If you’re a business owner in the Delaware Valley area, you know how important it is to upgrade your video displays with 4K UHD. In fact, while it’s become something of a buzzword in the residential sector, the biggest push in the transition to 4K UHD has come from businesses with commercial automation systems. Whether you run a restaurant, office, hotel or other type of customer-focused operation, you can stand to benefit from sharper image quality. The only problem is, most businesses are not 4K UHD ready. In this blog, we’ll show you how to ensure a reliable signal when distributing 4K video.

See Also: How Does Commercial Automation Help Communication in Your Business?

The 4K Problem

Everyone loves the idea of 4K UHD. Images look so realistic, and sustain up-close viewing, that it’s almost like you’re looking at a window rather than a video display. That’s why so many businesses have used them in their digital signage and video walls – everything from ultra-thin wall panels to digital menu screens. However, distributing 4K UHD video is not as simple as installing new displays.

The reason is bandwidth. A 4K UHD image requires twice the bandwidth of a standard 1080p picture. That means that traditional HDMI cables won’t cut it. Think of it like trying to fit eight lanes of cars on a four lane highway. So one of the first steps you’ll have to take is upgrading your wiring.

In small areas, like offices and training rooms, HDMI 2.0 will usually suffice. With an effective range of around 16 feet, HDMI 2.0 will allow for true 4K UHD content.

4K Over Long Distances

Another huge challenge to 4K UHD distribution is covering long distances. Copper-based solutions like HDMI 2.0 usually have a limited range, so they can’t cover your entire retail space or hotel lobby. However, there are a couple of solutions.

HDBaseT has become popular among integrators because it’s a cost effective solution for long-range 4K UHD signal distribution. Even though it’s also copper-based, it can efficiently transfer 4K images over 300 feet. However, it also suffers from a limited bandwidth compared to HDMI 2.0, at 10GB instead of 18GB. This could impede the transmission of full 4K UHD HDR signals.

Another solution is fiber optic cabling. Fiber offers the best quality images over a long range. However, it’s also more expensive than other solutions, and may not be cost effective over distances less than 30 feet.

Ultimately, the best answer is the one designed uniquely for your space. We can help install a wiring design that will ensure crisp, clear images over your entire workspace. If you have any questions about commercial automation solutions, contact us today!