Video walls are probably one of the best things to happen to the AV world. They’re versatile, they centralize the flow of information, and they look super cool; what’s not to love? But they don’t just operate by magic. Several different tools operate video walls, one of them being video wall controllers.

We know what you’re thinking, and no, they’re not like your standard TV remote controller. Video display controllers are the brains behind your video wall project, so it’s pretty essential to understand why they’re so recommended.

That’s where we come in. We’re going to take you through the ins and outs of video wall controllers, including the top 5 reasons we think they’re super helpful. But don’t worry if you have no idea what a video wall controller is because we’re also going to give you a comprehensive guide to what they are, where they’re used, and how to select the perfect one for your AV project.

Ready? Let’s go!

What are video wall controllers?

Before getting into the good stuff, we should probably get some facts straight. A video wall controller is a vital component of producing an engaging and professional AV project. They primarily control all input signals and process them for display on an external system such as a monitor or video wall.

They help users display one or multiple coherent images across a video wall by processing multiple signals at once. This means that users can create sophisticated displays with the total ease of pressing a button.

How AV enthusiasts use their video wall controller, and to what extent, depends on the level of demand for their project. Some may use them only to display one image for a home cinema experience, whilst others can use it to compensate against harsh borders and stream individual snippets of information.

The possibilities are truly endless.

Where are video wall controllers used?

One of the best things about video walls and controllers is that users can define their own experience, meaning that they can be used anywhere. Essentially, anywhere displays trying to distribute information could do with a bit of a makeover, a video wall controller could be helpful. Let’s go through some:

Education: Video wall controllers are super useful in educational settings like lecture theaters, where information distribution can quickly become confusing and boring for some students. This technology allows educators to create more engaging displays to improve the flow of information.

Transport: Transport hubs like train stations or airports are centers of miscommunication at the best of times. Video wall controllers can help control room operators harness video wall technology to centralize the flow of information and display all relevant messaging from one large screen.

Business: Offices can benefit from using video wall controllers by streaming live company updates, announcements and distributing tasks across an office space. This means there is less reliance on word of mouth and everyone receives the necessary information all at once.

5 reasons why video wall controllers are recommended

It’s hard to pin an exact number on the amount of video wall controller benefits because the pros are so subjective and vary from user to user. Despite this, there are some general reasons why video wall controllers are recommended for most AV enthusiasts; let’s go through them:

They optimize your display

Controllers are the best option for users who wish to optimize their content display. When we talk about optimizing your display, we mean in terms of quality and presentation. Video wall controllers can process multiple input signals at once, making it easier

to reach higher resolutions at faster speeds, so if you’re wanting crisp quality, you’re in the right place. This is particularly important for those of you with a relatively sophisticated AV project, as more demanding systems may compromise on quality and speed without a processor of any kind.

They’re safe from cyber-attacks

In the modern world, cyber-attacks need to be at the forefront of our minds at all times. We all know how devastating hacking and cyberattacks can be, especially on AV projects, so you can take comfort in the knowledge that video wall controllers are safe from such attacks.

This is because controllers are hardware only, meaning they don’t rely on any remote networks or external operators to function. They are strictly a solid box so that you won’t get any nasty surprises around the corner (unless you spill a cup of coffee on it, which is entirely on you, sorry!).

They allow you to display multiple images on a collection of screens

Video walls aren’t just for the home cinema experience, but they can display various snippets of information across the border. This is only achievable by using a video wall controller.

Controllers can do this by processing signals from different inputs, meaning you can integrate additional images to create a truly unique display. This is particularly important for those of you wishing to isolate various snippets of information across a video wall to improve the flow of information in your office or across your business.

Optimizes cheaper monitors

Not everyone has the budget for massive LED or rear-projection cube video walls, and that’s totally fine because cheaper monitors are no longer a death sentence! Typically, thick borders or ‘bezels’ as they are known in the AV world, can disrupt the overall quality of an AV project and take away that cinematic effect, meaning that image transition looks a little sloppy and the overall production loses professional quality.

But fear not because video wall controllers can mitigate this by having a particular function to compensate against these harsh borders. So, if you’re on a tight budget, you can still benefit from high-quality productions for a fraction of the price!

Easy to operate and maintain

Video wall controllers are relatively simple in terms of operation because they’re purely hardware, meaning that you don’t need to fiddle with networks or worry about compatibility with your other technologies or systems.

This is a good thing for those of us who aren’t tech wizards and require more straightforward access to our AV technologies. In short, they’re great on the accessibility front!

How to select the suitable video wall controller

When selecting your video wall controller, it’s essential to keep your individual user needs in mind. The beauty of most AV systems is that they’re entirely customizable to your requirements, meaning that you don’t need to invest in expensive gear if your project doesn’t need it.

Selecting the right equipment for your project may also mean you benefit from higher quality productions, as you’re more likely to use the equipment to its fullest extent.

It’s also important to consider what environments you’re likely to use your controller in, as demanding and time-critical projects like industry control rooms that function 24/7 may require more extensive and reliable equipment.

Well, there you have it, your in-depth guide to all things video wall controllers.