Display technology seems to have taken a notable leap forward. Conceptual design and fabrication innovation finally came to fruition in a way that will redefine what we expect from displays in the future, both at home and in business. While the science and innovation behind the newest displays differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, together they foretell some exciting trends in display technology that will no doubt impact the event industry. Here’s what we can expect:
High Contrast Definition:
For many years LED technology was the gold standard for event displays, in part because Samsung, whose displays are most often used at events, was tethered to the technology. Then LG and Sony stepped into the event display space with OLED technology, which was quickly adopted by top experiential marketers. Well things have changed again, and the competition for best display is on once more. This year Samsung introduced “The Wall,” a 146” modular TV display that operates with new MicroLED technology. Similar to OLED technology, Samsung’s MicroLED is self-emitting and requires no backlight. That means the image definition is spectacular regardless of display size, resolution or form.
Samsung’s “The Wall” operates with MicroLED technology, which eliminates the need for color filters or backlight and results in crisp contrast and definition regardless of display size or resolution.
Low-Profile Design:
There was a time not long ago where simply having a digital display in an exhibit or event space was considered innovative. But as the technology improved, it became cheaper to showcase content digitally as opposed to in print, and digital displays became ubiquitous. Soon after, the focus of innovation shifted from hardware to content. Nowadays experiential marketers and leading exhibit builders strive to create an immersive environment for attendees, where mood and messaging can be optimized to reinforce or define a brand. In that atmosphere, technology with a low-profile design will become the standard. This year, two new products were unveiled: LG’s 65-inch OLED Roll Up TV and Sony’s High Style 4k Projector.
Product 1: LG 65 inch OLED Roll Up TV
The LG 65” OLED Roll Up TV (a prototype) rolls closed into a tube 100 millimeters in diameter that can be housed in furniture or portable carriers.
Product 2: 4k LSPX-A1 Projector 
Sony’s 4k LSPX-A1 projector sets up just 9.6 inches from the wall. Its Ultra Short Throw technology provides up to 120” (dia.) of stunning image displayed directly on a wall with the high brightness of 2500 lumens laser projection. Available in 2018.
Scalability:
Samsung’s “The Wall” is a modular display, able to be scaled up or down according to need. While the company plans to release the 146” version this year, it confirmed two Walls can be combined to create a single larger display, and variable sizes will be available in the future. LG’s prototype 65-inch OLED Roll Up TV also is constructed to deploy in segments according to content.
8K Picture Processing:
Both Sony and Samsung have introduced advanced 8k picture processing to improve the watching experience by minimizing lag and blur. Using a proprietary Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithm, Samsung claims its forthcoming QLED TV can convert HD and 4k content into an 8k experience. Slightly different in intent, Sony’s prototype technology X1®Ultimate, combined with its proprietary backlight technology, processes 8k HRD content in real-time and generates the highest brightness possible in the HDR format.
Once again, CES has succeeded in bringing innovation and excitement to an old category of cross-over consumer/event technology, digital displays. But it may be a while before we see these technologies at actual events. Until then, you can still create a captivating experience for your attendees using proven technology like QLED displays, video walls, and 4k and touchscreen displays. Our team of project managers and solutions architects can help bring your vision for an event to life. Contact us for a consultation today at (800) 888-8686 or request a quote here.
