The emergence of 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) LCD screens in last few years, marked a “coming of age” in terms large-scale interactive displays. The four-fold improvement in resolution vs. standard HD screens makes a huge impact for displays where the user is just an arm's length away. Ultra HD displays have a resolution of 3840 x 2160 vs. 1920 x 1080 for an HD display.
The resolution of a display is measured by the number individual pixels displayed. A 4K UHD TV display is 8.3 megapixels at 3840 wide by 2160 pixels tall. This is four times as many pixels as are found in an HD monitor, which has less than 2.1 megapixels at 1920 by 1080.
11 Times the Resolution
It is hard to believe that in 2008 the original Microsoft Surface touch table was released with a resolution of 1024 x 768 (only .78 megapixels). That early multitouch table didn't even use LCD technology, a projector was incorporated into the base. How times have changed. A UHD 4K display has nearly 11 times the resolution of that first Microsoft Surface multitouch table!
It is pretty easy to argue that 4K displays present the biggest development in multitouch tables and touch displays since the advent of LCD displays. Because users are so close to the screen as they interact (as opposed to sitting on the couch), Ultra HD is particularly meaningful for touch tables and wall applications. With a 4K display, users no longer complain of seeing "pixels", whereas in standard HD displays, particularly larger screens such as 70" or 82", it can be hard not to see individual pixels.
Ultra HD (UHD) - 4K
Standard HD
New Designs for High Resolution 4K Applications
With four times the number of pixels than HD, there are some new challenges and opportunities in designing new interactive applications for 4K displays. Applications, graphics and videos designed for HD won't look any better on a 4K display (it may actually look worse as it is "interpolated" into the larger screen format). Native 4K applications look stunning on the new displays. Better resolution means graphics and text look crisper, photographs and videos look more realistic.
Better quality graphics mean that users can more easily scan documents and not have to constantly zoom in to view details. This allows users to more easily "keep their place" while browsing large sets of information. 4K resolution requires better hardware: newer graphic cards and processors. However, recent improvements in hardware are keeping pace and these improved computer components are about the same price or cheaper than those that power standard HD displays.
Next generation 4k multitouch applications using smart tangibles and Tangible Engine.
Ideum's Portrait multitouch kiosk with integrated motion tracking and 4K UHD multitouch screen.
Integrating 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) Displays in Touch Tables and Displays
Beyond the massive improvement in resolution, 55" and 65" 4K displays are the same size and similar in brightness and most other qualities with their predecessors. Since the differences in form are slight, 4K displays are seamlessly integrated into multitouch table and vertical display designs. That's exactly what we've done at Ideum with our multitouch tables and touch walls.
All of our multitouch tables and walls are built for demanding environments such as public spaces. We use aircraft-grade aluminum for the screen enclosures and touch table chassis. Set-up is simple, they are ready to plug in and turn on. Whether HD or UHD, our multitouch tables and displays remain the best-built integrated touch products available.
4K Ultra HD Multitouch Tables
All of our 43", 49", 55", 65", 86" and 100" multitouch tables are available with 4K UHD displays. Ideum's multitouch tables, the Platform, Pro, Pro Lab, Pico, Inline, Pano, and the new Platform Drafting Touch Tables are now even more compelling with a UHD 4K display. Integrated with powerful 4K compatible computers, and capable of 80 simultaneous touch points, the 55" version now comes complete with latest projected-capacitive touch (P-CAP) technology. The UHD version of the 100" Pano has an amazing 7680 x 2160 resolution. The UHD 4K Drafting Table 55 is now available to rent for events and trade shows.
Visitors exploring Ideum's 'Can It Kill You?' interactive multitouch application with tangible objects.
Learn more about Ideum Multitouch tables & multitouch table rental program
Ideum's Creative Services group can be contracted to help you develop a unique application to compliment your UHD 4K multitouch table or wall. Ideum has deep experience in interaction design and multitouch, multiuser installations and has worked with world class museums, Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and governmental agencies to create compelling custom exhibits. We have a diverse range of design styles and can work with budgets of varying sizes. Our development process is both active and collaborative to ensure the best results possible.
Learn more about Ideum Creative Services
Learn more about Ideum Multitouch walls & Motorized Stands
Sales & Rentals
Ideum multitouch hardware, custom built in the US, is sold to museums, universities, research labs, retail spaces, and Fortune 500 companies. Please contact us at (505) 792-1110 ext. 1 or toll free in the US and Canada at (855) 898-6824, or email us at sales@ideum.com. Our multitouch tables and displays are sold domestically and internationally. We also rent the 4K UHD Drafting Table 55 in the US.