Videowall Processor Features
Dedicated Video Bus
Centralized videowall processors use a data bus to transport video from their inputs to their outputs. Some systems incorporate a dedicated bus for this purpose, while other systems use a common bus for transferring video as well as other inter-system communication. Use of a dedicated video bus ensures that the transfer of video data is not impeded by other activity, providing more reliable, stutter-free video playback, and ensuring the processor responds to user commands in real-time.
Scalability
Some end users will want to add more input or output channels over time. This may be part of a phased installation, or an unforeseen upgrade. While some processors are easily expandable, some have a “fixed configuration,” and cannot be changed after leaving the factory. Other videowall processors are upgradeable, but may require on-site support from their manufacturers to make hardware configuration changes. For a distributed videowall processing system, or a centralized videowall processor that accepts sources streamed over a network, potentially up to hundreds of input sources may be supported.
Redundancy & Accessibility Features
For videowall processors used in missioncritical or 24/7 environments, redundant and hot-swappable components are essential. Redundant, hot-swappable power supplies keep processors running during a failure, and facilitate replacement without powering down the unit. Hot-swappable fans can quickly and easily be replaced if necessary. The ability to replace these components, without removing the videowall processor from the rack will minimize downtime.
Upscaling and Downscaling Quality
Maintaining image quality is crucial for videowall processors, which often display large images at high resolution, or downsize images into smaller windows or “thumbnails.” Depending on the quality of the image processing, scaling sources up or down from native resolution can compromise image integrity. Poor scaling can produce artifacts, which can make imagery ineffective for applications requiring critical analysis of images.
Accurate Input Detection
Incoming source signals can vary widely in signal format and resolution. Quick, accurate input detection and configuration of input sources is ideal. Slow auto-detection can produce blank windows that are presented for an undesirable length of time when switching between window layouts or input sources. Inaccurate input signal detection can result in images shifted horizontally or vertically, displayed at the wrong aspect ratio, or presented with other visual distortions and artifacts. Manual programming to correct these issues for each input can add weeks of programming that could have otherwise been avoided if quick and accurate input detection was supported. This capability also makes integration of new sources, or temporary sources such as guest laptops, simple and easy.
HDCP Support
High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection, or HDCP, is an encryption system widely used for content delivered by Blu-ray Disc players, satellite and cable TV receivers, and PCs. To properly display digital encrypted content, all devices in the signal chain must be HDCP-compliant. The increasing use of digital video sources has made HDCP compliance a growing requirement for videowall processors.
Multiple Output Resolutions
Some videowall processors can output multiple signal formats simultaneously. This is useful for systems that incorporate displays of various resolutions, such as a videowall comprised of large 1920×1080 projection cubes flanked by 1366×768 flat panels as auxiliary displays. However, processors limited to one output format should feed a signal at the native resolution of the videowall displays. For auxiliary displays, signals from the processor may be upscaled or downscaled to match their native resolutions.
Window Borders, Titles, and Clocks
A videowall processor’s ability to add colored borders and text to source windows can be a powerful feature in many applications. Colored borders can denote the status of the content in a command and control room, such as green for unclassified data and orange for top secret data. In a traffic monitoring environment, a red border can help highlight an accident, or colors can be used to indicate traffic levels. Overlay text can be used to provide information about the source, such as the location of a reporter, and the local time. Clocks displaying the time for different 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 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 important to make certain that all required control capabilities are supported. This topic is covered in detail in Videowall Processor Control.
Application Control
Videowalls in data-driven environments such as utilities and network centers often require the ability to manage applications presented on the videowall using a keyboard and mouse. This can be accommodated by installing and operating applications directly on some videowall processors, much like a PC. Other solutions integrate hardware or networked software switching systems to manage keyboard and mouse control directly on the source machines. Software solutions require compliance with operating systems and network security requirements, while hardware solutions require more cabling and control integration.
Preview Output
Some organizations require that a smaller presentation of the videowall be viewed elsewhere in a facility, on one or two screens, or be streamed to another location. This allows other staff to see an overview of the videowall, without requiring use of a large number of display devices. Some processors provide a preview output of the videowall within the control software, or automatically generate an output that can be connected to a display. Other processors allow preview layouts to be programmed and presented on additional outputs. This method requires that the videowall processor supports presentation of a single input on different displays and different window sizes, a feature not supported by all processors.
