Laser video walls and RGB laser rear projection were a strong technology for 24/7 control rooms for many years. In many existing installations such systems run reliably and with good image quality. Even so, it now has to be assessed soberly whether maintenance, a retrofit or the move to modern LCD or LED video walls makes more economic sense.
For controlrooms the question is not which technology sounds newest. The right question is: which large-screen solution best supports operators in the specific room – with a clear view, high availability, clean operation, predictable service and reasonable operating costs?
Rear projection, LCD or LED: not a matter of faith
Laser rear projection can still make sense in existing control rooms if room depth, mechanics, maintenance access and usage are designed for it. LCD video walls such as Barco UniSee convince in many projects with their slim design, high cost-effectiveness and clean integration. LED walls are strong when seamless display, high brightness or special formats are required.
- Assessment of the existing video wall and signal paths
- Evaluation of image quality, brightness, colour uniformity and viewing distance
- Review of spare parts, maintainability and failure risk
- Comparison of retrofit, LCD, LED and complete replanning
- Integration with KVM, video wall controller, Barco CTRL or the existing control system
Making the retrofit decision properly
A retrofit is a strong option when an existing system is structurally sound but individual technical layers are ageing. Modernising the light source, electronics or control can then be more economical than a complete replacement. If, however, spare-parts risk, energy consumption, image quality or service effort tip the balance, a new video wall architecture is usually the better decision.
controlrooms plans large-screen technology as part of the control room
A video wall never stands alone. It has to fit the room geometry, sightlines, operator workstations, KVM, signal management, service and 24/7 operation. That is why controlrooms assesses not only the display but the entire situational-awareness system – from the source to the wall.
Assessment instead of a technology reflex
With older laser or rear-projection video walls the reflex is often: replace immediately. That is not always right. Some installations have good mechanics, suitable room depth and proven sightlines. Others are technically at the end of their life, cause high operating costs or no longer match today’s visualisation and service requirements.
controlrooms therefore first assesses the current state: image quality, brightness, colour, operating hours, maintainability, spare parts, signal management and future use. Only then is it decided whether a retrofit, a partial modernisation or a new LCD/LED video wall is the cleanest solution.
Technical assessment based on many years of controlrooms experience with rear projection, RGB laser, Barco large-screen technology, LCD/LED video walls and 24/7 control room operation. The right technology is evaluated for each project.
Visit our showroom in Vienna Prater or Wieselburg
Would you like to experience KVM, large-screen technology, operator workstations, ergonomics and control room planning live rather than just on a website? In the controlrooms showroom in Vienna Prater or Wieselburg we show how modern control room technology works together – from visualisation and KVM to the 24/7 workstation.
Appointments by arrangement. Your contact: Erich Strasser.
Frequently asked questions about laser video walls
Do laser video walls still make sense for control rooms?
Yes, in certain existing environments laser rear projection can still make sense – especially if the existing rooms, sightlines, service concepts and modules are designed for it. For new projects, however, modern LCD or LED video walls are often evaluated.
When does a retrofit make more sense than a complete replacement?
A retrofit can make sense if the mechanics, room concept and operating experience are good, but the light source, electronics or serviceability need to be modernised. controlrooms assesses cost-effectiveness, service life, image quality and operational risk together.
What alternatives are there to laser rear projection?
Depending on the application, Barco UniSee / LCD video walls, LED walls, decentralised controllers or software-defined visualisation platforms are options. The best solution depends on room size, viewing distance, brightness, budget, service and 24/7 requirements.
Why is video wall planning critical in control rooms?
The video wall is often the shared situational picture. If brightness, resolution, viewing angle, layout, redundancy or operation are not right, the operators’ ability to make decisions suffers. That is why large-screen technology must always be planned together with the room and the workflow.
Does controlrooms also support older video wall systems?
Yes. controlrooms analyses existing video walls, service condition, spare-parts risk and modernisation options. It is then decided whether maintenance, a retrofit or a move to modern LCD/LED technology is the better solution.