There are a lot of applications that call for a two-display cart like Middle Atlantic’s VTC Series Video Carts, such as video conferencing with data on one display and the audience on the other. Likewise, there are plenty of applications that warrant a four-display monitor wall. Users must decide if they need the wall to be mobile for moving from room to room, mounted to a monitor wall structure, or fixed to the wall.
If I need a cart, how do I select the right one?
This basically comes down to deciding how much equipment and gear needs to be adjacent to the displays. Basic carts will have options for a small box or shelf to hold a small component, such as a Blu-ray player, laptop or even surge protection. Upgraded carts offer two to four rack mount spaces for more components including source gear, a rack-mount PC and possibly a switcher or codec. Then there are cart options that can accommodate 10 to 12 rackspaces. The amount of gear and number of components needed to make a system tick seems to be lessening so the need for those high-octane freestanding display carts is also diminishing.
Speaking of components, what should I plan for?
Again, system designers spec in less physical components than they used to so planning for gear that needs to be adjacent to a freestanding display mount is not as significant as it once was. Still, it’s important to consider codecs, surge protection, media players and sometimes extenders. If it’s a dual-display cart or a monitor wall you may need additional components for switching which content is displayed on screens.
Do I go mobile or do I bolt?
Not a lot of applications call for bolting a freestanding display mount to a floor unless ADA compliance or other considerations require it. Typically, users are drawn to freestanding display mounts due to their mobility.
Do looks matter?
When do looks not matter? Many users choose freestanding display mounts based on aesthetics. After all, the content on the display is often associated with branding, so the look and feel of the display mount should also meet the user’s standards.
Will it be safe?
You’ll definitely want to make sure your freestanding display mount is certified to meet BIFMA standards for stability by an independent testing lab and UL certified for safety. Bottom line: Be confident it won’t tip over. Part of that is making sure the freestanding display mount’s weight capacity covers the weight of the display or displays you’re using.
Can it be vertical or horizontal?
In some cases, users may want to switch back and forth between portrait and landscape, depending on the content being displayed. Some freestanding display mounts will support both formats and some will not.
How simple is installation and servicing?
Make it easy on yourself and choose a freestanding display mount that facilitates cable management, hides cables well and allows for mounting displays and components easily. Middle Atlantic’s Lever Lock is a patent-pending internal management system that facilitates cable management and device mounting through tool-free cable management bars and vertical accessory mounting plates.
