The display market and specifically the large format display market has exploded over recent years and with the introduction of interactivity by the world’s leading screen manufacturers; their applications are endless, from bed management solutions in healthcare to menu solutions in fast food stores each environment has its own challenges and requirements.

The dimensions of flat screens such as plasma and LCD allow them to be incorporated into virtually any solution and there are multitudes of mounting options that allow the screens to be seamlessly fitted into any environment.

Below are a number of the screen stands and mounting options available in the screen market and some of their benefits:

Table top Mount Stand

As seen with the majority of flat screens used in the home and office, the table top mount stand allows the screen to be positioned on any level and sufficiently strong surface such as a desk.

Table top stands offer the following benefits when used as a screen mount:

Aesthetic – Table top screen stands offer a more pleasing aesthetic finish when compared to other mounting options. However there may be a trade off with the number of people the screen is visible to due to the lower height it can be sited at.

Wall mounting bracket

Wall mounting provides a highly unobtrusive solution to positioning a flat screen.

This though may not always be an option as the installation will require secure attachment of the bracket to the wall via drilling and bolt fittings. Cables can also be hidden in wall cavities and provides a more permanent solution that better incorporates the screen into the surroundings.

Wall mounting a screen allows the following benefits:

Seamless incorporation – Wall mounting a screen gives a greater impression of permanence with all cables potentially hidden. The angle of the screen can also be adjusted so the screen can cater for the appropriate section of the room.

Lectern Mounting

More suited for smaller screens this mounting solution allows speakers to view their presentations via a seamless installation into the lectern.

Interactive lecterns can include IT connectivity for seamless presentation capabilities. They provide a neat solution, allowing presenters interactive access to presentations. Screens can also be fitted to the front of lecterns to display images such as company logos.

Having screens integrated into a lectern displays the following benefits:

Speaker reference – Lectern users can refer directly to their presentation without having to view a separate projection screen. It also gives users the ability to alter their presentation without using a separate laptop or desktop computer.

Trolley Mounts

The Trolley stand can be a versatile option allowing for the mounting of screens up to 103”.

Once mounted, the screen can be manoeuvred easily around due to the castors which can then be locked to prevent unplanned movement. Some Trolley stands can also offer minimal height adjustment via an adjustable back plate to which the screen is secured. Alternatively height adjustment can be a feature of the trolley itself. This can be a manual function or more commonly due to the size and weight of the screen an electronic function.

Trolley stands offer the following benefits when used as a screen mount:

Manoeuvrability – Trolley stands allow easy manoeuvring of the screen to the preferred location, once mounted the, screen can easily be pushed around but ideally two people should carry out this action to protect the screen from potential impacts or unstable surfaces.

Height adjustable – Once attached to the back plate of the Trolley the screen can be adjusted to the optimum height for the assembled audience. Done manually this job requires two or three people to carry out safely. Alternatively with electronic versions this is a much safer process and can quickly meet the individual height requirements of almost all users.

Shelves – Trolley stands can have an adjustable shelves mounted on the trolley itself. This allows mounting of laptops or DVD players in close proximity to the screen. If you require a shelf unit don’t forget to check that the manufacturer provides this option and if an additional charge is payable.

When deciding on the best mounting option for your chosen screen and environment, considerations including the following should be made:

Audience size – Depending on how large the audience is and how they are positioned may dictate the best stand for the job. K stands allow screens to be mounted up to a height of around 7ft which may allow unobstructed viewing for much of the audience.

Access issues – Due to their size and weight of the larger screens they can be awkward to install. Don’t forget access issues that may be present such as stairs and if lifts are to be used you will need their maximum height access for the doors and maximum weight as some larger solutions can become very heavy.

Weight –When installing any screen, irrespective of the chosen mounting option, be aware that due to their weight at least two people will be required to safely fit the unit.

Power requirements – When using your screen in conjunction with additional electrical devices such as Video Conferencing, you will need to consider the number of plug sockets required and if these are supplied as part of a trolley for example. A unit with screen, Video Conferencing and speakers will require a minimum of 3 sockets when including the trolley itself if it too has an electrical lift feature.

Security – When you consider the value of the equipment in question this can very easily reach into the £1k’s, some manufactures offer docking options for the trolley mounts. This can sometimes ensure the solutions meet the requirements of sites insurers too.

Versatility – In order that you future proof your investment, you should also consider future developments in screen technologies for example, whilst interactivity is a fairly new development in large format digital displays and stills maintains a price premium, there is no doubt that costs will come down in the future. And whilst budgets may not stretch to interactivity right now should this change in the future, electric height adjustability will almost certainly become a necessity in the future.

Accessibility – In many environments the type of user can vary dramatically each with their own individual requirements, whether this is screen height due to their age or physical restrictions or screen size due the distance from the screen or visual restrictions. Once again with interactive solutions these too have their own challenges in order that its suitable for all users.

Manufacturer’s warranty – When interactivity is part of the solution this can bring with it unique challenges, for example some screen manufacturer’s warranty is void if you use their interactive screen horizontally instead of vertically due to heat dissipation.