A few weeks ago I blogged on how 4K video could change the conference room video experience. The point of that blog was that 4K video could significantly improve the video experience in many conference rooms by increasing the range of good viewing positions.
Now Vidyo has demonstrated how 4K video displays can be used effectively. At the recent InfoComm 2012 in Las Vegas, Vidyo and Barco demonstrated how a 4K display could be used to show multiple images simultaneously. In this case the display was from Barco and delivered a large 4K image. It is based on their video wall technology and delivers a 4K display by combining separate 2K displays into a seamless 4K system. Using the SVC and routed architecture, Vidyo delivered multiple streams of video to the display, enabling each video element to be displayed at close to native resolution. Such a display has significant value in a narrow wall configuration.
As was discussed in the previous post, the advent of 4K displays for home use will enable a new range of conference rooms to have video capability that will rival much more expensive telepresence rooms. While video walls such as Barco used in this display will support very large sizes, expect to see 60-80 inch 4K displays in the next 12-18 months. LG showed an 84" display at CES that would be ideal for a 10-12 foot-long room to deliver telepresence quality at relatively low cost. As these displays will enable a wider depth of seating, they are particularly applicable to conference rooms that have tables with seating at both sides and the conference display on a short wall. This allows these rooms to be general conference rooms as well as video rooms.
At CES, Toshiba showed a 55" display that was designed to do 3D with passive glasses at full HD. With dual cameras, could the next development in video conferencing be 3D? Will we be willing to use the passive glasses for the experience? Or will the glasses negate the eye contact value of telepresence? All in all, 4K and some of the other new consumer video technologies may have a big impact on video conferencing.
With all of these changes, there is huge opportunity for innovation in creating superior experiences for remote meetings, either one on one or including a room.
