Tech guide: How to choose the right video processor?

Creating an engaging and inspiring video wall presentation is about a lot more than just collecting some screens and producing some effects; it’s about using the right equipment to ensure your graphics are high-quality, fast, and functional.

A significant factor in providing this is a video processor.  Video wall processors are a central component of any well-functioning video wall setup, but how do you choose the right system for your project? 

At DEXON, we know how important it is that you have the best quality kit so you can wow your audience; that’s why we’ve created this guide to choosing the right video processor. In this blog, we discuss what a video processor is, where we use video processors, their key benefits, and how to choose the right video processor for your project. 

So, if you’re a video processor connoisseur or have only just figured out what a HDMI cable is, we’ve got you covered. 

Let’s go! 

What is a video processor?

Before we get into the specifics of choosing your very own video processor, let’s discuss what a video processor is.  A video processor is a control box that is in charge of processing input signals and transforming them into viewable content over a video wall. 

Typically, input signals come via a HDMI cable connected to a media player, PC screen, or satellite receiver. From this, video processors display the content in any size and position across a screen, regardless of the monitor bezels (boundaries). 

Video processors are a must-have for most demanding AV projects, helping users create high-quality displays and optimizing their video wall performance. A video processor displays all content in the highest quality regardless of the individual monitor’s resolution. To do this, processors act as if the wall is one giant surface instead of acknowledging individual monitors. 

DEXON’s video processors scale video up and down, project in any position and size, and manipulate the video wall to their desired effect. Video processors also allow users to assign rights to different operators, facilitating seamless collaboration!

Processors provide resolutions from XGA, FHD, and UHD while removing latency and frame rate drop due to real-time scaling and mapping. 

Where do we use a video processor?

As we’ve mentioned, video processors are used to operate video walls. Video walls are a collection of monitors used together to create one giant screen. These typically come in sizes from 4×4 to 144×72.

Users can use video walls to display a single image or isolate individual monitors to distribute a high volume of information from a single source. There’re three main kinds of video walls you can choose from: 

LCD panels: LCD panels consist of large LCD slabs that work together to display moving images. These are common in many industries due to their lower upfront cost. 

Rear projected cubes: Rear-projected cubes are an integrated solution that projects light through a screen, reducing harsh bezels and decreasing shadows. These are reliable solutions that are favorable in control rooms and settings that rely on high-quality display. 

LED: LED walls consist of LED lights that work together to create an image. This produces a bright and detailed display used commonly in advertising. 

What are the key benefits of a video processor?

You’ll likely experience many benefits when using a video processor for your demanding AV project.  Here are some of the key benefits that we think are worth knowing: 

Bezel mitigation

Unless you’re a seasoned video wall professional, you might not know about bezels. Bezels are the technical term for the borders that separate a monitor in a video wall. For cheaper video walls, such as an LCD display, these bezels may be large and disrupt proportions in a video wall display.

While this might not be a problem if you’re displaying different content on each screen, this is likely to be an issue if you’re trying to display one coherent image across your video wall. To combat this, DEXON’s high-powered processors come with bezel compensation. 

This function aims to blur the edges of images to blend pixels across a screen. This reduces the appearance of misalignment and improves image quality. 

Better control

With the help of a video processor, you can have more control over creating a dynamic display. You can choose the quality, location, and size of your content, which wouldn’t be possible without the help of a processor. 

Professionalism

A video processor is central to creating a professional and coherent display. This will positively impact your audience engagement and improve your information distribution methods. 

This is particularly beneficial in company settings where communication efficiency is critical. Having a professional-looking display can give you a technology-driven and innovative profile that impresses potential business partners and investors. 

How to choose the right video processor

Here’s a guide to choosing the right video processor for your project:  

• Consider your project needs

Before you can get out your wallet and buy a processor, you need to consider your project needs. No two projects are the same, thus, some processors may be best for different projects. 

This is also important to consider as you won’t want to invest in a very expensive product if you don’t need all the accompanying projects. So, when you’re researching the best processors for your project, ask yourself the following questions: 

‘How much control do I need over my video wall?’ 

‘What’s my ideal picture quality?’

‘What is the size of my multi-screen display?’ 

‘What are my target audience needs?’ 

• Think about your budget

One of the most important things that you’ll also need to consider is your processor budget. Depending on the model, processors can come with different price tags. This is because some processors come with more sophisticated features and may be more suitable for more demanding projects. 

Thinking about your budget when deciding on the best video processor to invest in is the best way to not overspend. After all, you don’t just want to buy a processor because of hype or for the sake of it. Think practically!

• Use the DEXON website

Luckily for you, we make your buying processor much simpler with our website. Each of our DEXON video processors comes with a simple yet effective guide that contains the specifications, configurations, and application areas. 

Having this guide to hand when you’re making your purchase helps you find your ideal application and make an informed decision accordingly. 

Final thoughts

We hope you now feel more empowered and ready to find your perfect video wall processor. Hopefully, you’ll be able to experience the true value of incorporating such an important piece of technology into your multi-screen display setup.