We knew this would happen. We were just starting to convince integrators that 4K is here to stay when — bam! — in walks 8K, or even 16K.
Thanks InfoComm 2016.
Stewart Filmscreen is not only one of the manufacturers showing 16K screens at InfoComm this week, but it took attendees by surprise when it announced that all of its top-selling screens for commercial venues can accommodate resolutions up to 16K, and have been able to since 1947.
“When technology professionals discuss 4K, 8K and 16K image resolution, many people assume this relates only to pixel density. While the number of pixels does correlate to the amount of information—the resolution—of a given image, the light engine, the processor, internal and exit optics, and even the projection screen also affect the visible resolution. Today’s standards refer to both source information and visual acuity,” according to Stewart Filmscreen’s announcement.
This means higher resolution displays can actually enhance lower resolution content. Studios such as NHK, Sony, and Red Digital Cinema are currently embracing 8K video capture, and 16K may not be far behind.
“Stewart Filmscreen fabrics are capable of resolving 6 line pairs or arc minutes per millimeter,” says Alan C. Brawn, principal of Brawn Consulting. “So if we take 3048 millimeters and multiply that by 6, we get a product of 18,288 possible pixel addresses per ten feet of screen width. This is greater than the resolution furnished by a 16K projector if one existed.”
“When 16K projectors are available, Stewart Filmscreen will be waiting,” the company asserts. So if your company is already using Stewart Filmscreen when 8K or 16K projectors come out, you won’t need to upgrade your projection screens.
The company is showing its new Torrent and Stealth XM large venue ElectriScreens, the Cima value line, and the largest seamless projection screens in the industry, all capable of 16K+ resolution, at this year’s InfoComm show.
