Choosing the Right Display Technology for Immersive Multi-Person VR Environments
The choice of display technology is pivotal in creating immersive, multi-person VR environments that not only deliver an outstanding user experience but also meet the desired budget. Traditionally, projection systems were the go-to solution for creating collaborative immersive environments, allowing teams to interact with the same dataset simultaneously. However, recent advancements in LED technology over the past five years have dramatically shifted the landscape, offering advantages that are redefining how we experience and interact with digital environments.
LED displays offer brightness that dazzles
When it comes to achieving true immersion, brightness is a critical factor. LED displays are the ideal choice for creating high-bright environments, with some displays reaching an impressive brightness of 1200 nits. This high brightness level makes them suitable for a variety of environments, including spaces with significant ambient light, ensuring users can engage with the content without compromise.
One of the great benefits we’ve observed is that most LED displays do not need to operate at their maximum brightness to deliver impactful visuals. This not only helps extend the lifespan of the display but also contributes to lower operating costs.
Exceptional image quality for a lifelike experience
The vividness and accuracy of colours are fundamental in delivering a truly lifelike virtual experience. Direct view LED displays excel at reproducing a broad spectrum of colours, offering deeper black levels and higher contrast ratios. These qualities enhance the perception of depth and detail in virtual environments, making the experience more immersive.
For example, fine pixel pitch 1.2mm LED displays create high-resolution environments that allow for greater detail in smaller display sizes. These displays can also deliver 240Hz frame rates, which are essential for active 3D environments and provide a seamless multi-view perspective for multiple users.
We recently collaborated with SiliconCore at Infocomm 2023 to showcase the significant benefits of LED technology in immersive environments. Take a closer look at what we presented here.
Bespoke solutions for every space
One of the key advantages of LED technology is its flexibility. LED displays can be tailored to the unique requirements of a space, including the ability to create curved or non-standard displays. This allows us to deliver bespoke immersive experiences that align perfectly with the goals of the organisation, whether for design studios, simulation environments, or training centres.
Space-saving benefits of LED displays
Moving away from traditional rear projection systems has numerous benefits, including significant space savings. Creating VR CAVEs with LED walls eliminates the need for underfloor spaces or the heavy weight loading typically required by projection systems. This makes LED a more space-efficient solution, particularly in environments with space constraints.
Common Cathode-driven LED displays also run cool to the touch, eliminating the need for extensive cooling infrastructure and reducing the overall space needed for installation.
Durability and reliability of modern LED technology
With technological advancements such as Chip On Board (COB) and SiliconCore’s proprietary LISA encapsulation technology, modern LED displays are more robust and durable than ever. These innovations contribute to a longer lifespan, making LED technology a reliable investment.
From a serviceability perspective, LED displays are much more user-friendly compared to projection systems. If an issue occurs, individual tiles can be removed and replaced from the front, reducing downtime. This contrasts with projection systems, where a fault could take down the entire display until repairs are made.
Energy efficiency drives sustainability
As sustainability becomes a priority for more businesses, LED displays are emerging as the eco-friendly option, especially those using Common Cathode technology. These displays operate at 20-50% cooler temperatures, significantly reducing power consumption compared to the market average. Lower heat output also extends the lifespan of the displays, which can last for over 100,000 hours—equivalent to 11 years of operation. This reduces the frequency of hardware replacements and cuts down on waste, making LED displays a sustainable choice for the long term.
A more accessible price point for LED technology
In the early days of LED technology, price points were often a barrier for businesses looking to implement these displays. However, as demand for LED solutions has grown, prices have become more accessible, opening the door for a wider range of budgets. Businesses no longer need to compromise between cutting-edge technology and cost-effectiveness.
Regent College: A pioneering LED immersive VR power wall
Regent College is home to the first LED immersive VR Power Wall in academia, moving away from traditional projection methods and opting for a fine pixel pitch LED display. This has resulted in a better overall user and operator experience.
Virtalis played a key role in designing and delivering the Transformative Educational Digital Laboratory at Regent College, which includes our proprietary Visionary Render software. This setup brings the virtual world to life, allowing students and faculty to interact with complex datasets in a highly immersive and engaging way.