Frequently Asked Questions

Panoram Technologies has developed this list of answers to frequently asked questions in order to assist with the Panoram Desktop Visualization displays. Additionally, there are links to FAQ's for your specific platforms:

Q. What kind of computer do I need to use a Panoram desktop display?
A. All computer platforms and standard operating systems can be configured for a Panoram PV Series display, including Apple Macintosh®, Windows® 98/NT/2000/XP, HP-UX®, SGI Irix®, Sun Solaris®. Some hardware platforms and models require adapters or interfaces. The inputs on the PV720 Series include DVI-I and VGA style HD 15 connectors.

View Plaform-specific FAQs:
HP | Macintosh | SUN | SGI | UNIX / Linux | Windows

Q. Does my computer need a special graphics card to make it work with a Panoram desktop display?
A. Panoram's desktop line is completely compatible with all industry standard graphic cards. However, an ordinary computer graphics card only has one output and therefore would only allow you to display that computer on one screen section. If you use multiple graphics cards or a multi-channel graphics card, a single computer can fill all three screen segments allowing you to place any number of windows, at any size, anywhere on the screen. This is what we call a MegaDesktop™. The MegaDesktop is configured at the OS level and behaves like a single virtual desktop. This means you can click the "maximize" button on the window or simply size the window to make it span across all three screen segments. This type of full display window is ideal for applications like spread sheets, schedules, timelines, panoramic images, etc… which take full advantage of the wide scope of the display. Panoram offers desktop technical support, which can guide you towards choosing the right video cards and configurations solutions. For support give us a call at 888-PANORAM (1-888-726-6726).

Q. Will all computers treat the monitor like a single virtual desktop?
A. Today, all major platforms are capable of multi monitor support, however, specific driver software or operating system features may be required.

Q. How was Panoram able to make a display with such small separation between panels?
A. The exact methods differ for each model. The lighting must be moved from the sides of the panels to the top and bottom or the rear. Then Panoram design engineers integrate the panels to be as close as possible.

Panoram also produces large-scale projection displays that are totally seamless. In these applications we use projectors and overlap a part of the image. We then use a special edge blending technology called Video Panoram® to seamlessly integrate the image.

Because the panel displays are not projected, the closest we can get the image is to have the physical edge of the LCD panel touch the adjacent one. LCD panels have non-active pixels on the edge of the panel so that when our engineers configure the panels, we still have an area where there are no active pixels. This is the separation you see on the Panoram PV Series displays. Our goal is one continuous seamless surface, but we are several years away from this. Meanwhile, the separation has been reduced to such an extent that even applications such as spread sheets work across the break, which is called a "mullion".

Q. What is the advantage of the PV display compared to 3 separate LCD/TFT panels which are less in price?
A. A. To answer this very important question, we have prepared a comprehensive flash based AVstream™ presentation. We invite you to view it by clicking HERE.

Q. What graphics card is required to drive the PV display on various O/S platforms? Where can I buy this graphics card?
A. There are specific answers and instructions for each platform. Basically, there are two types of solutions. You can put several video cards into the computer or you can use a multi-channel video card in a single slot.
Panoram offers desktop technical support, which can guide you towards choosing the right video cards and configurations solutions. For support give us a call at 888-PANORAM (1-888-726-6726).

Also note that Unix platforms such as Hewlett Packard, SGI, SUN, and Linux all have solutions for Panoram displays.

Q. Will all software be able to operate over the three screens?
A. Nearly every application will be able to take full advantage of the additional real estate. Exceptions include some game applications that have been hard coded to run at specific sizes and resolutions. We have received a number of inquiries and are discussing this issue with a number of game providers.

Q. Can I watch a DVD movie or video on the entire display?
A. Each panel of Panoram's desktop display can take a video signal from a DVD or VCR player. But, since video is a fixed resolution, DVD movies would not spread across all three panels. For full wide video or DVD presentations, special content would have to be created and run from three synchronized DVD players or from a multi-channel video server. This applies to entertainment, museum and kiosk applications but is not practical for the standard user.

Q. What is the maximum resolution of a PV290 Series display?
A. A Panoram PV290 FRM has a native resolution of 3840x1024 resolution (triple SXGA).

Q. What is the maximum resolution of a PV720 Series display?
A. A Panoram PV720 FRM has a native resolution of 4800x1200 resolution (triple UXGA).

Q. Do I have to run each panel at the maximum or the same resolution?
A. You can use the graphics card setup utility to run various screen segments at various resolutions. The Panoram PV Series features an auto setup function that makes setup for various frequencies easy for the user. Most standard resolutions up to the maximum native resolution for the display is supported.

Q. What is the maximum refresh rate?
A. It is recommended to run the display between 60-75 Hz for most resolutions.

Q. Does a Panoram PV Series display come with the drivers to drive it?
A. The Panoram PV Series displays are essentially "plug and play". The drivers to configure a wide-screen multi channel output will be supplied with the multi-channel graphics cards. If the source is a standard single channel source there are no special drivers required. The PV series features an auto setup function that allows you to quickly and automatically adjust the display parameters to various input frequency.

Q. Do LCD screens produce true accurate colors?
A. Each display is color matched at the factory. Panoram recommends the display for most applications such as: simulation, design work, CAD, desktop publishing, 2D and 3D work, off-line video editing etc... but is not recommend for final color correction of art or video post production. This is inherent in all LCD panels.

Q. Do LCD screens produce true black?
A. LCD technology cannot produce a true black. The panel, even though it appears black, will still be illuminated or "glowing" in a completely dark environment. This is inherent in all LCD panels.

Q. Why did Panoram create the desktop display with an array of three panels set at angles?
A. Considerable research went into perfecting the ergonomics of the Panoram desktop product line. The angles are designed to remain equidistant from the users viewing position. This allows for viewing of all data without the need to refocus and dramatically reduces eye strain. In a fully flat array, scanning from left to right would require the user to constantly refocus .

Q. What are the angle of the screens on the PV 720?
On the PV 720 the panels are set at 40 degrees.