|
Americon is a full service audiovisual systems integrator specializing in video display technology and console furniture for mission-critical operations. We can meet your needs with video system solutions for small rooms, or large command and control facilities. Special design services are available for architects and consultants. Find more ideas on the Project Photos page. These photos are examples of real control rooms, command centers, call centers, emergency operations centers (EOC), network operations centers (NOC), traffic management centers (TMC), conference and training rooms.
Avoid mistakes and make the most of your investment by completing my Information Request and receive Free initial design services that can include needs analysis, space planning, product recommendations, AutoCAD drawings, site surveys, and cost estimates. Receive an immediate reply by email, or phone. Federal customers and grant holders are eligible for fast-track GSA contract purchases through Cazador.
|
 |
|
|
Technically Speaking.........
Video Walls
High performance....dependability....low cost of ownership are just a few of the attributes of modern video walls, often referred to as data walls. Video walls are comprised of individual display devices placed edge to edge to produce a larger unified display. The video wall can be increased in overall size by adding displays horizontally and/or vertically. These video walls can be configured to display either, or both video and data signals. Although some video walls are designed to display a single source on each screen as you might see in a television production studio, the most common method is to "stack" projection cubes and connect them to a video wall processor. A projection cube can be described as a "projector in a box". Projection cubes are excellent for video walls because of their large screen size relative to the depth of their enclosure. For example, there are 60 inches diagonal hi-resolution models available that are only 18 inches deep. These projection cubes are modular, easy to handle and service. Simplicity of maintenance and relative low cost of ownership are major benefits. Although projection cubes can be more expensive than their big-projector cousins, they offer many advantages that justify the higher initial cost. When married with a video wall processor, also referred to as a video wall controller, the video wall displays a Windows desktop mirroring what you'd see on a PC. Additional inputs can be added to the video wall processor to display satellite and camera feeds, as well as DVD and VCR signals. The processor allows an operator to select network applications, size and move them seamlessly across the video wall. Video walls can display a broad range of sources that allow the user to access and utilize the information in a consistent and intuitive way. As a monitoring tool the video wall enhances the user's effectiveness in responding to problems as they arise. An example of a modular, self-contained video cube wall system is the Americon DLP Visionmaster. This display system's free-standing cabinet saves floor space and money and if required, can be enclosed in dry wall.
Plasma vs. LCD
You've seen those impressive plasma flat panel displays that continue to get better and cost less. Although plasma technology has grown more dependable, it's limitations make it a better choice for conference rooms than control rooms. In particular, that pesky image burn-in problem persists regardless of what the manufacturers say. LCD, even with it's higher cost for relative smaller screen sizes, is hands-down the best flat panel technology for critical operations. LCD flat panel displays handle motion better than before, have excellent image quality, a longer life expectancy, minimal burn-in potential, use half the energy, and the list goes on. Sure, but what about plasma's blacker blacks, sharper images and better viewing angles, you say? Certainly, plasma looks great and costs less, but LCD is closing the price gap, performs great, and given plasma's drawbacks, LCD still wins.
Why pay more for a commercial grade LCD flat panel?
I can't tell you how many times I've been asked this question. Certainly there's a place for consumer grade LCD flat panel displays in a commercial setting as long as they aren't used too often, or for extended periods of time. Otherwise, if the demands are so minimal that it makes more sense to replace than repair, a lesser consumer product may well be the answer assuming the consumer product also meets performance requirements.
So, how does this apply to you? Probably not at all because if you're reading this article, you are likely someone who is researching the appropriate large LCD flat panel displays for intensive use and where product failure creates liabilities. Let's take a look at what you get for your money in most commercial LCD panel displays that you don't get from consumer grade products. It starts with better dependability, longer life and excellent return on investment. But, that's not all. You get better functionality, otherwise the rugged commercial grade will typically have more connectors than the consumer grades. And you have the benefit of longer and more comprehensive warranties. Some consumer grade manufacturers void the warranty if used in a commercial setting. Their warranties are often bare-bones 90 day to one year warranties with no on-site service or extended coverage. You have to read the fine print. Try to find a consumer grade manufacturer who will offer extended warranties up to 4 years and will provide a full unit replacement in advance with second day shipping and shipping costs included. Not likely. Simply, the longer the consumer grade display runs, the hotter it gets, which increases the likelihood of failure. That's why commercial displays have heat dissipation plates, dust inflow filters, cooling fans, and electronics that adjust the display's brightness settings depending on the ambient light, which further reduces heat output. Commercial grade displays support both landscape and portrait modes for digital signage applications and support PC screen resolutions that cheaper LCD flat panel displays often don't. And keep in mind that since consumer grade manufacturers change the appearance of their displays frequently, you're not likely to find a replacement that looks the same. Nor will the color balance match the other displays. This takes on added importance when you are using a video wall, or even when you have several displays next to each other.
Still not convinced? Consider that commercial grade displays have ruggedized housing, robust power supplies, and shielding against electro-magnetic interference that consumer grades don't. Let me conclude by saying that obviously one should consider these differences when selecting a large LCD flat panel display. Personally, I wouldn't want to be responsible for trashing the display within months of purchase, or carrying it in for repair. And who wants to explain to the boss why there's a blank space on the wall where the LCD panel should be and why a second purchase is necessary?
There's a lot more to know about video display technology. Contact me for a no-cost needs analysis to determine which video solution can improve the reliability of your operation.
See turnkey console furniture and video display system for emergency operations.
See Americon emergency management solutions on  video.
|
|
|
Jerry Herrington