Video Walls

TelemetryOS supports multi-screen video wall configurations through three implementation strategies: native multi-display output, daisy-chained displays, and video matrix processors. Video wall capabilities scale from two-screen installations to large-scale deployments exceeding 16 displays.

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Customer Responsibility for Video Wall Hardware

TelemetryOS provides software support for video wall content, playlists, and device management. However, video matrix processors, MST hubs, daisy-chain display configurations, and related AV hardware are the customer's responsibility to select, install, configure, and support. TelemetryOS does not directly support or troubleshoot matrix processors, MST hubs, signal splitters, or third-party AV distribution equipment. Work with a qualified AV integrator or hardware reseller for assistance with these components.

Hardware Requirements

Video wall hardware scales based on display count and resolution requirements. For two-screen installations, a Node Pro with its dual HDMI output is sufficient. For three to four screens, a TelemetryOS-certified matrix processor distributes the signal from a single source. For five or more screens, dedicated video matrix processors handle signal distribution at scale.

GPU strength determines the maximum per-output resolution, CPU performance drives rendering smoothness, network bandwidth affects cross-display synchronization, and storage capacity constrains local content caching. TelemetryOS supports any resolution within hardware and display capabilities — visual quality and resolution scale with the hardware you choose.

Display Implementation Methods

Native Configuration

Native video wall configurations transmit direct signals from a single device to multiple displays via independent outputs. The setup uses a device with multiple video outputs (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C) with one direct cable routed to each display, and the operating system manages positioning and layout. No signal splitting occurs between screens.

Source resolution must exceed individual screen resolution to maintain full quality across all displays. For example, a horizontal 2x1 layout with two 1080p screens requires a 4K (3840x2160) signal, a 3x1 layout needs 5760x1080, and a 2x2 grid requires 4K. Native configurations work effectively for video walls up to three or four screens, beyond which resolution and processing limitations become a factor.

Daisy Chain Configuration

Daisy chaining connects displays in a sequential series from a single device output. The device outputs to the first display, which passes the signal to the second, which passes to the third, and so on through the chain. This approach requires a compatible DisplayPort source and professional-grade displays with DisplayPort daisy-chain support — consumer displays typically lack this feature.

Daisy chaining eliminates the need for a matrix processor, simplifies cabling, and reduces infrastructure cost, but the professional displays required are typically more expensive per unit than standard displays.

Matrix Configuration

Matrix configurations use video wall processors to distribute signals from source devices to multiple displays. Source devices feed the matrix processor, which splits and distributes the signal while handling bezel compensation and scaling. This approach supports large-scale installations of five or more displays and complex configurations with multiple simultaneous source devices and centralized signal management.

Matrix processors add hardware cost and installation complexity. Processor performance defines the maximum resolution and display count, and a single processor failure can impact all downstream displays.

Video Matrix Processors

Video wall processors — also called splitters, matrix switchers, video wall controllers, or signal switches — accept multiple inputs and distribute them to displays in controlled patterns. These devices split single signals or organize multiple signals across displays according to configuration requirements.

The matrix device handles signal processing, reducing graphics card requirements on the source device. Input and output resolution specifications must align with source device and display capabilities — output resolution cannot exceed the source device maximum. For example, a 1920x1080 signal distributed across four screens results in 480x270 per screen, so resolution division affects content clarity and may introduce unintended blurring.

Multi-Stream Transport (MST) Hubs

MST hubs connect to source devices via DisplayPort or USB-C and support up to four screen connections, emulating multiple independent outputs from a single port. They simplify cable routing compared to direct multi-screen connections, but the four-output limitation makes MST less suitable for video walls exceeding four screens.

The key difference between matrix processors and MST hubs is how they handle signals. Video wall processors take a single 1080p or 4K signal and split or stretch it across multiple screens. MST hubs receive multiple independent signal outputs from the source device and route each to an individual screen — each display receives a discrete signal as if directly connected to the device.

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MST Port Requirements: MST hubs are not compatible with HDMI connections. MST technology requires DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, or Thunderbolt cable connections. Verify connection type compatibility between your source device, hub, and displays before purchasing.

Video Wall Configuration in TelemetryOS

Aspect Ratio Calculation

Video wall aspect ratios derive from the combined dimensions of all displays. A standard single display uses a 16:9 (landscape) or 9:16 (portrait) ratio. For multi-display walls, multiply the base ratio by the display count in each dimension: a 1x2 horizontal layout produces 32:9, a 1x3 horizontal produces 48:9, a 2x2 grid maintains 16:9, a 1x3 vertical produces 9:48, and a 2x3 grid produces 32:27.

Playlist Aspect Ratio Configuration

Playlists configure with aspect ratios matching the physical video wall layout. The setting is found under Playlist Configuration > Aspect Ratio and supports standard ratios (16:9, 9:16, 4:3) as well as custom ratios for specific video wall requirements. The playlist editor preview updates to match the configured layout, supporting accurate content positioning during design.

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Aspect Ratio Display Note: The playlist aspect ratio setting provides editor preview convenience and does not affect device output. It enables visual matching to the physical layout without impacting actual display output.

Playlist Zones

Playlist Zones partition playlist pages into separate content sections, allowing each zone to present independent material with boundaries aligned to the physical layout. For example, a 2x2 screen grid can map to four zones — top-left, top-right, bottom-left, and bottom-right — each displaying unique content on the corresponding physical screen. Set zone dimensions to match individual display resolutions, position zones to map to the physical arrangement, and assign content independently per zone.

See Playlist Zones for detailed zone configuration.

Bezel Compensation

Display bezels create gaps between screens in video wall configurations. Compensation methods include content scaling, zone padding, or matrix-processor bezel compensation to manage seam visibility. Bezel width — typically 1 to 5mm per side — impacts visual continuity across displays, so content design should account for bezel gaps or use matrix processor compensation where available.

Common Use Cases

Video walls serve a wide range of deployment scenarios: large-format brand displays in corporate lobbies (2x2 or 3x2 configurations), product showcases in retail with multi-angle presentations (horizontal 1x2 or 1x3 layouts), multi-source monitoring in control rooms (2x3 or 3x3 grids), high-impact event displays with synchronized video (2x1 or 3x1 horizontal), large-scale information displays in transportation hubs (2x4 or larger grids), and replay displays and statistics boards in sports venues.

Configuration Specifications

Video walls configure through a combination of hardware setup (display arrangement, signal routing), operating system configuration (display positioning), and TelemetryOS playlist settings (aspect ratio, zones).

Required preparation includes display arrangement and mounting, a chosen signal routing method (native, daisy chain, or matrix), operating-system display placement, and playlist aspect ratios aligned to the physical wall footprint. Optional configuration includes playlist zones, bezel compensation via matrix processor or content design, display synchronization settings, and content-specific scaling or positioning.

Native topologies are typically practical up to three or four displays depending on hardware. Daisy chaining requires professional displays with DisplayPort in/out, and matrix deployments add hardware cost. Total source resolution must cover combined output, positioning must remain precise for seamless flow, bezel gaps need compensation, and network bandwidth affects synchronization for distributed walls. Display layout settings can vary by platform after OS updates.