If you have been to a concert, a big keynote or a graduation and watched a close-up of the speaker on giant screens beside the stage, you have seen IMAG. This guide explains what IMAG screens are, when your event needs them, and what goes into an IMAG screen rental in Southern California.
What is IMAG?
IMAG is short for image magnification. One or more cameras capture the person on stage, and that live video is shown on large screens so everyone in the room can see faces, expressions and gestures, not just a small figure far away. IMAG screens are usually LED walls or projection screens placed on both sides of the stage, behind it, or both.
When does an event need IMAG screens?
- Large rooms: once the back rows sit more than about 50–60 feet from the stage, faces become hard to see without magnification.
- Keynotes and general sessions: the audience can follow the speaker’s expressions while slides run on a center screen.
- Concerts and performances: close-ups of performers help the whole crowd feel part of the show.
- Graduations and award ceremonies: families see each graduate or honoree up close as names are called.
- Weddings and cultural celebrations: guests at the back of a large ballroom or lawn can see vows, speeches and performances.
- Church services: pastors and worship teams are visible to the whole sanctuary, and the same feed can go to a livestream.
What an IMAG setup includes
| Component | What it does |
|---|---|
| LED walls or projection screens | Show the magnified live video, often one on each side of the stage |
| Cameras and operators | Capture close-ups and wide shots of the stage; one camera for simple events, two or more for concerts and keynotes |
| Video switcher | Lets the director cut between cameras, slides, videos and graphics |
| Video processors and cabling | Scale the image to each screen and keep video in sync with the audio |
| Show crew | An LED technician and a director or switcher operator who runs the show |
The same system can record the show and send a feed to a livestream, so remote viewers see what the room sees.
LED walls vs. projection for IMAG
LED walls are brighter, work in lit rooms and outdoors, and stay sharp when stage lighting spills onto the screen. Projection can cost less for indoor rooms with controlled lighting, but it washes out in bright light and needs a clear throw path. For most concerts, outdoor events and large keynotes, LED walls are the better IMAG choice.
Typical IMAG screen sizes
| Event | Typical setup |
|---|---|
| Hotel ballroom keynote (300–800 guests) | Two side LED walls, about 10–14 ft wide each, 2.6mm indoor |
| Large general session or concert hall | Two side walls 14–20 ft wide, plus an optional center wall for slides |
| Outdoor festival or graduation | Two outdoor walls 12–20 ft wide, 3.9mm outdoor |
| Church sanctuary | One or two walls sized to the room, often 8–14 ft wide |
How much does IMAG screen rental cost?
LED wall rentals from Unity Logics start at $3,500 per event day for indoor walls and $4,000 for outdoor walls, with delivery, setup, strike and an on-site LED technician included. An IMAG package adds cameras, a video switcher and crew, so the total depends on the number of screens, cameras and event days. See our LED wall rental cost guide for size-by-size pricing, then request a quote for your exact setup.
IMAG screen rental in Southern California
Unity Logics provides LED walls, cameras, video switching, audio and lighting from one team based in Ontario, CA. We serve Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside and the Inland Empire. For full shows, see our live event production services, and for open-air events, our guide to outdoor LED screen rental.
IMAG FAQ
How many cameras do I need for IMAG?
A single speaker at a podium can work with one camera. Panels, bands and moving performers usually need two or three cameras so the director can cut between close-ups and wide shots.
Will the video be out of sync with the sound?
Any video system adds a small delay. We keep the signal chain short and check lip-sync during rehearsal so it looks natural to the audience.
Can IMAG screens also show slides and sponsor videos?
Yes. With a video switcher, the same screens can show live cameras, presentation slides, videos, sponsor logos and lower-third name titles.
Planning a keynote, concert or ceremony? Request a free quote or call (951) 268-7773.
