Unified Visualization and Video Wall Control across Campuses in Higher Education

Original Source: https://vuwall.com/unified-visualization-in-higher-education/

Consolidating Visualization Management Across Higher Ed Campuses with the TRx Centralized Platform

The technology supporting higher education is rapidly evolving to meet the growing needs of students and faculty, both in-person and off-campus. The most visual example of this transformation is the adoption of digital displays. It is reshaping methods for content distribution and visualization experiences across many campus applications. The challenge is seamlessly sharing, distributing and visualizing content across different displays, devices, and video walls throughout a college campus.

A centralized unified visualization solution provides display management and content routing across a multi-room and multi-application ecosystem, with the same user experience for all visualization needs. A centralized platform can be used throughout many different applications across campus such as campus security operations center, visualization studios, classrooms & auditoriums, laboratory monitoring, sports venues, e-sports, and flexible learning centers. VuWall provides unified visualization and video wall control solutions for the most effective distribution of visual information from any source to any display. Higher education facilities benefit from a flexible, versatile, and interoperable solution.

The focus of this article will cover 3 higher education applications where VuWall systems can bring value to the deployments:

1 – Campus Security Operations Center

The campus Security Officer has an integral and proactive responsibility for creating a safe environment – preparing for all hazards and actively promoting a safer place to study, work, and visit. The campus Security Operations Center monitors and responds to security incidents. VuWall’s TRx Centralized Management Platform provides operators with the visual information to monitor, assess and respond accordingly.

CHALLENGES

• High staff turnover requires constant need for training
• Lots of information from many different systems
• Multiple users from various departments
• Ability to share information with state, local and federal officials when necessary
• Need to share information with campus staff and executive team
• Ability to easily process messaging and notifications

REQUIREMENTS

• Intuitive end user operation
• Ability to automate user workflows and tasks
• Easy for users to customize with No Programming Skills
• Ability to directly integrate with video management systems
• Granularity of user privileges

RECOMMENDED SOLUTION

VuWall’s TRx Central Management Platform allows for the easy control of sources and how they are presented on a video wall. Thanks to VuWall’s VMS plug-in, the video wall can be controlled directly from within the Genetec or Milestone User Interface, so operators only need training on one interface. VuWall offers other feature-rich enhancements such as the Color Detection Server for the automation of workflows by being able to detect changes to monitored systems and then automatically triggering workflows to deal with incidents or calls as they occur. The VuWall TRx software also features User Rights Management with Active Directory and can even be part of a digital signage and a messaging system to help alert staff, students and visitors.

2 – Sports Facilities

Campus sports facilities, such as gymnasiums, auditoriums, and esports, are designed for a wide range of sporting and large-group events. The technology supporting sports facilities should be open and versatile. Ideally, a single AV solution would be used for all visual applications required for sports venues including public safety, AV source distribution, visualization, and digital signage.

CHALLENGES

• Campuses often support many sports venues such as football, baseball, and basketball, each with additional spaces such as sponsor suites, multipurpose rooms, and fan engagement areas
• Overlapping needs for live video production, display control, and campus security
• View and control of lots of displays with various of resolutions
• Too many systems that cross over applications but do not fulfill all the needs

REQUIREMENTS

• Systems must integrate in a mixed environment with broadcast, AV and IP/IT
• Must support non-standard display resolutions and large format display canvases
• Centrally controlled solution for system commissioning, content visualization, content sharing to multiple venues and monitoring of devices
• Easy to use and fully customizable by the end user with NO programming
• Real-time, near zero latency of live content is a must.

RECOMMENDED SOLUTION

TRx provides a centrally controlled solution for system commissioning, content visualization, and content sharing to multiple venues and monitoring of devices. Ideal for live events, TRx distributes content in real-time with near-zero latency. VuWall’s TRx provides a very simple HTML web-based control interface for quick system changes. This single solution can be used for public safety, AV distribution, display control, signage control and source content to and from a live production suite. Along with VuWall’s VuStream 500 series of encoders and decoders, get real-time AV distribution around a facility. These video streams can also be shared with other venues, helping reduce duplicate head-end source needs.  The TRx system also provides a Control Panel Designer providing the end user with a “PowerPoint” style interface to create and customize the system to specific needs without any programming.

The content of all video walls, individual displays, and groups of displays can be changed with the single push of a button or based on schedules. Support for time and date clocks, RSS tickers and other important information can be shared around a venue for better fan engagement. Public Safety teams can use the same system but with special user rights that prevent others from seeing and controlling their resources, keeping them separate from other operational needs. Everything is secured, granular, and under one complete ecosystem.

3 – Multipurpose Rooms

The technology in multi-use rooms must be flexible and easy to use to accommodate various applications. Visualization should enable frequent change based on the application in the space, such as campus tours, presentations, esports events, campus club and organization meetings and other events. Users should be able to create their own control panel, multi-window layouts and system customizations.

CHALLENGES

• Lots of different user levels, not necessarily trained on the technology
• Many different departments/users use these spaces. Constant changes are required
• Many different source requirements: local, remote, wireless and application
• Visualization needs change based on the application of the space such as campus tours presentations, advanced multi-source windowing, E-Sports game monitoring, etc

REQUIREMENTS

• Want impact, WOW factor and high performance. Must have “high tech” feel
• System is controllable via Interactive touch control option
• Must be super intuitive and easy to use with minimal or no training
• Must support large canvas with non-standard resolutions

RECOMMENDED SOLUTION

VuWall’s PAK video wall nodes and VuStream 500 Series of encoders & decoders, all powered by the TRx software are an excellent fit for this application. TRx provides an easy-to-use and intuitive drag-and-drop interface which includes a Control Panel Designer tool to allow anyone with basic “PowerPoint” knowledge to create their own custom user experience. Adding VuWall’s ControlVu touch panel would allow users to bring any source onto any display or video wall presented in any desired layout. TRx, built on an open architecture is interoperable by design, making it compatible with various brands and formats, facilitating harmonious and seamless operations when using various products and systems in a single AV environment. The PAK video wall nodes boast extreme versatility and flexibility as well, allowing rooms to quickly be customized to their needs and provide a reliable solution to such spaces that often draw large audiences. The VuStream 500 Series provides high resolution with a near-zero latency AV distribution option with USB routing and easy multi-view management.

VuWall’s Unique All-in-One Higher Ed Campus Solution

VuWall has created one flexible, scalable, and interoperable solution to manage and control it all. Public safety/campus security, sports facilities, and multipurpose rooms are just a few key environments for this solution. Our solutions can bring any source into the audiovisual ecosystem and easily allow someone to manage and control the content.

Our TRx is a single software platform that can distribute AV-over-IP content and provide advanced video wall management and control. TRx is a centralized management platform for configuring and operating multiple video walls, multiviewers, encoders and decoders. This single solution can be used for public safety, AV distribution, display control, signage control and source content to and from any source to any display. The solution simplifies AV-over-IP projects with easy drag-and-drop options and without the need for any programming.

Learn more about optimizing your campus visualization solution. Speak to a video wall expert at VuWall today or better yet, get a demo and see how it works.

Streamline Video Wall Content Management in Security Monitoring Environments

Original Source: https://vuwall.com/streamline-video-wall-management-in-security-monitoring/

Increasing Efficiency in Control Rooms

Control rooms are vital for organizations to efficiently and effectively monitor information streams and make informed decisions. Control room operators rely on multiple information streams to make accurate mission-critical decisions. The ever-increasing number of content sources and applications available to control room operators has created a unique challenge in managing content quickly and efficiently.

THE CHALLENGE in Security Monitoring Control Room Environments

Unique to the security industry, control rooms typically utilize a software-based system management solution (VMS – Video Management System) to manage the security infrastructure, such as cameras, video servers and other security resources. The security video management software is the tool operators use all day long and is optimized for desktop work at the operator station, but is not designed to manage content on video walls where operators need to share information with colleagues in the control room. The video wall is also used to show general information that is valuable for all operators but that is not part of the VMS, like social media feeds, weather information, maps, etc…

The video wall in a control room is typically managed through a separate software application, which means operators need to switch between their VMS and the video wall management system, which can become cumbersome, especially in crisis situations. The final result leads to a complex non-intuitive solution that requires the end user to operate two different software applications, leading to complex management and increased decision-making time.

THE SOLUTION with a Centralized Management Platform

VuWall is eliminating the traditional restrictions to video wall management in control rooms with our centralized management platform – TRx. TRx is used to configure, manage and distribute virtually any source type to any display with easy drag-and-drop and no programming. TRx features an integrated plug-in to allow security center operators to manage video walls directly from their security interface i.e. their VMS. VuWall has obtained certification by the Genetec Development Acceleration Program to run with Genetec Security Center 5.10. The plugin ensures VuWall’s functionality within the Genetec ecosystem, letting operators control content without needing to switch applications, within the already-familiar Genetec software.

VuWall’s plugin allows operators to control all devices from one software application to create a seamless solution that provides unified visualization of all video assets. Operators can easily display and control layouts from any content source on video walls. They have the flexibility to utilize VuWall’s preprogrammed layouts or create custom layouts specific to their needs. The operators have complete control over the video content on the video wall. The plugin can manage IP content, control data, HDMI and local applications, such as maps and webpages. The content can be displayed on the video wall to provide a complete, end-to-end networked solution.

THE POWER of Interoperability

VuWall believes that the flexibility of control should be in the hands of the user. VuWall’s TRx solution features an open architecture to easily support third-party technology, creating a scalable, interoperable, and future-proof solution. Users can access various application components to streamline and simplify their workflows to provide the highest level of flexibility. Control room operators require a solution that supports quick reaction, especially in emergencies as environments transition from monitoring to the response. VuWall’s TRx simplifies the deployment of complex AV-over-IP projects, reducing risk and on-site deployment time.

Learn more about optimizing your security monitoring environment. Speak to a video wall expert at VuWall today or better yet, get a demo and see how it works.

Overcoming Perceived Limitations of Distributed Video Wall Technology

Original Source: https://vuwall.com/overcoming-perceived-limitations-of-distributed-video-wall-technology/

Demystifying Distributed Video Wall Technology

The growing popularity of distributed video wall technology is supported by many factors, including the increased demand for large yet cost-effective video walls, the demand for solutions that are flexible and scalable, and the adoption of AV-over-IP technology. Compared to traditional video wall technology, a distributed video wall promotes increased scalability and flexibility. It offers the possibility to integrate multiple networked processing nodes or appliances working together to create a single canvas.

UNIQUE ADVANTAGES of Distributed Video Walls

Distributed video walls provide many unique advantages over traditional video walls that use Windows-based or FPGA-based technology. Let’s have a closer look at the main advantages:

• Scalability: A traditional video wall is limited in size. It is based on the number of cards or modules that can fit in an enclosure or chassis; meanwhile, a distributed video wall is incredibly scalable – the size is theoretically unlimited. To expand a distributed video wall, simply adding another node for additional outputs or increased processing power is easy, much more feasible and more cost-effective.
• Reliability: A hardware failure with traditional video wall controllers will affect an entire video wall and would result in losing visibility of the entire video wall. Fortunately, a hardware failure in a distributed video wall deployment would only affect the portion of the wall powered by the specific node or appliance that failed.
• Cost-Effectiveness: The overall cost of a distributed video wall is significantly lower due to reduced hardware requirements. A distributed video wall eliminates bulky hardware and reduces the requirements for cables and extenders since the small form-factor of the nodes allows them to be mounted directly behind the displays instead of being installed in a distant rack. These nodes only need to be connected to power and to the network, which also removes the need for high-resolution video extenders.

PERCEIVED LIMITATIONS of Distributed Video Walls

Despite the advantages of distributed video walls, there are still some perceived limitations, but not to worry, all of these can be overcome with the right solutions. Here are some of the perceived limitations that you DON’T need to worry about:

• Configuration and troubleshooting: Since each appliance or node is driving a single display, a distributed video wall results in more devices on a network. When looking for a distributed video wall solution, it is important to consider one that offers easy configuration and troubleshooting tools.
• Latency: There is a concern in distributing everything over IP. It requires the content to be encoded, sent over the network, decoded and displayed. With today’s technology, it is possible for a distributed video wall solution to reach the same or even better latency than with traditional video wall controllers. It is an important aspect to consider when selecting the right distributed video wall technology.
• Interoperability: Typically, manufacturers support one codec or streaming protocol, which means all sources have to be encoded with the same parameters before they can be sent to the video wall. This can be a limiting factor in applications where a high variety of sources with different levels of performance and resolution need to be displayed, such as dashboards, web pages, cameras, KVM stations, etc… Selecting a control software and hardware platform, that is interoperable and can support a variety of protocols and formats, is the key to overcoming this limitation.
• Security: Network-based products cause security concerns, primarily if the underlying technology or operating system is known to have vulnerabilities, such as with Windows-based nodes, among others. This is why it is important to consider a solution that is not based on an underlying technology that is susceptible to security vulnerabilities.

Why the movement towards Distributed Video Walls?

The progress of the AV-over-IP transition, the convergence of AV and IT, the affordability of networks, display, and required equipment, and the market demand for more flexibility and interoperability, has created a unique need for a distributed video wall product that addresses and solves all of the challenges and limitations.

Rescued by the PAK!

VuWall’s PAK™ video wall nodes eliminate complicated wiring, a single point of failure, and other challenges by creating a secure, reliable, flexible and efficient networked video wall solution. Recently launched, PAK brings an innovative way to deploy and manage modular video walls in AV-over-IP environments. PAK is a networked multi-decode node that can also efficiently operate as a standalone device. For large displays, PAK can easily be stitched with other nodes to build an IP-based video wall that is infinitely scalable to power a single large single canvas. PAK simplifies video wall integration by reducing the number of endpoints, minimizing project risk and improving reliability.

As part of VuWall’s ecosystem, PAK is managed by VuWall’s award-winning TRx software platform. Together, the award-winning PAK & TRx solutions offer a fast and easy way to build and manage a reliable and flexible video wall system over a distributed network, overcoming all perceived limitations and those of traditional video walls.

Click here to request a PAK Demo

MicroLED and Centralized Video Wall Management for the Modern Control Room

Original Source: https://vuwall.com/microled-and-control-software-for-modern-control-rooms/

VuWall began a close collaboration and partnership with Samsung two years ago. It all began with Kim Rasmussen, who leads the Command & Control Room group for all of Europe out of Denmark. Since then, we’ve also been closely collaborating with other Samsung teams in the UK, Canada, and the US. Kim has graciously offered to author the article below and give us some great insights about microLED technology and modernizing today’s control rooms.

Written by Kim Rasmussen – European Business Development Manager, Command & Control at Samsung Electronics

Kim Rasmussen is the European Control Room specialist at Samsung and has more than 25 years of experience in the AV and Control Room market. Prior to Samsung, he was as an entrepreneur, owning an AV consulting company focused on developing advanced AV & LED solutions. In his spare time, Kim enjoys mountain biking, fishing, and cooking all year around on his outdoor barbecue.

The Shift in Display Technology

The early incarnation of the rear-projection cube, consisting of a projector and a screen, was the traditional and historical video solution for control rooms. The mechanics of the rear-projection cube consist of multiple displays configured like building blocks or Legos. At the time, the large displays were eye-catching solutions for displaying key details for mission-critical environments. However, the challenge was to create one complete control room display with multiple projectors and remain in sync across the entire canvas. Today, this dated technology requires regular maintenance and recalibration of the displays to remain in sync.

The adoption of more modern display technology, such as LCD and LED, has provided significant advantages for control room design. The main benefit is the simplicity of implementation and service, small footprint, and extended lifespan. Similar to rear-projection cubes, LCD has black lines in the picture, an expected lifetime of around 50,000 hours and requires calibration every year to achieve the maximum picture quality. However, the introduction of LEDs has dominated the market for the last two years. In 2019, more than 50% of all control rooms were equipped with LED.

Introducing “The Wall” MicroLED

Since then, Samsung has heavily invested in research and development to create the next generation of LED technology, MicroLED. It’s a game-changer for modern control room design and operations. Our new MicroLED display, The Wall, is a module-based display that can be configured in almost any size and shape. Like the antiquated rear-projection cube, The Wall can easily be paired with additional displays to create a large visual solution, but a significant advantage to The Wall is that it has zero bezels, meaning there are no disturbing black lines in the content. It has an expected lifetime of 150.000 hours, offer signal and power redundancy and an off-board power option.

Amplifying Visualization with Management Software

Paired with VuWall’s video wall processors, users can move the content around on their displays, create presets, visualize various sources and source types, while arranging and rearranging them on the screen in an unlimited combination of ways. It creates a flexible display solution that offers one huge canvas for the ultimate visualization experience.

The Wall implements video wall processing considerations in the display. Compared to typical LED solutions, The Wall’s MicroLED technology delivers very black surface and very high contrast to enable users to visualize more detail in their display that they wouldn’t normally see. This is a critical component of providing control room operators with the information they need to make quick and informed decisions. To amplify the visualization experience further, adding VuWall’s TRx Centralized Management Platform to manage and control The Wall enhances real-time, informed decision-making by providing a flexible solution for organizations to effectively manage and distribute any visual content on all displays surfaces and video walls, whether LCD or LED. A key benefit of VuWall’s TRx is that it’s designed for anyone. TRx software provides an easy-to-use and intuitive drag-and-drop interface to allow anyone with basic technical knowledge to create their own custom user experience.

The VuWall & Samsung Partnership

TRx is certified to be easily paired with video displays, such as The Wall from Samsung, to provide a seamless video wall solution. TRx is built on an open architecture, making it interoperable by design, to help integrators and customers easily deploy video wall projects in a multi-brand environment. With TRx, operators can easily manage and distribute AV content across The Wall with easy drag-and-drop functionality. Operators have the freedom to change layouts and control devices with a simple touch.

VuWall and Samsung have united to provide integrators and consultants with a simple approach to control room design and integration. Together, we have removed a lot of the complexity in AV deployments and reduced time and risk during field installation while providing end-users more autonomy after the deployment.

RELATED RESOURCES & LINKS

 ·         Control Room Display | Industry Solutions | Samsung Display Solutions

 ·         Samsung | The Wall

 ·         VuWall TRx

 ·         Samsung Certifies VuWall – Press Release

 ·         VuWall & Samsung | Joint Solution

 ·         VuWall & Samsung | Brochure

 ·         VuWall & Samsung | Webinar

InfoComm 2022 Recap

Original Source: https://vuwall.com/infocomm-2022-recap/

It was so great to be back on the show floor in what felt like “normal times”. There’s nothing like reconnecting with partners, customers, and industry friends in person. And although general attendance was about half of 2019, it sure didn’t feel like it. We are grateful to all the visitors and the attention that we got from our recent product launches and look forward to a very busy summer.

INFOCOMM 2022 – TOP 3 SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

1. New Tech

We demonstrated the new PAK video wall node that had been launched at ISE, just 3 weeks before InfoComm, and I’m happy to say that the response was great! Our development strategy, that has been a few years in the making, was built upon our customers’ needs, in the goal of resolving their pain points in deploying and operating video wall projects, especially in AV-over-IP environments. At InfoComm, both end users and integrators were really impressed. We were expecting some early adopters, but it turns out that everybody is really excited about the product and what it can do. The market is definitely ready for this technology!

The combination of PAK and TRx are really grabbing attention. We’ve combined a modular distributed video wall appliance with a video wall management software that includes AV distribution capabilities and a built-in control panel designer, all from a single drag-and-drop user interface. This combination brings a level of scalability, interoperability and ease of use that has not been seen before and was extremely well received at InfoComm.

With video wall projects on the rise in just about every industry, integrators and end users need something that’s easy to deploy, easy to use and seamlessly integrates with their existing infrastructure, but that can also scale easily as their needs evolve.

Our Goal? Develop powerful, interoperable tools that facilitate the installation and operation of all IP devices and applications from one easy-to-use centralized platform.

 

In summary, our booth at InfoComm had 2 major technology focuses:

FOCUS #1 – DISTRIBUTED VIDEO WALL TECHNOLOGY WITH PAK

The demand for multi-source, multi-video wall deployments is at an all-time high and continues to accelerate. The progress of AV-over-IP technology, the convergence of AV and IT, the affordability of networks, displays, and the market demand for more flexibility and interoperability, have created a unique need for a distributed video wall solution. We have addressed this market demand with the introduction of the PAK video wall node, which is used to deploy modular video walls in AV-over-IP environments. PAK eliminates complicated wiring, a single point of failure and addresses many other past challenges by creating the most efficient networked video wall solution. In line with our vision to simplify video wall integration and operation, PAK also brings versatility, scalability, and security. Learn more.

FOCUS #2 – INTEROPERABLE & CENTRALIZED VIDEO WALL MANAGEMENT & AV DISTRIBUTION

On day 1 of InfoComm, we announced the latest TRx 3.2 release – Read Press Release. TRx has been around for some time, but never before with such an extensive set of features, enhanced performance, usability and interoperability. This version also features a new plug-in to Genetec™ Security Center for a seamlessly integrated solution that allows operators to visualize IP cameras on video walls with other content sources from a single easy-to-use platform. Learn more.

2. Connecting over Cocktails

There’s nothing like a little “off the show floor” conversation with industry friends. I love seeing all our partners and customers gathering, sharing stories, and taking a load off after a long day. We hosted over 100 people at the Westgate Hotel International Bar, which was just steps away from the convention center. With the event being such a hit, there’s a good chance we’ll be back there in 2024. Big thank you to all those who made it!

3. PAK for the WIN

On the last day of the show, day 3, we got word that PAK won “Best of Show” award at InfoComm, recognized by Sound & Video Contractor, confirming the evolutionary benefits of the networked, multi-decoding device. What a great way to finish the week! The judging panel included CTS-certified technology managers, integrators, and consultants who evaluated the PAK during the show. PAK was previously honored as a Best of Show Winner at ISE 2022 by AV Technology magazine. Read Press Release.

What’s Next?

Looking forward, we will continue to focus on facilitating interoperability in the AV industry. TRx is already supporting SDVoE, IHSE, Matrox, NDI-compatible devices, and many other 3^rd party devices, and the list will continue to grow with every release. Organizations should not be expected to use different software to manage their pool of IP equipment. As this pool grows, and it will, TRx offers them a single software platform to control their entire multi-brand AV infrastructure.

Our next major event will be GSX, the Global Security Exchange, held September 12-14 in Atlanta, Georgia. Of course, we’ll be back at ISE in Barcelona and Distributech in San Diego in January, and InfoComm 2023 in Orlando. Visit our events page for a complete list of events.

GET A DEMO!

Did you miss InfoComm this year? Or did you miss the VuWall booth at InfoComm this year? That’s ok. We do great demos online or, if you prefer, we are welcoming visitors at our Canadian and German Experience Centers, located in Montreal and Stuttgart. To request a demo, click here.

Connection: the unsung soldier of AV integration

Original Source: https://vuwall.com/connection-the-unsung-soldier-of-av-integration/

5 Tips on Ensuring A Reliable AV Deployment

When designing an AV project, we want to make sure the solution will perform as expected AND have reliable performance.

• Step 1: Select the different technologies that will be used
• Step 2: Select each product based on its capabilities and its reliability

When we think about performance and reliability in an AV project, our first thoughts go to the complex technology involved in the every appliances we intend to use; and we tend to see the connectors as those little unbreakable solid state devices used to connect all our sophisticated pieces of equipment and definitely the last thing to fail.

Every manufacturer will deliver the most reliable product they can, but they don’t have control over how those products are connected with one another; the connector is this sort of “no-man’s land” between each appliance you use in your project. The problem is that there can be a lot of connections in an AV project.

If you see water dripping somewhere in your home, your first reaction will be to verify each connection before you start disassembling your dishwasher. But with AV, when you have a bad signal on your screen or your speaker, there is no visible “leaking” along the signal path and your first reaction will be to look into any piece of equipment between the source and your screen or speaker. You may even go to the most complex item in the chain or the item with which you are the least familiar. You may even question the quality of the software used to control your devices before you check your connections! We have seen this time and time again… it’s a common reaction. But is it the right one?

As a manufacturer, we can safely say that nearly 25% of the service calls we receive end up being related to a connection or cable issue. This represents a lot of time wasted by technicians in the field before they can identify a poor or broken connection which can generally be fixed in seconds or minutes!

Unfortunately, most of the time, connectors and cables are not considered in the early stages of troubleshooting. So, what is the best way to technicians from wasting their time in the field? Have a strategic approach to connectivity while designing your project and selecting your components.

I present your 5 tips on how you can minimize connection failures and optimize your AV deployments:

1) Build a design that minimizes the number of connections

Example: instead of using the combination of a matrix switch, a multiviewer and a control system to manage the content of your video walls and auxiliary monitors in a control room, use a video wall controller like VuScape, that integrates the compositing, the switching and routing to different surfaces and includes a the control panel designer to create all the control panels you need.

2) Standardize on the type of connection you are using

Avoid connections where you have to crimp on-site for digital video cable links like HDMI, DVI and DP. If you have to use extender devices that will required CATx links between them, make sure you use a proper CATx cable AND connector that meet the signal requirement that can achieve the cable length required. In other words, don’t use a CAT5 cable to achieve a 4K/60 signal over 100 meters. This scenario clearly requires a CAT6a or better. Finally, make sure to test all custom cables with a proper CATx cable tester.

3) Use manufacturers recommended connectors or extenders

Not all HDMI cables and connectors are made equal. At VuWall, we thoroughly test a series of cables and extenders to make sure they don’t affect the integrity of the signal. By selling VuWall certified cables and extensions, we guarantee the integrity of the signal all the way up to the display.

4) Adapt your connectivity strategy to the environment

Humidity, vibration, point-to-point distance, electromagnetic fields all play a role. These are important factors to consider. For example, make sure to never run your cables alongside electrical wires. If you must cross electrical wires, it is always best to cross them perpendicularly at 90 degrees. Also, make sure that your cables are pulled properly: avoid bending them too much and make sure that they have adequate support along the cable path not to damage them. Don’t overtighten your cables when using ‘’Standard’’ tie-wraps as this may cause internal damage to the conductor insulation and create a variety of other problems.

5) Don’t cheap out!

Select locking connectors as much as possible (I know it’s hard to avoid HDMI). Expensive connectors do not necessarily mean higher quality, but usually, you get what you paid for. On a $100K project, don’t try to save a few bucks on connectors and cables at the risk of having to go back on site for days of troubleshooting to end up replacing a few low-cost cables or connectors. Not only would this reduce your client’s confidence, but it will certainly affect the bottom line of the project!

Remember! Your system is only as reliable as its weakest link!

An End User Q&A – What Are They Saying About the Top 9 Control Room Challenges

Original Source:  https://vuwall.com/end-user-qa-control-rooms/

We reached out to end users, as we often do, to better understand their challenges. This article covers a selection of the responses we got from users in Emergency Response Centers and Process Control Operations Centers.

Their video walls serve as an essential part of their control room, but the video wall isn’t the end all solution to the challenges that they face every day. Let’s see what they have to say.

1. How do you deal with the flood of data?

ANSWER: The challenge is to bring together and visualize the large amounts of data from the many different systems in the control room so that the employees can do their job in the best possible way. We need to cope with the “excess” of data by constantly displaying what is most important and have access to what is currently needed while having the rest of the information available in the background so that it can be retrieved quickly if necessary.

ANSWER: The flood of data or the flood of information, rather, in our control center is increasing dramatically. For example, each deployment unit need information about individual alerting routes and availabilities, and every operator registers every call. All of this information must not only be managed by the dispatcher, but must also be addressed in seconds. An inappropriate process and lack of a proper system to instantly manage it, leave too much room for errors.

2. Do you have too many screens on your desk?

ANSWER: All essential systems are permanently connected to designated screens and are operated directly from there. Additional screens are often assigned additional information or, if they are not required, they are switched off and only switched on again when necessary. It is important that all essential information is visualized on the large main screen, currently mostly static, but sometimes more dynamic.

ANSWER: The large amount of information to be managed requires more and more monitors. It would, of course, be most desirable that only the most critical information is displayed, and only displayed during the active work phase (e.g. query, decision, alerts, support, resolution). Just like in a modern aircraft cockpit.

3. How is equipment obsolescence handled in your control room?

ANSWER: Since ISO27001 it has not been an issue anymore, but an ongoing task.

ANSWER: We haven’t had issues with systems becoming obsolete. Our control center undergoes regular updates, although there are some exceptions.

4. What challenge have you faced with the collaboration and communication between the operators and other stakeholders?

ANSWER: COVID-19 has certainly brought about new ways of working here where video conferences has become a permanent method of internal communications. Currently, the conferencing systems are completely independent from the control room systems, as the control room technology isn’t prepared for an integration.

5. Do you work with many different systems? As a result, have you experienced interoperability issues between the different systems?

ANSWER: Yes. Some. For example, there are problems moving the mouse pointer over several system platforms with the KVM system, because there are no compatible drivers (common to all KVM manufacturers).

ANSWER: This is one of our biggest problems. With new technologies constantly emerging, often new standalone solutions without any integration with the control center system due to missing interfaces, more and more data must be transported manually by the dispatcher.

6. Any challenges with ergonomic factors like tiredness, noise, lighting, distractions, etc.?

ANSWER: With our new control room, we have succeeded in addressing ergonomic considerations. The COVID-related creation of alternative workplaces was the biggest challenge here. We had to quickly set up emergency workplaces at different locations, and in some cases, drastically slimmed them down.

ANSWER: Ergonomics certainly play a role, but they have been doing so for a long time, and so not a recent challenge. Control centers that were built following the latest ergonomic specifications, are mostly still up to standard.

7. Any challenges with “Ease of use” of the systems?

ANSWER: Fundamental and frequent changes in the operation of systems (e.g. Windows) are innovative, but massively disruptive.

8. Do you also see the trend that more and more data comes via IP?

ANSWER: Yes, on many of our systems, but for the visualization in the control room, these are managed via KVM.

ANSWER: Yes, definitely.

9. Will remote work become an issue for you?

ANSWER: Due to the COVID-19, this is unfortunately a reality and I believe that it will remain this way.

ANSWER: In our control center, there is no option to work remotely. For such demanding application scenarios as ours, the process only works with a physically present team. However, in the entire control center world, I do believe that this is a trend that could work for many.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Addressing Control Room Challenges

VuWall is focused on developing video wall management and AV distribution solutions that enable interoperability between systems and offer ease of use from our TRx centralized platform with easy drag-and-drop operations. Our visualization solutions are designed to reduce integration risk and time and improve operational efficiency. Our team of experts are here to help you design the most efficient control. Learn more about our Free Design Services here.

RELEVANT RESOURCES

• VuWall’s Control Room Solution
• WEBINAR: New Trends & Critical Considerations for Control Room Design & Display Solutions (Presented by VuWall, Samsung, EENA 112, CCD)
• Article: 3 Steps to Building an Integrated Control Room with a Seamless Visualization Experience
• Article: 3 Ways to Increase Productivity in a Control Room