The average video wall has a lifespan of 5-7 years. During this time, one or more LCD panels will likely need to be repaired or replaced. The mounting apparatus of the video wall should accommodate easy access to the LCD panels, facilitating easy removal if necessary. As with cooling, panel access usually goes unnoticed unless it is done incorrectly. And it probably won’t be apparent until panels begin to fail or require maintenance. Knowing what to expect ahead of time, and being able to anticipate issues before they become serious problems, distinguishes the professional video-wall installer from the amateur. Well-organized and labeled cables The larger and more complex the video wall, the more cables it needs. Some video walls require hundreds of cables each. Thus, it is crucial that all cables be professionally run and properly labeled. You may not need to trace a cable now, but two years from now – when a LCD panel has gone out and you don’t know why – you will be extremely glad you can easily identify the cables connected to that panel.
Professional-grade components Just as in the world of consumer electronics, the world of AV hardware is filled with a large variety of components with seemingly identical specs and capabilities – but built to drastically different standards. The professional video-wall installer knows what hardware lasts vs. what doesn’t, and even what cables stand the test of time vs. what don’t. The amateur video-wall installer cannot differentiate quality components from shoddy ones. Precise panel alignment Panel alignment can be the most difficult aspect of a tiled video-wall installation. Manufacturing fault tolerances in the LCD panels are significant enough to make perfect alignment very difficult – even if the right mounting hardware is used. Adjustments have to be anticipated before the installation begins. The professional video-wall installer knows the correct alignment techniques, has learned them through hours of practice, and is prepared to utilize them during installation to ensure perfect alignment. Color uniformity and appropriate settings Color uniformity is a common issue with tiled video walls. This issue can be overcome, but it often requires the use of specialized calibration equipment. The professional video-wall installer will have such equipment and will know how to use it. In addition to color uniformity, the following settings also need adjusting: * Contrast * Brightness * Backlight Running the video wall at the optimal settings is crucial to ensure lower temperatures while simultaneously producing a sharper image.