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Two weeks ago, in our blog post about “The 6 Most Common Misconceptions about Video Walls (part 2)” I covered the topic that “4K Native Resolution is a Must”. If you would like to read that blog, you can do so here.
Today, I wanted to take the chance to dig deeper past the surface of what 4K is; to find out where the future development of 4K is headed in the Audio-Video industry.
Remind me, what is 4K?
4K, sometimes referred to as ‘Ultra HD’, or ‘UHD’, refers to the resolution which is four times that of a Full HD display (1920×1080). This 4K resolution comes out to being 3,840 pixels wide and 2,160 pixels high, or ‘3840×2160’. 4K displays allow for more detailed, clear images than ever before. What does this mean for viewers? Full HD content is widely available and can be scaled up on monitors with native 4K resolution for overall better picture quality. If you’re afforded the luxury of 4K content, it can be shown in its native resolution for unparalleled sharpness and clarity. As this content becomes more prevalent (especially with the advent of affordable 4K cameras), displays will need to follow suit.
Why the interest in 4K?
Displays and content are only two components of most systems. Signal extension, switching, input formats and video processing all play a part in many display applications. More and more extension and processing devices begin to support 4K, meaning that many new AV systems’ infrastructure is 4K-ready. More to that point, Conference rooms, control centers, collaborative work environments, etc. are continuously being updated as computers with graphics cards supporting 4K are increasingly incorporated.
As the average end-user has now been exposed to 4K via consumer televisions, we can anticipate that even basic display applications will begin to incorporate 4K displays and contents. In other words, we’ve seen that end-users who don’t have an immediate need for 4K displays will likely demand it in order to stay on the cutting edge.
Content, Content, Content
As mentioned above, media player and graphics card manufacturers are increasing their focus on supporting 4K output via the familiar, now-ubiquitous DisplayPort and HDMI formats. Video card manufacturers currently offer solutions supporting 4K, and PC developers are forecasting a huge boost in high-resolution (beyond 1920×1080) support via tablets and laptops by next year. Additionally, windowing processor manufacturers have begun to support 4K inputs via capture cards featuring Dual-link DVI and DisplayPort inputs.
What are we using 4K for? 4K video is still growing; content that is: engaging, rich, and artistic will make 4K stand out in comparison to Full HD displays.
Why 4K is here to Stay
Like many AV trends in the past, 4K appears to be on the verge of a true breakthrough. However, unlike the buzz surrounding 3D earlier this decade, it appears that 4K is here to stay. Unlike 3D, 4K does not require any separate equipment (such as glasses) or place any new demands on the viewing public. While it may seem as if the 4K breakthrough has been just months away for the past several years, continued developments in content, content delivery and display hardware indicate a more imminent shift to 4K as standard (especially as 4K displays continue to show significant reductions in pricing).
Final Thoughts
Are you ready for 4K? We can’t answer that question for you – but we can help you find the right 4K display hardware and make informed recommendations on sources, content and more to ensure that you are ready. So if you’re ready to learn more about our 4K Commercial Monitors, click here.
You can also contact us directly through our website by clicking here or by calling 510-659-9855.
Thanks for your time, and we’ll see you next week!
