Smart Stretched Bar LCD Displays for Control Rooms and Command Centers

Table of Contents

• What Is a Stretched Bar LCD Display?

• Why Control Rooms and Command Centers Need Stretched Displays

• Key Features and Technical Advantages

• Typical Applications in Control Environments

• Customization Options for OEM Projects

• Comparison with Traditional Displays

• Integration and Installation Tips

• Benefits Summary – Why Choose Stretched Bar LCD for Command Centers

• FAQ – Stretched Bar LCD in Control Rooms

Stretched bar LCD displays are transforming mission-critical visualization in control rooms and command centers worldwide. Unlike standard monitors, these ultra-wide panels deliver panoramic data streams without horizontal scrolling, enabling operators to monitor complex systems with unprecedented clarity. In environments where split-second decisions impact safety and efficiency, the ability to view multiple data streams simultaneously is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity.

These industrial-grade displays solve the fundamental limitation of traditional 16:9 monitors: they provide 2-3x more horizontal viewing space without increasing physical footprint. For control centers managing traffic networks, power grids, or security operations, this means eliminating the need for multiple screens and reducing operator fatigue through continuous visual workflows.

What Is a Stretched Bar LCD Display?

Definition and Structure

A stretched bar LCD is a modified or native wide-format display with aspect ratios significantly exceeding standard 16:9 (e.g., 16:3, 32:9, 48:9). Unlike stretched video content on standard screens, these displays feature native pixel layouts designed for continuous horizontal information flow. The "stretched" term refers to the panel's physical dimensions—extremely narrow in height but exceptionally wide in width—allowing for seamless display of multi-panel content without seams.

Core aspect ratios explained:

• 16:3 (5.33:1): 1920×360 resolution on 19" panels

• 32:9 (3.56:1): 3840×1080 resolution on 43.8" panels

• 48:9 (5.33:1): 3840×720 resolution on 47.1" panels

Unlike LED or OLED displays that focus on color accuracy, stretched bar LCDs prioritize horizontal information density. They use industrial-grade TFT panels with LED backlighting optimized for 24/7 operation in controlled environments.

Technology Behind BAR LCD Displays

Modern stretched bar LCDs combine proven industrial display technologies:

• Panel Technology: IPS or VA TFT panels with 178° viewing angles

• Backlighting: High-efficiency LED arrays (500-1500 nits brightness)

• Response Time: 8ms (industrial standard for real-time data)

• Touch Options: Optional capacitive (multi-touch) or resistive (durable for gloves)

• Lifespan: 50,000+ hours at 50% brightness (vs. 30,000 for consumer displays)

These displays are engineered for control room environments with:

• Operating temperature range: -30°C to 80°C

• IP65 dust/water resistance

• 100% screen uniformity (no hotspots)

• Anti-glare coating (standard for bright control rooms)

Why Control Rooms and Command Centers Need Stretched Displays

Real-Time Data Visualization

Stretched bar LCDs enable operators to view multiple data streams simultaneously—traffic maps, camera feeds, sensor readings, and system metrics—all within a single continuous display. This eliminates the need for constant screen switching, reducing cognitive load and reaction time during critical incidents. For example, a 32:9 display (43.8") can show 4x camera feeds side-by-side without scrolling, while maintaining full resolution for each feed.

Space-Saving Design

These displays fit perfectly into narrow control room mounting systems where traditional monitors would require multiple units. A single 43.8" stretched bar display replaces three 24" monitors, saving 50% of wall space while providing 2.5x more horizontal viewing area. Their slim 25mm depth profile integrates seamlessly into rack-mounted control consoles without obstructing airflow.

24/7 Reliability

Engineered for continuous operation, stretched bar LCDs withstand 24/7 duty cycles with:

• Zero failure rate in 72-hour burn-in tests

• Industrial-grade connectors (reduced signal degradation)

• Thermal management systems preventing overheating

• Extended warranty: 5 years (vs. 1-2 years for consumer displays)

Unlike standard monitors that require 2-hour cooldown periods after 24-hour operation, these displays maintain consistent performance at 100% brightness for 365 days/year.

Key Features and Technical Advantages

Typical Applications in Control Environments

Traffic Control Centers

Stretched bar displays show real-time traffic maps spanning entire metropolitan areas, with congestion levels, incident markers, and live camera feeds displayed in continuous horizontal layout. A single 47.1" display replaces 4 standard monitors, reducing visual fragmentation during emergency response coordination.

Industrial & Manufacturing Control Rooms

Monitor production line efficiency across multiple stations using a single display. For example, a 37" stretched bar LCD shows 6 production cells simultaneously with quality metrics, machine status, and environmental sensors—all without horizontal scrolling that disrupts workflow.

Energy & Utility Management

Power grid operators use 32:9 displays to visualize entire transmission networks. A single 43.8" panel shows real-time voltage levels, load distribution, and fault locations across 500+ miles of grid infrastructure, enabling faster outage resolution.

Security & Surveillance Command Rooms

Integrate 12+ camera feeds from different locations into one continuous display. The stretched format allows security teams to track movement across multiple zones without switching views, critical during active incident response.

Emergency Operations Centers (EOC)

Display incident maps, resource deployment status, and communication channels in a single panoramic view. During natural disasters, a 49" stretched bar display shows evacuation routes, weather data, and emergency service locations without scrolling.

Customization Options for OEM Projects

Brownopto offers full OEM customization for control room displays:

• Available Sizes: 8.8", 19.2", 28.5", 37", 49", 86"

• Resolution Range: 1920×120 → 3840×720 → 4K ultra-wide

• Custom Features: Brightness adjustment, touch integration, mounting frames, housing color (PMS/RGB)

• System Integration: IoT connectivity, AI analytics compatibility, network control software

Example: A traffic management client required 28.5" displays with 3840×540 resolution, 1200 nits brightness, and custom mounting brackets for their control console. We delivered in 3 weeks with full compatibility testing.

Comparison with Traditional Displays

Integration and Installation Tips

Mounting Options

Stretched bar displays integrate via:

• Wall-mount: Slim-profile brackets (25mm depth)

• Rack-mount: 1U/2U mounting systems for control consoles

• Flush integration: Custom cutouts for seamless wall mounting

Always include 10% airflow clearance around displays to prevent overheating in enclosed control rooms.

System Compatibility

Connect to existing infrastructure using:

• HD-SDI to HDMI converters for legacy systems

• RS232 control for matrix switchers

• Digital signage CMS integration (e.g., Scala, SignagePlayer)

For video walls, use our proprietary stitching software that automatically aligns stretched displays without edge distortion.

Benefits Summary – Why Choose Stretched Bar LCD for Command Centers

• Continuous panoramic data display: Eliminate screen switching for faster decision-making

• Enhanced operational efficiency: 27% faster incident response (verified by London Transport Authority)

• Reduced operator fatigue: 40% fewer eye movements during monitoring shifts

• Long lifespan & energy savings: 50,000+ hours operation at 30% lower power than equivalent multiple-screen setups

• Future-proof expansion: Modular design supports adding new data sources without hardware changes

FAQ – Stretched Bar LCD in Control Rooms

What makes stretched LCD better for command centers?

It enables wider, multi-view data visualization without horizontal scrolling. A single 43.8" stretched bar display shows 4x more information than a standard 24" monitor, critical for monitoring complex systems like traffic networks or power grids in real-time.

Can they be used 24/7?

Yes. All our displays are engineered for industrial continuous operation with LED backlighting, 50,000+ hour lifespan, and -30°C to 80°C operating range. They undergo 72-hour burn-in testing to ensure reliability before deployment.

Are custom sizes available?

Yes. We offer panel sizes from 8.8" to 86" and custom resolutions (1920×120 to 3840×720). Housing can be customized to match your control room aesthetics with PMS/RAL color matching and private branding.

What’s the typical lifespan?

Over 50,000 hours under industrial use conditions (10+ years at 12 hours/day). This exceeds industry average (30,000 hours) and reduces long-term total cost of ownership.

Do they support touch functionality?

Yes. Optional capacitive (multi-touch) or resistive (glove-friendly) touch integration is available. All touch solutions are tested for 10 million touch cycles to ensure reliability in high-use control rooms.