Systems Contractor News - The Integration Guide to Video Displays and Mounts - Dec 2023

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MAGAZINE

THE INTEGRATION GUIDE TO

VIDEO DISPLAYS AND MOUNTS

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A SUPPLEMENT TO

MAGAZINE

THE INTEGRATION GUIDE TO

VIDEO DISPLAYS AND MOUNTS

SPONSORED BY

ABSEN • CHIEF • LG BUSINESS SOLUTIONS • PLANAR • PHILIPS PROTECTIVE ENCLOSURES COMPANY • SONY

VIDEO DISPLAYS AND MOUNTS INTEGRATION GUIDE All-in-one solutions not only enhance the meeting experience but add flexibility with the ability to be wall mounted or used on a movable stand.

CONTENT

VP/Content Creation Anthony Savona Content Director Mark J. Pescatore, Ph.D. mark.pescatore@futurenet.com Senior Content Manager Wayne Cavadi Group Art Director Nicole Cobban Art Editor Rob Crossland

The Choice Is Yours Experts Debate Video Wall or LED Panel for Conference Room Display

Production Managers Nicole Schilling, Heather Tatrow A DV E R T I S I N G S A L E S

Managing Vice President of Sales, B2B Tech Adam Goldstein, adam.goldstein@futurenet.com SALES

By Wayne Cavadi

A

couple of years into the post-pandemic era of the workplace one thing has been made clear: The hybrid model is here to stay. However, that doesn’t mean that all remote workers are thrilled with the technology behind it. That makes creating the perfect conference room for in-person and remote participants pivotal to employee satisfaction and productivity.

What is the best display for a conference room? Should you go with an LED panel or video wall, and which aspect ratio is best to accommodate all participants in the room or offsite? We asked some Pro AV experts what to look for when picking out the right solution to make videoconferencing and presentations inclusive for every participant.

Unique Advantages Simply put, whether an integrator goes with an LED panel or a video wall depends largely on both the size of the room and the budget. While those are among the first two considerations, there are plenty of others.

“Consider the type of content that will be displayed,” said Rob Meiner, technical sales engineer at Peerless-AV. “If presentations or content require a specific size or resolution, this could factor into which choice would be best. Something else to consider is how the display will integrate with existing AV equipment, videoconferencing systems, and control systems. Ensure the chosen solution is compatible with established infrastructure to allow for seamless use.

“The physical layout of the room also plays a role,” he continued. “Envision how the display will fit within the room’s design and whether it will obstruct viewing or interfere with the room’s acoustics.”

Another consideration is whether an LED panel or video wall is more advantageous, because both have their positives. “The advantages for single-panel LEDs are that they are bezel-less, easy to install, have no calibration complications, and are easy to maintain due to front serviceability,” explained Victoria Sanville, director, corporate and public sector sales at LG Business. “These single-panel LEDs also have image quality that supports the ability to view typical spreadsheet and PowerPoint style office content without the distraction of bezels or improperly calibrated or aligned video wall displays. Logistically speaking, LED panels are much simpler to transport and set up, as they can be broken down into parts and set up in kits.” “dvLED video walls also present their own unique advantages,” Meiner added. “They offer flexibility, adapting to various spaces and layouts, making them suitable for many conference rooms.

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VIDEO DISPLAYS AND MOUNTS INTEGRATION GUIDE

From left, Rob Meiner, Victoria Sanville, Musfik Dogancay, Terence Migas

Video walls provide superior image quality, color uniformity, and brightness, even in well-lit environments. The scalability of this type of display is a key strength, enabling users to expand the display by adding more panels as needed.”

Terence Migas, AV design engineer at Solutionz, added that video walls also have the advantage of an array of available mounting options, including curved and corner panel options.

“Single-panel displays are undeniably more accessible [due to budget], and that is a significant advantage,” said Musfik Dogancay, executive director at JKL Technologies. “While there are size limitations for larger spaces, they are large enough for many conference rooms. Their ubiquity also makes them easy to physically install and support since they don’t require specialized skillset.

“Video walls,” he continued, “provide larger images, but selection of the right product—dot pitch, for example, is critical for applications where the users are close to the image—is important.

The size of the room and size of image required is the most important criteria, as video walls have a larger entry cost, require more specialized installation labor, and support needs to be planned in advance to avoid replacement challenges later. In many cases, in conference room spaces, video wall brightness needs to be turned down significantly reducing their usefulness.”

Don’t Get Ratioed While 16:9 is the widescreen standard for videoconferencing displays, the 21:9 aspect ratio is growing in popularity and is certainly one of the latest trends. So, is there a “right answer” in finding which aspect ratio is best? There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are factors to consider.

“I continue to advocate for the use of the 16:9 aspect ratio,” Migas said. “However, I believe that as more people become aware of the benefits and options offered by 21:9 displays, there will be a growing demand for them. I apply AVIXA’s recommended standards to determine the optimal display size. In the case of a videoconference room, I typically opt for a size slightly larger than the standard recommendation. However, when using a 21:9 display, I do not choose a larger size, since it provides screen space for the far side participants.”

“We always start with a discovery session or site walk to determine how a customer is using the space they want to deploy the technology in, as every space and every customer is unique,” Sanville said. “We’re definitely seeing a trend of customers leaning toward 21:9 displays, as it is particularly compatible for those who 4

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use Microsoft Teams. We are also seeing customers utilize 21:9 for other applications where wide viewing angles are required. Overall, 21:9 seems to be the preferred display ratio these days.”

What is it about the 21:9 aspect ratio that makes it so appealing for conference rooms? “The 21:9 aspect ratio offers additional horizontal screen space, making it beneficial for presentations featuring wider content,” explained Meiner. “This includes panoramic images, expansive spreadsheets, and the ability to display multiple side-by-side windows, enhancing the viewer’s immersive experience. It is particularly well-suited for creative and design-focused presentations, where the broader canvas allows for greater artistic expression.”

Mount Up Once the decision is made on which solution suits the conference room best, the next step is to get the displays installed. Migas is quick to point out that the space requirement for a video wall is dependent on AVIXA’s recommended standards and aspect ratio of the view wall.

Dogancay recommends articulating arms for both ease of installation and maintenance. “Single panels are starting to push the limits at 85 inches on an articulating arm,” he said. “Typically, we see displays up to 65 inches on articulating arms for day-to-day use, and anything above 65 inches are on articulating arms for maintenance purposes. There is significantly more hardware being mounted behind displays in the last few years and accessing them—especially behind larger displays—gets harder.”

One of the latest trends are all-in-one displays. For LG, if an all-in-one display is the solution, the sky is the limit. But it isn’t simply the size of the screen, but also the space available that needs to be examined.

“When it comes to single panel mounting, there are really no restrictions,” Sanville said. “All-in-one single LED panels can be mounted on the wall or on a movable stand, and it’s possible to accommodate displays of any size requested by the customer. A single mount can be used for screen kits up to 217 inches.

“The amount of physical space needed around the display varies depending on the product,” she added. “For standard LED systems, we generally recommend leaving a minimum of 3 inches of clearance around the outer edges of the screen to allow for proper installation and heat dissipation. However, some products, like LG all-in-one displays, need additional space due to their unique wall mounting method.”

Video walls tend to be larger, thus space and mounting require extra attention. “The space required for a video wall installation is contingent upon the specific attributes of the video wall, the room’s layout, and the envisioned purpose,” Meiner said. “Effective integration into the space and fulfillment of its intended role requires professional guidance and meticulous planning. It’s imperative that the space not only accommodates the physical dimensions of the video wall but also ensures an optimal viewing experience for the audience.”

VIDEO DISPLAYS AND MOUNTS INTEGRATION GUIDE

At Issue

Why should facilities consider 21:9 displays, and how does that impact potential mounting options?

Victoria Sanville Senior Director, Corporate, LG Business Solutions USA 21:9 displays are becoming increasingly popular, as they are particularly compatible for those who use videoconferencing platforms like Microsoft Teams Front Row. The 21:9 widescreen aspect ratio is 33% wider than traditional 16:9 displays, maximizes visibility, and eliminates wasted screen space. Mounting options for 21:9 displays are versatile. LG’s new 21:9 171-inch All-In-One DVLED display, for example, can be mounted onto a wall or a cart. When deployed on a cart, it can be rolled in and out of conference spaces as needed, offering further flexibility for end users.

Robert Detwiler Senior Director of Product Management and Training, Planar Today’s ultra-wide format displays are offering customers an expanded digital canvas that enhances unified communication for flexible work arrangements.

This broadened viewing area means users can facilitate remote and in-person videoconferences for a large group of participants, creating authentic and engaging interactions, supporting viewing of multiple content sources at a time, boosting productivity, and more. Although LED can easily accommodate nearly any aspect ratio, 21:9 can be a great way to get more screen real estate by filling the horizontal wall space in a room.

David Albright Senior Business Development Manager, Legrand|AV 21:9 displays enhance hybrid meeting equity with optimal space for showing remote participant video feeds, while also providing ample space for shared content, meeting chat, and 6

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other meeting features. Many 21:9 displays also offer optional interactivity for all-in-one digital collaboration in Teams, Zoom, or other platforms.

Increased size, weight, and interactivity requires ­high-quality mounts designed for this application. Mounts must be easy to install, with extension for service access to storage accessories for room compute and other components behind the display. Accessories for cameras, videobars, and other collaboration technologies are also important for most meeting space applications.

Trent Slyter Key Account Manager, Absen Ultra-wide 21:9 displays are transforming monitor tech with expansive canvases and MST NATIVE resolution via a single cable, eliminating the need for complex multiscreen setups.

Absen’s Absenicon enhances this with an efficient mounting system installable by two technicians in mere hours, a stark contrast to the cumbersome installation of traditional video walls. It minimizes power and data requirements with one mount, exemplifying the strides made in display technology for both practicality and visual impact.

Emilyann Allen Editorial and Marketing Director, Protective Enclosures Company 21:9 displays provide more screen space, which means more content can be displayed on one screen. This can be useful for showing more windows or other visuals at one time.

Manufacturers are producing mounts that are built to support the weight and new dimensions of these displays. Regarding protecting TVs or displays in various environments, keep in mind that currently TV and display enclosures still cater to the 16:9 world. That said, with creativity it is very possible to use an enclosure and fill the extra space between the TV’s edge and the enclosure edge using aesthetic elements.

VIDEO DISPLAYS AND MOUNTS INTEGRATION GUIDE Bruce Wyrwitzke Director of Sales North America, PPDS 21:9 displays are becoming more popular, offering a broader and even more inclusive view, especially useful for showing multiple content feeds on one screen. So, it’s no surprise that for this aspect ratio—easily achievable with our Philips dvLED 6000 Series—the biggest adopters we’re seeing are corporates and education settings for boardrooms, meeting rooms, and classrooms. In these environments, 21:9 creates a perfect, more panoramic canvas for delivering multiple presentations—and in hybrid scenarios, enabling those away from the room to be properly seen on screen. When it comes to mounting options, choosing a 21:9 solution provides no challenge; there are many universal solutions to choose from. With full front access on the new 6000 Series dvLED from Philips, maintenance is not an issue.

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Joe Drury Business Manager, Professional BRAVIA Displays, Sony Electronics The consumer realm has adopted the immersive 21:9 aspect ratio for applications including gaming and multimedia. As interest in ultrawide displays grows on the professional side in corporate and education environments for digital signage, productivity, and meeting equity—and wider fields of view and enhanced levels of detail become more desirable—there are considerations. The expansive display size requires integrators and facilities to plan accordingly to accommodate these atypical sizes, orientations, and differing depths with mounting solutions that provide accessibility to connections and maximize display usage and engagement. Ultimately, having a seamless, secure installation and dynamic viewing experience is paramount.

VIDEO DISPLAYS AND MOUNTS INTEGRATION GUIDE

Chief Ultrawide Micro-Adjustable Static Wall Mount

LG All-In-One DVLED

Chief’s Ultrawide Micro-Adjustable Static Wall Mount, Extra-Large Kit (KITXWXSM1U) leverages Fusion features for displays with 21:9 aspect ratio and ultrawide mounting patterns (up to 1954x600mm) in a secure, easy-to-install solution. ControlZone Leveling fine tunes height and Centerless Shift provides lateral shift post-installation. The Extra-Large Pull-Out Accessory (FCAXV1U) adds almost a foot of wall extension for servicing and accessibility. Mount in landscape or portrait orientation (KITXWXSM1UP) for conferencing or digital signage applications.

LG’s new 21:9 171-inch All-In-One DVLED display (model LAED015-GN) is the ultimate widescreen solution with a total resolution of 2,560x1,080 pixels. The display, which is 33% wider than traditional 16:9 displays, provides an immersive viewing experience that matches the format of the popular Microsoft Teams and Front Row collaboration platform, maximizing visibility and eliminating wasted screen space.

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Sony BRAVIA 4K HDR Displays Sony’s new professional BRAVIA 4K HDR displays for commercial environments—the BZ50L, BZ40L, BZ35L, BZ30L and EZ20L series—range from 43-98 inches. They are reliable options that provide remarkable picture quality, broad compatibility, sustainability features, and align with Sony’s Alliance Partner Network. A unique differentiator of the lineup is the bright BZ40L series, which features a Deep Black Non-Glare Coating that offers high haze and low reflection, while maintaining deep blacks and high contrast.

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USA-Based

VIDEO DISPLAYS AND MOUNTS INTEGRATION GUIDE PPDS Philips 6000 Series Bring the bigger picture to connected board and meeting rooms with a Philips 6000 Series—a native 16:9 dvLED delivering clear picture quality and crisp detail on a truly flexible canvas. Size up to an ultra-wide 21:9 or super-ultra-wide 32:9 ratio for ultimate viewability, opening all the possibilities available from your professional display. Available in 27-inch landscape panels offering 0.95, 1.2, 1.5, and 1.9 pixel pitch options, offering freedom to adapt to any indoor space.

Planar UC Complete Planar UC Complete is a family of seamless, wide-view LED video wall displays designed for videoconferencing, unified communications (UC), and hybrid meeting rooms. Planar UC Complete video wall displays enable life-sized, high-resolution videoconferencing windows and document sharing when used in conjunction with today’s most popular meeting room solutions.

With 21:9 and 32:9 aspect ratio configurations, the displays facilitate authentic and engaging videoconference experiences between remote participants and in-room colleagues.

Absen Absenicon Ultrawide 21:9 and 32:9 Elevate meeting experiences with Absen’s Absenicon Ultrawide LED screen. Designed for the modern boardroom, these 21:9 and 32:9 display solutions deliver unparalleled visual quality, ensuring a natural and productive hybrid meeting environment. Embrace the future with Absen’s technology for an enhanced visual experience.

Protective Enclosures Company TV Shield PRO The TV Shield PRO and The TV Shield PRO Lite protect TVs and displays from potential damage. The TV Shield PRO is a weatherproof, secure, and robust protective outdoor TV and digital signage cabinet. The TV Shield PRO Lite is perfect for indoor TV protection or outdoor applications that need strong screen defense rather than full weatherproofing. These enclosures are used at high-traffic buildings, businesses, schools, hospitals, and more.

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