Even though 4K technology has been around since 2013, it really has only started to catch on over the course of the last few months. And it is really booming in the arena of 50-60+ inch displays, where 4K technology genuinely affects the viewing experience.
Before I get into all the technical aspects of this technology, remember that 4K displays are 4X the resolution of a standard HD unit (or 4,000 pixels wide) – thus giving you great detail, sharpness and resolution.
Why Aren’t There More 4K Native Apps?
Because every 4K frame contains four times the information of HD, 4K content is four times more bulky than regular HD content in terms of its raw file size. That makes it a challenge to get it to you. There is a 4K Blu-Ray players, but they are just entering the market.
On the streaming side, bandwidth is a definite issue. Streaming 4K content requires a 25Mbps or faster downstream Internet connection, which is faster than most venues have at the moment.
However there is Hope
More apps are being developed to offer 4K streaming and faster venue Wi-Fi should start to emerge in 2016.
What are good uses of 4K technology?
Logos & Photography: With more nuance and detail, the difference can be astonishing. Its higher resolution images are simply better than HD Displays.
Live Streaming: Envision a conference with thousands of attendees. A 4K display can help attendees view the speaker even if they are several hundred feet from the stage and feel like they are in the first row.
Close up views in a trade show booth: The higher pixel density of a 4K panel also enable you get much closer without the grid-like structure of the image itself becoming visible –this means you can comfortably watch a much larger screen from the same seating position as your current HD display.
Displays 60 inches or larger: Large LED monitors or video wall displays will really show off the resolution difference.
3D Apps: 4K Displays have twice as many lines so a viewer can enjoy a true 3D experience with minimal flicker.
What Accessories Should You Have?
HDMI 2.0 Cable – This allows for faster streaming onto the display.
4K Blu-Ray Player – Just introduced, a Blu-Ray player can display 4K content that was previously recorded.
Bandwidth Booster – If you plan on delivering live video via this display, you will probably need to rent a booster for maximum content delivery in order to deliver 25 Mbps. In addition, having lower bandwidth options (below 25 Mpbs) can negatively impact picture quality.
What’s Next?
8K is coming and will double the pixel height and width again to yield approximately 32 million pixels making the resolution on any display outstanding.
The Bottom Line
4K Displays offer more detail, depth and color resolution to your images — offering incredible life-like images. And even though 4K native apps are behind the hardware technology, 2016 will be a banner year for this device.
SmartSource Rental is Your 4K Resource
Contact SmartSource Rental to get your LCD, Plasma, and LED Rental quote today!
