Ever-narrower bezels that allow banks of displays to be perceived as a single screen are increasing the popularity of video walls in major digital signage sectors such as retail and transportation, according to new research.

A report from Futuresource Consulting forecasts that 380,000 video walls will be installed this year, up 60 percent on 2011’s shipments.

“Recent innovations have breathed new life into this comparatively mature industry,” said Parmjit Bhangal, a market analyst with the firm. “Since 2009, LED backlight solutions have been integrated into rear projection displays, negating the costs of bulb replacement and maintenance.

“However, LCD super-narrow-bezel displays have been the real game-changer, finally offering a viable alternative to rear projection devices and plasma screens, allowing vendors to drive new revenue streams from new markets, most notably retail and public display, as well as defending their positions in video-based verticals.”

That super-narrow-bezel (SNB) category accounted for more than 80 percent of the total video wall market last year, Bhangal added.

But Futuresource does not expect rear projection to disappear just yet, with growth predicted to continue beyond 2015.

The main markets for video walls are control rooms such as air traffic control; retail and public spaces; corporate offices; exhibitions; and broadcasting.

And while it is control rooms that provide most demand for rear projection, video walls in retail and public spaces are key drivers of SNB growth.

www.futuresource-consulting.com

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