Quick summary: The right AV installation configuration depends primarily on the purpose of the space and how viewers will use the information. In some situations, one large display is enough; in others, several independent screens or a video wall work better. Planning should cover not only the number of displays, but also their positioning, mounting method, cable management and future maintenance.
AV installations are used in meeting rooms, conference halls, classrooms and commercial spaces. But more screens do not necessarily make a system easier to use. Here is when one display is sufficient, when several panels are worthwhile and how to arrange them effectively.
One Large Display or Several Smaller Screens: Which to Choose?
The first question when planning an AV installation is how many screens are actually needed.
If meeting participants are viewing the same presentation or joining a video conference, one large display is often sufficient. The key is to choose a screen size that keeps text and fine details legible from the furthest seat.
Several screens make sense when different materials need to be shown simultaneously, multiple viewing areas must be served or information needs to be shared between groups. For example, one meeting-room display can show video conference participants while another shows a presentation. In a control room, multiple screens can continuously display data from different sources without switching between them.
However, adding displays makes connections, control and maintenance more complex. Choose the configuration around specific tasks rather than simply the available space.
One Display: Choosing the Installation Method
One screen is often enough for small meeting rooms, classrooms and presentation areas. The main consideration is where to position it.
If the display will always be used in the same place, wall mounting may be appropriate. In multi-purpose spaces where furniture layouts change, a TV stand on wheels can be more practical. Shelves can accommodate a laptop, media player or other AV equipment, but their availability and permitted loads must be checked for the particular model.
For example, the ONKRON TS1871 mobile TV stand allows the screen to be moved between areas of a room. The range also includes graphite and champagne finishes, so the appearance of a meeting room, showroom or presentation space can be taken into account.
For large interactive panels, mounting height is another important factor. In educational settings, the screen may be used both to display material and for hands-on interaction. In these situations, consider the motorised ONKRON TS2811E stand, which allows the display position to be adjusted electrically.
There are also situations where floor-standing equipment is undesirable. For example, floor space may need to remain clear, or the screen may need to be folded away after use. A motorised ceiling solution such as the ONKRON N3LE can lower the TV for viewing and fold it back towards the ceiling afterwards.
Two Displays: When Different Content Must Be Shown
Two screens are particularly useful when viewers need to follow several streams of information at the same time.
In a meeting room, one display can show video conference participants while the other shows documents or a presentation. In a classroom, one screen can present theory and another a practical example. The displays can also face different directions when separate groups need to see the information.
Decide at the planning stage whether the screens will show identical or different content, as this determines how the video signal needs to be connected and managed.
If the equipment needs to be moved, an alternative is the ONKRON TS1881 mobile stand with the additional ADV1881 VESA panel, which accommodates two compatible displays on one structure.
The mounting structure positions the displays; it does not distribute the video signal. Showing a single image across multiple panels may require separate equipment or suitable functions built into the displays.
Video Walls: When a Large Display Surface Is Needed
A 2×2 video wall consists of four displays arranged in two rows of two. Such systems are used for advertising, information dashboards, presentations and visual content at events. Unlike several independent screens, a video wall can show one image spread across multiple panels.
For temporary events and exhibition spaces, the ONKRON FSPRO2L22-S mobile stand accommodates four displays in a 2×2 configuration. This creates a large display surface without permanent wall mounting.
Pay particular attention to the placement of AV equipment. Media players, signal distribution devices and other components should not obstruct movement of the structure and must remain accessible for maintenance. Where supported by the design, shelves and other equipment supports can be used.
Cable management is equally important. Cables from all four displays should be routed neatly, without strain, while keeping connections accessible.
If the video wall will remain in one place, a wall-mounted system is another option.
Wall-Mounted Video Walls: What Matters for Permanent Installation
In shopping centres, control rooms, conference halls and other commercial spaces, video walls are often permanently installed. They may use 2×2, 3×2 or other configurations, depending on room dimensions, the amount of information and audience position.
For wall mounting, the displays must be accurately aligned in height and depth, the permitted gaps between panels maintained and ventilation provided according to the display manufacturers’ requirements. Even small positioning errors can make the joins more noticeable.
Maintenance access is just as important. When panels sit close together, reaching the cables and connectors behind central screens can be difficult. Professional video walls therefore often use pop-out mounts.
During planning, also check the load-bearing capacity of the mounting surface, mount compatibility and the safe routing of cables.
For commercial AV installations, display duty cycle is another key consideration. In retail spaces, control rooms and information systems, screens may run for many hours a day or around the clock. Choose displays rated by their manufacturers for the intended operating hours; an ordinary domestic television may not be suitable.
Choosing a Configuration for the Space
To avoid unnecessary AV system complexity, compare the type of space, the content to be shown and the installation method.
| Setting | Suitable configuration | What to consider |
| Small meeting room | One large display | Text legibility from every seat |
| Meeting room with video conferencing | Two independent displays | Showing participants and documents simultaneously |
| Classroom | One or two displays | Audience position and clear presentation of material |
| Educational space with an interactive panel | Panel on a height-adjustable stand | Access to the interactive surface and height adjustment |
| Conference hall | One large display or several screens | Viewing distance and number of viewing areas |
| Exhibition stand | Mobile displays or a 2×2 video wall | Movement, equipment shelves and cable management |
| Retail space | Permanently installed video wall | Operating hours, ventilation and maintenance |
| Control room | Multiple displays or a video wall | Simultaneous data display and prolonged operation |
This table provides a starting point, but the final configuration depends on the room itself. For more on screen placement in relation to seating and meeting formats, read “Meeting Room TV Placement: Best Screen Position for Meetings”.
What to Check Before Planning an AV Installation
System purpose. Decide what the screens will show: presentations, video conferences, advertising, working documents or data from several sources.
Audience size and seating layout. Check that text and fine details can be read from the furthest and outermost seats, particularly in meeting rooms and classrooms.
Display size and resolution. Consider not only screen size but also image detail, interface element size and viewing distance.
Operating hours. For prolonged daily or round-the-clock use, select displays with suitable manufacturer-rated operating specifications.
Installation method. Wall mounting suits permanent positions; a mobile stand suits flexible spaces; motorised solutions suit situations where the screen position must be adjusted.
Additional equipment. Decide in advance where laptops, media players, signal distribution devices and other components will go. For floor stands, check whether shelves are supplied or can be fitted, and verify their load limits.
Cable management. Plan power and signal cable routes, fixing points and sufficient slack. Cables must not become taut during screen adjustments, interfere with moving mechanisms or obstruct walkways.
Equipment connections. Decide whether displays will show independent content, the same image or different parts of one picture. This determines the video signal distribution and processing requirements.
Maintenance access. Plan access to connectors, cables and individual panels before installation.
These checks help prevent problems that might otherwise become apparent only after the equipment has been installed.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Configuration
Choosing by screen size alone. Consider viewing distance, the size of displayed elements and audience position. For presentations and working documents, check legibility from the furthest seats.
Confusing independent displays with a video wall. Multiple screens can show different materials, but displaying one image across them requires a suitable video signal management system.
Ignoring space around the equipment. A mobile stand needs room to move, while a ceiling-mounted screen needs clearance for its mechanism.
Failing to plan for additional equipment. Without space allocated for a media player, laptop or other devices, extra shelves or brackets may be needed after installation.
Overlooking cable management. Untidy cables make servicing harder and can become strained or interfere with mechanisms when screens are moved or adjusted.
Forgetting maintenance access. If the rear of the screens is difficult to reach, replacing a cable or individual panel may require extensive dismantling.
FAQ
Which is better for a meeting room: one large display or two smaller ones?
If the main purpose is to show presentations, one large screen may be enough. If participants need to see video conference attendees and working materials at the same time, two displays are often more convenient.
Can ordinary TVs be used for a video wall?
It is technically possible to position several TVs side by side, but a proper video wall requires consideration of bezel width, equipment compatibility, operating hours and image distribution capabilities.
Does a video wall have to be wall-mounted?
No. Floor-standing structures for multiple displays are available, including mobile options. The choice depends on the room and whether the equipment needs to move.
Where should additional AV equipment be placed?
Shelves on floor stands, separate AV cabinets or other designated areas can be used. The important points are device access, ventilation and convenient cable connections.
How should cables be managed in a mobile AV installation?
Secure cables to the stand, allow sufficient slack for screen adjustment and keep them clear of moving mechanisms. Follow the equipment connection and safe transport requirements when moving the stand.
Final Thoughts
The number of displays in an AV installation should reflect the purpose of the space. One display is often enough for presentations and video conferences. Two screens can show different materials simultaneously, while video walls suit large-scale information and advertising systems.
The installation method is equally important: permanent wall mounting, a mobile stand or ceiling mounting. Plan the location of additional devices, equipment shelves and cable management from the outset. The ONKRON catalogue offers solutions for different configurations.
