As the media industry gets increasingly competitive, you need to adopt better strategies to stay ahead of the competition. One of these solutions is using a studio video wall to improve your broadcasting, presentation, and production. The only wrinkle is that it can get overwhelming when trying to choose the right one.
Studio video walls come in various types, have distinct features, and have diverse applications. Therefore, you need to consider these aspects to avoid making an ill-informed decision. In this article, we will comprehensively discuss the key considerations you need to make when choosing a studio video wall.
What Are Studio Video Walls?
What they are
Studios are equipped with video walls that act as interactive displays. By definition, video walls are large wall displays mounted on or integrated with the walls. The phrase ‘video walls’ is derived from this definition. In this context, it suggests that these are video walls used in studios.
Their purpose
Studio video walls can be used for various purposes. Usage depends on the type of studio where they are installed. For instance, film production studios will use video walls for virtual production. Contrarily, a news broadcast studio might use the video wall for news presentations and so on.
How do they differ from other types of displays?
Video walls are unlike traditional displays for one specific reason. The ability to combine several individual panels opens up the opportunity to customize the size and shape of the display as needed.
This feature results in a seamless display since it focuses on creating immersive displays. Besides, this experience is what makes them ideal for settings such as studios where visual appeal is imperative.
Features of Studio Video Walls
Technical specifications & functionalities
There are various technical features that studio video walls come equipped with to help them function optimally. These features include top-notch display technologies, advanced controllers, content management systems, and accessibility features.
Each technical feature has its contribution to the overall functionality of the studio video wall. Functions like color calibration, legibility, clarity, and display control depend on effective features.
Other external features that equally contribute to the functionalities include the bezel width and display pixel density. A narrow bezel width ensures a seamless viewing experience while a high pixel density ensures a high-resolution display. Combined, all these features provide an immersive viewing experience.
Best Aspects of A Studio Video Wall for The Best Quality
Exceptional studio video walls possess specific features. These are features that enhance the overall performance. They include;
- Advanced display technologies. Studio video walls can be made from various display technologies. Cutting-edge technologies used in most LED video walls are primarily recommended for studio video walls. They have high pixel densities, color accuracy, brightness, and compatibility.
- Narrow bezels. A bezel is a border surrounding an individual display panel. LED panels have thin bezels. This is beneficial since it ensures a clean merge when multiple panels are stacked. As a result, it creates a uniform display.
- Advanced controllers. Studio video wall controllers need to be of high quality to support full control of the displayed content. It also helps with accessibility and troubleshooting.
Prioritizing these features when choosing a studio video wall will help you make the right decision. These aspects can be considered primary and everything else secondary.
Advanced Features of Studio Video Walls
For certain applications of studio video walls, you might be forced to go beyond the ordinary and consider advanced features. The following are two of these advanced features that you could look out for;
Multi-Screen Synchronization
This feature is useful when coordination and synchronization are needed. In particular, it applies in situations where content is displayed on multiple studio video walls. Multi-screen sync allows you to create immersive experiences on multiple walls without much hassle.
Mult-screen synchronization is particularly essential if you have a huge studio space. It ensures content can be displayed to audiences in different parts of the studio without needing to move. As a result, it reduces congestion and promotes effectiveness in the studio.
Edge Blending
This advanced feature facilitates the merging of content between adjacent panels. As a result, it creates a seamless display. Edge blending aligns the bezels of multiple panels and blends them together to create a cohesive display with few visible borders.
If a large display is one of your selection criteria, you will need this feature. It helps you create seamless ultra-wide screens that are pleasant to look at. Specifically, the removal of borders or edges on displays forms a unified transition, which promotes immersive viewing experiences in your studio.
Application of LED Video Walls
Studio video walls are primarily constructed with LED panels. As such, they can also be referred to as LED video walls used in studio spaces. There are several reasons why this specific display technology is used. Let’s look at a few applications of LED video walls in studios to learn more.
Virtual Production
By now, chances are that you have heard about this production technique. LED panels are used as backdrops in place of chroma keying to enhance the interactivity of a scene simulation for performers.
LED video walls create a dynamic and immersive background for actors to interact with virtual elements such as props when acting. They allow for real-time rendering using various technologies that are applicable to virtual production. Producers can simulate landscapes, sets, scenes, and characters in real time with the help of LED video walls.
XR Studios
Extended reality (XR) is a holistic approach to virtual production where entire studio sets are created using immersive technologies. These immersive technologies include AR, VR, and MR. LED video walls are particularly useful in XR studios because of the interactivity features that LED panels possess.
LED panels are used as backdrops with rich visuals that help the performer or producers envision a lifelike environment while on set. This revolutionary technology is leading the disruption of production in the media industry.
Film Studios
Film production in the ‘pre-LED era’ relied heavily on fabricated shooting locations and sets that required expensive resources and manpower to construct. With LED video walls, this friction is alleviated by virtual sets.
LED video walls eliminate the need for green screens which require extra work to refine footage in post-production. Talking of which, the post-production workload is reduced by LED video walls. Overall, the application of this technology in film production improved productivity and quality.
How To Choose The Best Studio Video Wall
Video walls have numerous components that function in sync to create the display you desire. When deciding on the studio video walls, you need to understand these components and how they impact the display. Your knowledge of a particular component will help you base your decisions on factual information.
These components are;
- The video wall processor
- The audio system
- The controller
- The display panel
Each of these components has specific features that determine its performance. It is what distinguishes an excellent from a substandard video wall. Therefore, there are things you need to look out for that indicate the quality of the video walls.
Major considerations when choosing a studio video wall
Video walls have particular features that are attributed to their performance capabilities. When you are choosing a studio video wall, you need to think about the intended use of the display. After which, you will rely on the use case as a guide for identifying the required technical features. Let us look at these features.
Cost
The cost incurred when installing and maintaining a video wall needs to be factored in when making decisions. While it can be hard to account for every expenditure that will be incurred, it helps to have a rough estimate. This estimate will help you set aside a reasonable budget for how much to spend.
Your budget should include the following items.
- Upfront costs. This includes costs related to purchases, installations, technical labor, and miscellaneous expenses. You can find rough estimates online or consult with a professional video wall service provider.
- Maintenance fees. Video walls require routine checks, updates, bills, and other recurrent expenses. Some of these costs can be avoided. Therefore, look for chances where to cut costs.
Budgeting will help you evade surprises down the road. It will also be in control of expenses which can get out of hand if unmonitored.
Resolution
This feature refers to the number of pixels in the display panel. Resolution is important since it influences the display quality of the content. When choosing a video wall based on resolution, keep in mind the following.
- Your preferred resolution. There are different display resolutions in the market today. Whether you need an HD, Ultra HD, 4K, or another resolution, you will find them in the market.
- Type of panel. Most video wall users are replacing traditional types of panels with modern ones like LED, OLED, and QLED. These contemporary types have better resolutions and improved performances all around.
- Type of content displayed. Two variables affect the clarity of content. These are content resolution and the native resolution of the display. You need to strike a balance to avoid incompatibility between the two.
Be guided by these factors when choosing a resolution and you will make an informed decision.
Studio space
The measurements of the studio should also be considered when choosing a video wall. Designing the perfect size of the studio video will ensure optimal use of space and avoid wastage. This particularly applies to custom video walls.
Some vital aspects to think about in regard to studio space include;
- Viewing distance and angle. The point from which the video wall will be viewed is an important consideration. Make sure the space where the video wall will be installed is visible from multiple angles and distances.
- Structural support. Does the space have enough structural support for the video wall? What are the limitations that would hinder the installation? These are some of the questions you should be asking yourself.
- Ventilation. Video walls, especially LED video walls, emit a lot of heat when turned on. As such, the space where it will be installed needs to have proper ventilation to support heat dissipation.
- Ergonomics. The direction, distance, and location where the video wall will be installed need to be accessible to avoid strain on the users.
- Room lighting. The amount of light received in the room, both natural and unnatural, will influence the video wall you will choose. This is because some video walls work best in dark and poorly-lit areas, while others are specifically made for lit spaces, especially outdoors.
Clearly, studio space influences a big part of the decision. You wouldn’t want to waste time and resources for a minor oversight.
Design features
The design features of a studio describe its appearance. They constitute everything to do with their physical and visual characteristics. In terms of performance, design features impact aesthetics, user experience, and ease of handling.
When basing your choice on design features, there are a few things you should think about. They include the following.
- Consider a narrow bezel design. A bezel is the display border that surrounds an individual panel. Narrow bezels ensure that the display is uniform and seamless since the gaps are small and hard to notice.
- Ensure the design supports easy installation. This feature is key since it affects more than just performance. If the display is easy to install, there are high chances of it being easy to maintain.
- Connectivity with other peripherals matters. You need to choose a studio video wall that will integrate easily with your existing systems. Ensure the hardware has I/O ports and wireless connectivity if you want full control.
- Think about user experience. Positive user experience is quite critical for studio video walls. Specifically, a design that limits workflow interference should be your priority. To achieve this, ensure the design is customizable, flexible, and adaptable to your specific situation.
Studio wall design might not be directly related to performance. Still, the various features of design have an influence on performance as illustrated.
Features of display control tools
The display will come to mind first when thinking of a studio video wall. While this is natural, you should understand that the display is just a piece of the puzzle. There are several control tools that function to display content on the wall.
These tools include;
- Control software
- Control hardware
- Mobile applications
- APIs
These tools have features that affect the overall performance of a video wall. In most cases, features depend on the build quality of the tool. All in all, the secret to choosing the right studio video wall is choosing the tool with optimal features.
Consider the following features of design control tools when choosing a studio video wall.
- Scalability is key. In this context, scalability is the ability of a system to handle change without compromises. A scalable tool or system will allow you to upgrade systems, add more inputs, and handle complexity effortlessly.
- Intuitiveness is essential. You should choose a video wall that has a simple user interface to promote productivity. An intuitive system allows for efficient control, configuration, and troubleshooting. Besides, it helps to have an intuitive system if you have limited personnel.
- Availability of default system monitoring and alerts. Tools that do not have diagnosis features can be catastrophic to manage. You need a system that can be monitored easily to avoid unexpected failures.
- Enabled remote access. Controlling a video wall remotely is a crucial feature that promotes a smoother user experience.
The above features of display control tools allow for seamless operational efficiency, thereby improving productivity in your studio.
Why you should prefer led studio walls
There is not quite a direct answer to this question. If anything, it’s the reason why we broke down everything you need to consider when choosing a video wall.
However, if you are looking for a broad answer, we would recommend any LED video wall, and for good reasons. It is not out of chance that LED video walls are so popular and in huge demand.
LED video walls offer the best picture quality, customization, and control features than most of their counterparts. While they are relatively costly, the high price you pay accounts for the benefits you get. Use LED video walls as your reference point when analyzing your options based on the other factors.
Best Maintenance Practices for Studio Video Walls
Proper maintenance of a video studio wall is essential since it ensures optimal performance and a long lifespan of the system. Here are some maintenance tips you should try;
Tips for making the most out of video walls
- Have a regular inspection schedule. The aim of this practice is to ensure minor issues are identified and rectified on time to mitigate escalation.
- Perform recommended updates. Keeping the system updated ensures smooth performance. Update both the software and firmware.
- Train the operators adequately. The operators who handle your video walls should be sufficiently trained to equip them with best practices. This training is paramount since it lowers the risks of mismanagement.
- Follow the manufacturers’ guidelines. The manual that comes with the video wall stipulates the best handling practices that you should follow. More so, doing this will ensure the validity of the warranty.
Similarly, you could be having standard operating procedures (SOPs) used to handle other systems in your studio. If they are applicable to video walls, you can include them on top of our suggestions above. The goal is to have a robust plan that keeps the systems at optimal performance always.
Design ideas for video studio walls
There are numerous design ideas you can use for your studio video wall. For your design idea to be practical, you need to consider factors such as lighting, studio theme, and type of production.
With this, you can try neutral colors for the walls, top-quality lighting, and functional fixtures. The overall design should match your branding and the system needs to be customized for the specifics of your intended use case.
Troubleshooting ideas for studio video walls
The management of studio video walls entails troubleshooting. This is the process whereby issues affecting the performance of the system are identified and fixed. These challenges include latency, the Moire effect, and other visual challenges.
Troubleshooting such issues can entail recalibrating software and hardware settings. More so, the above tips for making the most out of studio video walls can help reduce the chances of breakdowns.
Future Trends of Studio Video Walls
Increasing demand for studio video walls has prompted video wall manufacturers to keep innovating. This innovation has led to the emergence of better features that have enhanced the various aspects of these walls. Here are some trendy inventions that reveal what the future holds for this technology.
Advanced Video Processing
The video processing technology is a focus area since these walls are mainly used to display video content. Incredible tools for handling complex various formats of videos are being developed in response. This approach will ensure the video walls will be able to handle multiple video codings seamlessly.
Augmented Reality (AR) Integration
Rather than having a separate AR system, some video wall makers are merging AR capabilities in the panels. Augmented reality creates an overlay of virtual elements in the real world. This trend is especially essential for film and TV production studios. In return, more immersive mediums are created for the actors.
Interactive Displays
In a world where more immersive experience is craved, interactivity is inevitable. The users needed more control of the displays and this led to the introduction of interactive displays studio video walls. These walls have touch-screen capabilities and proximity sensors to enable the user to interact with them right from the display.
UHD tech in video walls
Visual quality is another focus area. Display technologies are investing in better methods to offer even higher-resolution panels. The ultra-high definition is a prime example. Panels with super high pixel densities are making waves in the market. This is supported by complex LED encapsulation technologies.
Conclusion
With this guide, your chances of choosing the right studio video wall are now boosted. It contains everything you need to make the right decision. Evidently, the process can get tedious. Nonetheless, the guide provides a structured way to deal with the chaos of getting overwhelmed with choices. Consider also learning about setting up video walls.
