When considering a new video wall for your house of worship, what key factors should guide your decision?
First, determining your desired display size is paramount. Larger screens allow LED technology to truly shine. While high-resolution small displays are possible, LED screens excel at covering expansive areas. Typically, screens begin with a 9:16 aspect ratio and a minimum 114-degree diagonal (measured in television terms). Your final pixel resolution choice will depend on both the constructed screen size and the viewing distance of your front-row attendees.
Second, compatibility with existing infrastructure is crucial. Camera systems, switchers, and overall workflows must be evaluated to minimize disruption to volunteer teams. The visual impact of LED video walls can be so transformative that congregants might initially feel overwhelmed by the change. However, the experience should ultimately resemble upgrading from an old box television to a modern HD flat-screen – revealing previously unseen details that make the display come alive. While delivering this same wow factor, LED walls may also expose limitations in older camera systems.
Elation offers modular LED video panels that combine to create custom screen sizes. Multiple pixel pitch solutions accommodate varying viewing distances – the space between the screen and your first-row attendees. The most popular options are 6mm and 4mm pixel pitches, optimized for approximately 20 feet (6 meters) and 10 feet (3 meters) viewing distances respectively.
For houses of worship, preferred types largely depend on screen dimensions. A large 20'x30' screen typically uses 6mm pixel pitch when installed behind a stage with front-row viewers beyond 30 feet. Smaller displays increasingly favor 4mm pitch. Most religious venues opt for 9x5 panel configurations, equivalent to either a 202-inch 4mm pitch or 233-inch 6mm pitch display.
The movement toward video walls shows clear momentum as congregations seek brighter, clearer ways to deliver messages. These installations frequently replace projection systems, offering superior visibility and impact.
Video wall selection should align with content goals. Some specialize in creative visuals – featuring bendable panels, linear lighting strips, or semi-transparent "see-through" screens that can raise/lower while allowing rear projection. Others prioritize high-resolution clarity or outdoor applications.
Religious institutions should prioritize established manufacturers with proven track records. As technology matures and prices drop, numerous startups have entered the market seeking quick profits. Given that video walls typically last over a decade with proper maintenance, selecting a supplier committed to long-term support is essential. Elation brings 15+ years of experience specifically serving worship markets.
Manufacturers designing specifically for worship needs – incorporating fanless operation (eliminating stage noise), high refresh rates (ensuring smooth broadcast/recording), and other nuanced enhancements – deliver noticeable differences in final implementations.
A moderately-sized video wall with reasonable pixel density starts around $50,000, though most complete systems range between $150,000-$200,000. Extra-large screens can exceed $500,000. While compromise options exist, LED walls may not suit constrained budgets. Though initial costs surpass high-power projectors, most clients achieve ROI within 2-3 years through long-term savings.
The nature of displayed content is paramount. For intricate details like shadows or small text, larger screens produce smoother rendering. Viewing area layouts also require careful planning – sometimes three smaller screens outperform two large ones despite using identical panel quantities.
Processor selection depends on whether you're broadcasting or simply displaying visuals. Broadcast applications demand careful attention to refresh rates and Hertz processing speeds. Depending on content, you may need processors with built-in scalers or dual outputs for redundancy/split-screen applications.
Most LED walls include proprietary processors, creating integrated systems. Image scaling/processing equipment ranges $50,000-$70,000. Elation positions itself as providing the display "surface," while you and your integrator determine image delivery methods – though their global dealer network offers project-specific advice, even when recommending non-Elation products.
All Elation displays incorporate broadcast-quality processors. Their broadcast and touring series offer programmable adaptability with adjustable brightness/color calibration, including EZ, EMAG and EPT panel lines.
The company collaborates closely with clients to understand current setups and future aspirations, delivering tailored solutions through worldwide dealers.
Venue dimensions, installation feasibility, primary viewing distance, existing video equipment, and available power all inform ideal solutions. Most crucially: understanding the technical team's (or pastoral leadership's) vision. Needs differ significantly between creative visual solutions, worship support, and informational enhancement.
LED walls excel in bright environments (like windowed rooms) while maintaining quality at 20-30% brightness – which also extends product lifespan. Content transmission proves equally critical. Without signal degradation, LED walls reveal all imperfections from poorly designed or compressed video. (Try full-screening a low-quality YouTube video to understand this effect.)
Once installed, video walls operate as plug-and-play systems with standard inputs (HDMI, DVI, coaxial) that volunteer teams easily understand. However, professional installation remains essential, with dealer support recommended for large projects.
Maintenance training is advisable. Most budget panels include fans requiring regular cleaning, though anyone with electronics experience can learn quickly. Video walls comprise three primary components, all easily accessible with screwdrivers. Like automobiles, regular maintenance ensures longevity.
Software features enhance accessibility for beginners. Leading control software allows easy video wall reconfiguration, enabling many worship clients to repurpose spare panels as drum displays, information boards, or decorative elements.
Fanless models reduce maintenance needs, though their lower power may suit only certain applications.
For televised services, frame latency becomes critical. Elation processors maintain 1-1.5 frame delays (visually imperceptible), while cheaper alternatives at 3-4 frames require caution. Every additional device (switchers, scalers) between signal and screen increases latency.
