Ultra High Definition 4K display technology

With attractive pricing for 4K / UHD displays, the advent of intelligent technology and our leading role in media technology, it is time for us to properly explain what 4K / UHD is exactly, and when you could possibly need it.

What should I know about UHD / 4K?

UHD and 4K are terms referring to the resolution of the displays or projectors. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably. We go back to the definition of Full High Definition: This is a resolution of 1920 x 1080 with 1080, the number of lines. This is often followed by P or I, respectively for progressive or interlaced. Progressive means that all lines are refreshed simultaneously, interlaced refers to image lines refreshing in two cycles. The rate at which this occurs is expressed in Hz, as this is done at a frequency of 60 Hertz, which is about twice as fast as the human eye can perceive. A 1080p60 resolution must show a reliable, stable and natural image. It's nice to know that the industry has accepted Full HD as a standard, making displays, computers, video conferencing systems, many other devices and applications compatible with one another and fully utilize resolutions.

The industry - and in particular the international broadcasting corporations - aims to show continuous improvement. This can be done by increasing the resolution, but in a way that the current standards are respected. So without adapting the aspect ratio the resolution increases. Simply put: 4 HD resolutions are together "Quad HD", with a total resolution of 3840 x 2160.

Parallel to the introduction of Quad HD the resolution of cameras and projectors increased. The technique is a little different, especially if we look at digital projection. While the number of lines is equal, we see on the horizontal lines a different number of pixels. Namely a multiple of 2 to the power 10 (where K stands for Kilo usually, this is the digital technology 2 to the power 10, or 1024). If we calculate with these numbers, we arrive at a resolution of 4096 x 2160 pixels, which is basically what 4K x 2K covers.

While display resolutions hit back to the aforementioned Quad HD ( 3840 x 2160), camera and projector resolutions are usually defined as 4K x 2K. In recent years, the techniques are increasingly identified as one and the previously discussed "ultra high definition" instead of Quad HD. UHD might sound easier, such as 4K sounds easier as 4K x 2K. In short, UHD and 4K is (somewhat incorrectly) used interchangeably, but we now know that it is a picture resolution which is more than 4 times as large as Full HD.

Why is 4K or UHD important?

Now there is little content for this wonderful resolution. But that will change. The broadcasters push the higher resolutions. The technology improves and both compression technology and bandwidth will take it beyond Full HD. Therefore, it makes sense to think critically about 4K now. After all, we all know how fast technology is changing and what will happen then.

Many displays are purchased and implemented with a life span of five years. You can be sure that within the next five years numerous applications and devices at reasonable cost will support this resolution.

Display sizes are also increasing. This is not only due to demands of the user, but is also a logical consequence of the pricing. Ten years ago, a 40 "flat panel (plasma) display was priced at approximately 7,000 euros, an amount that is paid today for a 84" UHD display with touch functionality.

Collaboration is an increasingly common reason for installing a large display. Several people want to show their own content and intuitive interaction increases (especially when we talk about touch displays). Large displays (75" diameter and up) are most suitable for larger viewing distances, but with collobaration, including the use of touch technology, you need to be close to the screen. Just then a higher resolution becomes a requirement.

When should I choose UHD and when HD?

Now terms like 4K and UHD keep popping up. With attractive pricing for 4K / UHD displays, the advent of intelligent technology and our leading role in media technology, it is time to properly explain what 4K / UHD is exactly, why 4K / UHD is available, and when we could possibly need this.

We at DEKOM believe that 4K / UHD is a logical development and have developed the know-how to handle the technology. DEKOM engineers follow the necessary training and courses to work with this technology and deliver the best results.

Simply make use of the knowledge that DEKOM gained and make an appointment to visit our experience center, where we can demonstrate various displays, applications and uses.