AV Wiring for LED Walls and Video Walls

As LED walls and video walls become the centerpiece of modern visual communication—whether in corporate boardrooms, houses of worship, stadiums, or retail environments—designing the right AV wiring setup is more crucial than ever. These large-format displays offer stunning visuals and dynamic content delivery, but behind the scenes, the wiring and connectivity must be precisely engineered to ensure flawless performance.

At the heart of a successful installation is a comprehensive AV wiring strategy supported by clear and accurate AV wiring diagrams. XTEN-AV, a leading platform for AV system design and documentation, simplifies the process by enabling professionals to create standardized and detailed wiring diagrams that align with industry best practices.

This blog will explore everything you need to know about AV wiring for LED walls and video walls—from signal types and cable choices to diagramming techniques and integration with control systems.

Why Wiring Matters for LED and Video Walls

Video walls may look seamless to the audience, but behind the scenes, they involve multiple display panels connected through video processors, controllers, and media players. AV wiring in these setups determines:

Image quality and synchronization
System scalability
Ease of control and content switching
Long-term reliability
Maintenance and serviceability

Without a well-planned wiring system, even the most expensive display panels can underperform due to signal degradation, latency, or connectivity issues.

Common Components in LED and Video Wall Systems

To understand the wiring, it’s important to know the typical components involved:

Display Panels – The individual tiles or screens that make up the video wall
Video Processor – Combines and splits content across multiple screens
Media Player or Content Source – Delivers the video feed (PC, signage player, camera feed)
Signal Extenders – Used when long-distance cable runs are required
Control System – Provides remote operation and automation
Power Supply Units – Dedicated circuits for powering the panels

Each of these elements must be connected with the appropriate AV wiring, which should be accurately mapped in your AV wiring diagrams. XTEN-AV allows users to build such detailed schematics quickly and efficiently.

Best Practice 1: Use Digital Video Signal Types

LED walls and video walls require high-resolution video signals, often in 4K or higher. The most common signal types include:

HDMI – Common and easy to use, but limited in distance without extenders
DisplayPort – Offers high bandwidth, ideal for 4K and 8K video
SDI – Used in broadcast and professional setups, supports long cable runs
HDBaseT – A robust standard for AV over CAT6 or CAT7 cables, supports long distances and power delivery

In V Wiring Diagrams, always label the signal type clearly. For example, a cable labeled HDMI_SRC1_VP1 shows a source feeding video to the processor via HDMI.

Best Practice 2: Map Signal Flow in the Right Sequence

Wiring for video walls must follow a specific signal flow:

Source → Processor → Display Controller → Panels

Each step may involve splitting, converting, or scaling the signal. Make sure your AV wiring diagram follows this sequence accurately. Include directional arrows to show the flow of video and control signals.

XTEN-AV enables you to drag and drop components into your design canvas and automatically connect them with accurate signal paths, saving time and reducing errors.

Best Practice 3: Plan for Cable Management and Distance

Cable length has a direct impact on signal quality. For video walls, the cables connecting the source to the processor or controller can be long, especially in large venues.

Use these guidelines:

HDMI: Max 15 to 25 feet without extenders
HDBaseT: Up to 330 feet over CAT6
Fiber HDMI: Over 300 feet for long-distance 4K video transmission

Your AV wiring diagram should include annotations for estimated cable lengths and pathways. This is helpful during installation and future maintenance.

Best Practice 4: Label Every Cable in the Diagram

Labeling is essential when multiple display panels are involved. Each cable—from input sources to panel connections—must be labeled with type, source, and destination.

Example labels:

CAT6_CTRL_VP1_PANEL1 – Control signal to panel 1
HDMI_SRC2_VP1 – HDMI from source 2 to video processor

XTEN-AV supports automated cable labeling, ensuring consistency and clarity across large or complex wiring diagrams.

Best Practice 5: Ensure Network and Control Integration

Many LED walls and video walls are IP-controlled. Network connectivity enables remote management, content updates, and health monitoring of the panels and processors.

Your AV wiring diagram should include:

Network switches
CAT6 or CAT7 lines
Static IP assignments (noted if applicable)
Control processors or automation interfaces

These network lines should be labeled and routed separately from the video signal lines for easy identification.

Best Practice 6: Account for Power Distribution

While not traditionally part of AV signal wiring, power distribution plays a critical role in video wall installations. Each panel requires stable power, and depending on the layout, power may need to be supplied from multiple circuits.

In your AV wiring diagrams, indicate:

Power sources or UPS units
Power cables to each panel or group
Voltage requirements (especially for larger displays)

XTEN-AV allows you to include power paths and device requirements within the same schematic for full-system visibility.

Best Practice 7: Include Service and Maintenance Notes

Large LED walls often require servicing individual tiles or components. A good AV wiring diagram should include:

Tile numbering
Panel grouping (e.g., top row, left column)
Cable access points
Spare line indications for redundancy

This documentation saves valuable time when service is needed and helps avoid system downtime.

Best Practice 8: Coordinate with Architectural Drawings

LED and video walls are often integrated into walls, stages, or custom mounts. Your AV wiring should correspond with architectural elements like:

Wall openings or access panels
Conduit routes
Cable trays or raceways
Rack room or control room location

By overlaying your AV wiring diagram onto architectural drawings—or importing them into XTEN-AV—you can ensure better alignment between the AV system and physical space.

Conclusion

Designing the AV wiring for LED walls and video walls demands precision, foresight, and clear documentation. From selecting the right signal types and cable lengths to ensuring control and power integration, every detail matters.

Using advanced tools like XTEN-AV helps AV professionals create accurate and organized V wiring diagrams that reflect the real-world installation. With features like automated labeling, symbol libraries, and scalable canvas layouts, XTEN-AV simplifies even the most complex video wall designs.

As LED walls become more common across industries, the need for reliable AV wiring documentation grows. By following these best practices and leveraging intelligent design tools, you can deliver high-performing, visually stunning video walls that impress every audience.