Top 5 Video Wall Controllers for Commercial Use

For a strong visual impact in any commercial environment, video wall controllers are essential tools to captivate audiences and communicate your message clearly.

In this guide, you’ll learn about main types of controllers, their features, and five reliable brands that help you choose the best solution for your needs.

If you are short in time, feel free to jump to the sections you’re most interested in:

What Is a Video Wall Controller?
Types of Video Wall Controllers Explained
Top 5 Video Wall Controller Brands
Which Controller Type Is Right for You?

What is a Video Wall Controller?

It can be a physical device or software that projects content onto multiple screens by splitting one image into sections, creating a single large display. This technology is widely used in control rooms, retail displays, events, and advertising to create powerful visual experiences.

Let’s review the various models and their features to determine the best fit for your business needs.

Types of Video Wall Controllers Explained

Here, we introduce six groups and then provide details for each one. For a quick review, you can jump to the table at the end of this section.

Hardware-Based Controllers
Software-Based PC & Video-Card Controllers
Cloud-Based Video Wall Controllers
FPGA-Based Controllers
Network-Based (IP) Video Wall Controllers
Embedded Video Wall Processors

Now, let's take a look at what makes each of them unique.

Hardware-Based Controllers

Unlike software controllers, these electronic devices operate independently of PCs, which makes them more stable. Using a video wall setup, they easily manage to show pictures or videos on multiple screens simultaneously.

Pros: Low latency and high performance for real-time processing, reliable with high-resolution outputs

Cons: High cost & lack of flexibility

Best for: Control rooms and broadcasting, etc., best for enormous, mission-critical environments running at stable 24/7 operation

Uses: Security surveillance, digital signage, public information displays, and event venues

Software-Based PC & Video-Card Controllers

This one uses a standard PC with operating systems like Windows, Linux,or macOS, equipped with multi-output graphic cards. However, their performance depends on the graphics card quality, software, and overall PC specifications. They may also encounter latency or stability problems when handling demanding tasks.

Though they can be pricey sometimes, software-based controllers can launch applications like maps, VoIP clients, SCADA clients, and Digital Signage software, which can directly benefit from the full resolution of video walls.

Pros: Flexible, easy to upgrade, and supports various content sources and layouts

Cons: They can be pricey

Best for: Small to medium installations like corporate offices or retail

Uses: Presentations, advertising displays, educational environments, and conference rooms

Cloud-Based Video Wall Controllers

These types of video wall controllers use a browser-based interface and are managed entirely through the cloud, allowing users to control video walls remotely via an internet-connected platform. Using these controllers, users don't need the usual complex cabling and on-site hardware. For their flexibility, they are Ideal for retail chains, corporate communications, and advertising networks. Cloud solutions often come with drag-and-drop interfaces and support for multimedia content, including video, images, and live feeds.

Pros: Remote management, no on-site infrastructure needed

Best for: Retail chains, global marketing campaigns

Examples: Some modern signage platforms offer this (like NoviSign or Rise Vision)

FPGA-Based Controllers

For improved performance and ultra-low latency, FPGA-based Video Wall Controllers use Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). One of their unique features is that these controllers can be programmed at the hardware level, making them highly customizable for data handling and processing. That's why they are the perfect choice for military centers, medical imaging systems, and high-end broadcasting. They support complex video manipulations like scaling, cropping, and real-time switching. Brands like Barco and RGB Spectrum often incorporate FPGA technology in their advanced video wall systems.

Pros: Real-time, customized logic processing

Cons: They can be pricey

Best for: Military, medical imaging, high-end broadcasting

Network-Based (IP) Video Wall Controllers

These types of controllers use IP networks and Ethernet (instead of HDMI or VGA cables) to distribute and manage video signals, displaying them on multiple screens simultaneously. A key benefit of IP controllers is remote access to video walls, allowing for changes to the displays. This makes them an ideal solution for modern control rooms, corporate environments, and digital signage networks.

Pros: Highly scalable, flexible placement, remote access

Best for: Multi-location management, modern smart buildings

Uses: AV-over-IP systems like Crestron NVX or ZeeVee

Embedded Video Wall Processors

They’re ideal if you want an all-in-one video wall solution. These controllers are either installed directly into display units or are small external boxes that you plug hardware controllers into, which reduces installation complexity and cable clutter. They’re perfect for small to medium installations where space is limited, such as retail stores, meeting rooms, and hospitality venues.

Most commercial displays, such as Samsung, LG, and NEC, have video walls inbuilt.

Pros: Small, packed together as many as possible, minimal cables

Best for: Easy plug-and-play installations

Refer to this table for a quick comparison of the flexibility and features of all the video wall controllers mentioned above.

Type of Controller	Require Separate Device	Features	Best For	Flexibility
Hardware-based	Yes	Dedicated Hardware	Control rooms, Events & Pro AV setups	Medium
Software-based	No	PC-based, customizable	Small businesses, digital signage	High
Network-based (IP)	Yes	Remote access	Smart buildings, large-scale installations	Very High
FPGA-based	Yes	Hardware level customization	Military and medical use	Medium
Cloud-based	No	Remote control and manageable via cloud	Retail chain and global signage networks	Very High
Embedded Processors	Yes (built-in to display)	Integrated in displays, plug and play	Hospitality, retail, small-scale setups	Low to Medium

Now that we have all this information, let’s see which brands stand out in the market.

Which Controller Type Is Right for You?

To summarize this content, if you're setting up a massive video wall for a stadium control room or broadcast studio, where every pixel matters and downtime isn't an option,ViewZ is the best for you.

Their systems handle enormous 20x20 video grids (400 screens!) while keeping everything buttery-smooth, thanks to their custom-built processing hardware. It's like having a tireless conductor ensuring every screen plays perfectly in sync.

Now, if you're juggling different events or installations, NovaStar brings great versatility. Think of it as a multi-tool that adapts to different venues and requirements.

But for massive permanent installations, ViewZ wears the crown.

Meanwhile, brands like Datavideo and Brightlink are the smart choices for cafes, stores, or smaller venues where you want professional visuals without too many difficulties.

To quickly review, please see the table below.

Brand

Best For

Key Highlights

Ideal User

ViewZ

Stadiums, broadcast studios, mission-critical use

Handles up to 20x20 grids, ultra-stable, FPGA-based, 24/7 operation

Government, broadcast centers, large venues

NovaStar

Versatile event setups and mixed environments

8K support, all-in-one solutions, great flexibility across setups

AV professionals, stage/event managers

Brightlink

Small–medium dynamic installations

Affordable, seamless switching, PIP features, easy configuration

Small businesses, retailers, cafes

Datavideo

Cost-effective professional visuals

User-friendly, compact, 4K ready, minimal setup requirements

Stores, conference rooms, hospitality

Matrox

Scalable, modular display control

Quad-display from one source, 4K60 input/output, compact

Digital signage networks, creative displays

For comprehensive video wall controller solutions, explore SinaPlug – your dedicated AV technology partner. Our platform enables you to:

Browse a real-time inventory of professional-grade controllers
Access expert consultations for system design and integration guidance.
Receive tailored recommendations based on your specific installation requirements

Additionally, we have different products under the "LED Display Controller" category on the SinaPlug website that you can explore.

No matter which controller you choose, it’s important to consider your specific environment, budget, and the level of flexibility you’ll need in the future. Investing in the right solution now can save you time and reduce costs as your display requirements grow. If you’re unsure, consulting with an AV professional can help you pinpoint the best option tailored to your project.