Daisy Chain Monitors for Multi-Displays: Models, Setup & Uses

Until now, businesses haven’t had many options to easily create a large viewing area for digital signage content without using extremely large displays or implementing a video wall. Daisy chaining monitors is a much simpler alternative that saves both time and money. Now you can link together several standard displays in a chain and present content over a massive viewing area without the hassle of specialized equipment or lengthy installation. In this guide, we’ll discuss the benefits of daisy chain technology, and popular models of screens that offer this feature, and give you a step-by-step guide on how to install your multi-display setup.

Understanding Daisy Chain Technology

What is Daisy Chain Technology?

Daisy chain technology is a method of connecting multiple devices one after the other. Each device in the chain passes information to the next in a way that forms a linear connection. 

Daisy chaining in digital signage involves connecting multiple screens in a sequence that showcases a continuous high-resolution image across all the screens. The signage content is passed through a single cable from one display to the next. 

How Does Daisy Chain Technology Work?

1. Signal Source: A media player or content management system serves as the signal source. It’s where the signage content is created and then sent to the first display in the chain.

2. First Display: The first display receives the signal, processes it, and then passes it along to the next display.

3. Subsequent Displays: Each subsequent display in the chain repeats the process of receiving, processing, and passing on the signal.

4. Last Display: The last display in the chain receives the signal and displays the content without passing it further.

Benefits of Using Daisy Chain TVs

Reduced Cable Clutter

Instead of running separate cables from each display back to the media player or content source, a single cable connects one display to the next in sequence. In video wall configuration, where multiple displays are tiled together to create a large canvas, all the displays can be connected using a single cable from the controller.

Simplified Setup

With daisy chaining, you only need to connect the source device to the first display, and then link each subsequent display in the chain with a single cable. This eliminates the need for multiple video outputs from the source device and reduces the number of cables running through the installation area. As a result, setting up a multi-display configuration becomes faster and more efficient.

Enhanced Viewing Experience

The beauty of a daisy chain is that it enables you to create a video wall content strategy that engages your audience like never before. Connecting separate displays into a single unit creates a large viewing area that makes your digital signage content immersive and easier to view.  

Popular Models of Daisy Chain TVs for Digital Signage

1. BenQ Smart Signage Series: This series uses DisplayPort 1.1a daisy chain technology to enable swift video wall creation with multiple displays. With a 2x2 configuration, the series can create a stunning 4K video wall with better visual detail compared to HD. This feature is available on select BenQ Smart Signage models, they include: 

• 49’’ BenQ SL490 priced at $2000.00
• 55’’ BenQ SL550 priced at $2900.00
• 55’’ BenQ PL5502 priced at $3500.00

2. LG 55VSH7J:  Through a LAN daisy chain, users can control, monitor, and even update firmware across multiple displays simultaneously. Furthermore, this model enables the creation of UHD video walls using HDMI and DisplayPort daisy chaining, eliminating the need for additional DisplayPort MST (Multi-Stream Transport) technology or specialized Matrox graphics cards.

Price: $4000.00

3. Sharp NEC C651Q: The Sharp NEC C651Q supports daisy chain capabilities via DisplayPort 1.2 x2. You can connect multiple displays in a series, creating a video wall or other multi-display configuration.

Price: $1400.00

How to Set Up Daisy Chain TVs

Requirements for Daisy Chaining TVs

Daisy chaining TVs is pretty straightforward with the right guidance. We’ll start with a list of requirements for a daisy chain setup and then walk you through the procedure. 

1. Daisy Chain Compatible TVs: The most fundamental requirement is to have televisions that support daisy chaining. Look for models with DisplayPort (DP) or HDMI outputs labeled as "DP Out" or "HDMI Out." These ports allow the video signal to be passed along to the next display in the chain.

2. Cables: Depending on the daisy chain connection your TVs support, you'll need either DisplayPort or HDMI cables. It's important to use high-quality cables that are rated for the length of your chain to avoid signal degradation.

3. DisplayPort MST (Optional): If your TVs support DisplayPort daisy chaining, they might require Multi-Stream Transport (MST) to be enabled in the display settings. MST allows a single video signal to be split into multiple independent streams, each displayed on a different screen in the chain. 

4. Content Source: You'll need a computer or digital signage player to provide the video content for your displays. This device should have a compatible output port (DP or HDMI) to connect to the first TV in the chain.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Step 1: Connect the First TV

Connect the content source (media player or computer) to the HDMI or DisplayPort input of the first TV using a suitable cable.

Step 2: Enable Daisy Chaining on the First TV

1. Access the display settings menu on the first TV using the remote control or the buttons on the TV itself.

2. Look for the daisy chain or MST (Multi-Stream Transport) option and enable it. This option might be located under different menu names depending on the TV brand and model (e.g., "DisplayPort Settings," "Multi-Screen," or "Video Wall").

3. If you are using HDMI for daisy chaining, ensure that the HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) feature is enabled on the first TV. This will allow you to control multiple devices using a single remote.

Step 3: Connect the Second TV

Connect the DisplayPort output (DP Out) or HDMI output (HDMI Out) of the first TV to the DisplayPort or HDMI input of the second TV using another cable.

Step 4: Configure Display Settings

1. Once the second TV is connected, its display settings should automatically recognize the daisy chain connection. If not, access the display settings menu on the second TV and enable daisy chaining or MST.
2. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each additional TV in the chain.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

No Signal on Additional TVs

If one or more of your TVs in the daisy chain are not receiving a signal, there are a few potential causes and solutions:

1. Check Connections: All cables should be securely connected to the correct input and output ports on the TVs. Start by checking on that since loose or faulty cables can interrupt the signal transmission. 

2. Verify Daisy Chain Settings: Double-check that Daisy Chaining or MST (Multi-Stream Transport) is enabled in the display settings of all TVs in the chain. If unsure, refer to the user manuals of your TVs for specific instructions.

3. Restart Devices: Try restarting the content source (media player, computer, etc.) and all the TVs in the chain. 

4. Check Cable Length and Quality: Ensure that your DisplayPort or HDMI cables are of high quality and rated for the length of your chain. Long or low-quality cables can lead to signal degradation.

5. Check Video Wall Processor (if applicable): If you are using a video wall processor, ensure that it is properly configured and connected to the first TV in the chain. 

6. Check TV Compatibility: If you’ve tried all the above and still nothing, it could be a compatibility issue. Check and verify that all the TVs in the chain are compatible with the daisy chain technology and support the same resolution and refresh rate. Incompatible settings can cause signal issues.

Flickering or Display Issues

If you experience flickering or display issues on one or more TVs in the chain, try these troubleshooting steps:

1. Check Cable Connections: They should be securely connected and not damaged.

2. Adjust Display Settings: Try adjusting the resolution, refresh rate, or other display settings on the affected TVs. Sometimes, incompatible settings can cause flickering or other visual anomalies.

3. Check for Interference: Electromagnetic interference from nearby electronic devices or power sources can disrupt the video signal. Try relocating the TVs or the source of interference.

4. Update Firmware: Ensure that the firmware on all TVs and connected devices is up-to-date. Firmware updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can resolve display issues.

5. Reduce Cable Length: If possible, try to use shorter cables to minimize signal degradation over long distances.

6. Contact Manufacturer Support: If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer's customer support for further assistance. They might have specific troubleshooting steps or recommendations based on your TV model and setup.

Uses of Daisy Chain TVs

Professional Workspaces

Conference Rooms: High-resolution video walls made by daisy chaining can supercharge collaboration and make presentations engaging for everyone.  

Lobbies and Reception Areas: Make a statement as soon as visitors walk through the door by showcasing company highlights, warm greetings, or even captivating art. 

Educational Environments

Lecture Halls and Auditoriums: Multi-displays can improve visibility for students in the back in a way that contributes to an inclusive learning environment for everyone. 

Digital Libraries: Interactive video walls can be used to display information, search catalogs, or provide access to digital resources.

Collaborative Learning Spaces: Students can collaborate on group projects by sharing their screens, working on documents, or presenting their findings to the class. 

Retail and Hospitality

Advertising and Promotions: Video walls are super effective in drawing attention to products, sales, or special events in a way that encourages impulse purchases or product exploration.  

Menu Boards: Multi-displays are excellent dynamic menu boards for enticing customers with images of mouth-watering images and descriptions

Infotainment: With daisy-chained TVs, your audience won’t have to sit through a dull moment. You can display a mix of entertaining and informative content that caters to different interests. 

Maximize Display Potential With Daisy Chain Technology

Daisy chain technology has undoubtedly changed the way we connect and display content on multiple screens. Its simplicity and ability to enhance the viewing experience make it an invaluable tool for a wide range of applications. By understanding the principles of daisy chaining, choosing compatible devices, and following the setup guide, you can unlock the full potential of this technology and create visually stunning multi-display configurations that captivate and inform your audience. 

And of course, you need a content management system to create and distribute this content to your multi-displays. Look Content Manager has you covered, providing a user-friendly platform to design, schedule, and manage your content across all your screens. You get a 14-day trial period to try out all the features without limitation, so sign up and see how it can help you maximize the impact of your digital signage.