When building a multiple screen setup, some planning is required prior to starting any programming or content creation.
- How many screens will be used?
- Will the screens be oriented in a portrait or landscape style?
- Will the screens be arranged side-by-side, stacked, in a rectangular video wall or have an irregular arrangement?
- What is the visual effect that is trying to be accomplished?
- Will the content span all screens, some screens or multiple assets, one on each screen?
There is a large amount of variety, however understanding the end goal of the multiple screen setup is very important for moving forward with the programming and content creation.
Consider the following details:
- Visual effect that is trying to be achieved (content)
- Number of screens
- Screen size
- Screen resolution
- Screen arrangement and orientation
- Content layout (video spanning all screens, some screens or one screen)
- Layout changes
- Distances between screens and bezel correction
- Viewing distance of the audience
Hardware vs Software Solutions
For multiple screen setups, sometimes it is more effective to use hardware to take a video and span it across multiple screens. However, hardware video splitters will have less options and the setup is much more static compared to a software solution.
If software is used to split video across screens there are more options for various layouts along with the option to play content across all screens, when required. If a setup is required to play video across all screens, all of the time and the option for specific videos on specific screens is not required, the hardware solution may be the right solution. Hardware “video wall” solutions may be a viable option however those solutions are not within the scope of this document