Module
Output Module
Output Output Module Module
Output Module Output Module
Desktop PC
Output Output Module Module
Output Module
Output Output Module Module
Desktop PC Desktop PC
Desktop PC
Desktop PC Input Module
Input Module
Desktop PC Desktop PC
Matrix Switcher
Desktop PC Desktop PC
MATRIX SWITCHER DISTRIBUTION
38
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
Desktop PC Input Module
Distribution Network
Input Module
Input Module
Input Module
NETWORK DISTRIBUTION
Desktop PC
A distributed videowall processing architecture
Hybrid Videowall Processing
Distributed videowall
has some potential advantages, including system
Some videowall processing systems combine
processing can reduce
scalability. The videowall can be easily expanded
centralized and distributed processing
with additional displays or new sources by adding
architectures. One example is shown in Figure
modules to the system.
3-3, in which the input sources are connected
space when the
to modules that stream their content over the
modules are localized to
A distributed videowall processing system with
network to a centralized videowall processor.
the sources or displays.
network-based modules is ideal for installations
This system is ideal for installations with some
where input sources are not central to an AV
sources remotely located throughout the facility,
equipment rack, but rather are located throughout
and others local to the videowall processor.
the need for AV rack
a room or facility. Additionally, distributed videowall processing can reduce the need for AV
Centralized videowall processors can be
rack space when the modules are localized to the
expanded by connecting to external modules with
sources or displays.
additional inputs and outputs, or by cascading additional processors that work together as
Th ere are so me vi de ow al ls in whic h th e
a single processor. This solution is somewhat
capabilities of videowall processing modules
similar to a distributed videowall processing
are incorporated within the displays themselves,
system, in that signal and processing loads are
either as a built-in feature or processing cards.
shared among the units. ■
They may recei ve source signals distributed over a network from input modules local to the sources, or directly from a matrix switcher with the sources connected to the inputs. The Extron Quantum Elite is a cent ralized videowall processor that accepts remote input sources streamed over an IP network using Extron QGE 100 IP encoders.
Figure 3-3. Videowall system with cent ralized videowall processing plus distributed modules at the input sources.
HYBRID VIDEOWALL PROCESSING Auxiliary Display
Videowall
Desktop PC
Auxiliary Display
Desktop PC
QGE 100 DVI/RGB Computer Screen Capture IP Encoder
Videowall Processor Desktop PC
Desktop PC
Desktop PC
Input Module
Input Module
Blu-ray Player
Distribution Network
Input Module
Input Module
Input Module
Input Module
Desktop PC
Desktop PC
Desktop PC
NETWORK DISTRIBUTION
www.extron.com
39
Videowall Processor Hardware Platforms The best videowall
Centralized videowall processors are based on
processing platforms were based on a card
processor satisfies
one of two basic hardware platforms. Some are
frame with a control processor and a data bus
purpose-designed, real-time video processing
for transporting video from input cards to output
appliances, similar to traditional AV scalers
cards. See Figure 3-4. This design was based
output interfacing
and multi-window processors. Others apply a
on a combination of advanced video memory
requirements, and also
computing architecture as the foundation. Some
and high speed bus technologies that made
fulfills general reliability
processors incorporate a combination of these
high speed, high volume calculations possible for
platforms.
real-time video image scaling, and enabled fast
end user input and
and performance
delivery of video between inputs and outputs.
expectations for
Each platform has distinct advantages that
presenting input
are valuable in meeting specific application
Over time, manufacturers have pursued a variety
sources with high
requirements. Ultimately, the best videowall
of design platforms, capitalizing on advancements
processor satisfies end user input and output
in high speed data bus technology, commercially
interfacing requirements, and also fulfills general
available off-the-shelf PCBs or PC components,
reliability and performance expectations for
and network transport methods. These
presenting few or many input sources with high
technologies have been applied in the pursuit of
image quality. Ideally, all image sources should
various design goals, including high image quality,
be properly displayed in their windows on the
real-time performance, scalability, or cost targets.
image quality.
videowall, at their original frame rates, free of any stuttering, image tearing, or other visible artifacts
Appliance-Based Videowall Processors
resulting from signal or processing overload.
Appliance-based videowall processors are built on a proprietary hardware platform, designed
Furthermore, videowall processors should
with a proprietary controller, high speed video
respond to user or control system commands in
bus, and a customized operating system. These
real-time. Any noticeable latency is an indication
appliance-type processors are specifically
that the system’s processing capability has been
designed to provide predictable, real-time
exceeded. In 24/7, mission critical applications,
video processing and device control in a stable
the processor also must deliver continuous,
operating environment.
failsafe reliability. Appliance designs can have a fixed configuration
History
of inputs and outputs, or be a card-cage chassis.
Introduced in the mid-1980s, the first videowall
Fixed I/O processors have a defined number of
Figure 3-4. Historical videowall processing architecture Input cards
Inputs
Card frame
Outputs Bus
Output cards Data flow on bus
40
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
The Extron WindoWall Pro processor delivers the same high performance and dependability as all other Extron scaling and video processing devices.
inputs and outputs, with the video signal formats
functions, such as running software applications,
predetermined. Card-cage processors provide
while presenting external input sources, as would
the flexibility to configure systems to support
an appliance-based videowall processor.
specific input and output requirements based on
Appliance-based videowall processors are generally purpose-
Some PC-based processors incorporate
built to handle all of the
proprietary input and output cards into purpose
videowall processing
Appli ance-type processors typically have fast
designed card frames. These designs offer
capabilities available
boot times of less than one minute, due to the
superior performance compared to off-the-shelf
custom operating system. They are generally
PCs used for videowall processing. However, the
purpose-built to handle all of the videowall
technologies applied in any PC-based videowall
reliable, high quality
processing capabilities available to a user,
processor have been developed for use in
images to the displays.
delivering reliable, high quality images to the
computing systems. There are disadvantages
displays. The stability and robustness of the
when implementing such technologies in real-
operating system and video-specific hardware
time video processing applications.
different project requirements.
to a user, delivering
make these devices ideal for applications requiring continuous 24/7 operation.
In particular, the PCIe data bus frequently applied in these processors must perform double duty,
Th e Ex tron Wi nd oWa ll Pro mu lt i- wi nd ow
managing interrupts from system resources
processor is an example of an appliance-based
such as the CPU, storage, or network port, while
videowall processor. It features real-time video
transporting video from input cards to output
processing for a fixed configuration of inputs and
cards. Mixing inter-system communications and
outputs.
video transport on the non-deterministic PCIe bus makes real-time video performance difficult
PC-Based Videowall Processors
to predict. Real-time performance also degrades
PC-based videowall processing designs integrate
significantly as video source loading increases on
components, technologies, and architectures
the bus.
developed for use in standard PCs and computing devices, including a motherboard or
Videowall processors based on PC technology
single-board computer, power supply, PCIe - PCI
may provide performance that is “good enough”
Express bus, and hard drives running a Microsoft
for simple presentation of standard definition video
Windows or Linux operating system.
and static graphical data. However, when applied to continuous use, mission-critical environments
Th is pl atfo rm emer ged in th e 19 90 s, as
requiring real-time device control and presenting
technology supporting development of graphics
high definition video and motion graphic sources,
cards with multiple outputs became available,
performance may not be satisfactory. Additionally,
enabling PC desktops to span multiple screens.
extended shutdown and boot times comparable
It was now possible to produce inexpensive
to desktop PCs are typical.
videowall processors based on technology developed for PCs. Today, input capture cards
Combined PC and Appliance Platforms
and output cards developed for use in videowall
As the videowall market has matured, newer
applications are available, which can be installed
products have emerged that incorporate both
in off-the-shelf industrial PC frames.
hardware appliance and PC-based platforms. These system designs capitalize on the benefits
PC-based videowall processors are capable of
of each platform, including the operational
displaying a large extended computer desktop on
familiarity of a PC-based processor, and the
the videowall, as well as multiple source windows.
high performance and reliability of a hardware
As a result, they offer capabilities common to PC
appliance processor. Compared to PCwww.extron.com
41
Videowall Processor Hardware Platforms System performance,
based processors, they offer the stability and
See Figure 3-5. The input cards, output cards,
dependability, and
performance of a standard AV appliance.
and bus are engineered to operate as a system, much like a hardware appliance, requiring
budget are some of
The Extron Quantum Elite and Quantum Connect
just minimal loads on the CPU. This ensures
are videowall processors combining PC and
predictable, real-time performance with high
in selecting a videowall
appliance platforms. They use a customized,
quality images delivered to the videowall.
processor. However,
embedded operating system, based on a
Additionally, with minimal loading on system
“pruned down” variation of a standard Windows
resources, these processors respond to user
operating system. Since the operating system is
or control system commands in real-time,
considerably simplified, fewer system resources
without the latency associated with heavy signal
to specific features for
and processes are required, which dramatically
processing tasks.
image processing and
reduces boot time and improves system stability.
the important factors
there are many more considerations related
other functions.
The Quantum Elite is available with a removable
Summary
flash drive, which further optimizes boot time and
The ideal videowall processor fully satisfies the
system reliability.
requirements of the application, as well as general end user expectations for reliable operation and
The Qua ntum Con nect and Qua ntu m Eli te
very high quality images on the displays. System
feature proprietary input and output cards, with
performance, dependability, the ability to run
on-board, high performance video processing
PC applications on the videowall, and budget
and scaling. They also feature a high speed,
are some of the important factors in selecting a
high capacity data bus dedicated to transporting
videowall processor. However, there are many
real-time video from input to output cards,
more considerations related to specific features
which is physically separate from inter-system
for image processing and other functions. These
communication on the PCI bus.
will be explored further in the next section.
■
Figure 3-5. Shared bus vs. dedicated video and data buses
Multi-function Bus One bus used for all data
External Inputs
Specific Purposed Bus Video bus indepe ndent from system d ata bus
Video Data
Outputs
External Inputs
Video Data
Intra-system Data Unidirectional High-speed Video Bus
Bi-directional PCI or PCI Express Bus
Intra-system Data
Bi-directional PCI or PCI Express Bus
The Extron Quantum Series videowall processor s combine PC and appliance platforms, and feat ure a dedicated high speed video bus optimized for real-time performa nce.
42
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
Outputs
Videowall Processor Features Videowall processors are available with a wide
sources streamed over a network, potentially up
Many videowall
range of features and capabilities. Many of them
to hundreds of input sources may be supported.
processor features
relate to system performance, image quality, and
relate to system
reliability, while others can help streamline system
Redundancy & Accessibility Features
design and integration needs targeted at specific
For videowall processors used in mission-
performance, image
vertical market applications. Support for these
critical or 24/7 environments, redundant and
quality, and reliability,
features will vary by manufacturer and model.
hot-swappable components are essential.
while others can help
Redundant, hot-swappable power supplies keep
streamline system
Most of the features and capabilities discussed
processors running during a failure, and facilitate
here are relevant to common videowall system
replacement without powering down the unit.
design and integration
designs. When selecting a videowall processor, it
Hot-swappable fans can quickly and easily be
needs targeted at
is important to understand more than just which
replaced if necessary. The ability to replace these
specific vertical market
source formats, and how many input and output
components, without removing the videowall
channels must be supported. Assessing the
processor from the rack, will minimize downtime.
applications.
environment and application for the videowall will help identify the most critical features a videowall
Data Storage
processor must support. When comparing
Hard drives are one of the first points of failure for
between processors, be aware that manufacturer
a PC. Videowall processors with hard drives can
claims of capabilities or performance are often
become inoperable if failure occurs. To reduce
represented by inaccurate or misleading
this risk, some videowall processors use RAID or
specifications in brochures and on Web pages.
removable solid state storage for their operating systems, rather than a single hard drive.
Dedicated Video Bus
Removable solid state storage virtually eliminates
Centralized videowall processors use a data
the possibility of hard drive failure, while adding
bus to transport video from their inputs to their
the benefit of reduced boot time.
outputs. Some systems incorporate a dedicated bus for this purpose, while other systems use
Upscaling and Downscaling Quality
a common bus for transferring video as well
Maintaining image quality is crucial for videowall
as other inter-system communication. Use of a
processors, which often display large images
dedicated video bus ensures that the transfer
at high resolution, or downsize images into
of video data is not impeded by other activity,
smaller windows or “thumbnails.” Depending
providing more reliable, stutter-free video
on the quality of the image processing, scaling
playback, and ensuring the processor responds
sources up or down from native resolution can
to user commands in real-time.
compromise image integrity. Poor scaling can produce artifacts, which can make imagery
Scalability
ineffective for applications requiring critical
Some end users will want to add more input or
analysis of images.
output channels over time. This may be part of a phased installation, or an unforeseen upgrade.
Figure 3-6 on the next page shows how visual
While some processors are easily expandable,
information is preserved or lost when high or
some have a “fixed configuration,” and cannot
low quality downscaling is applied. Since image
be changed after leaving the factory. Other
quality frequently must be judged subjectively, the
videowall processors are upgradeable, but may
best way to assess scaling performance is to see
require on-site support from their manufacturers
a videowall processor in operation at a site, or in
to make hardware configuration changes. For
a demonstration where the system is displaying
a distributed videowall processing system, or
content similar to what will be presented in the
a centralized videowall processor that accepts
intended application. www.extron.com
43
Videowall Processor Features Incoming source
Full Color Depth Processing
avoided if quick and accurate input detection was
signals can vary
Full color depth processing is required to preserve
supported. This capability also makes integration
the quality of 24-bit video or complex graphics
of new sources, or temporary sources such as
without introducing color banding. Some
guest laptops, simple and easy.
widely in signal format and resolution.
videowall processors reduce the color depth of
Quick, accurate
incoming source signals to reduce bandwidth
Custom Input Management
input detection and
on its video bus. While this helps preserve real-
When a videowall processor detects an analog
time performance, color reproduction will be
input signal, it typically compares it to a list of
compromised. Figure 3-7 illustrates the color
known formats, and selects the closest match
banding artifact. This bit reduction may not be
to determine the signal parameters. Another
noticeable on simple content such as computer
technique is to examine certain elements of the
desktops or data screens, but may be noticeable
signal, such as sync polarity and line timing,
with high-definition video and rendered graphic
and perform a source capture based on VESA
visualizations.
standard CVT - Coordinated Video Timing or GVT
configuration of input sources is ideal.
- Generalized Timing Formula calculations for the
Accurate Input Detection
signal parameters.
Incoming source signals can vary widely in signal format and resolution. Quick, accurate input
Complications can arise if there are non-standard
detection and configuration of input sources is
signal formats, or if the sources are altered by
ideal. Slow auto-detection can produce blank
upstream signal processing or signal extenders.
windows that are presented for an undesirable
Both situations can prevent accurate detection
length of time when switching between window
of incoming signals. To correct this problem, a
layouts or input sources. Inaccurate input signal
videowall processor should allow customization
detection can result in images shifted horizontally
of input signal parameters. This will permit manual
or vertically, displayed at the wrong aspect
adjustment of input source sampling to ensure
ratio, or presented with other visual distortions
proper source display.
and artifacts. Manual programming to correct these issues for each input can add weeks of
Some processors allow custom source profiles to
programming that could have otherwise been
be created for each input, while others allow the
Figure 3-6. High quality scaling maintains critical image details when content is downscaled.
Scaling Artifacts
No Scaling Artifacts
44
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
Figure 3-7. Full color depth processing avoids color banding artifact s associated with a reduction in color resolution.
Bit-reduced Color
No Bit-reduction
custom profile to be created just once and then shared across inputs, reducing integration time
Figure 3-8. With mullion compensation, images appear more natural on a videowall.
and complexity.
Custom Output Modes Some videowall processors allow for customizing the resolution of the outputs. This is useful if the system’s display devices are of a non-standard resolution, or when the display device’s resolution No mullion compensation
is not included in the processor’s default output mode table.
Mullion Compensation When projectors and projection cubes are stacked next to each other, there is no appreciable image-to-image gap between the displays. However, flat-panel displays typically have a wide physical bezel around the active
Mullion compensation applied
picture area. The active picture area stops at the inner edge of the bezel. Therefore, when flatpanel displays are stacked together to form a tiled display, there can be significant screen-toscreen gaps across panels. If a video processor does not account for the gap between displays, the result looks unnatural, as objects that span screens appear to “jump”
How to Calculate Mullion Compensation Determining the number of pixels a mullion occupies is a simple task. Applying this calculation can save time that will otherwise be wasted by guessing or “eyeballing” the adjustment. The following example calculation is based on a 52 inch (132 cm) 1080p LCD panel with an active viewing area of 45.375 x 25.5 inches (115 x 65 cm). The top and bottom mullions each measure 0.83 inch (21 mm), and the left and right mullions each measure 1 inch (25 mm).
between them. A processor can compensate for
Determine the horizontal pixels per inch - PPI by dividing the number of active horizontal pixels by the width of the active display area:
this effect by clipping away a small percentage of
1920/45.375 in = 44.26 Horizontal PPI
the image which should physically be positioned behind the bezel. See Figure 3-8. The sidebar
Determine the vertical PPI by dividing the number of active vertical pixels by the height of the active picture area:
details the calculations to determine the horizontal
1080/25.5 in = 42.35 Vertical PPI
and vertical mullion pixel sizes necessary for proper mullion compensation.
Calculate the necessary mullion compensation for the left mullion by multiplying the width of the left mullion by the horizontal PPI:
Left Mullion Compensation = 1 in x 44.26 PPI = 44.26 pixels
HDCP Support High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection, or HDCP, is an encryption system widely used for
Repeat the calculation for the right mullion:
Right Mullion Compensation = 1 in x 44.26 PPI = 44.26 pixels
content delivered by Blu-ray Disc players, satellite
Add the two values to arrive at the total horizontal mullion compensation:
and cable TV receivers, and PCs. To properly
Total Horizontal Mullion Compensation = 44.26 + 44.26 = 88.52 or 89 pixels
display digital encrypted content, all devices in
Calculate the vertical mullion compensation using the same approach:
the signal chain must be HDCP-compliant. The
Top Mullion Compensation = 0.83 in x 42.35 PPI = 35.15 pixels
increasing use of digital video sources has made HDCP compliance a growing requirement for videowall processors.
Bottom Mullion Compensation = 0.83 in x 42.35 PPI = 35.15 pixels Total Vertical Mullion Compensation = 35.15 + 35.15 = 70.3 or 70 pixels In the videowall configuration utility, enter a value of 89 pixels for the horizontal mullion compensation, and 70 pixels for the vertical mullion compensation. www.extron.com
45
Videowall Processor Features The greater the source placement and windowing capabilities
Edge Blending Support
workgroups in a large room. This capability may
Some videowall displays comprise multiple
not appear to be an obvious requirement when
projectors that overlap with each other to create
first specifying the processor.
one large, seamless image on a front or rear
of the processor, the
projection screen. In these systems, imagery must
The greater the source placement and windowing
more flexibility there
be duplicated between displays in the overlapped
capabilities of the processor, the more flexibility
will be to create the
region. Also, brightness, contrast, and special
there will be to create the window layouts that
color adjustments must be available in zones to
satisfy application requirements.
window layouts that
balance brightness and color across the blended
satisfy application
Multiple Output Resolutions
and unblended regions.
requirements.
Some videowall processors can output multiple Duplicating the imagery required for edge
signal formats simultaneously. This is useful for
blending is a feature that may not be available on
systems that incorporate displays of various
every processor. Some processors may support
resolutions, such as a videowall comprised
zoned brightness and color adjustments, but
of large 1920x1080 projection cubes flanked
this capability can also be supported by many
by 1366x768 flat panels as auxiliary displays.
projector models. Dedicated video processors
However, processors limited to one output format
are also available that support zoned brightness
should feed a signal at the native resolution of
and color adjustments. Careful evaluation of
the videowall displays. For auxiliary displays,
projector adjustment and videowall processor
signals from the processor may be upscaled or
capabilities are required when designing edge-
downscaled to match their native resolutions.
blended systems.
Window Borders, Titles, and Clocks Flexible Source Placement
A videowall processor’s ability to add colored
A videowall processor’s ability to display source
borders and text to source windows can be a
windows varies greatly from manufacturer to
powerful feature in many applications. Colored
manufacturer. Some processors allow up to
borders can denote the status of the content in
four source windows to be displayed on a single
a command and control room, such as green for
screen, while other processors allow dozens of
unclassified data and orange for top secret data.
windows to be presented per screen. The ability
In a traffic monitoring environment, a red border
to display the same source in multiple windows or
can help highlight an accident, or colors can be
multiple outputs at different sizes can be beneficial
used to indicate traffic levels. Overlay text can be
for very wide videowalls servicing segmented
used to provide information about the source, such as the location of a reporter, and the local time. Clocks displaying the time for different
Figure 3-9. Videowall presentations can be enhanced wit h window borders and titles, as well as clocks.
regions or time zones can be generated by many processors, allowing an integrator to streamline system designs by avoiding the need for external clocks or status displays.
Remote Control Protocol Some applications may require a touchpanel New York
London
11:16:32 Wednesday, March 21st 2012
15:16:32 Wednesday, March 21st 2012
controller, or use of a customized application for videowall control. In these systems, the videowall processor must support Ethernet or RS-232 remote control. The range of control options will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so it is
46
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
important to make certain that all required control
presented on additional outputs. This method
When designing a
capabilities are supported. Videowall control will
requires that the videowall processor supports
system, focus on
be discussed further in a later section.
presentation of a single input on different displays and different window sizes, a feature not
Application Control
supported by all processors.
fulfilling the most critical features needed for the application.
Videowalls in data-driven environments such as utilities and network centers often require
Low Throughput Latency
the ability to manage applications presented
All video processors will introduce a degree of
on the videowall using a keyboard and mouse.
throughput latency, resulting in the processed
This can be accommodated by install ing and
output being slightly delayed when compared
select will satisfy
operating applications directly on some videowall
to the original input source. The amount of
the application’s
processors, much like a PC. Other solutions
latency will vary from a few milliseconds to
requirements.
integrate hardware or networked software
several hundred milliseconds, depending on the
switching systems to manage keyboard and
amount of processing being performed, and how
mouse control directly on the source machines.
efficiently the processor is executing its tasks.
Ensure the videowall processor you
Software solutions require compliance with operating systems and network security
A delay of a few hundred milliseconds may
requirements, while hardware solutions require
have a negligible impact on presentation
more cabling and control integration.
for most videowall applications. However, it can be a concern for installations where the
3D Support
videowall is displaying camera feeds for a live
Vis uali zati on or simu lation applicatio ns may
event. A throughput delay greater than 40 to
require presentation of 3D content. Few videowall
75 milliseconds will introduce a noticeable loss
processors currently support this feature, since
of synchronization between live or house audio
3D imaging is a specialty application. Additionally,
and the camera feeds on the videowall. Delays
the system’s source devices and displays must
greater than 100 to 200 milliseconds will be
be compatible with 3D content and signals.
unacceptable for operators using a mouse to
When discussing requirements for 3D with an
work with a computer source presented on the
end user, be sure to point out that there are two
videowall. When calculating throughput latency,
different types of 3D presentations, passive and
one must include any other devices in the signal
active. Passive 3D requires polarized glasses
chain that could introduce delay, such as signal
for viewing. Active 3D requires electronically
extenders, additional scalers or video processors,
shuttered glasses that receive timing information
and displays.
from a transmitted synchronization signal.
Conclusion Preview Output
No single videowall processor offers every feature
Some organizations require that a smaller
and capability presented in this guide. When
presentation of the videowall be viewed
designing a system, focus on fulfilling the most
elsewhere in a facility, on one or two screens,
critical features needed for the application. Ensure
or be streamed to another location. This allows
the videowall processor you select will satisfy the
other staff to see an overview of the videowall,
application’s requirements. Where specifications
without requiring use of a large number of
and marketing information are not obvious,
display devices. Some processors provide a
insist that the manufacturer’s support staff be
preview output of the videowall within the control
able to clearly verify that your requirements will
software, or automatically generate an output that
be supported. A videowall processor that was
can be connected to a display. Other processors
extremely successful on one project may not be
allow preview layouts to be programmed and
the best choice for the next project.
■
www.extron.com
47
Portrait and Landscape Orientation A system designer
Display devices in a videowall are usually
same, even when the desktop orientation is
may favor displays
arranged in landscape orientation. However,
changed. If the source is a DVD or media player,
a system designer may favor displays in
content must be rotated during video production
portrait orientation to meet creative or technical
and editing, if the player itself cannot perform the
objectives for a project. Figure 3-10 illustrates a
rotation.
in portrait orientation to meet creative or technical objectives for
comparison between videowalls with landscape
a project.
and portrait-oriented panels. It shows that the
• The videowall processor . A few videowall
use of vertical displays may produce a more
processors can rotate their outputs to
compelling presentation of images and objects.
accommodate portrait displays. This avoids the need to rotate content at the source device.
Rotating Source Content for Portrait
However, image rotation is not a common feature
Displays
of videowall processors.
Source content must be rotated 90 degrees for a videowall with portrait-oriented displays, so that it
• The displays. A growing number of flat-
appears upright and not on its side. Content can
panel displays support use of either landscape
be rotated at the source, the videowall processor,
or portrait orientation. However, this feature is
the displays, or using an external device.
designed for single displays in retail or digital signage applications, and assumes the content
• The source. If the source is a PC, content
has been formatted properly.
can be rotated and then output to the videowall. When the desktop orientation is switched from
• An external device. For applications where
landscape to portrait within the operating system,
content cannot be rotated at the source,
content is automatically rotated. Note that the
videowall processor, or displays, specialized
output signal format from the PC remains the
devices are available for rotating images.
An Effective Strategy for Portrait Figure 3-10. Orienting displays in portrait mode may allow for a more compelling presentation.
Displays Figure 3-11 illustrates a method for preparing and processing images for portrait displays. Original 1920x1080 content is rotated during video production. Once rotated, the image partially fills the video frame. To ensure that the content is delivered to the videowall with as many pixels as possible, it is adjusted to fill the video frame. This results in some distortion to the image, but can easily be corrected by the videowall processor. The content is then exported and loaded onto a media player, which then supplies a signal to a videowall processor. The processor scales, formats, and compensates for the image adjustment during production. The result is presentation of the original content in its proper proportions, on a videowall with portrait displays. ■
48
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
i i
l
Figure 3-11. A strategy for producing and presenting content on a videowall with port rait displays
Content Management for Portrait Videowalls i l 2 Content irotated during video production
1 Original 1920x1080 content
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i
i
i
i
3 Content adjusted during video production to fill video frame
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i
i
i
ll i
4
5
Content processed by videowall processor to fill displays
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i
D I KS D IRV E 1
2
3
4
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JMP9600 JPEG2000 MEDIA PLAYER VIDEO
Displays are physically rotated to achieve portrait effect
L A N 1
2
PREV
ENTER
Extron JMP 9600 2K
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DATA
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QUANTUMELITE408
Extron Quantum Elite Videowall Processor i
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49
Videowall System Control Working with a
Videowalls are among the most complex types
interface that provides access to all of its setup
videowall processor
of AV systems to set up and configure. Most of
and control functions. Some processors can also
the operational complexity is within the videowall
be configured through their internal Web pages,
processor and its many functions, features, and
accessed by a client Web browser over the
capabilities. Working with a videowall processor
network or the Internet.
will be greatly simplified if an intuitive, userfriendly interface is
will be greatly simplified if an intuitive, user-friendly
available for system
interface is available for system configuration and
Control Application Software
creating window layouts. The more intuitive the
Most videowall processors require use of
interface, the more streamlined the setup and
specialized application software for setup and
configuration process will be.
configuration. For a PC-based processor, the
configuration and creating window layouts.
application can usually be run on the unit itself, Vi deowal l syst em desi gn s shou ld in cl ude
while for other processors, a PC runs the software
consideration for the end user interface, in terms
and connects to it as a client. See Figure 3-12.
of how staff will operate the videowall. Videowall control should streamline the user’s workflow. This
The app lic ation sof tware aid s in navi gating
may be accomplished by providing a touchpanel
through the many functions and features for
with simple button selections for window presets
videowall processing. It includes a GUI and
or input sources, or by tying these functions into
usually groups controls and functions into a
control room system management software.
logical organization of essential tasks, such as configuring the inputs for incoming source signal
Basic Control
formats, defining the videowall configuration
Small, simple videowall processors can be
and setting up the displays, and creating and
configured and operated from a front-panel
saving window layouts. The application software
Figure 3-12. Control application software can run on the videowall processor, or a PC connected as a client. On-board Control
Monitor
Client Application Control Application
Server Application DVI Mouse
Videowall Processor
Ethernet
OR Videowall Processor
Keyboard
Desktop PC
Videowall Processor Running Control Application Locally
Videowall Processor Serving Control Application to PC Client
Figure 3-13. Extron Quantum Series videowall processors have a dedicated PC connected at all times to initiate control commands. This isolates control functions from on-board processing resources, optimizing system performance. External Control Control Application
Ethernet Videowall Processor Desktop PC
Videowall Processor Running Control Application on Dedicated PC
50
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
Figure 3-14. A user can access select videowall contr ols through a touchpanel for a control system, or an application GUI on a PC.
Videowall Processor
Touchpanel Controller
Touchpanel
Rather than making the application software available to end users, it is usually preferred to create a simplified
Ethernet Ethernet
Control VLAN
control interface with Remote Control with Videowall Processor Running Control Application Locally
a series of button selections, so a user
Control Application
Videowall Processor
Touchpanel Controller
Touchpanel
only needs to control the most common or essential functions on a videowall.
Desktop PC Ethernet Ethernet
Control VLAN
Ethernet
Remote Control with Videowall Processor Running Control Application on Dedicated PC
includes a virtual canvas that lets you visualize the
For the Quantum Elite and Quantum Connect
window layout as it is being created and drag-
processors, the PC running the application
and-drop windows onto or off the canvas.
software serves as the interface to the control system.
Dedicated PC for Setup and Control For most videowall processors, the software is no
While the application software can be used for
longer required once configuration is complete.
system control, the user interface usually includes
However, some videowall processors, notably
far more functions and options than necessary for
the Extron Quantum Elite and Quantum Connect
a staff member or system operator, often without
require that a PC be connected at all times with
detailed knowledge of working with the system.
the application running. See Figure 3-13. The
Rather than making the application software
PC is not just an interface for a user, but also
available to end users, it is usually preferred to
initiates control commands to the processor.
create a simplified control interface with a series
Compared to PC-based videowall processors
of button selections, so a user only needs to
that run the control application internally, the use
control the most common or essential functions
of an external PC isolates control functions from
on a videowall – selecting an input source or
on-board processing resources. This eliminates
a pre-programmed window preset. This can
operational load on the CPU, optimizing response
be provided through a custom GUI from a
time and speed when recalling window presets
touchpanel, or custom software interface created
or performing other operations, especially with
by the application software or other third-party
large systems.
software managing control over other processes. See Figure 3-14.
Remote System Control Videowall processors can be controlled using
Large Facility Control
the application software, or a control system
Many large facilities, such as command and
through the RS-232 or Ethernet control ports.
control rooms require that management of www.extron.com
51
Videowall System Control For most videowalls
all communications including AV be centrally
source window content are the most frequent
applied in working
integrated into a single control system. This allows
actions performed on the videowall.
environments such as
multiple room operations to be performed from a common GUI. The system can be programmed
End users may state they want the ability to place
to incorporate videowall window layout and input
any image anywhere, and control “everything,”
control rooms, and
source selection, with buttons provided in the
but are often unaware of exactly how complex
retail or signage
user interface alongside other communications
this can make system management. In most
functions. Videowall-specific controls may also
cases, five to ten pre-defined window layouts,
be provided separately on a touchpanel for an AV
plus the ability to change source window inputs,
control system.
provides sufficient flexibility. Other potentially
presentation rooms,
displays, simple user controls will suffice for staff or a system operator to manage the display.
desirable tools may include source identification
On-Demand vs. Show Control
or labeling, window borders, image zooming, and
For most videowalls in working environments
other functions. These are best programmed and
such as presentation rooms and control rooms,
made available as button presets.
simple user controls will suffice for staff or a system operator to manage the display. However,
Show Control
entertainment-oriented applications call for
Vid eowalls used in reta il sto res, museums ,
elaborately timed, dynamic presentations, which
or other public spaces often include specially
may require a system operator to be trained in
created productions that include presentation of
the use of show control software that provides
looped video content, with creative visual effects
access to a wide, free-flowing set of time-based
timed to video edit points or events in the content.
effects. The ideal control method will depend on
To coordinate videowall actions with the content,
the environment and application requirements
an audible SMPTE or EBU timecode signal is
defined by the end user.
recorded onto one of the audio tracks for the content. This is supplied to a PC running a show
On-Demand Control
control application to provide the time reference
In work environments or live entertainment
for initiating commands, as well as a reference for
applications, changes to the videowall typically
actions on other show control devices. The show
are triggered “on-the-fly” by an operator or end
control computer releases control commands
user. Recalling window presets and changing
to the videowall processor or its control PC, triggered by the incoming timecode signal. ■
The control application software for the Extron Quantum Elite features a virtual canvas for designing videowall display layouts.
Extron TouchLink ™ touchpanels can be used to provide a simple user interface to manage selection of videowall display layouts and sources.
52
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
Additional Videowall System Elements A well-designed
Due to their large size, videowalls may be the
Switching
focal point of a room, but they are often just one
Switching systems deliver source signals to
element of a larger system. System control, signal
videowall processor inputs, scalers and video
distribution, signal extenders, audio, and more all
processors, standalone displays, streaming
play an important role in managing signals and
encoders, or other system devices. Matrix
manage each element
sources so that content can be controlled, seen,
switchers can simultaneously send a single input
of an AV system.
and heard.
to multiple destinations, and can perform video
control system allows a user to effortlessly
routing for multi-room facilities, allowing any input
System Control
to be sent to any room. Some matrix switchers
A well-designed control system allows a user
route audio and multiple video signal formats,
to effortlessly manage each element of an AV
providing complete signal management.
system. Switcher control, videowall window layout and source selection, tuner channel
A mat rix swi tch er can be a cos t-e ffe cti ve
selection, audio control, and room lighting should
videowall source management solution. It can be
all be accessible from an intuitive interface that
used to dynamically route only the sources to be
makes controlling the system as easy, if not
displayed in the current window preset, reducing
easier, than turning on a TV and watching a DVD
the number of videowall processor input channels
at home.
required.
Designing such a system can be as much art
Signal Extension
as science. In addition to technical elements,
Very long signal runs are often necessary when
including managing device drivers, data strings,
equipment rooms are located at considerable
and conditional logic to connect and manipulate
distances from source devices or display
devices, there are visual and operational elements,
systems. Conventional coaxial or digital video
such as the look and feel of the interface. While
cable may be sufficient up to about 75 feet (23 m),
the system may be complex, the user interface
but longer runs will require signal extenders to
should make it seem simple to operate by having
ensure reliability. Installation of a transmitter at
logical workflow, easy-to-identify icons and
the source device and a receiver at the far end
indicators, quick response to button presses, and
device, connected by twisted pair or fiber optic
positive feedback indicating when requests have
cable, will allow for very long video, audio, and
been initiated and performed.
control signal runs. A twisted pair extender can provide signal extension up to 330 ft (100 m) for digital video and up to 1,500 ft (450 m) for analog SWITCHING
SYSTEM CONTROL
Extron XTP CrossPoint ® 1600 Matrix Switcher
Extron TLP 1000TV Touchpanel
SIGNAL EXTENSION Extron DTP DVI 301 Twisted Pair Transmitter and Receive r
www.extron.com
53
Additional Videowall System Elements The ability to transport audio, video, and graphics streams
signals, while fiber optic extenders can extend
be required for program audio. A videowall can
signals up to 2 km (6,560 ft) with multimode fiber,
display many video signals, but program audio
or up to 30 km (18.75 mi) with singlemode fiber.
typically originates from only one of the displayed sources. The system’s control interface should
across a data network
Fiber Interfacing
allow for the selection of audio sources. Matrix
has revolutionized
Fiber optic cabling can be used to transmit video,
switchers for routing video can also manage
many signal distribution
audio, and data over extreme distances with
audio distribution, as can standalone audio
zero signal degradation and complete immunity
switchers.
applications.
from outside electrical interference. Signals sent through fiber are also inherently secure, due to
An audio signal processor with DSP and matrix
the absence of electrical emissions, making fiber
mixing can be used for routing and supplemental
the preferred choice for government, military, and
audio processing such as volume, equalization,
medical applications.
and mixing program audio with a microphone or other audio source. Once a program audio
Fiber technology is becoming more and more
source is selected and processed, the signal will
common, and is the new standard for AV system
need to be amplified and sent to speakers. The
designers and integrators creating future-proof
size of the amplifiers and the type and number of
AV systems. There has been a longstanding
speakers required will depend on the application,
perception that fiber is difficult to work with, but
the size of the room, and required sound level.
new, affordable, easy-to-use termination systems now make terminating fiber cable assemblies as
Streaming and Recording
easy as crimping a BNC.
The ability to transport audio, video, and graphics streams across a data network has revolutionized
The Extron Fiber Optic Design Guide provides tutorials on fiber optic technology and cabling, and provides practical examples of fiber system designs.
Extron offers a wide variety of switching,
many signal distribution applications. Live and
distribution, and signal extension products with
pre-recorded content can now be delivered
direct fiber connections. They are available to
across greater distances to larger audiences
designers specifying the most secure, highest
more efficiently than ever before. By utilizing the
quality signal delivery devices in their systems.
infrastructure provided by LANs, WANs, and public networks, audio, video, and graphics
For more information on fiber optic technology,
can be delivered anywhere in the world. These
consult the Extron Fiber Optic Design Guide,
multimedia streams can be decoded by
available at www.extron.com/fiberguide.
hardware devices, videowall processors, PCs, and smartphones or tablets. They can also be
Audio
54
captured and stored with recording devices,
While a videowall may support a room’s viewing
allowing for future playback of recorded content
requirements, additional signal management may
for training or debriefing purposes.
FIBER INTERFACING
AUDIO
STREAMING AND RECORDING
Extron FOXBOX Tx HDMI Fiber Optic Transmitter
Extron XPA 2002 Audio Amplifier
Extron VN-Matrix 225 Streaming Codec
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
Streaming encoders can be used as a source for
Keyboard and Mouse Extension and
Networks for AV can
videowall processors. Encoders on the outputs
Switching
be standalone entities,
of a videowall processor can be used to stream
When an operator must have control over several
videowall imagery to a recorder, or to remote
remote workstations, or needs keyboard and
locations for collaboration between different
mouse control of a PC from a great distance,
house network, or
functional groups or agencies.
USB switchers and extenders provide the
integrated within
solution. Extron offers a comprehensive family
an organization’s
Networks
of USB extension and distribution products.
Once used exclusively for computers, data
USB switchers allow an operator to use a single
networks are now used for other functions such
keyboard, mouse, or other USB peripheral device
as streaming audio, video, and control signals
to control multiple PCs. More complex control
for videowalls or other devices in an AV system.
can be realized with USB matrix switchers,
Networks for AV can be standalone entities,
which allow the operator to assign multiple USB
isolated from a larger house network, or integrated
peripheral devices to PCs.
isolated from a larger
infrastructure.
within an organization’s infrastructure. Isolated networks can often be installed and managed
Extron USB extenders allow remote operation of
entirely by integrators. Collaboration with IT
USB peripherals at distances much greater than
departments is important when incorporating
the 15 feet (4.5 meters) provided by the USB
AV data into a hous e network. AV network
specification. Twisted pair USB extenders enable
topology will vary depending on the application
remote operation of USB peripheral devices at
and complexity of the system. An unmanaged,
distances of up to 450 feet (135 m), while fiber
eight-port switch may be sufficient for a simple
optic USB extenders allow for distances of up to
one-room control system, while building-wide
10 km (6.25 mi). ■
distribution of multicast video streams may require several linked, programmable switches to manage data flow.
KEYBOARD / MOUSE EXTENSION AND SWITCHING NETWORKS
Extron SW4 USB Plus USB Switcher
Network Switch
www.extron.com
55
Notes
56
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
Videowall System Designs While videowalls are best known for their ability to create “big
The following videowall designs highlight the diverse applications
pictures,” their uses and applications vary widely. Public spaces
for videowalls, from a small conference room system used for
and work spaces benefit from the flexibility videowall processors
presentations, to large videowalls supporting command and control
provide with their ability to upscale, downscale, and tile images.
room and traffic management facilities. The System Overview and Room Needs Assessment sections establish how these videowalls
Systems incorporating videowall processors include a variety
are used. Detailed application drawings clearly depict signal flow
of source devices, including cameras, workstation PCs, Blu-ray
and the types of sources and displays utilized.
players, and even streamed content delivered over an IP network. Display devices may include projection cubes, flat-panel displays, LED arrays, or newer technology such as MicroTiles or 4K projectors.
Executive Conference Room
Command Center
Utility Operations Center
Traf fic Manag ement Center
Corporate Lobby
Simulation Debriefing Theate r
Corporate Presentation Audi torium
Executive Conference Room System Design Solution Videowall Processing Extron WindoWall® 102 Pro DI with two HDCP-compliant processors drives two edge-blended projectors, and can present up to eight input sources simultaneously. WindoWall distributed video processing ensures full frame rate for all windows at all times.
Source Connectivity All sources connect to an XTP CrossPoint 1600 matrix switcher. The document camera, desktop PC, digital media player, satellite receiver, and videoconference camera are permanent sources, while the system accommodates a mobile device and a laptop PC for meeting participants. An RGB-HDMI 300 A analog-to-HDMI scaler is deployed ahead of the matrix switcher for compatibility with sources that require RGB or component connections.
Overview Conference rooms are places where people meet and share information, either in person, or via teleconference. Their AV systems frequently include videowalls to display a variety of video sources simultaneously at high resolution. Meeting participants often bring mobile devices to connect and display on the system. They expect “plug and play” with high image quality. HDCP capability will be needed to support the latest digital video sources. Different window layouts should be available to accommodate various meeting requirements. The touchpanel control system should be intuitive and simple enough for use by non-technical users.
Room Needs Assessment
Staffing
Operator technical expertise will be unpredictable, as meeting participants will vary and can include outside vendors. Additionally, operators will have little to no time to become familiar with the control system, requiring that it be very simple and intuitive to use.
Display Requirements
An edge blended videowall, occupying an area roughly 10 ft x 3.5 ft (3 m x 1 m), able to display at least eight sources at various sizes and locations on the screen.
Source Types
Permanently installed sources include a videoconference codec, document camera, PC, satellite receiver, and a media player. The system must have provision for connecting a variety of mobile sources. All connections to the switcher are HDMI.
System Control
A simple touchpanel interface is needed for selecting window layout presets and sources, as well as videoconference control.
Special Requirements
End user is in the media business. Full-motion video quality is a high priority.
58
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
Display Systems Two WUXGA, HDCP-compliant projectors arranged in a 1x2 edgeblended configuration provide an overall display resolution of 3456 pixels by 1200 pixels. The 3456 horizontal pixels reflect a 10 percent overlap for edge blending. The WindoWall processors provide the 384 overlapped pixels required in the blended zone, while the projectors perform the brightness and gamma correction.
Switching and Signal Management One XTP CrossPoint 1600 matrix switcher connects to the four inputs of each WindoWall processor, as well as the videoconference codec. The fully non-blocking topology allows any combination of sources to appear at any of up to eight windows on the videowall. The XTP CrossPoint 1600 and the WindoWall 102 Pro DI feature Extron EDID Minder® to ensure that sources power up properly and reliably output content for display, while Key Minder ® maintains continuous HDCP authentication between sources and displays for quick and reliable switching.
Network The network includes a Layer 2 switch for the WindoWall processors, XTP matrix switcher, and control system.
System Control An Extron TLP 1000TV 10 inch (25 cm) TouchLink touchpanel and an Extron IPL 250 Ethernet control processor are used to control the WindoWall processors and XTP CrossPoint 1600 matrix switcher. The touchpanel provides a selection of preset window configurations, with live source selection within each preset. The touchpanel is also used to control videoconference calling.
HDCP-Compliant Edge-Blending Projector
Extron WindoWall 102 Pro DI
Extron WindoWall 102 Pro DI
HDMI
Multi-Window Processing System
REMOTE INPUTS 2 R R-Y
4 R R-Y
5 R R-Y
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H/HV
G/Y VID
H/HV
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H/HV
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H/HV
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HDMI
LAN
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VID R-Y
HDMI
REMOTE
RESET
INPUTS
17 VID Y
1 RS-232/422
VID Y
BACKGROUND
OUTPUTS
VID B-Y C
R/ R-Y
G/Y
VID R-Y
H/ HV
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B/ B-Y
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H/HV
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H/HV
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8
11
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Y
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9 VID B-Y C
-A MAX
B/C B-Y
10 VID R-Y
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RESET
VID B-Y C
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VID Y
15
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VID B-Y C
VID B-Y C
13
16
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VID R-Y
VID R-Y
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RS-232/422
VID Y
BACKGROUND
OUTPUTS
VID B-Y C
R/ R-Y
G/Y
VID R-Y
H/ HV
V
HDMI
HDMI
HDMI
50/60 Hz
HDMI
LAN
VIRTUALINPUTS
3 R R-Y
G/Y VID 100- 240V
19 VID R-Y
2 R R-Y
6
HDMI
HDMI
50/60 Hz
MGP/WINDOW ALLPROSERIES
VIRTUALINPUTS
3
R R-Y
HDMI
Multi-Window Processing System
MGP/WINDOW ALLPROSERIES
1
HDCP-Compliant Edge-Blending Projector
HDMI
HDMI
B/ B-Y
HDMI
HDMI
Extron TLP 1000TV 10" TouchLink Tabletop Touchpanel
HDMI
Document Camera
Extron XTP Cro ssPoi nt 1600
HDMI
HDMI
3 2
POWER 12V 500mA MAX
COM1 TXRX RTSCTS
COM 2 TXRX
INPUT 2 3 4
COM 3 TXRX
1
Ethernet
Desktop PC
XTPCP4i H DMI
AUDIO
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
1−4
IN
1
HDMI
S T U P N I
I N
I N
13−16
REMOTE RS-232/RS-422
TCP/IP Network
LAN
iPhone
iPad
IR
2
4
RELAY 1 2
RELAY 3 4
Ethernet
9−12
Digital Media Player
IR
IP Link Control Ethernet Processor
XTPCP4i H DMI
AUDIO
5−8
3
Extron IPL 250
1
i F i W
IN
1
S G S G LAN
S G S G
Modular Digital Matrix Switcher
4
HDMI
Ethernet
RESET
ACT
or
LINK
OUT R
L
OUT
HDMI Adapter
L
R
L
R
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
5−8
OUT L
R
L
R
O U T
XTPCP4o HD MI
AUDIO
9−12
O U T
XTPCP4o HD MI
AUDIO
L
S T U P T U O
R
O U T
XTPCP4o HD MI
AUDIO
L
1−4
Ethernet
L
R
L
R
Ethernet
OUT
Extron RGB-HDMI 300
13−16
HDMI
100-240V --A MAX 50-60Hz
RGB to HDMI Scaler POWER 12V 1.0AMAX
INPUT RS-232
RGB/R-Y,Y,B-Y
AUDIO
RGB-HDMI300A
HDMIOUTPUT
TxRx
Videoconfe rencing Camera
Audio
VGA
Videoconfe rencing Codec
Laptop DVI PUSH
PUSH
P W OE
R
G I UED
ME UN
R SE
4 0 8 4 0 8 p7 0 2 p1 8 0i 0 10 0 8 p
DIREC T V
DVI to HDMI Adapter
H D
SELECT DIRECTV
Satellite Receiver
DVI to HDMI Adapter
www.extron.com
59
Utility Operations Center System Design Solution Videowall Processing Two WindoWall 102 Pro DI systems featuring four separate processors each drive one display panel of the 2x2 videowall. The system provides the ability to display up to 16 input sources simultaneously on the videowall.
Source Connectivity The 16 PCs connect to an XTP CrossPoint 3200 modular HDMI matrix switcher, configured with 16 inputs and 32 outputs.
Overview This control room tracks operations monitored through 16 personal computers. Four workstations with designated areas of responsibility are each equipped with four displays, with the control room supervisor able to determine what is monitored at each station. A central 2x2 videowall in the main control room provides the status of all critical processes being tracked.
A PC with a multi-head graphics card drives the background input to each of the four WindoWall processors. Together with the 16 available windows, this provides redundancy for monitoring data, and allows display of applications running at very high resolution, up to 3840x2400.
Display Systems Four 60 inch (152 cm) WUXGA LCD flat panels provide an overall display resolution of 3840x2400 for the 2x2 videowall. Each individual workstation has 4 WUXGA LCD displays.
Room Needs Assessment
Staffing
Display Requirements
Four technicians, one for each of the four workstations, analyze data on the four local displays at each workstation. The control room supervisor selects the data sources to be displayed on the videowall, and also designates the processes to be monitored at each workstation. A central videowall consists of four 60 inch (152 cm) WUXGA flat-panel displays arranged in a 2x2 configuration. Additionally, each of four workstations is equipped with four flat-panel displays.
Source Types
Sixteen PCs with DVI outputs track and control the processes monitored in the control room.
System Control
One touchpanel interface for selection of window layout presets, source selection for each preset, and designating data to be tracked at each workstation.
Special Requirements
The system must be expandable to allow additional inputs to accommodate anticipated future growth.
60
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
Switching and Signal Management The XTP CrossPoint 3200 outputs feed the WindoWall processor inputs and the workstation displays. Full matrix switching capability enables any window on the videowall, and any workstation monitor to display any data source. EDID Minder ® ensures that sources power up properly and reliably output content for display. The system is expandable to accommodate up to 16 additional data sources.
Network The network includes a Layer 2 Ethernet switch for the WindoWall and XTP matrix switcher, TouchLink Panel, and IP link processor.
System Control An Extron TLP 700TV 7 inch (18 cm) TouchLink touchpanel and an Extron IPL 250 Ethernet control processor are used to control the WindoWall processors and the XTP CrossPoint 3200 matrix switcher. The touchpanel provides a selection of preset videowall configurations, and the ability to designate any data source to be monitored at any workstation display.
Corporate Lobby System Design Solution Videowall Processing Processing An Extron Extron Quantum Connect videowall processor with 12 outputs drives a Christie MicroTiles modular display system at high resolution. The Quantum Quantum Connect Connect proc processes esses four high gh resoluti resolution on sources sources simultaneously, in any window configuration.
Source Connectivity Corporate promotional videos and still images are supplied by two PCs connected to the Quantum Connect through two DVI inputs. A high definition satellite receiver provides broadcast programming to the Quantum Connect through an HDMI input. A Blu-ray player is also connected to an HDMI input.
Display Systems
Overview As a physical physical entry entry point point into into a company company,, corporate corporate lobbies lobbies are are spaces spaces in which lasting first impressions are made through presentations of corporate culture and mission, done with dramatic visual impact. For technologyoriented companies, lobbies should reflect both the creativity and innovation that exist beyond the waiting area. A quality videowall display can present compelling corporate content and showcase the latest company products and services. Content can be customized to welcome key clients, providing a personal touch in a business environment.
Room Needs Assessment
Staffing
Display Requirements
A single single reception receptionist ist to operate the system system on a daily basis. AV staff members to configure content and presentation of the system for special events. A bright, bright, attractive attractive display display 6 feet high by 10 feet wide (1.8 m by 3 m), with the ability to simultaneously display up to four sources.
Source Types
Two PCs providing Two ding high resolu resolution tion corpora corporate te content, a satellite receiver providing high definition broadcast programming, and a Blu-ray player providing high definition video playback.
System Control
A simple simple touchpanel touchpanel interfa interface ce for selection selection of window layout presets and source selection within each preset.
Special Requirements
Ease of use is a primary concern, as the system will often be controlled by non-technical personnel.
62
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
Forty-eight MicroTiles provide an overall display resolution of 5760x3240 in a space 128 inches wide by 72 inches tall (3.25 m by 1.8 m). The MicroTiles are driven by 12 dedicated ECU processors, which receive signals from the Quantum Connect.
Switching and Signal Management All source source switching switching is managed managed internally nternally by the Quantum Connec Connectt videowall processor processor..
Network The network network include includess a Layer Layer 3 Ethernet Ethernet switch, configur configured ed with with a dedicated VLAN for the Quantum Connect and its control PC, and another VLAN for the control system components.
System Control System control is facilitated by an Extron TLP 1000TV 10 inch (25 cm) TouchLink touchpanel and an Extron IPL 250 Ethernet control processor, which interfaces via RS-232 with the control PC running the Quantum Connect control software. The touchpanel provides a simple, easy-to-navigate interface, which allows a non-technical operator to easily select from six preset window configurations, and select sources within each preset.
MicroTile ® Displays
MicroTile ECU (12 places)
WARNING SEE USERGUIDE BEFORE USINGTHISEQUIPMEN T
L O R T N O C
C O MH P D L C I A P N T
C O MH P D L C I A P N T
C O MH P D L C I P A N T
C O MH P D L C I A P N T
C O MH P D L C I P A N T
C O MH P D L C I A P N T
C O MH P D L C I P A N T
DO NOT REMOVE THISPANEL NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTSINSIDE
Extron Quantum Connect Videowall Proce ssor System
REFERALLSERV ICINGTO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL THISEQUIPMENT MUST BE GROUNDED/EARTHED
IIN N
IN
OUT O UT
OUT OUT
OUT OUT
OUT OUT
OUT OUT
OUT OUT
1
2
3
4
5
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7
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DO NOT OBSTRUCT VENTILATION GRILLES DO NOT EXPOSE THISEQUIPMENT TO RAIN ORMOISTURE
Quantum Connect Control Software
DVI
Ethernet
DVI
Ethernet Control VLAN
HDMI
RS-232
HDMI
COM1 TXRX RTSCTS
Ethernet
POWER 12V 500mA MAX
COM 2 TXRX
IR 1
2
INPUT 1 2 3 4
COM 3 TXRX
IR 3
4
S G S G
Ethernet
RELAY 1 2
S G S G LAN RELAY 3 4
Extron IPL 250 IP Link Control Processor
PC Blu-ray Player
PC DSS Receiver
Extron TLP 1000TV 10" Tabletop TouchLink Touchpanel
www.extron.com
63
Corporate Presentation Auditorium System Design Solution Videowall Processing A Quantum Connect Videowall Processing System with four HDMI outputs delivers signals to the system’s HDCP-compliant 4K projector, and displays any or all nine input sources simultaneously.
Input Source Connectivity Corporate promotional content is supplied by a desktop PC and an Extron JMP 9600 2K video player, utilizing Quantum Elite HDMI and 3G-SDI input cards. For live presentations, a Quantum Elite 3G-SDI input card accepts signals from a video camera while two HDMI input cards accept signals from a laptop, a mobile device, a Blu-ray player, and a satellite receiver. A dual-input DVI card provides additional connectivity for a document camera. Overview A corporate auditorium provides a venue for large companies to hold employee gatherings or shareholder meetings. With an advanced video display system, media-rich presentations can convey corporate information, product introductions, and data for employee meetings.
Room Needs Assessment
Staffing
A single operator at a podium to deliver presentations. AV staff members to configure and load system content for special events.
Display Requirements
An attractive, seamless display eight feet high by 14 feet wide, with the ability to simultaneously display from one to nine sources.
Source Types
A PC providing high resolution corporate content, an Extron JMP 9600 2K providing pre-produced corporate and product information, a Blu-ray player providing high-definition corporate videos, a satellite receiver providing high-definition broadcast programming, a document camera for presenting hard-copy information, a highdefinition video camera for presenting live content, and connections for a laptop and a mobile device.
System Control
A simple touchpanel controller for selection of window layout presets and source selection within each preset, as well as control of the JMP 9600 2K video player.
Special Requirements
Ease of use is a primary concern, as the system will often be controlled by non-technical personnel.
64
Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
Display Systems A single 4K projector configured for rear projection provides an overall display resolution of 3840 pixels by 2160 pixels on a 14-foot wide by eight-foot tall screen.
Switching and Signal Management All source switching is managed internally by the Quantum Connect Videowall Processing System.
Network The network includes a Layer 3 Ethernet switch configured with separate VLANs for the Quantum Connect/Control PC and the TouchLink touchpanel and IP Link processor.
System Control An Extron TLP 1000TV 10 inch TouchLink touchpanel and an Extron IPL 250 control processor send RS-232 control messages to the Quantum Connect Control Software and IP control messages to the Extron JMP 9600 HD video player. The touchpanel provides a simple, easy-to-navigate interface, which allows even non-technical operators to easily select from ten videowall preset window configurations, and designate any data source selection within several presets.
16x9 Screen
HDCP-Compliant 4K Projector Control VLAN HDMI
Ethernet Ethernet
Ethernet
HDMI
Extron Quantum Connect
Ethernet DATA
HDCP-Compliant Videowall Processing System Ethernet
Extron TLP 1000TV 10" Tabletop TouchLink Touchpanel QUANTUM CONNECT 408
Quantum Elite Control Software
VIDEO WALLPROCESSOR
Extron JMP 9600 2K
HD-SDI
HD-SDI
HDMI
3G-SDI
HDMI
HDMI
HDMI
HDMI
DVI
HD Video Player JMP9600 JPEG2000MEDIAPLAYER
VIDEO
DS I KD R I VE 1
2
3
L A N 4
1
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ENTER
RS-232
Document Camera COM1 TXRX RTSCTS
POWER 12V 500mA MAX
CO M 2 TXRX
1
I R 2
RELAY 1 2
S G S G
LAN INPUT 1 2 3 4
CO M 3 TXRX
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Desktop PC
RELAY 3 4
S G S G
Extron IPL 250
WiFi
1
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3
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IP Link Control Processor
Laptop
Blu-ray Player PUSH
PUSH P W O RE
G I UED
M NE U
RE
S
4 08 4 0 8 p7 0 2 p1 8 0 i 0 10 0 8 p
DIREC T V
HD
SELECT DIRECTV
Satellite Receiver or Camera iPhone
iPad
HDMI Adapter
www.extron.com
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Command Center System Design Solution Videowall Processing An Extron Quantum Elite videowall processor is configured with six Quantum Elite dual HDMI output cards for a total of 12 HDMI outputs. It delivers signals to the 12 display devices in the videowall. The Quantum Elite provides the ability to display any or all 23 of the input sources simultaneously on the videowall.
Source Connectivity
Overview Command centers aggregate a wide variety of video and data for monitoring and analysis. In order to efficiently make critical decisions, staff members need to analyze various sources in close proximity to each other, in a variety of layouts. The solution requires that any of the video and data sources be presented on a large display, in a variety of easily selectable window layouts.
Room Needs Assessment
Staffing
Numerous information specialists monitor one or more video or data sources. A shift manager is also present to periodically change information as needed on the large centralized display.
Display Requirements
A multi-screen videowall, occupying an area roughly 5 feet high by 26 feet wide (1.5 m by 7.9 m), able to present at least 12 HD 1080p sources at native resolution.
Source Types
Twelve PCs displaying map and data sources with low motion, four PCs displaying visualizations with moderate to high motion, three standard definition security cameras, three HD satellite feeds, and one Blu-ray player.
System Control
A simple touchpanel interface for selecting window layout presets, as well as source selection for each preset.
Special Requirements
The shift manager needs to be able to view map and data sources on a separate viewing station.
The 12 PCs displaying low-motion content are connected to 12 Extron QGE 100 IP encoders and streamed over the network to the Quantum Elite. The four PCs displaying high-motion content are connected directly to the videowall processor, two to a Quantum Elite dual DVI input card, and two to a Quantum Elite dual RGB input card. The satellite receivers and Blu-ray player are connected to two Quantum Elite dual HDMI input cards, and the three facility security camera feeds are connected to a Quantum Elite 12 video input card.
Display Systems Twelve HDCP-compliant 1080p flat-panel displays provide an overall display resolution of 23040x2160, in a space 312 inches wide by 60 inches tall (7.9 m by 1.5 m).
Switching and Signal Management All source switching is managed internally by the Quantum Elite videowall processor.
Network A dedicated media network for the QGE 100 encoders includes a Layer 3 Ethernet switch configured to support multicast traffic and IGMP snooping to ensure efficient performance. A VLAN is provided for the QGE 100 encoders, together with the Quantum Elite processor and the PC running QGE 100 viewer software. A dedicated control network includes the same Layer 3 switch, configured with a separate VLAN for the Quantum Elite and its control PC, and another VLAN for the control system components.
System Control System control is facilitated by an Extron TLP 1000TV 10 inch (25 cm) TouchLink touchpanel and an Extron IPL 250 Ethernet control processor, which interfaces via RS-232 with the control PC running the Quantum Elite control software. The touchpanel provides a selection of ten or more preset window configurations, and allows source selection within each preset, providing a highly flexible and simple interface.
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Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
HDCP-Compliant Displays
Ethernet
Ethernet
HDMI
Ethernet
Control VLAN
HDMI
I I A I D E M I A I D E M
Ethernet
Extron TLP 1000TV 10" Tabletop TouchLink Touchpanel
C O MH P D L C I A P N T
L O R T N O C
Quantum Elite Control Software 1
2
3
4
IN
IN
IN
IN
5
6
7
8
C O MH P D L C I A P N T
C O MH P D L C I A P N T
IN
C O MH P D L C I A P N T
C O MH P D L C I A P N T
C O MH P D L C I A P N T
C O MH P D L C I A P N T
C O MH P D L C I A P N T
OUT
OUT
OUT
OUT
OUT
OUT
10
11
12
13
14
15
9
Extron Quantum Elite Scalable Multi-Graphic Videowall Processor System
ATTENTION OBSERVE PRECAUTIONS FORHANDLING ELECTROSTATIC SENSITIVE DEVICES
RS-232 COM1 TXRX RTSCTS
POWER 12V 500mA MAX
Extron IPL 250 IP Link Control Processor COM 2 TXRX
1
IR
2
WARNING
RELAY 1 2
SEEUSERGUIDEBEFORE USINGTHISEQUIPMENT DONOTREMOVETHISPANEL NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTSINSIDE
S G S G LAN INPUT 1 2 3 4
COM 3 TXRX
3
IR
4
RELAY 3 4
REFERALLSERVICINGTO QUALIFIEDSERVICEPERSONNEL THISEQUIPMENTMUSTBE GROUNDED/EARTHED DO NOT OBSTRUCT VENTILATIO N GRILLES
S G S G
DONOTEXPOSETHIS EQUIPMENT TORAINOR MOISTURE
Composite or S-video
Blu-ray Player
HDMI
CCTV Cameras
STANDBY/ON
PQLS
HDMI
OPEN/CLOSE
FL FFO
USB
DSS Receiver
HDMI
RGB RGB
DSS Receiver
HDMI
QGE 100 Viewer Software
PC DSS Receiver
HDMI
PC
DVI Ethernet
DVI
Ethernet
PC
Extron QGE 100 Encoder
PC P R E PI H
P C
12VDC REG 1.5AMAX Referall servicing to qualified servicepersonnel
COM 1
COM 2
OUT
IN
D I VI -
D I VI -
Extron QGE 100 Encoder
RGB
Ethernet P R E PI H
P C
12VDC REG 1.5AMAX Referall servicing to qualified servicepersonnel
Extron QGE 100 Encoder
QGE Video Network VLAN
Ethernet
COM 1
Extron QGE 100 Encoder
Ethernet
COM 2
P R E PI H
OUT
IN
D IVI -
D IVI -
Extron QGE 100 Encoder
Ethernet
P C
12VDC REG 1.5AMAX Referall servicing to qualified servicepersonnel
Ethernet P R E PI H
P C
12VDC REG 1.5AMAX
COM 1
COM 2
OUT
IN
D I VI -
D I VI -
Extron QGE 100 Encoder
OUT
IN
D I VI-
D I VI-
P R E PI H
P C
12VDC REG 1.5AMAX Referall servicing to qualified servicepersonnel
Extron QGE 100 Encoder
COM 1
COM 2
P R E PI H
OUT
IN
D IVI -
D IVI -
P C
12VDC REG 1.5AMAX Referall servicing to qualified servicepersonnel
COM 1
P C
12VDC REG 1.5AMAX Referall servicing to qualified servicepersonnel
IN
D I VI-
D I VI-
P R E PI H
P C
COM 1
COM 2
OUT
IN
D I VI -
D I VI -
Extron QGE 100 Encoder
RGB
Ethernet P R E PI H
12VDC REG 1.5AMAX Referall servicing to qualified servicepersonnel
P C
COM 1
COM 2
P R E PI H
OUT
IN
D IVI -
D IVI -
P C
12VDC REG 1.5AMAX Referall servicing to qualified servicepersonnel
COM 2
OUT
IN
D IVI -
D I VI-
Extron QGE 100 Encoder Extron QGE 100 Encoder
Ethernet
COM 1
DVI
RGB
Ethernet
D I VI-
COM 2
OUT
DVI Ethernet
IN
D IVI -
Extron QGE 100 Encoder Extron QGE 100 Encoder
Ethernet
COM 2
OUT
DVI
P R E PI H
Ethernet
COM 1
COM 2
RGB
Ethernet
RGB
12VDC REG 1.5AMAX
P C
DVI
Referall servicing to qualified servicepersonnel
Referall servicing to qualified servicepersonnel
COM 1
P R E PI H
12VDC REG 1.5AMAX Referall servicing to qualified servicepersonnel
COM 1
COM 2
P R E PI H
P C
12VDC REG 1.5AMAX Referall servicing to qualified servicepersonnel
COM 1
COM 2
OUT
IN
D IVI -
D I VI-
DVI
OUT
IN
D I VI-
D I VI-
DVI RGB
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Traffic Management Center System Design Solution Videowall Processing An Extron Quantum® Elite videowall processor is configured with seven Quantum Elite dual DVI output cards for a total of 14 DVI outputs. It delivers signals to the 12 display devices in the videowall. The two additional outputs provide a two-screen representation of the videowall to two Extron VN-Matrix® 225 IP encoders, which stream the signals across a WAN - wide area network to two VN-Matrix 225 IP decoders, located at a cooperative agency. The Quantum Elite provides the ability to display up to 84 standard definition sources, plus two PC sources simultaneously on the videowall. Colored borders and text titling can be applied to any displayed window.
Source Connectivity Overview Traffic Management Centers centralize information from traffic cameras and specialized applications for monitoring and managing traffic flow. Operators use local monitors to view maps and traffic status. A large display presents video from any of the region’s traffic cameras, to be viewed as either a thumbnail or large image, while simultaneously displaying specialized high resolution graphics sources.
Room Needs Assessment
Staffing
Display Requirements
Source Types
Numerous operators monitor and manage traffic data on local displays. A shift manager is also present to select which maps, traffic data, and camera feeds are highlighted on the large centralized display. A multi-screen videowall, occupying an area roughly 7.5 feet high by 32 feet wide (2.3 m by 9.75 m), able to present 70 to 80 traffic camera feeds and graphical maps. Eighty standard definition signals displaying traffic camera feeds, four standard definition signals displaying satellite television sources, and two PCs displaying high resolution graphical map and traffic data.
System Control
A simple touchpanel interface that facilitates window layout preset selection, and source selection within each preset.
Special Requirements
The system must include the capability to stream a smaller representation of the videowall to a cooperative agency. The shift manager needs to be able to highlight camera feeds by applying colored borders and titles to source windows.
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Extron Videowall Systems Design Guide
The 80 available traffic camera feeds and four satellite receivers are connected to the videowall processor through seven Quantum Elite 12 video input cards for composite or S-video. The two PC sources are connected to a Quantum Elite dual RGB input card.
Display Systems Twelve 80 inch (203 cm) SXGA+ rear projection cubes provide an overall display resolution of 8400x2100, in a space 384 inches wide by 96 inches tall (9.75 m by 2.4 m).
Switching and Signal Management All source switching is managed internally by the Quantum Elite videowall processor.
Network A dedicated media network for the VN-Matrix streaming system utilizes the organization’s existing Layer 3 LAN and WAN, configured to support multicast traffic and IGMP snooping to ensure efficient performance. A dedicated control network includes a Layer 3 Ethernet switch, configured with a VLAN for the Quantum Elite and its control PC, and a separate VLAN for the control system components.
System Control System control is facilitated by an Extron TLP 1000TV 10 inch (25 cm) TouchLink touchpanel and an Extron IPL 250 Ethernet control processor, which interfaces via RS-232 with the control PC running the Quantum Elite control software. The shift manager uses the touchpanel’s intuitive user interface to select from several window layout presets, and assigns any source to larger windows on the videowall. Colored borders can also be placed around windows to call attention to sources.
