NEWS 4K: on its way


Inevitably, any discussion about 4K or Ultra HD resolution tends to focus on the remarkable detail and realism that 4K screens bring to images. But are users – commercial or consumer – now clamouring for that level of detail? And if they are, how deliverable is it?


“It seems to me that there are only two justifications for 4K,” opines Robert Simpson, founder director of Electrosonic and returning to ISE again for his highly respected overview of the displays industry. “The first is when more pixels are needed simply to avoid a situation where pixels become visible. The second is when the display is required to display images which themselves have 4K content. This can mean either that the content is genuinely 4K or that the display is being called on to display multiple ‘2K’ images.” “As much as 4K has been the subject of much interest and excitement in our industry lately, we would be happier to see more projects actually implementing 4K in practice,” says Neta Lempert, vice president, digital business development at Kramer Electronics, who is presenting an InfoComm session at ISE 2014. “However, we’re already shipping 4K products, and we have no doubt that it's just a matter of time until 4K becomes an essential, mandatory demand in many installations.”


“Deployment of 4K as a system


from content through to display will take some time,” adds David Meyer, managing director of Kordz, whose ISE CEDIA session looks at 4K compatibility and design. “Think back to the first few years of 1080p, when the only source was upscaled DVDs. 4K is currently in that equivalent phase of infancy. Display and


Ian McMurray, ISE Daily team


The majority of commentators Look out for the first signal management products supporting 4K at ISE 2014


processing technologies have evolved to the point that 4K can already deliver greater relative benefit than did 1080p prior to native source content being available.” But while it’s 4K screens that are


grabbing the attention, it’s easy to overlook the fact that for those screens to succeed, they need appropriate content – and a realistic way of delivering that content. It’s all about the infrastructure. “There's a lot to be done,” believes


Bob Raikes, managing director of display market researcher Meko and


A mount for all seasons EDBAK


Mounting solutions for LCD/LED screens and projectors are the speciality of exhibitor EDBAK. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Piotrowice near Lublin, Poland, EDBAK produces ceiling and wall brackets, desk monitor mounts, projector and iPad mounts, stands, trolleys and videowall mounting systems. EDBAK also offers products for digital signage applications, such as outdoor and indoor Infokiosks and enclosures, that are designed and customised according to customers’ requirements. They are typically deployed in industrial and professional environments such as shopping malls, hotels,


46 thedaily 2014


The PWS2 from EDBAK allows mounting of screen sizes up to 46in


airports, railway stations, subways, schools and other public places. Typical of EDBAK’s range are


its external enclosures for LED/LCD screens capable of handling seven sizes of screen from 32in to 70in. They feature a robust metal housing with anti- glare, vandal-proof glass, an


internal ventilation system and simple maintenance. Standard colours are either black or silver. EDBAK also offers a variety of videowall mounting solutions. As well as traditional wall mounts, the company can offer mobile, freestanding, columnar, ceiling- mount and modular options. Stand: 1-N70


editor of Display Monitor. “One of the critical elements is the type of codec needed to compress 4K content to a level that is compatible with the limits of current systems. And then the decompressing chips at the playout end need to be implemented and available at reasonable prices.” “It seems that we are still short on content when it comes to 4K,” says Meyer. “When this content becomes more common, users will really be able to enjoy the benefits of high resolution, and then spending money on 4K devices will be justified.”


agree with Neta Lempert that the success of 4K is a foregone conclusion. The question is only: how fast will it move? What can ISE 2014 tell us in terms of the extent to which that infrastructure will begin to fall into place – given that Bob Raikes, for example, expects to see more 4K displays at the show than last year, not least because they are potentially significantly more profitable for display manufacturers? David Meyer is looking for what he describes as “systemic advancement” – the ancillary devices to make 4K systems possible such as cables, extenders, switches, splitters and AVRs. He won’t be disappointed, it seems. Kramer is launching its new line of HDBaseT and fibre range extenders, as well as HDMI distribution amplifiers and boardroom solutions, all of which support 4K, and Neta Lempert expects other vendors to announce developments in this area too. “Without a doubt, we will witness


the first signal management products, such as video routers and splitters supporting 4K, on the showfloor this year,” says Lempert, who is hoping to see the first 4K media players. 4K is unquestionably coming. ISE 2014, it is clear, will provide visitors with a unique insight into when it is likely to arrive as a truly deployable technology.


Amplifier range, app upgraded ARTSOUND


The range of mixing amplifiers produced by Artsound has been expanded with a larger version, the Artsound MX-500S, which is an integrated 100V mixing amplifier with a 500W capacity. At the touch of a button, five volume zones can be created, as well as individual tone control for each zone. In addition, this amplifier has a selective call-up capability. The PM-2S01 is now a 10- channel preamplifier whose signals can be transmitted to two zones. It has individual volume control (per channel) and is said to be ideal for connecting several microphones or sources. Also being showcased is the


PR-1240, a 240W power amplifier which, says Artsound, is suitable for users wishing to expand


For the latest show news and updates follow #ISE2014


four-channel amplifiers to five or six zones for example.


Artsound is also highlighting its updated app, which is available free for iOS or Android, and which the company says makes the hand-held transmitter completely surplus to requirements – to the point where the company no longer ships one. The new app enables the user to operate up to eight zones, the built-in tuners and up to three MP3 streams. It can also control external sources, such as a Bluetooth or Airplay module, and enables the selection of tracks, albums or artists – even from a network hard-disk. The app can be combined with Spotify/internet radio and is now available in Dutch, French and English. Stand: 1-P110


>>NewsAnalysis


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