Bandwidth
Of course, any discussion of sourcing content at higher resolutions and carrying it across a network must not neglect sufficient available bandwidth as part of the overall assessment.
The need for additional bandwidth is a major consideration when planning to implement 4K digital signage, given the sheer amount of data involved. Essentially, the network will be raising its previous HD resolution capacity by a factor of four, with bandwidth requirements growing accordingly. And no matter where and how the 4K displays will be used, e.g. connected to a hardwired network or to the ‘cloud,’ they will need the same bandwidth available to pull data and stream content.
Cost
Currently, UHD displays carry a cost premium of 25 per cent on smaller screen sizes, easily reaching more than 50 per cent for larger screen sizes, relative to standard HD units. As time goes by and manufacturers’ panel yields improve, however, this pricing gap should shrink. In turn, the narrower pricing gap will allow vendors to sell more UHD panels to more customers, allowing them to make up
a higher percentage of the overall market.
There are many applications for 4K technology in the commercial market, including not only midsize to large screens, but also digital projectors.
With projectors, on the other hand, 4K resolution is expected to remain a niche feature and target only specific types of customers, like cinemas, for many years to come.
As mentioned, one of the key considerations relating to cost is whether a 4K technology is required now to meet business objectives or, instead, full HD resolution is good enough for the next few years.
Compatibility
For UHD/4K resolution to really take off in mainstream markets, it will be crucial to establish compatibility and interoperability between components. There are quite a few pieces of hardware that reside between a 4K display and its data source, all of which must be able to accept and handle 4K-resolution content and its bandwidth demands.
Within the UHD/4K technology marketplace, however, there are still a number of different formats and refresh rates (e.g. 30-Hz, 60-Hz, 24 frames per second) and different ways of achieving the same resolution. So, it is important to know which formats/methods each component supports.
Given how many variables exist in the market and the need for components to be interoperable, some manufacturers are working to address compatibility issues by testing and certifying third-party products for use with their own.
Avoiding regrets
Some users want to deploy the latest, greatest technologies no matter what, perhaps out
of pure hubris, but for the aforementioned reasons, it is important to plan carefully now to avoid regrets later. Digital signage integrators and installers should look not just for products, but for the best ways to address and solve their customers’ business challenges.
Certainly, UHD/4K resolution can offer real benefits, but customers should first consider their key business, content and technology issues before taking the plunge.
Keith Yanke is senior director of product marketing for NEC Display Solutions. For more information, contact him via e-mail at keithyanke@necdisplay.com.
