Hardware

The following figure is a conceptual diagram of the video wall system, although the actual cabling and equipment is more elaborate.

The video wall is “seen” as two displays: (i) a 24” display, set as the primary display, the one on the rolling cart, and (ii) a large display (5760 × 3024 pixels), located on the wall, and set as the secondary display.

For either computer, the smaller display extends the large one on its right and at the top, as shown on the conceptual diagram.

There are two dedicated computers whose video output can be fed into the video wall.

• One is a PC configured by Barco that runs Windows 10: a quad-core PC with 16GB memory, 256GB of SSD primary storage, a 2TB SSD as secondary storage, an NVIDIA quad-GPU and a frame grabber.
• The other computer is a mid-range server running Linux: a Dell Precision 7920 with a dual 16 cores CPU, 256 GB of memory, 8 TB of NVMe SSD storage and an NVIDIA quad-GPU.

Both computers are connected to the 24” display and the wireless keyboard and mouse via a KVM² switch that is controlled via a push button located on top of the electronics rack. This switch selects which computer is connected to the keyboard, mouse and the 24” monitor. There is no indicator to let you know the KVM setting (it’s hidden inside the rack), but then you only have two options.

A separate wall controller selects which computer video signal is fed to the wall (i.e., the large display).

Each computer is also connected to its own USB 3.0 hub. These are located on top of the electronics rack, and can be used to connect memory sticks, USB external disks, or other USB devices (and by-passing the KVM switch).

The PC is also connected to a frame grabber that accepts an HDMI video signal; it has the required software to display this signal on the wall. Hence, one can use a laptop, or any other device that can output an HDMI signal, and display it on the wall, although most laptop video signals won’t match the full resolution of the wall.³

Note:
The 24” display is also a touchscreen monitor, to be used in “tablet” mode, and used as a USB 2.0 hub connected to either computer via the KVM switch. The touchscreen works under Windows and Linux, but only on the 24” display. Under Windows, use [Windows]+o keys to pop up a virtual keyboard; under Linux try double-tapping the screen.

A few additional accessories are available: a wireless mini keyboard and mouse system, a wireless “air mouse,” and a high resolution webcam with built-in mike (USB 3.0). These need to be connected to a USB port.

There is also a small sound bar (15W) inside the rack. That sound bar is turned off by default. It can be turned on by the library (or CF) staff if needed and deemed appropriate. The audio signal also goes through the KVM switch.

The KVM switch controls which computer is connected to (i) the keyboard, (ii) the mouse; (iii) the 24” display, (iv) the USB hub on the 24” display; and (v) the sound bar.

When not in use, the power switch of the keyboard (located on the upper edge, right side) and mouse (bottom) are in the off position (same for the other accessories). Make sure to turn both on to use them and off when done. If used, the sound bar should also be turned off when done.