14 DAY TRIAL // Displays with a native resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels have been getting more and more widespread, although it will take some time for them to become ubiquitous. Not for lack of trying on companies’ part, of course, as Samsung has just shown.
Samsung has formally launched several displays featuring this resolution, otherwise known as 4K or UHD (ultra-high definition).
One of them is a desktop monitor, the others are made for commercial applications like digital signage, in-window store advertising, etc.
The 32-inch UHD desktop monitor is compliant with Adobe's sRGB color palette and it is intended for professional image designers, video/photo editing, mapping and simulation, engineering, etc.
It will be up for sale starting in August 2014, for a price that has not yet been disclosed to anyone. Not that it's unusual for that last, ever so important detail to be withheld. It might scare people off if it's too high after all.
For the small but smart signage market, Samsung has prepared the DB Series. Or, rather, it has added a new model to the existing collection, one with a diagonal of 21.5 inches.
It is made to be “the size of a sheet of tabloid paper” and to act as a replacement for static posters used in restaurants or corporate offices.
To make sure that no cables mar the good view, the DB Smart Digital Signage LCD has Wi-Fi wireless connectivity. You'll still need to connect a power sable though.
On the flip side, at least you won't need to put a PC in the display's close vicinity. The newcomer can use the Samsung Smart Signage Platform system-on-chip, plus the MagicInfo software, to show content (videos, images) and even schedule slideshows / films.
The QMD Series of UHD displays is another product line that got attention from Samsung. It's made of slim screens suited for public spaces, for digital retail signage, conference video calls and presentations, CAD/CAM, command/control centers, even movie production. They even have Picture-by-Picture support (can show content from two different sources side by side). 55- and 85-inch models will be released, with 60Hz refresh rates and one/two DisplayPorts.
Finally, Samsung has introduced video walls with up to 50 ultra-narrow bezel displays at the InfoComm trade show, which is taking place from June 18-20 in Las Vegas. In fact, all the other UHD displays will be brought and shown off there as well, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Booth #C6319. Too bad prices are under wraps.