Video Walls: The Future of Video Equipment

Today, video walls are everywhere. Concert halls, nightclubs, open-air event spaces, and many other venues employ this powerful technology, and the panels have even become affordable enough for traveling DJs to use in their stage shows. Below, we’ve outlined a few basics about video panels as a primer for professional DJs, stage managers, club owners, and anyone else interested in large-scale video.  

What are video panels?

Unlike plasma or LCD TVs, video walls are modular by design, allowing users to stitch screens together in any vertical or horizontal shape they desire. To display video, each panel has thousands of individual pixels that are only separated by a few millimeters, which makes for a crisp, vibrant picture. Watching a flat-screen TV from an angle often obscures the image, but video panels like the ADJ AV6 offer 140 degrees of viewing clarity, which makes them more ideal for a big indoor venue. They’re also less fragile than consumer TVs, so traveling DJs and live musicians can take them on a long tour without worrying about breakage.  

How do they work?

DJ video panels are made with connectivity in mind — on the rear of every panel, sturdy locking mechanisms allow for seamless links between up to 21 screens. There’s also a rigging bar on top of each panel, so that the entire wall can be hung vertically on a truss and secured with high-grade shackles. PowerCon connectors provide power to the video wall, while EtherCon cables link data from panels to a designated processor. This allows users to send information between their computer (or any other video source) and the processor, which translates it into a clear image that the LED wall creates in real time. Each ADJ panel can also be separated into four modules, in case a section breaks and needs to be replaced.  

How do they help DJs?

DJs can use tailored software like MediaMaster to have custom graphics illuminate behind them, such as their DJ name or a self-produced music video. If performers are in a giant venue, they can also capture video of themselves spinning records and have it blown up on a large screen for everyone to see. Next, multiple layers and effects can be added, expanding the possibilities for hypnotic visuals that sync in time with the music. When used effectively, DJ video panels can elevate an impressive set to a transcendent level, tying the music to potent imagery that accentuates every drum hit and bassline.  

Who else can use video panels?

This highly versatile technology isn’t limited to DJs and live musicians — public speeches, sporting events, church services, and museum exhibits are just a few other instances where video panels could be used. They’re also well-suited for corporate presentations and showcases, allowing a car company to display racing videos and detailed product specs on multiple screens, for example. Video panels make for the ultimate sports bar screen, since the panels can extend to dimensions far greater than any TV. Since the panels are modular, users can string 20 screens together on a vertical plane if they want — almost any shape is possible. If you're interested in some video panels for your own shows, check them out here! Also, give the video below a watch to learn all about these video walls from our friends over at ADJ. Full Detail Video: Quick Highlights: