Projectors Vs Flat Panels for TOCs
VS
Tactical projector systems have been a fixture in TOCs and mobile command centers for decades, but recent developments in flat panel display technology have made LCD/LED flat panel displays an increasingly more viable alternative for achieving situational awareness in a C2 environment. In this article we will review the pros and cons of each display platform and provide guidance on which one best fits for your specific mission.
Tactical Projector Systems
Back before the development of LCD and Plasma televisions projectors were really the only practical option for displaying large images in a mobile environment. The large CRT displays available at the time were simply too large and fragile to safely transport over rough terrain. In contrast projectors units are relatively small, and come with display screens that can be collapsed/folded for transport. Projectors have managed to retain this pack-out advantage even as flat panel technology has progressed.
Pros
Provide large display dimensions with a smaller logistical footprint
Electronic components are generally less sensitive to damage through rough transit conditions
Typically offer a lower cost for a given display size
Cons
Setup time can be longer than equivalently sized flat panels
Systems offered by competitors require a lengthy and frustrating alignment process (not applicable with the Vellicom Tactical TPS)
Screen frames and truss systems can significantly impinge on valuable space in a TOC environment (not applicable with the Vellicom Tactical TPS)
Vellicom Tactical’s Triple Projector System (TPS) has improved upon legacy tactical projector designs to provide a strong alternative to modern flat panel displays. You can learn more about the TPS by visiting the product page.
Tactical Flat Panel Displays
The same advancements in LCD and LED display technology that have revolutionized personal entertainment have also brought significant benefits to Tactical Operations Centers. Televisions have grown in size, improved in resolution, and decreased in weight and thickness. When paired with the right protective cases for transportation they offer major advantages over the legacy projector based TOC displays.
Pros
Rapidly deployable (in both power and manual lift configurations)
Easy and uncomplicated setup
Typically offer higher resolution than projectors along with improved performance in well lit environments
Cons
Require a slightly larger pack-out than projector based systems
Can be more expensive for a given display size
Vellicom Tactical offers flat panel displays ranging in size from 60in to 98in, in both power lift and manual lift configurations. Visit the 4K flat panel product page to learn more.
Individual Video Wall Unit (2x1 display configuration)
Complete Video Wall System (2x4 display configuration)
Tactical Video Walls
Video walls take flat panel displays to the next level by networking several monitors together to create a single large image. In many ways they offer the ultimate in Command Center visualization technology due to extremely large display dimensions, and the flexibility to utilize each monitor individually or in a networked fashion.
Pros
Extremely large display dimensions
Easy deployment
Significant flexibility of use
Cons
Typically higher cost than projector or basic flat panel systems
Require more cases to transport (when more than one unit is utilized)
Tactical Video Wall systems are the way of the future for deployable C2 missions. You can learn more about Vellicom Tactical’s Video Walls here.
Still not decided?
Our team would be happy to talk through your specific application to determine which display type is best fit for your needs. We have experience specifying equipment for a variety of shelter types and transportation requirements, and with a little information can point you in the right direction.