When it comes to surveillance, security operators need to be able to monitor and respond to real-time information and act within seconds. And how do they do that? With a “monitor wall,” of course. Also known as a video wall, a monitor wall utilizes a multi-display setup with multiple monitors, video projectors, or television sets, all tiled together to form one large screen.
Why Monitor Walls?
The main purpose of a monitor wall is to view multiple screens and monitors at once, usually in a surveillance room, for simultaneous viewing so operators never miss a thing. When security operators have numerous video feeds in front of them, this enhances their ability to detect and respond to incidents swiftly and efficiently.
For security purposes, quality is just as important as quantity when it comes to monitor walls. Because security operators need to identify and analyze situations as fast as they can, monitor walls should display high-resolution visuals with detailed and clear imagery so operators can digest the information and act accordingly.
It’s not surprising that the effectiveness of a surveillance room hinges on the right monitor wall. In many cases, life and death can depend on the quality of this technology. In this article, we’ll dive into:
- Why monitor walls are crucial to the function of surveillance rooms
- Considerations when choosing monitor wall technology
- The latest advancements that can boost monitor wall effectiveness.
Monitor Walls for Your Surveillance Room
As mentioned before, security operators often hold life and death in their hands when they’re working in a surveillance room. Because of this, video walls provide a crucial role in helping these professionals maintain safe and efficient observation. Monitor walls provide a comprehensive, real-time perspective of various video feeds at once so that operators never miss a beat. Having this all-encompassing point of view gives operators the responsibility of scanning multiple locations simultaneously so that they’re able to help at a moment’s notice.
Switching between screens and windows can be cumbersome and perhaps even dangerous for security operators. However, the monitor wall, which contains multiple feeds on a single screen, eliminates the need for switching and reduces the risk of passing over threats. Plus, with everything in front of the operators, it accelerates the speed and ability to respond.
Multiple video feeds on a wall? Done, right? Well, it takes more than just having multiple monitors on a single screen; you also need to have the right technology to express these visuals. High-resolution displays provide critical attention and detail to images and are especially important in the realm of surveillance. Operators need to be able to identify a hazard within seconds, and high-resolution technology can save people’s lives.
The Benefits of High-Resolution Monitor Walls
Because security operators may need to act on a threat within seconds, high-resolution monitor walls can be crucial.
The benefits of this technology include:
- Being able to zoom in on a screen without sacrificing video quality. You can examine specific areas without losing sight of the big picture.
- Being able to utilize features like video analytics and notifications to provide alerts when something happens on screen, so operators can respond quickly.
- Being able to integrate the security system with other systems.
Advances in Monitor Wall Technologies
Like most technologies from the previous decade, monitor wall technology has advanced quite a bit, adding even more value to surveillance settings. Of the most notable advancements, the introduction of 4K resolution in monitor walls offers four times the resolution of standard high-definition.
What’s the difference between 4K resolution, or ultra high-definition resolution, and standard high-definition? 4K resolution displays even more detailed and clear imagery so that operators can pinpoint the tiniest of elements in the feed. They can zoom into a specific area without sacrificing quality, making it easier for operators to identify and respond to threats.
Touchscreen capabilities present another significant advancement, allowing operators to directly handle the video feeds through easy resizing, the ability to move windows, adjustment of cameras, or even highlighting areas of interest within a video feed. Not only is the technology more beneficial to detecting incidents, but it also allows operators to have more control and opportunities for response.
Software upgrades play another role in better monitor wall technology. The most advanced monitor walls integrate with other surveillance technology and provide features like video analytics, incident detection, and alarm management. Each of these amenities can support operators as they recognize potential dangers and respond to them with efficiency and appropriate action.
Finally, another monitor wall advancement that is changing the game is network-based operation, or the ability to receive video feeds over the internet or remotely from IP cameras. Network-based operation provides flexibility for operators and even the surveillance systems themselves, limiting the need for cabling or hardware customizations.
Contact Inracks
For more information on a monitor wall in surveillance settings, or to receive a quick quote on console furniture, control room design, or console accessories, contact Inracks today.
